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The fundamental trade-off between current and future reproduction has long been considered to result in a tendency for species that can grow large to begin reproduction at a larger size. Due to the prolonged time required to reach maturity, estimates of tree maturation size remain very rare and we lack a global view on the generality and the shape of this trade-off. Using seed production from five continents, we estimate tree maturation sizes for 486 tree species spanning tropical to boreal climates. Results show that a species' maturation size increases with maximum size, but in a non-proportional way: the largest species begin reproduction at smaller sizes than would be expected if maturation were simply proportional to maximum size. Furthermore, the decrease in relative maturation size is steepest in cold climates. These findings on maturation size drivers are key to accurately represent forests' responses to disturbance and climate change.

We investigated dominance in two groups of captive painted turtles, each over a period of 8 weeks. In each case, we began with five turtles, then added a sixth after 6 weeks. One group was run in the fall, the other in the spring, and the makeup of males and females differed in the two seasons. We measured two behaviors while they were feeding: mounting, defined as placing a claw or head above the carapace of the other turtle for at least one second, where the mounter was stationary, and biting, defined as snapping at another turtle. We hypothesized that the turtles would demonstrate a dominance hierarchy. Our results showed that painted turtles show individual differences in behavior. These differences are consistent over time and allow dominance hierarchies to be established. Both mounting and biting demonstrated consistency, but mounting was more consistent than biting. The amount of mounting and biting differed by sex and season, but turtle size did not seem to influence their activities. Finally, the introduction of a new turtle disrupted the dominance behaviors of the turtles, suggesting that turtles recognize a new turtle as unfamiliar. Understanding the complex dynamics of captive turtle populations has implications for the management and welfare of turtles in captivity and in the wild.

The authors examine the concept of an informal sales climate—a work environment with informal rewards in the form of recognition, respect, and status for salespeople producing high sales numbers—and explore its effects as an informal control mechanism in driving sales outcomes. Using a two-level model with objective sales data from 626 salespeople working in 68 organizational units, they empirically assess its effects in relation to analogous formal controls, that is, formal methods implemented by the organization to also evaluate and reward salespeople's sales output. Further, the study explores contingencies—specifically the role of transformational leadership and the size of the organizational unit—in determining the efficacy of said organizational climate. Results show that an informal sales climate, as an informal control, does indeed make a unique contribution toward increasing salespeople's sales output, above and beyond the impact of formal controls. The two control mechanisms, however, do not interact with each other. Transformational leadership greatly enhances the positive effect of an informal sales climate, as does the size of the organizational unit. In demonstrating the importance of this organizational climate, the study justifies measuring it and provides a scale that can be used for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the characteristics of a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) consisting of a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and zinc tin oxide (ZTO) particles (ZTO@PDMS) with different shapes and phases. The output performance of PENGs with crystalline Zinc hydroxystannate(ZHS), amorphous ZTO, and crystalline ZTO of different phases was investigated based on annealing temperature. The fabricated PENGs with amorphous ZTO (a-ZTO) cubes showed a maximum output voltage of ∼4.3V and a current of ∼470 nA with a power of 3.14 μW, which is 249 % higher than that of the crystalline ZTO (c-ZTO) cube-based one. The amorphous ZTO (a-ZTO) nanosphere showed the highest output performance. The surface area of the piezoelectric material affected the residual polarization, which led to different piezoelectric properties. Therefore, we investigated the output performance of PENGs with various shapes while maintaining the same volumes of ZTO cubes and spheres. The molar ratio of the materials was varied during synthesis, revealing that the ZTO cubes have a higher output performance. The polarization-electric loops (P-E loops) showed a high remnant polarization (Pr∼25.89μC/cm2) in ZTO@PDMS films with larger 1103 nm cubes. These values were 170.5 %, 143.7 %, and 113.2 % larger than those observed in ZTO@PDMS films with cubes of size 826 nm, 978 nm, and 1047 nm, respectively. The ZTO nanocubes have a significant advantage in the fabrication of high output performance based on PENGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Since 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), the component to keep structure of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP), is known to cause adverse effects, the replacement of DSPC with the combination of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE) and 1-stearoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phospho ethanolamine (SHPE) was investigated. Specifically, when DSPC of mRNA-LNP was replaced by an 11:1 ratio of DSPE:SHPE, it was found that the size and permeability of mRNA-LNP were the same as those of mRNA-LNP containing DSPC in terms of stability. This result appears to be due to lipid geometry – the ratio of lipid volume to head group area and lipid length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of CO2 incorporated in gas nanobubbles (NBs) on palm oil crystallisation and physical characteristics were investigated. Initially, CO2 NB-treated palm oil had a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) larger amount of dissolved CO2 (~ 1200–1700 ppm). The crystal morphology evaluation showed smaller size and higher number of palm oil crystals by the presence of CO2 NBs. Additionally, the attendance of NBs caused a slight increment in crystallising enthalpy magnitude and a significant reduction in final end-set melting temperatures (by 4.5–6 °C) of palm oil stored at 4 °C. There was also a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in melting enthalpies by 1.3–3.5 J/g and 6.5–9 J/g of the NB-treated samples under 48-h storage conditions at 23 °C and 4 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the CO2 NB-treated palm oil was characterised by both lighter colour and lower hardness. Research findings demonstrate that the introduction of food-grade gas NBs can be a sustainable and eco-friendly method to tailor thermal behaviour and physical properties of palm oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe and illustrate septal perforation shape through the documentation and analysis of length and height measurements. A secondary objective is to correlate perforation size to surgical and nonsurgical etiologies. Stuy Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Tertiary academic medical center. Methods: Length and height of consecutively treated perforations over a 3‐year period were measured directly or through computed tomography. Mean differences in length and height measurements were compared and regression analysis used to determine perforation shape and the effect of etiology on perforation size. Perforations were classified by length into small (1‐5 mm), medium (6‐15 mm), and large (>15 mm) and correlated to shape and etiology. Results: One hundred