Shape Analysis Research Articles

Asymmetrical chela growth patterns and correlation of chela shape to inhabited gastropod shells in Pagurus bernhardus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Decapoda, Anomura, Paguridae)

We investigated the growth patterns and morphological changes in the chelae of the heterochelate hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus using µCT and SPHARM analysis, correlating our findings with three different types of shells offered for protection. In males, the right chela exhibited positive allometric growth compared to the left, leading to significant size differences, whereas females showed isometric growth. This sexually dimorphic growth pattern suggests sexual selection for chela display and agonistic behavior in males. Significant length-specific growth differences were found between the chelae. The left chela exhibited positive allometric growth in the chela finger (pollex) compared to the manus, while the right chela showed isometric growth. If the left chela represents the derived state, genetic factors predominantly influence its growth and shape for biological roles such as food manipulation and grooming. Conversely, if the right chela is the derived state, it may indicate an adaptation for better shell closure in gastropod shells. There was no sexual dimorphism in the length-specific growth pattern and shape changes during ontogenesis. Shape analyses revealed significant changes in chelae morphology during ontogenesis, with correlations to the inhabited shells. These changes were particularly pronounced in the right chela, used for closing the shell aperture. Shape analysis of non-allometric data showed no significant differences between shell groups, indicating that shape changes are primarily due to allometric growth. Phenotypic plasticity may also play a role. Sexual dimorphism was significant in the shape of both chelae and was also evident in non-allometric data, suggesting shape dependence.

Advanced Characterization of Lignin Nanoparticles by Asymmetric Flow-Field Flow Fractionation.

The unique properties of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs)-uniform shape, surface charge and nanoscale-carry great potential for the desired material utilization of technical lignins. Especially, the particle size distribution and dispersity of LNPs are the key for their successful valorization. However, characterization of LNPs usually requires a rather elaborate combination of light scattering and microscopy techniques which moreover provide only average values, are often limited in sampling size and require tedious sample preparation. Here we introduce a method based on asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with multi angle laser light scattering (MALLS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and refractive index (RI) detection for the analysis of size and shape of LNPs. Exploiting the separation power of AF4 in combination with MALLS, DLS, and RI allowed us to obtain enhanced particle size distributions of LNP that are comparable to batch DLS and AFM measurements. Moreover, we discuss the influence of the particle size on the MALLS and DLS signals and determination of the shape factor ρ of LNPs.

Median-based resistant methods in the current framework of Geometric Morphometrics

Landmark-based geometric morphometric (GM) methods have become a standard in shape analysis. Superimposition of landmark constellations, referenced to the mean, is performed using the least squares criterion under the consensus framework of Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA). While effective, especially when combined with multivariate statistics, this approach also has limitations. Specifically, if there is localized variation (if a few landmarks are significantly displaced in relation to the others), the method homogenizes variation to perform an optimal fit that can spread variation randomly, yielding unrealistic results. This limitation has long been recognized and discussed in the literature—especially paleontological—proposing methods based on repeated medians that help checking for such localized variation in landmark constellations. However, the broad establishment of GPA has led to their neglect, potentially compromising interpretations in studies of allometry, integration, and modularity. Two real life examples, one biological (spiders) and one paleobiological (pterosaur skulls), are used to illustrate what "localized variation" means and the effect it can have on the structure of Procrustes shape data, and consequently, on further statistical analyses. The intended message is that median-based resistant methods for landmark superimposition should be re-implemented

Unveiling Nature’s Architecture: Geometric Morphometrics as an Analytical Tool in Plant Biology

Geometric morphometrics (GMM) is an advanced morphometric method enabling quantitative analysis of shape and size variations in biological structures. Through high-resolution imaging and mathematical algorithms, GMM provides valuable insights into taxonomy, ecology, and evolution, making it increasingly relevant in plant science. This review synthesizes the existing literature and explores methodological details, research questions, and future directions, establishing a strong foundation for further study in plant biology. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a rigorous literature search finally identified 83 studies for review. The review organized data on plant species, organs studied, GMM objectives, and methodological aspects, such as imaging and landmark positioning. Leaf and flower structures emerged as the most frequently analyzed organs, primarily in studies of shape variations. This review assesses the use of GMM in plant sciences, identifying knowledge gaps and inconsistencies, and suggesting areas for future research. By highlighting unaddressed topics and emerging trends, the review aims to guide researchers towards methodological challenges and innovations necessary for advancing the field.

