Bullous Peripheral Retinoschisis: Structural Biomarker for Complications in X-Linked Retinoschisis via Ultrawide-Field Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography.

Transverse stiffeners provide lateral support to slender webs along their span, enhancing the shear buckling resistance of steel plate girders. Moreover, intermediate transverse stiffeners are particularly crucial, because they anchor the forces generated by tension field action, mitigate out-of-web buckling, and support the edges of the web panel. The standard EN 1993-1-5 outlines three requirements for the design of intermediate transverse stiffeners: (1) strength verification, (2) a minimum elastic bending rigidity, and (3) a torsional rigidity check. However, research has demonstrated that applying the strength verification criterion often results in overly conservative designs due to assumed internal forces significantly exceeding those observed in numerical simulations and experimental studies. Consequently, US design standards have omitted this verification, focusing solely on the minimum bending rigidity requirement. A numerical study of 13,500 plate girders with diverse geometries and stiffener configurations was conducted to evaluate the minimum bending rigidity required for intermediate transverse stiffeners to ensure the ultimate shear resistance of steel plate girders. The analysis considered the effects of steel grade, web slenderness and aspect ratio, flange-to-web area ratio, and the presence of longitudinal stiffeners. The results indicate that the required minimum bending rigidity is particularly high for plate girders with slender webs, low aspect ratios, and high flange-to-web area ratios.

To study ocular fundus morphology and its relation to growth in adolescents born moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) and full term. This prospective and population-based cohort study included 50 MLP adolescents (26 girls, mean age 16.5 years) and 50 full-term controls (30 girls, mean age 16.7 years). Optical coherence tomography measurements were studied in relation to gestational age, auxological data, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). The MLP group showed an increased central macular retinal thickness (MRT) compared with controls in right eye (RE) (249.7 ± 21.0 vs. 239.9 ± 16.4 μm, p = 0.019). Moreover, the MLP group showed a thinner total peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (ppRNFL) thickness in RE (104.3 ± 8.5 vs. 109.1 ± 8.3, p = 0.0011). Nasal ppRNFL thickness was thinner in both RE (79.4 ± 13.2 vs. 85.0 ± 10.8, p = 0.0012) and left eye (LE) (77.0 ± 13.8 vs. 81.7 ± 13.4, p = 0.025) compared with controls. A weak association between total ppRNFL thickness and IGF-I levels was found (RE, r = 0.28, p = 0.032; LE, r = 0.27, p = 0.048), as well as between central MRT and a ratio between IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels (RE, r = 0.30, p = 0.022). Additionally, there was a correlation between optic cup/disc area ratio and birth weight (RE: r = -0.44, p = 0.0006; LE: r = -0.30, p = 0.026). The present study suggests that growth and MLP birth may impact ocular fundus morphology. The MLP adolescents were shown to have thinner ppRNFL thickness and greater MRT, compared with full-term controls. Furthermore, a weak association between these structures and growth factors was found. In addition, the current study proposes that birth weight may impact optic disc parameters.

Nutrient input of coastal aquaculture may affect growth of mangrove following intermediate disturbance hypothesis: critical thresholds and spatial relationship coupling.

Estimation of Bowen ratio in complex urban area by remotely sensed data

Abstract Maximizing the longitudinal fundamental frequency of rod-like structures is a critical objective for broadening the operational bandwidth of high-frequency transmission systems. This paper derives a closed-form analytical solution for the globally optimal cross-sectional profile of a rod subject to prescribed length and area constraints (Amin and Amax). Utilizing a variational formulation based on Rayleigh's principle, the optimal profile is identified as a novel multi-segment configuration comprising an exponential transition bridged by uniform segments at the geometric limits. A pivotal theoretical finding is that the maximum fundamental frequency scales linearly with the logarithm of the area ratio implying that the frequency enhancement is mathematically unbounded given sufficient geometric freedom. The analysis is further extended to complex boundary conditions, revealing the existence of critical tip-mass thresholds that discretely simplify the optimal topology into two-segment or uniform profiles. To validate engineering applicability, this theory is implemented in the design of an electrodynamic shaker's moving coil. Experimental harmonic response tests confirm that the optimized geometry achieves a 42.4% increase in the first natural frequency compared to traditional designs. This work provides a generalized theoretical framework and a rigorous design methodology for maximizing the dynamic performance of variable cross-section components.

Abstract The feasibility of laser surface melting (SLM) as a surface modification of WA-DED deposited AZ31 Magnesium alloy was experimentally investigated. Emphasis was placed on identifying the effects of independent critical LSM process parameters, such as laser power, scan speed, and hatch distance, and their corresponding laser energy densities on surface integrity, including roughness, wettability, microstructure, phase formation, microhardness, and electrochemical corrosion of WA-DED deposited AZ31 Mg alloy. The optimized LSM process parameters were a laser power of 50 W with a scan speed of 700 mm/min, and a hatch distance of 33 %, and a calculated laser energy density (LED) of 7.14 J.mm−2. The surface roughness of the WA-DED specimen increased to 5.5 μm after SLM at an LED of 7.14 JJmm−2; however, this poor surface roughness exhibited increased surface wettability. Moreover, at the same LED, the microstructure of the surface is refined to 4 μm, up to a depth of 297 μm from the surface, and HAGB dominates the grains, with an orientation towards the 0001 basal plane. Therefore, the surface hardness increased to 142 HV. The intermetallic phases of Al12Mg17 and Al8Mn5 were refined up to 50 nm with uniform distribution in the α-Mg matrix. The refined phases reduced the area ratio of the cathode (Al12Mg17) and anode (α-Mg), which slowed down the initiation of corrosion pits, resulting in increased corrosion resistance to 0.435 mm.y−1.