twenty‐four patients (mean age 50.4 years, 60.5% female) met study inclusion criteria. Height was less than length in 93% of perforations 5 mm or greater in length. Mean perforation height was significantly less than length for medium and large perforations (P <.001). Mean length and height measurements of nonsurgical perforations were greater than those for surgical perforations (P <.001). Conclusion: Height is less than length in over 90% of septal perforations. Most perforations assume an elliptical shape as they enlarge. Accurate measurement and presentation of length and height is relevant information to perforation management decisions and for the evaluation of treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Q -index of a graph G is the largest eigenvalue of the signless Laplacian matrix of G. A graph is leaf-free if it has no pendent vertices. In this paper, we give sharp upper bounds on the Q -index of leaf-free graphs with given size, and characterize the corresponding extremal graphs completely. As a consequence, the 2-edge-connected graph (resp. Euler graph) with given size having the largest Q -index is also characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the analysis and design process of the voltage‐source parallel resonant class E frequency multiplier with a 50% duty ratio is proposed. The proposed circuit adopts two series resonant filters for reducing the interference of harmonics to the output waveform and achieves zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) and zero‐voltage derivation switching (ZVDS) conditions. The design equations for the proposed circuit are given in detail. The new type class E frequency multiplier can operate at lower transistor voltage stress, higher operating frequency, and larger output power. Meanwhile, the volume and weight of the measured circuit are greatly decreased compared to the conventional class E frequency multiplier. To demonstrate the analysis process, the circuit operating at 1 MHz is fabricated and measured. Compared to the traditional class E frequency multiplier, the transistor peak voltage is reduced by 47.9%, the diameter of the resonant inductor core is decreased by 56.2%, and the measured efficiency can reach 95.1%. The theoretical and simulated results are all agreed with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunofluorescence analysis of individual extracellular vesicles (EVs) in common fluorescence microscopes is gaining popularity due to its accessibility and high fluorescence sensitivity; however, EV number and size are only measurable using fluorescent stains requiring extensive sample manipulations. Here we introduce highly sensitive label‐free EV size photometry (SP) based on interferometric scattering (iSCAT) imaging of immersed EVs immobilized on a glass coverslip. We implement SP on a common inverted epifluorescence microscope with LED illumination and a simple 50:50 beamsplitter, permitting seamless integration of SP with fluorescence imaging (SPFI). We present a high‐throughput SPFI workflow recording >10,000 EVs in 7 min over ten 88 × 88 µm2 fields of view, pre‐ and post‐incubation imaging to suppress background, along with automated image alignment, aberration correction, spot detection and EV sizing. We achieve an EV sizing range from 37 to ∼220 nm in diameter with a dual 440 and 740 nm SP illumination scheme, and suggest that this range can be extended by more advanced image analysis or additional hardware customization. We benchmark SP to flow cytometry using calibrated silica nanoparticles and demonstrate superior, label‐free sensitivity. We showcase SPFI's potential for EV analysis by experimentally distinguishing surface and volumetric EV dyes, observing the deformation of EVs adsorbed to a surface, and by uncovering distinct subpopulations in <100 nm‐in‐diameter EVs with fluorescently tagged membrane proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the rate of disease progression and the factors associated with such progression in patients with an ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis. Methods: This was a single center, prospective, observational, cohort study performed at a tertiary referral center. Patients who obtained an ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis from May 2022 to August 2022 were recruited. Demographic, clinical and ultrasound data were recorded at the first visit (T0) and after 12 months (T1) for enrolled patients and compared between T0 and T1. The study population was divided in two groups according to progression (increase in uterine volume >20%) or stability/regression (decrease or increase in uterine volume ≤20%) of adenomyosis at T1. Primary study outcome was the rate of adenomyosis progression, while secondary study outcome was the association of adenomyosis progression with demographic and clinical factors. Post hoc subgroups analyses for primary and secondary study outcomes were performed based on hormonal therapy (untreated and treated). Results: A total of 221 patients were enrolled in the study, with no significant difference in terms of baseline data among the two study groups and no patients were lost to follow‐up. The overall rate of adenomyosis progression was 21.3% (47/221 patients). The rate was 30.77% in hormonally untreated women, and 18.34% in hormonally treated women. Progression was associated with the presence of focal adenomyosis of the outer myometrium (P = 0.037), moderate to severe dysmenorrhea (P = 0.001), chronic pelvic pain (P = 0.05), dyschezia (P = 0.05), and worsening of chronic pelvic pain (P = 0.04) at T1. Conclusion: Adenomyosis showed a rate of disease progression of 21.3% at the 12‐month follow‐up (30.77% in hormonally untreated women, and 18.34% in hormonally treated women). The presence and/or worsening of painful symptoms, such as severe dysmenorrhea, dyschezia and chronic pelvic pain, as well as the presence focal adenomyosis of the outer myometrium, might help identify patients at higher risk of disease progression and tailor their follow‐up. Synopsis: Adenomyosis ultrasonographic progression rate was found to be 21.3% and was associated with moderate/severe dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyschezia, and worsening chronic pelvic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a graph and let P n be a path on n vertices. A spanning subgraph H of G is called a { P 3 , P 4 , P 5 } -factor if every component of H is one of P 3 , P 4 and P 5 . In 1994, Wang (J Graph Theory 18(2):161–167, 1994) gave a sufficient and necessary condition to ensure that a bipartite graph contains a { P 3 , P 4 , P 5 } -factor. In this paper, we use an equivalent form of Wang-type condition to establish two sufficient conditions to ensure that there exists a { P 3 , P 4 , P 5 } -factor in a connected bipartite graph, in which one is based on the size, the other is based on the spectral radius of the bipartite graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work is devoted to the development of probiotic microencapsulation systems with the co-encapsulation of a plant extract, which can increase the survival of beneficial bacteria and are suitable for potential applications in the enrichment of fermented beverages based on acid whey. The encapsulation process exhibited a high level of effectiveness, achieving 83.0% for Bifidobacterium (BB), 89.2% for Stevia leaf extract (SE), and 91.3% for their combination (BB + SE). The FTIR analysis verified substantial interactions between the encapsulated agents and the polymer matrix, which enhanced the stability of the microcapsules. The BB + SE microcapsules exhibited reduced swelling and moisture content, indicating a denser structure compared to separately encapsulated BB and SE. Comparison of release kinetics of BB, SE and BB + SE loaded microcapsules showed that the combination of active agents has a quicker initial release, reaching 