СКЛАДОВІ ІМІДЖУ ВИДАВНИЦТВА: НА ПРИКЛАДІ ВИДАВНИЦТВА «НАШ ФОРМАТ»

<p><strong><em>Research objective</em></strong><em>. The study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the components shaping the image of the publishing house «Nash Format» and to determine their influence on the development and maintenance of the brand in the modern Ukrainian book market. Special attention is paid to evaluating brand perception among the target audience and assessing the effectiveness of implemented PR strategies.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology.</em></strong><em> The study employs a comprehensive approach, incorporating content analysis and case study methods. Content analysis was used for a systematic examination of materials reflecting the public activity of the publishing house, including its communication on social media, advertising campaigns, and press releases. This approach enabled the assessment of the brand's key characteristics, audience engagement levels, and core messages shaping its image. The case study method provided an in-depth exploration of specific events critically impacting the publisher's reputation. </em><em>In particular, it examined situations related to leadership changes, the introduction of corporate volunteering, and responses to crisis challenges.</em></p><p><strong><em>Results.</em></strong><em> The research identified several key components shaping the image of «Nash Format». First, a strategic branding approach focused on promoting high-quality literature, particularly in the nonfiction and business genres, provides a competitive advantage. Second, active digital communication, particularly through social media, is a crucial factor in engaging the target audience and enhancing brand recognition. Additionally, participation in social initiatives, such as corporate volunteering, positively influences the publisher's reputation. However, some communication gaps were noted in crisis situations, such as during leadership transitions.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> This article systematizes the components of «Nash Format's» image for the first time, considering the integration of digital communications and social initiatives. It outlines the interaction mechanisms of internal and external factors influencing brand formation and maintenance, enabling an evaluation of the effectiveness of applied PR tools.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance.</em></strong><em> The findings of this study can be utilized by other publishing houses to develop and optimize their PR strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on the effective use of new media to enhance brand recognition and on crisis communications aimed at maintaining reputational stability.</em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> publishing house image, branding, PR strategies, content analysis, case study, media communications, social responsibility.</em></p>

Shape Design and Analysis of Guide Pad for BTA Deep Hole Drilling Tool

According to the shape of the guide pad in the actual production, the force of the guide pad in the process of deep hole drilling is analyzed, and the results show that the force of the first guide pad is greater than that of the second guide pad. The reasonable shape of the guide pad is verified by displaying dynamic simulation and test by ABAQUS software. The results show that when the arc guide pad is used, the contact stress with the workpiece is small, the cutting formed is an ideal shape, and the dimensional accuracy, surface roughness and straightness of the parts meet the machining requirements.

Mechanical finite element analysis of needle tip shape to develop insertable polymer-based microneedle without plastic deformation.

Mechanical finite element analysis of needle tip shape to develop insertable polymer-based microneedle without plastic deformation.

Taxonomic revision of the SK 15 mandible based on bone and tooth structural organization.

Taxonomic revision of the SK 15 mandible based on bone and tooth structural organization.

Turbomachinery blade behaviour analysis using a photogrammetric stereovision 3D based shape analysis approach

Turbomachinery blade behaviour analysis using a photogrammetric stereovision 3D based shape analysis approach

Innovative 3D Measuring Technique for Identifying Geometrical Imperfections and Wear in Small Marine Stern Tube Liners

Abstract Increasingly stringent requirements for the durability and reliability of ship components and new standards for environmental protection have resulted in the use of increasingly sophisticated technologies in the shipbuilding industry. The components of a ship’s propulsion system have been meticulously analysed and improved over several decades. The durability and reliability of the sliding bearings for a ship’s propeller shaft depend on the precision of manufacturing and assembly of large elements, and virtually the same methods have been used to measure diameters and internal bore shape analysis for decades. This paper proposes a method of assessing the technical condition of the ship’s propeller shaft bearing bushes, which enables precise knowledge about possible defects to be obtained at the stage of machining or assembly; this approach also makes it possible to assess the degree of wear of the bearing bush. The essence of this method is contact scanning of the surface geometry, thanks to which it is possible to build a three-dimensional model of a specific element and then to assess its technical condition. The proposed method may be especially important for modern solutions such as sliding bearings with double slope geometry.

Automated image-based identification and consistent classification of fire patterns with quantitative shape analysis and spatial location identification

Automated image-based identification and consistent classification of fire patterns with quantitative shape analysis and spatial location identification

Microstructural geometry revealed by NMR line shape analysis.

We introduce a technique for extracting microstructural geometry from NMR line shape analysis in porous materials at angstrom-scale resolution with the use of weak magnetic field gradients. Diverging from the generally held view of FID signals undergoing simple exponential decay, we show that a detailed analysis of the line shape can unravel structural geometry on much smaller scales than previously thought. While the original q-space PFG NMR relies on strong magnetic field gradients in order to achieve high spatial resolution, our current approach reaches comparable or higher resolution using much weaker gradients. As a model system, we simulated gas diffusion for xenon confined within carbon nanotubes over a range of temperatures and nanotube diameters in order to unveil manifestations of confinement in the diffusion behavior. We report a multiscale scheme that couples the above-mentioned MD simulations with the generalized Langevin equation to estimate the transport properties of interest for this problem, such as diffusivity coefficients and NMR line shapes, using the Green-Kubo correlation function to correctly evaluate time-dependent diffusion. Our results highlight how NMR methodologies can be adapted as effective means toward structural investigation at very small scales when dealing with complicated geometries. This method is expected to find applications in materials science, catalysis, biomedicine, and other areas.

Corneal Fourier harmonic analysis in prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy patients with blepharoptosis.

Corneal Fourier harmonic analysis in prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy patients with blepharoptosis.

Research on Mathematical Analysis of Lip Makeup Design

The purpose of this study is to establish standardization of measurement methods and weights and measures for lip makeup shape analysis. The research method is based on the average horizontal length of the lips, 5.4 cm. When the lip mountain is point A and the corner of the mouth is point T, the curvature of the lip line is calculated by dividing the shortest distance |<i>BM</i>| from the center point to the straight line <i>AT</i> into the length of the line segment <i>AT</i>. It is a value divided by. The subjects of the study were visual and perceptual out-curve, in-curve, and straight lip makeup images among frontal photos shown on Pinterest. As a result of calculating the curvature in each lip makeup, the length was obtained by making a straight line from the lip peak to the corner of the mouth, and based on this, the curvature of the lips could be obtained. The closer the lip curvature value was to 0, the closer it was to a straight line, the larger the lip curvature value, the thicker the lips were, and the smaller the lip curvature value, the more rhythmic lips. Therefore, it can be empirically confirmed that lip curvature is a mathematical item that indicates the degree of curvature of the lip line, so it is considered an appropriate term to indicate the degree of curvature of the lips. In particular, this paper was able to apply it to identifying the curves of the lip lines shown in photos of five cosmetic models. These research results are based on numerical values such as metrological notation rather than aesthetic speculation in the trend analysis of lip makeup trends and image analysis by shape. It is believed that standardization of specific terminology can be used to present accurate evidence.

Systematic analysis of specificities and flanking sequence preferences of bacterial DNA-(cytosine C5)-methyltransferases reveals mechanisms of enzyme- and sequence-specific DNA readout.

DNA-(cytosineC5)-methyltransferases (MTases) represent a large group of evolutionary related enzymes with specific DNA interaction. We systematically investigated the specificity and flanking sequence preferences of six bacterial enzymes of this class and many MTasemutants. We observed high (>1000-fold) target sequence specificity reflecting strong evolutionary pressure against unspecific DNA methylation. Strong flanking sequence preferences (∼100-fold) were observed which changed formethylation of near-cognate sites suggesting that the DNA structures in the transition states of the methylation of these sites differ. Mutation of amino acids involved in DNA contacts led to local changes of specificity and flanking sequence preferences, but also global effects indicating that larger conformational changes occur upon transition state formation. Based on these findings, we conclude that the transition state of the DNA methylation reaction precedes the covalent enzyme-DNA complex conformations with flipped target base that are resolved in structural studies. Moreover, our data suggest that alternative catalytically active conformations exist whose occupancy is modulated by enzyme-DNA contacts. Sequence dependent DNA shape analyses suggest that MTase flanking sequence preferences are caused by flanking sequence dependent modulation of the DNA conformation. Likely, many of these findings are transferable to other DNA MTases and DNA interacting proteins.