60% release within the first 2 h, and this value increased to 70% after 4 h. The release kinetics studies demonstrated a controlled release of active substances over 24 h. A morphology analysis shows that the surfaces of the dry microcapsules containing BB, SE, and their combination BB + SE have a porous structure. For encapsulated agents, the size of the capsules produced with BB and SE are smaller than those produced with two components (BB + SE), the sizes of which are between 760 µm and 1.1 mm. Modeling of the behavior of microcapsules in a simulated gastrointestinal tract provides information on swelling and active agents release rates as a function of pH in real biological environments. Thus, the new formulations of microcapsules with microorganisms and plant extracts have great potential for the development of fermented whey-based beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the impact of bank size and business model on bank risk‐taking within the framework of the prospect theory. To fulfil this objective, we use the adjusted thermal optimal path model. The results suggest that conventional banks adopt the same risk‐taking behaviour for performance measures, regardless of their size. However, the size mainly influences the attitudes of managers towards Islamic banks. On the other hand, small Islamic banks, whether under‐ or over‐performing, take excessive risks. This behaviour is mainly explained by loss aversion. However, large Islamic banks that situated above the target are risk‐averse, since they adopt defensive behaviour. The results reveal that for risk measures and for both small and large banks, a bank's business model does not affect managers' attitude to risk. Therefore, small (large) banks adopt excessive risk‐taking (risk‐averse) behaviour and an offensive (defensive) strategy. The study has important implications for GCC banking regulators, supervisors, and market participants. Thus, our findings imply that understanding the impact of the bank size and business model on the risk‐taking behaviour of Islamic and conventional banks can help them reduce their risk and mitigate moral hazard and regulatory arbitrage behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downstream pebble variability in river systems is assessed through various methods, with recent emphasis on efficient, time-saving semi-automatic processes involving photography and digital analysis. The Inaouène valley, however, lacked a comprehensive survey of its main channel using either manual or image-based methods. This study bridges this gap by combining both approaches to analyze the downstream evolution of surface pebbles' morphometric parameters along approximately 60 km of the Inaouène's middle reach. Our research focuses on two key aspects: grain size and particle shape. Results reveal a general downstream trend of size fining, increasing circularity and decreasing elongation, primarily attributed to abrasion and travel distance. Notably, this pattern is interrupted by localized variations associated with tributary inputs and sediment recycling processes. This study significantly contributes to the understanding of fluvial sediment dynamics in the Inaouène Valley. Its findings have broad implications, supporting ecological assessment and restoration efforts, while also informing decision-making in river engineering and management. By providing a comprehensive analysis of pebble characteristics and their downstream evolution, this research establishes a foundation for future geomorphological studies and practical applications in river system management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the impact of sustainability through ESG factors on the default risk. The sample consists of 990 non-financial firms in the Eurozone over the period 2004–2020. The results show that ESG factors influence default risk, although this relationship could be influenced by the economic cycle. Also, the results highlight a significant interaction effect between firm size and ESG which affects default risk. Considering firm size by terciles, the evidence obtained shows that smaller and medium-sized firms have a positive net effect of a high ESG score on their default risk, while the opposite effect was found among larger firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of decreasing the accuracy of quantitative prediction of damage of fruits resulting in the size difference of fruits, the spectral correction method based on the size difference of fruits was adopted. To provide richer theoretical knowledge for the quality detection of fruits and the design of damage reduction programs in reality. First, the undamaged spectra of the group of apples with better performance of the model were selected as the reference spectra by analyzing and comparing the modeling results of the prediction models of mechanical parameters with the single fruit diameter groups. The spectral correction coefficient was calculated with the formulas, and the damage spectra of three groups of apples were size‐corrected by this coefficient to build the mechanical parameter models. Finally, the corrected spectra were screened for characteristic wavelengths by competitive adaptive reweighting and uninformative variable elimination algorithms. The results of study showed that the correlation coefficients of the prediction set of the models were improved by 2.1%–13% and the root mean square errors were reduced by 16%–51% with the spectrally corrected models compared with the precorrection models. Therefore, the size correction method can be used to eliminate the effect of size difference on the mechanical parameter models to improve the applicability of the quantitative damage prediction models, and it can provide the theoretical guidance to design the loss‐reducing protective measures and the agricultural mechanized operation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the most commonly used non-viral gene delivery system. Their physiochemical attributes, encompassing size, charge and surface modifications, significantly affect their behaviors both in vivo and in vitro. Nevertheless, the effects of these properties on the transfection and distribution of LNPs after intramuscular injection remain elusive. In this study, LNPs with varying sizes, lipid-based charges and PEGylated lipids were formulated to study their transfection and in vivo distribution. Luciferase mRNA (mLuc) was entraped in LNPs as a model nucleic acid molecule. Results indicated that smaller-sized LNPs and those with neutral potential presented superior transfection efficiency after intramuscular injection. Surprisingly, the sizes and charges did not exert a notable influence on the in vivo distribution of the LNPs. Furthermore, PEGylated lipids with shorter acyl chains contributed to enhanced transfection efficiency due to their superior cellular uptake and lysosomal escape capabilities. Notably, the mechanisms underlying cellular uptake differed among LNPs containing various types of PEGylated lipids, which was primarily attributed to the length of their acyl chain. Together, these insights underscore the pivotal role of nanoparticle characteristics and PEGylated lipids in the intramuscular route. This study not only fills crucial knowledge gaps but also provides significant directions for the effective delivery of mRNA via LNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the broad use of the trifluoromethyl functional group (−CF3) in medicinal chemistry and taking into account the recent concerns on the negative environmental effects of CF3 containing compounds, we are searching for "greener" alternatives. Thus, different chemical groups (i. e. iodide, fluoride, cyclopropyl, isopropyl, cyclobutyl, 3‐oxetyl, 2‐oxetyl, methylsulfide, pentafluorosulfide, methylsulfonyl and sulfonamide) have been considered as potential bioequivalents of −CF3 aiming to use them in