A spectral machine learning approach to derive central aortic pressure waveforms from a brachial cuff

Analyzing cardiac pulse waveforms offers valuable insights into heart health and cardiovascular disease risk, although obtaining the more informative measurements from the central aorta remains challenging due to their invasive nature and limited noninvasive options. To address this, we employed a laboratory-developed cuff device for high-resolution pulse waveform acquisition and constructed a spectral machine learning model to nonlinearly map the brachial wave components to the aortic site. Simultaneous invasive aortic catheter and brachial cuff waveforms were acquired in 115 subjects to evaluate the clinical performance of the developed wave-based approach. Magnitude, shape, and pulse waveform analysis on the measured and reconstructed aortic waveforms were correlated on a beat-to-beat basis. The proposed cuff-based method reconstructed aortic waveform contours with high fidelity (mean normalized-RMS error = 11.3%). Furthermore, continuous signal reconstruction captured dynamic aortic systolic blood pressure (BP) oscillations (r = 0.76, P < 0.05). Method-derived central pressures showed strong correlation with the independent invasive measurement for systolic BP (R2 = 0.83; B [LOA] = -0.3 [-17.0, 16.4] mmHg) and diastolic BP (R2 = 0.58; B [LOA] = -0.7 [-13.1, 11.6] mmHg). Shape-based features are effectively captured by the spectral machine learning method, showing strong correlations and no systemic bias for systolic pressure-time integral (r = 0.91, P < 0.05), diastolic pressure-time integral (r = 0.95, P < 0.05), and subendocardial viability ratio (r = 0.86, P < 0.05). These results suggest that the nonlinear transformation of wave components from the distal to the central site predicts the morphological waveform changes resulting from complex wave propagation and reflection within the cardiovascular network. The proposed wave-based approach holds promise for future applications of noninvasive devices in clinical cardiology.

High-frequency/high-field electron paramagnetic resonance generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry characterization of Cr3+ in β -Ga2O3

Electron paramagnetic resonance of Cr3+ ions in β-Ga2O3 is investigated using terahertz spectroscopic ellipsometry under magnetic field sweeping, a technique that enables the polarization resolving capabilities of ellipsometry for magnetic resonance measurements. We employed a single-crystal chromium-doped β-Ga2O3 sample, grown by the Czochralski method, and performed ellipsometry measurements at magnetic field strengths ranging from 2 to 8 T, at frequencies from 82 to 125 and 190 to 230 GHz, and at a temperature of 15 K. Analysis of the frequency-field diagrams derived from all Mueller matrix elements allowed us to differentiate between the effects of electron spin Zeeman splitting and zero-field splitting and to accurately determine the anisotropic Zeeman splitting g-tensor and the zero-field splitting parameters. Our results confirm that Cr3+ ions predominantly substitute into octahedral gallium sites. Line shape analysis of Mueller matrix element spectra using the Bloch–Brillouin model provides the spin volume concentration of Cr3+ sites, showing very good agreement with results from chemical analysis by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and suggesting minimal occupation of sites with inactive electron paramagnetic resonance. This study enhances our understanding of the magnetic and electronic properties of chromium-doped β-Ga2O3 and demonstrates the effectiveness of high-frequency/high-field electron paramagnetic resonance generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry for characterizing defects in ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors.

Glycated α-Synuclein Renders Glial Cell Activation and Induces Degeneration of Dopaminergic Neurons: A Potential Implication for the Development of Parkinson's Disease.

Accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-Syn) leads to the formation of Lewy bodies and is a major hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). The accumulation of α-Syn involves several post-translational modifications. Recently, though, glycation of α-Syn (advanced glycation end products) and activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) have been linked to neuroinflammation, which leads to oxidative stress and accumulation of α-Syn. The present study aims to detect the effect of glycated α-Syn (gly-α-Syn)-induced synucleinopathy and loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the development of PD. We isolated, purified, and prepared glycated recombinant human α-Syn using d-ribose. Gly-α-Syn was characterized by SDS-PAGE, intact mass analysis, and bottom-up peptide sequence through LC-HRMS/MS. The aggregation propensity of gly-α-Syn has been verified by morphological and shape analysis through Bio-AFM. The gly-α-Syn (2 μg/μL) was injected stereotaxically in the substantia nigra (SN) of ICR mice (3-4 months) and compared with the normal α-Syn, d ribose, and Tris-HCl/artificial CSF groups. 56 days postsurgery (DPS), an immunohistochemical examination was conducted to investigate gly-α-Syn-induced α-Syn accumulation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. The glycation of α-Syn led to the expression of transglutaminase 2 (TGM2), an enzyme that cross-linked with AGEs and may have caused the accumulation of α-Syn. Significant RAGE activation was also observed in gly-α-Syn, which might have induced glial cell activation, resulting in oxidative stress and, ultimately, apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons. It is important to note that TGM2, phosphorylated α-Syn, RAGE expression, and glial cell activation were only found in the gly-α-Syn group and not in the other groups. This suggests that gly-α-Syn plays a major role in synucleinopathy, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Overall, the present study demonstrated glycation of α-Syn as one of the important age-associated post-translational modifications that are involved in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, at least in a subset of the diabetic patients susceptible to developing PD.