compounds with therapeutic interest instead of the polyfluoride functionality. Different structural (molecular surface and volume) and physicochemical (electronic and lipophilic) aspects of the bioequivalent functionalities proposed have been theoretically calculated and compared to those of −CF3. Additionally, the corresponding phenyl derivatives carrying these functionalities have been purchased or prepared and their experimental lipophilicity (i. e. LogP) measured using shake‐flask experiments and UV‐vis spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognised for their significant impact on the environment and human health. Understanding MPs is crucial to grasp their widespread presence in various environmental areas. The unique properties of MPs, such as their small size, durability, and potential to adsorb and transport environmental pollutants, underscore the necessity of studying their characteristics. This study aims to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of polypropylene microplastics (PPMPs) and address the dispersion stability issues associated with them. The PPMPs were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a surface structure marked by cracks, fractures, and a rough texture. The PPMPs were observed as irregularly shaped, white particles. Their size distribution spans from 14 to 96 µm, with a mean size of 50.00 µm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of polypropylene functional groups, specifically identifying characteristic peaks at 2952-2846 cm-1 and 1456 -1376 cm-1, indicating C-H stretching and bending vibrations, respectively, with additional peaks suggesting degradation. The effect of different concentrations of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on PPMPs dispersion indicated that 5% SLS led to superior dispersion of PPMPs, thereby addressing the stability issue. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the physical and chemical attributes of PPMPs and their dispersion stability, offering a foundation for informed environmental assessments and the development of effective mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging sonars (ISs) are high-frequency acoustic devices that are increasingly being used to study fish in marine and freshwater habitats. Acoustic devices are limited in quantifying species richness, and previous attempts to identify fish species using IS have mostly focused on assemblages of low species richness or high morphological diversity. This study aimed to determine the ability of IS for identifying fish species at a subtropical artificial reef off Perth, Western Australia. Several fish traits that could be defined using IS were identified and described for all fish species observed with simultaneous optical footage. These traits were used to create a clustering algorithm to infer the species identity of IS detections of the five most abundant species at the reef. The identities of all fish from two species (Chromis westaustralis and Neatypus obliquus) were inferred with 100% success, though no individuals from the remaining three species (Seriola dumerili, Coris auricularis , and Pempheris klunzingeri) were correctly identified. An alternative clustering-based approach to categorising fish detected by IS independent of taxonomic inference was also implemented. Overall, this study demonstrates that IS can identify reef fish with variable success, and proposes an alternative method for describing fish assemblages irrespective of species identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted great attention as promising intracellular drug delivery carriers. While the endocytic pathways of small EVs (sEVs, <200 nm) have been reported, there is limited understanding of large EVs (lEVs, >200 nm), despite their potential applications for drug delivery. Additionally, the low yield of EVs during isolation remains a major challenge in their application. Herein, we aimed to compare the endocytic pathways of sEVs and lEVs using MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell-derived EVs as models and to explore the efficiency of their production. The cellular uptake of EVs by MIA PaCa-2 cells was assessed and the pathways were investigated with the aid of endocytic inhibitors. The yield and protein content of sEVs and lEVs from the Integra CELLine culture system and the conventional flasks were compared. Our findings revealed that both sEVs and lEVs produced by the Integra CELLine system entered their parental cells via multiple routes, including caveolin-mediated endocytosis, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and actin-dependent phagocytosis or macropinocytosis. Notably, caveolin- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis were more prominent in the uptake of sEVs, while actin-dependent phagocytosis and macropinocytosis were significant for both sEVs and lEVs. Compared with conventional flasks, the Integra CELLine system demonstrated a 9-fold increase in sEVs yield and a 6.5-fold increase in lEVs yield, along with 3- to 4-fold higher protein content per 1010 EVs. Given that different endocytic pathways led to distinct intracellular trafficking routes, this study highlights the unique potentials of sEVs and lEVs for intracellular cargo delivery. The Integra CELLine proves to be a highly productive and cost-effective system for generating EVs with favourable properties for drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION : Mifepristone (RU 486) is a progesterone receptor modulator with antagonistic properties. It binds strongly to endometrial progesterone receptors, minimally to estrogen receptors, and upregulates androgen receptors. In a placebo-controlled trial low dose mifepristone (RU 486) has been shown to decrease myoma size as well as symptoms. An increase in androgen receptors also contributes to antiproliferative effects. Mifepristone also delays or inhibits ovulation, which may produce amenorrhoea. Direct suppressive effects on endometrial vasculature as well as on reducing stromal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have also been suggested for reducing menstrual blood loss. OBJECTIVES : To determine the efficacy and safety of mifepristone for the management of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS : The study was conducted in the tertiary care center. This hospital-based study was conducted between September 2023 and February 2024 for 6 months. 30 consecutive cases were studied based on inclusion criteria. All patients were treated with mifepristone 25mg once daily for 3 months. A pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) score was used to assess menstrual blood loss. A haemogram, liver function test, and ultrasound were performed. RESULTS: In this study, we observed there was a significant improvement in the hemoglobin (Hb)level, a significant reduction in uterine volume, fibroid size, and heavy menstrual bleeding. CONCLUSION : Mifepristone was able to significantly improve the patient outcome by reducing the amount of blood flow during menstruation increasing the Hb levels and significantly reducing the size of myoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mullite ceramics with high purity and toughness were prepared by hot‐press sintering of pyrophyllite at 1300°C using AlOOH nanomaterials with different sizes and morphologies (nanoparticles, nanorods, nanoflakes, and micro‐sized sea urchin–like) as additives. Among the four types of AOOH additives, the incorporation of nanoflakes and sea urchins resulted in the formation of a relatively uniformly distributed and tightly packed microstructure within the ceramics, which significantly improved the density and mechanical properties of the ceramic materials. Compared to nano‐sized AlOOH, the addition of micron‐sized sea urchin–like AlOOH could produce mullite ceramics with best purity and flexural strength. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of ceramics prepared from micro‐sized sea urchin–like AlOOH and pyrophyllite reach 427.34 ± 1.99 MPa and 4.68 ±.31 MPa m1/2, respectively. During the ball milling process, the originally micron‐sized sea urchin–like AlOOH particles were broken down into micro‐ and nano‐sized AlOOH particles. The resulted micron and nanoscale AlOOH particles exhibited synergistic and multi‐scale effects with pyrophyllite, which contributed to the formation of uniformly sized and densely arranged mullite crystals within the ceramics. Additionally, the bridging between the mullite crystals further improved the mechanical properties of the mullite ceramic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate preoperative assessment of supraspinatus tendon tear (STT) size is important for surgical planning. Our aims were to evaluate the correlation between stage 1 STT size measured preoperatively by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) and size measured perioperatively by arthroscopy. The concordance between preoperative tear size and the surgical plan was also assessed. This prospective, nonrandomized, noncontrolled, interventional study was carried out in patients with a stable stage 1 STT. Three months before surgery, STT size was measured in the sagittal and coronal planes by a radiologist by qMRI (1.5 T). Three months later, the surgeon measured the size of the tear again on the same qMRI scans and decided on the most appropriate surgical plan. During arthroscopy, the surgeon measured the size of the tear again using a graduated sensor hook and carried out the repair. STT size measured preoperatively was compared to that measured by arthroscopy and the concordance between preoperative STT size and the surgical plan was determined. Sixty-seven patients were included (mean age: 59.5 ± 8.9 years; 58.2% female). There was good concordance between STT size measured by qMRI vs. arthroscopy in the coronal plane (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.53]; Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.42 [95% CI: 0.2-0.6]; P =.0004) and in the sagittal plane (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.51 [95% CI: 0.33-0.65]; Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.38-0.71]; P <.0001). Preoperative STT size concurred with the surgical plan in 85% of patients. There was good concordance between STT size measured by qMRI and that measured perioperatively by arthroscopy. However, preoperative STT size measured by qMRI did not concur with the surgical plan in 15% of patients and in these patients the surgical procedure had to be revised during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Triassic Nanzhang-Yuan'an Lagerstätte of Hubei Province, South China, preserves abundant marine reptiles in the uppermost part of the Jialingjiang Formation and provides detailed insights into marine organisms, including newly discovered and well preserved conodont clusters of the Family Ellisonidae. These conodont elements allow us to assess the bias introduced during the acquisition process. We examined conodont elements preserved on the bedding planes and those acquired after the acid-dissolving method to analyze their attributes and length distributions. We identified a biased preservation of different conodont elements related to their morphologies. After the acid-dissolving procedures, the bias increased, and all different elements were affected, with larger individuals being particularly prone to destruction. Among them, the P elements of Ellisonidae were the least affected, while the S elements were the most affected. This study further indicates that paleobiological interpretations based on fossil size or morphology could be obscured if the influence of post-mortem effect is ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the dependence of the size and optical characteristics, as well as the productivity of laser synthesis of zirconium nitride (ZrN) nanoparticles (NPs) on laser ablation parameters. It is shown that changing the distance between the focusing lens and the target surface allows one to control the mode and half-width of the size distribution from (59 ± 35 nm) to (29 ± 14 nm), as well as spectrally shift the plasmon resonance peak from 638 nm to 680 nm. Additionally, a possibility of controlling the size characteristics of ZrN NPs when changing the laser radiation energy is demonstrated. Increasing the laser pulse energy from 10 to 100 μJ makes it possible to vary the NP size from (27 ± 13 nm) to (47 ± 30 nm). The results form a quantitative basis for the production of laser-synthesized ZrN NPs with controlled size and optical properties for applications in biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For floating offshore wind turbines, a significant pitch and roll motion response of the platform can affect the acceleration and power generation of the nacelle. The damping plate is considered a type of attachment that can be used to reduce rotational motion, but research on its anti-rotational effect is limited. The objective of this work is to analyze the impact of installing damping plates and varying their sizes on the pitch motion response of semi-submersible platforms, while also proposing optimization strategies for damping plate design. Firstly, a comparison between numerical simulations and experimental measurements validates the accuracy of the CFD calculations. Subsequently, different sizes of damping plates are proposed for the platforms, followed by simulations under various conditions. Finally, comprehensive data analysis is conducted. The findings suggest that installing damping plates enhances both the platform's added moment of inertia and damping coefficients while simultaneously amplifying its motion response in regular waves. Furthermore, increasing the size of damping plates leads to an increase in both the added moment of inertia and motion response for the platform, whereas the damping coefficient exhibits an initial increasing trend followed by a subsequent decrease. Ultimately, it is found that increasing the distance between damping plates and the free surface significantly reduces wave-induced loads on the platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of birds in the medieval human diet has been greatly explored in Europe. However, there is a lack of systematic analysis of data from Croatia. Avian remains dated to the Late Medieval and Early Modern Periods from five archaeological sites in continental Croatia underwent skeletal and taxonomic analysis. Age groups were determined and sex identification was conducted using visual and X-ray diagnostics. Chicken bone measurements were taken, and the logarithmic size index (LSI) technique was performed. Statistical analysis was applied to explore differences between sites. A total of 694 avian remains were studied, revealing 10 species/genera. Avian remains ranged from 8.88% to 20.32% across sites, with the highest percentage found at the urban site BAN. Hens outnumbered cockerels across all sites, with adult chickens prevailing over immature and subadult ones. Chicken sizes were generally consistent across sites, except for castle MIL, where a larger breed was identified. Cockerels tended to be larger than hens, except for one small-sized spurred specimen. To conclude, bird exploitation complemented the use of other animals in diets. Chickens were vital for eggs and meat, with monasteries excelling in bird husbandry over castles. Inhabitants of urban areas mainly consumed bird meat. Castles showed high status through game and imported birds. The aim of this article was to fill in the gap of information regarding the exploitation and consumption of birds at Croatian sites during the Late Medieval and Early Modern Periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is of great significance for the reasonable treatment of urban waste and the protection