PoreVision: A Program for Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy in SEM Pore Analyses of Gels and Other Porous Materials.

Porous gels are frequently utilized as cell scaffolds in tissue engineering. Previous studies have highlighted the significance of scaffold pore size and pore orientation in influencing cell migration and differentiation. Moreover, there exists a considerable body of research focused on optimizing pore characteristics to enhance scaffold performance. However, current methods for numerical pore characterization typically involve expensive machines or manual size measurements using image manipulation software. In this project, our objective is to develop a user-friendly, versatile, and freely accessible software tool using Python scripting. This tool aims to streamline and objectify pore characterization, thereby accelerating research efforts and providing a standardized framework for researchers working with porous gels. Our group found that first-time users of PoreVision and ImageJ take similar amounts of time to use both programs; however, PoreVision is capable of handling larger datasets with reduced variability. Further, PoreVision users exhibited lower variability in area and orientation measurements compared to ImageJ, while perimeter variability was similar between the two. PoreVision showed higher variability in average measurements, likely due to its larger sample size and broader range of pore sizes, which may be missed in ImageJ's manual scanning approach. By facilitating quantitative analysis of pore size, shape, and orientation, our software tool will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of scaffold properties and their impact on cellular behavior. Ultimately, we aim to aid researchers in the field of tissue engineering with a user-friendly tool that enhances the reproducibility and reliability of pore characterization analyses.

Postoperative Sexual Function After Vaginal Surgery and Clitoral Size, Position, and Shape.

Transvaginal surgery is commonly performed to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Little research focuses on how sexual function relates to clitoral anatomy after vaginal surgery despite the clitoris' role in the sexual response. To determine how postoperative sexual function after vaginal surgery is associated with clitoral features (size, position, shape). This was a cross-sectional ancillary study of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Defining Mechanisms of Anterior Vaginal Wall Descent (DEMAND) study. The setting comprised 8 clinical sites in the US Pelvic Floor Disorders Network and included the MRI data of 88 women with uterovaginal prolapse previously randomized to either vaginal mesh hysteropexy or vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension between 2013 and 2015. Data were analyzed between September 2021 and June 2023. Participants underwent postoperative pelvic MRI at 30 to 42 months (or earlier if reoperation was desired) between June 2014 and May 2018. Sexual activity and function at baseline (preoperatively) and 24- to 48-month follow-up (postoperatively) were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association Revised (PISQ-IR). Clitoral features were derived from postoperative MRI-based 3-dimensional models. Correlations between (1) PISQ-IR mean, subscale, and item scores and (2) clitoral size, position, and shape (principal component scores). A total of 82 women (median [range] age, 65 [47-79] years) were analyzed (41 received hysteropexy and 41 received hysterectomy). Postoperatively, 37 were sexually active (SA), and 45 were not SA (NSA). Among SA women, better overall postoperative sexual function (higher PISQ-IR summary score) correlated with a larger clitoral glans width (Spearman ρ = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.05-0.62; P = .03) and thickness (Spearman ρ = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.06-0.63; P = .02). Among NSA women, sexual inactivity related to postoperative dyspareunia correlated with a more lateral clitoral position (Spearman ρ = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.18-0.66; P = .002), and sexual inactivity related to incontinence/prolapse correlated with a more posterior clitoral position (Spearman ρ = -0.36; 95% CI, -0.60 to -0.07; P = .02) (farther from the pubic symphysis). Shape analysis demonstrated that poorer postoperative sexual function outcomes in SA women and sexual inactivity in NSA women correlated with a more posteriorly positioned glans, anteriorly oriented clitoral body, medially positioned crura, and lateral vestibular bulbs. Results of this cross-sectional study suggest that postoperative sexual function after vaginal surgery was associated with clitoral glans size, position, and shape. Results warrant prospective studies on surgery-induced changes in clitoral anatomy and sexual function.