of soil. CDW fines less than 10 mm in size were used to explore the application in improving clay loam soil and as plant-growing media. Four sizes of CDW were mixed with clay loam soil in three mass proportions to plant 1-year-old Duranta repens seedlings with clay loam soil (C1) and 100% CDW fines (C2) as the controls. CDW fines application increased net carbon assimilation, leaf size, leaf nutrients, and plant growth with the best addition of 3–6 mm size and 35% mass proportion (T5) for clay loam. The branch number and leaf area in 3–6 mm group were 32.8% and 263.9% higher than those in C1, and 110.8% and 374.2% higher than those in C2. On average, the assimilation rate in T5 was 43.8% higher than that in the controls, while the respiration rate was 44.6% lower, indicating that plants in the T5 fixed more carbon. We suggest that CDW fines have the potential to be plant cultivation substrate and the addition ratio depends on the soil property. Our research provides an effective solution for the disposal of CDW fines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants, and they can absorb and transfer chemicals, which may cause significant effects on biota and risks to human health. State parks are natural areas highly influenced by seasonal tourist activities. This study investigated the distribution and characterization of MPs, including abundance, size, shape, and color, in seven Virginia State Parks within the James River Watershed (Douthat, Natural Bridge, Holliday Lake, James River, Powhatan, Pocahontas, and Chippokes Plantation State Parks). The MP concentration among the seven locations in the watershed had a significant difference (p < 0.05) and ranged from 0–26.5 particles/L with a mean of 8.33 ± 1.39 particles/L. The mountain region water bodies (Douthat and Natural Bridge) had the lowest MP concentration (< 4 particles/L), while the mainstream water bodies had a significantly higher MP concentration than other water bodies (10–20 particles/L) (p < 0.01). The size, shape, and color of MPs were also significantly different among all locations (p < 0.05). Faded and aged fragments with sizes below 1 mm were the most abundant, suggesting that terrestrial MPs were the most influencing source at most of the State Parks, and weathering effects have played a significant role in the fragmentation of plastics. In addition, a significantly positive relationship between MP concentration and the fraction of overnight guests was found (p < 0.0001). Our study indicated that State Parks and protected areas are polluted by MPs, which may pose potential harm to the surrounding environment, including both wildlife and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The private security industry has become a central feature of the plural policing landscape in the United Kingdom. As such, it has received considerable attention in both academic and policy circles. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, there remain notable question marks over its precise size and shape. With this in mind, the article draws upon data from the Security Industry Authority and the Office of National Statistics Business Register and Employment Survey to measure the sector along three key dimensions: the number of private security officers, the number of companies and turnover. This novel methodological approach reveals a complex and contested picture of what the sector looks like at a fundamental level and, at the same time, allows for a reassessment of commonly deployed indicators such as growth rates and the ratio of private security officers to police officers during key time periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferumoxytol injection, also known as Feraheme®, is an approved IV injectable iron supplement and an experimental MRI contrast agent. Initially, it was approved as an IV bolus agent, but its use was later limited to a slow infusion drip due to high levels of infusion reactions. We collected various batches of ferumoxytol with expiration dates ranging from 2010 to 2025 and compared their size and zeta potential. Since nanoparticle surface properties can affect infusion reactions, we conducted a dot blot immunoassay to measure complement C3 opsonization with ferumoxytol preparations. We observed differences in nanoparticle size and zeta potential between batches and a 2.5-fold variation in complement activation. Interestingly, older batches from 2010 showed more uniform size distribution and lower complement activation than some of the newer batches. This finding may be valuable to the nanomedicine community and regulatory authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronoid fracture size is one important factor in decision-making on surgical vs. nonsurgical management. There is currently no reliable, standardized technique to measure coronoid fracture size or bone loss. Hence, decision-making remains arbitrary, and recommendations made in the literature are unreliable. The aim of the study was to develop and assess a simple, reliable computed tomography (CT)-based technique that allows measurement of apical and anteromedial facet (AMF) coronoid height and bone loss. To achieve this, we sought to understand normal coronoid height across a large patient cohort, and whether the new technique was sensitive at detecting bone loss in patients with a fracture. Methods: 163 CT scans were manually formatted in the plane of the proximal ulna. A best fit circle was drawn in the greater sigmoid notch on the sagittal section. The coronoid coverage height (CCH) was defined as the distance (in mm) measured at 90° from the greater sigmoid notch floor to a line between the olecranon and coronoid tips (or fracture base in fractured coronoids), bisecting the center of the circle. The coronoid height index (CHI) was calculated as a % by dividing the CCH by the diameter of the circle. The measurements were performed at the coronoid apex and the center of the AMF in 108 intact coronoids to understand normative values and 55 fractured coronoids to assess the sensitivity of the technique at detecting bone loss. Measurements were independently performed by two investigators, and interobserver reliability was assessed with weighted Cohen’s kappa (ĸ) and intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: For intact coronoids, the mean CCH was 11.4 ± 1.4 mm at the apex and 11.6 ± 1.3 mm at the AMF. The mean CHI was 56.7 ± 4.9% at the apex and 41.1 ± 3.6% at the AMF. For fractured coronoids, the mean CCH and CHI were significantly lower (P

Downstream pebble variability in river systems is assessed through various methods, with recent emphasis on efficient, time-saving semi-automatic processes involving photography and digital analysis. The Inaouène Valley, however, lacked a comprehensive survey of its main channel using either manual or image-based methods. This study bridges this gap by combining both approaches to analyze the downstream evolution of surface pebbles' morphometric parameters along approximately 60 km of the Inaouène's middle reach. Our research focuses on two key aspects: grain size and particle shape. Results reveal a general downstream trend of size fining, increasing circularity and decreasing elongation, primarily attributed to abrasion and travel distance. Notably, this pattern is interrupted by localized variations associated with tributary inputs and sediment recycling processes. This study significantly contributes to the understanding of fluvial sediment dynamics in the Inaouène Valley. Its findings have broad implications, supporting ecological assessment and restoration efforts, while also informing decision-making in river engineering and management. By providing a comprehensive analysis of pebble characteristics and their downstream evolution, this research establishes a foundation for future geomorphological studies and practical applications in river system management.

[Objective] Aiming at the problems of low accuracy and poor robustness in the previous classification methods based on artificial features. [Methods] A strong generalization automatic classification method of potato shape and size was proposed in this study. First, two potato ViT models were built based on Transformer model to complete potato shape grading and size grading tasks in parallel. Secondly, a robust model was trained by using migration strategy and data augmentation method. Finally, the effectiveness of this method in potato grading was verified by quantitative analysis of test sets. [Results] The experimental results show that the potato ViT model achieves 96.36% and 94.75% for potato shape classification, and 89.66% and 85.16% for size grading in terms of accuracy and μF1 index. The classification accuracy was better than VGG16, ResNet50 and MobileNetV3 network models. [Conclusion] The results shows that it is feasible to apply the proposed method for the real-time and accurate detection of potato shape and size. The results of this study can provide theoretical and technical support for potato intelligent grading.

Ferumoxytol injection, also known as Feraheme®, is an approved IV injectable iron supplement and an experimental MRI contrast agent. Initially, it was approved as an IV bolus agent, but its use was later limited to a slow infusion drip due to high levels of infusion reactions. We collected various batches of ferumoxytol with expiration dates ranging from 2010 to 2025 and compared their size and zeta potential. Since nanoparticle surface properties can affect infusion reactions, we conducted a dot blot immunoassay to measure complement C3 opsonization with ferumoxytol preparations. We observed differences in nanoparticle size and zeta potential between batches and a 2.5-fold variation in complement activation. Interestingly, older batches from 2010 showed more uniform size distribution and lower complement activation than some of the newer batches. This finding may be valuable to the nanomedicine community and regulatory authorities.

Abstract Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the most commonly used non-viral gene delivery system. Their physiochemical attributes, encompassing size, charge and surface modifications, significantly affect their behaviors both in vivo and in vitro. Nevertheless, the effects of these properties on the transfection and distribution of LNPs after intramuscular injection remain elusive. In this study, LNPs with varying sizes, lipid-based charges and PEGylated lipids were formulated to study their transfection and in vivo distribution. Luciferase mRNA (mLuc) was entraped in LNPs as a model nucleic acid molecule. Results indicated that smaller-sized LNPs and those with neutral potential presented superior transfection efficiency after intramuscular injection. Surprisingly, the sizes and charges did not exert a notable influence on the in vivo distribution of the LNPs. Furthermore, PEGylated lipids with shorter acyl chains contributed to enhanced transfection efficiency due to their superior cellular uptake and lysosomal escape capabilities. Notably, the mechanisms underlying cellular uptake differed among LNPs containing various types of PEGylated lipids, which was primarily attributed to the length of their acyl chain. Together, these insights underscore the pivotal role of nanoparticle characteristics and PEGylated lipids in the intramuscular route. This study not only fills crucial knowledge gaps but also provides significant directions for the effective delivery of mRNA via LNPs. Graphical Abstract

Introduction/purpose: Porosity is a significant factor that causes voids to become trapped in materials during composite material fabrication. This study is dedicated to modelling fracture modes within highly stressed areas of an advanced SiC/Cf component at a macroscopic scale. Methods: The finite element method is used to analyze defects within composites, considering factors such as porosity size, shape, and tensile stress. The Monte Carlo method predicts the distribution function (F). Results: Three pores are distributed across the width of the material, which reduces the active cross-sectional area of the material and, consequently, leads to a significant reduction in strength. Overall, resistance tends to decrease, with a more noticeable drop. Conclusion: It is concluded how the form and the size affect the failure load, employing the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) to predict mode-I fracture behaviour. The porosity parameter significantly affects the durability of the structure. It is noted that the size of pores (ϕ) is a crucial component that affects the distribution function (F). The variability in this parameter substantially elevates the likelihood of plate failure and diminishes the longevity of a structure.

Bohai Du,1 Tianlan Li,1 Haoqi He,1 Xun Xu,2 Chunmei Zhang,1 Xianzhu Lu,1 Yuhan Wang,1 Jingyi Cao,1 Yinghan Lu,1 Yiwa Liu,1 Shanshan Hu,1 Juxiao Li,1 Li Li,1 Ming Shi1 1Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523808, People’s Republic of China; 2Experimental Animal Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523808, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Li Li; Ming Shi, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523808, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-15889530426 ; +86-769-22896568, Email lily2017@gdmu.edu.cn; shiming@gdmu.edu.cnIntroduction: Studies have shown that microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) could accumulate in the human body and pose a potential threat to human health. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biodistribution and toxicity of MPs/NPs with different particle sizes comprehensively and thoroughly.Methods: The purpose of this study was to investigate the biodistribution and in vivo toxicity of polystyrene (PS) MPs/NPs with different sizes (50 nm, 100 nm, and 500 nm). The BALB/c mice were given 100 μL of PS50, PS100 and PS500 at the dosage of 1 mg/kg BW or 10 mg/kg BW, respectively, by gavage once a day. After 28 consecutive days of treatment, the biodistribution of differently sized PS MPs/NPs was determined through cryosection fluorescence microscopy and fluorescent microplate reader analysis, and the subsequent effects of differently sized PS MPs/NPs on histopathology, hematology and blood biochemistry were also evaluated.Results: The results showed that the three different sizes of PS MPs/NPs were distributed in the organs of mice, mainly in the liver, spleen, and intestine. At the same time, the smaller the particle size, the more they accumulate in the body and more easily penetrate the tissue. During the whole observation period, no abnormal behavior and weight change were observed. The results of H&E staining showed that no severe histopathological abnormalities were observed in the main organs in the low-dose exposure group, while. Exposure of three sizes of PS MPs/NPs could cause some changes in hematological parameters or biochemical parameters related to heart, liver, and kidney function; meanwhile, there were size- and dose-dependencies.Conclusion: The biological distribution and toxicity of plastic particles in mice were more obvious with the decrease of particle size and the increase of concentration of plastic particles. Compared with MPs, NPs were easier to enter the tissues and produce changes in liver, kidney, and heart functions. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the toxicity of NPs.Keywords: microplastics, nanoplastics, polystyrene, size, biodistribution, nanotoxicology

Objectives: Identifying the future size of the family in Anbar Governorate, by knowing the preferred number of children for the family, regardless of the actual family size. The results of the 1997 population census, the results of the 2021 field study, office sources, and some statistical methods, including the population projection equation, were relied upon. As well as using tables, maps and figures to facilitate comparison and draw conclusions Method: The research relied on the analytical-deductive approach and the adoption of quantitative methods to identify the existing reality of family size and predict the future of families in Anbar Governorate. Results: The trend towards reducing family size in Anbar Governorate appears clear in the future. However, it is not similar to its counterpart in developed countries. Rather, the trend is towards families with a size of (5-6) children, who prefer the countryside, at a rate of (42.9%) of the total families in the countryside, compared to (41.4%) of the total urban families who prefer (3-4). ) children. Conclusion: The average family size for the year 2031 throughout the governorate will decrease to (7.1) individuals in 2031, after it was (7.6) in 2021, and it will decrease in urban areas to (6.8) individuals in 2031, after it was (7.2) individuals. It is expected It will also decrease in the countryside to (7.3) individuals, after it was (8) individuals for the year 2021.

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.

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is popular with consumers due to its delicious meat and high nutritional value. It is a globally recognized high-end marine economic fish. With the advancement of fishing equipment and the increase in fishing efforts, the amount of tuna resources has decreased significantly. To make up for the insufficient supply of tuna in the market and protect wild populations, it is essential to carry out research on artificial aquaculture technology for tuna and to gradually establish full-cycle cultures of tuna. In order to study the differences in the nutritional components and quality of yellowfin tuna muscles of different sizes, three different-sized yellowfin tuna, J1 (4.2±1.2) kg, J2 (22.5± 2.5) kg, and J3 (50.8±3.9) kg, were used as the research subjects, and conventional biochemical analysis methods were used to compare and analyze the proximate compositions, amino acids, fatty acids, and mineral elements of tuna muscle. The results showed that (1) the moisture level of the J1 group was significantly higher than that of the J2 and J3 groups (PJ2>J1. The content of nonessential amino acids was J3>J2>J1 (P0.05). The fatty acids in yellowfin tuna muscle were mainly PUFAs, and the content of DHA accounted for 37.46%~39.18% of the total fatty acid content. The DHA content of the J3 group was significantly higher than that of the J1 and J2 groups (PJ2>J1 (PJ2>J1 (P

Even after successful surgery for acute ankle fractures, many patients continue having complaints. A possible explanation is the presence of concomitant chondral lesions. The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of MRI compared to that of arthroscopy in the assessment of chondral lesions in acute ankle fractures. In this prospective single-center study, patients presenting with acute ankle fractures over a period of three years were identified. A preoperative MRI was performed within a maximum of 10 days after trauma. During surgery, ankle arthroscopy was also performed. The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) cartilage lesion classification was used to grade the detected chondral lesions. To localize the chondral lesions, the talar dome was divided into eight zones and the tibial/fibular articular surfaces into three zones. In total, 65 patients (28 females) with a mean age of 41.1 ± 15 years were included. In the MRI scans, 70 chondral lesions were detected (69.2% of patients) affecting mostly the tibial plafond (30%) and mostly graded as ICRS 3. The mean lesion area measured was 20.8 mm2. In the arthroscopy, 85 chondral lesions were detected (70.8% of patients) affecting mostly the medial surface of the talar dome (25.9%) and mostly graded ICRS 3. The mean lesion area measured was 43.4 mm2. The highest agreement between the two methods was observed in the size estimation of the chondral lesions. The present study shows the reduced accuracy of MRI when compared to arthroscopy in the assessment of traumatic chondral lesions in the setting of acute ankle fractures especially regarding lesion size. MRI remains an essential instrument in the evaluation of such lesions; however, surgeons should take this discrepancy into consideration, particularly the underestimation of chondral lesions' size in the preoperative planning of surgical treatment and operative technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of size on the wind pressure coefficient on the surface of solar greenhouses is investigated using numerical simulations. The models were designed with consistent ratios of ridge height to span and north wall height to ridge height across different spans. To effectively understand the impact of dimensions on wind pressure distribution, two wind directions—0° (north wind) and 180° (south wind)—which have previously been shown to impose significant overall wind loads on solar greenhouses, are focused on. It was found that the wind load per unit area increases continuously with greenhouse size. Wind-induced suction is particularly concentrated along the ridge, with greater suction on the leeward side compared to the windward side. The wind suction near the ridge is more significantly affected by greenhouse size. This study provides valuable insights for the practical engineering design of solar greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-edge-connected graph G is minimally 2-edge-connected if deleting arbitrary edge of G always leaves a graph which is not 2-edge-connected. In this paper, we completely characterize the (minimally) 2-edge-connected graphs with given size having the maximal signless Laplacian (Laplacian) index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral aneurysms come in a wide range of shapes and sizes; they can also evolve over time, presenting significant changes. Large aneurysms are generally thought to be more prone to rupture, but rupture has also been observed in small aneurysms, indicating the presence of additional risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the aneurysm's size and wall thickness on its rupture risk, by using fluid–structure interaction simulations. Six patient-specific geometries were studied: four related to the effect of size and two related to the effect of wall thickness. Additional cases in which the aneurysm was removed were included. It was found that thinner walls suffered from significantly greater stresses, whereas an increment in size led, in general, to lower levels of wall shear stress and greater equivalent stress. By removing the aneurysm, the reduction in the time-averaged wall shear stress was 75% at the rupture point. Although the size of an aneurysm has a great impact on its rupture risk, the wall thickness needs to be considered, since with maintenance of its size, an aneurysm can suffer from wall thinning, which can lead to structural failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]