The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between the skeletal muscle mass-to-visceral fat area ratio (SVR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence. This study employed data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to derive the SVR using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements. CVD status was ascertained using self-reported physician-diagnosed medical history. Subsequent multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between SVR and CVD prevalence. Restricted cubic spline regression was utilized to examine underlying non-linear associations between the SVR and CVD risk. Stratified subgroup analyses were ultimately performed to assess the robustness of the findings. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with additional adjustment for total body fat percentage, and sex-stratified restricted cubic spline analyses were also conducted to explore potential differences in nonlinear associations between men and women. This study included 9383 participants, among whom 348 were diagnosed with CVD. Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated a statistically significant inverse relationship between SVR and CVD prevalence (OR = 0.093; 95% CI: 0.016-0.542; p = 0.011). The association persisted after adjustment for total body fat percentage. RCS analysis revealed a non-linear association between the SVR and CVD risk. Moreover, subgroup analyses confirmed that the protective effect of SVR remained consistent across various baseline characteristics. The findings indicate that lower SVR correlates with an elevated risk of CVD, and this association has been robustly demonstrated across multiple studies.

The ratio of leaf surface area to dry mass, specific leaf area (SLA), relates function to carbon investment, but how the environment impacts SLA and whether SLA represents whole-plant resource acquisition remains debated. We tested two hypotheses using 12 Rhododendron species from four taxonomic sections with different leaf habits: (1) for leaves, we hypothesized that species, leaf position and light interception impact SLA, but higher SLA would be accompanied by higher net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and maximum leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf), maintaining A/gs and Kleaf/gs across the canopy, and (2) for species, we hypothesized those from stressful climates would have lower SLA, higher Kleaf, higher stomatal density, and smaller stomata. At the leaf-scale, Kleaf was higher for species with lower SLA, contrary to predictions. We observed strong coordination of SLA and carbon to nitrogen ratio, but the relationship of Kleaf/gs to SLA was characterized by species replacement along the leaf economic spectrum, suggesting weak leaf-level trait coordination as a mechanism for low drought tolerance. Across species, lower SLA was associated with lower summer precipitation, lower precipitation seasonality, and larger guard cells. We show that leaf habit and habitat associations shape the functional significance of SLA, determining resource acquisition at leaf and species scales.

Anatomically Normal Aortic Valve Area in Relation to Age, Sex, Body Size, and Aortic Root Dimensions: A TEE Study.

ABSTRACT Over the past few decades, wildland fires have increased in frequency and severity across many regions of the world, particularly in the western United States. Smoldering combustion of solid fuels, a heterogeneous combustion mode that is particularly difficult to detect and suppress, plays an important role in fire persistence, emission generation, and the potential transition to flaming under favorable conditions. In this study, a wind tunnel setup was developed capable of investigating combustion behavior and emissions of different fuels found in wildland and urban areas under well-defined boundary conditions. Douglas fir lumber, a common softwood species found in the wildland and used in home structures in the US, was examined using three fuel sizes corresponding to volume-to-surface area ratios (V/SA) of 3.8 mm, 4.2 mm, and 5.4 mm, under constant heat power inputs of 100 W and 200 W and wind speeds ranging from 0.5 m/s to 1.5 m/s. Ignition was performed using a nichrome wire system from the bottom of the samples, while the exposed surfaces were subjected to a controlled crossflow of air. The mass loss rate of the fuels undergoing combustion was tracked using a precision mass balance, along with measurements of aerosol and major gaseous combustion product species. The experiments produced a combustion regime map, showing that fuel size and ignition power strongly influenced burning rates and observed combustion behavior. Larger V/SAs led to stronger burning rates and a greater propensity for the observed smoldering-to-flaming (StF) transition, accompanied by lower particulate matter emissions. Gaseous product emissions and modified combustion efficiency demonstrated correlations between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide fractions and combustion behavior. The experimental data were compared with simplified theoretical analyses and found to be in reasonable agreement. This work enhances the understanding of the smoldering combustion behavior of a common solid fuel relevant to wildland and structural fire scenarios, providing experimental data obtained under well-defined boundary conditions, useful for emission characterization and model development.

Abstract We introduce a distribution-free approach to quantile share ratio regression. Our proposal involves the specification of a generalised linear model for the ratio of tail areas above and below two pre-specified quantiles. The latter ratio is the quantile share ratio, a measure of primary interest in the study of income inequality. We derive inference through an efficient two-step approach for parameter estimation that entails estimation of the conditional cumulative distribution function at the first step. A scalable strategy is discussed for large sample sizes. We are motivated by the study of income inequality in the European Union. Using data from a sample of approximately 2.8 million households across twenty-three countries and fifteen years (2007-2021) we make formal claims on the significance of adjusted and unadjusted differences among countries, and time trends. Interestingly enough, we find independent negative associations of economic inequality with gender equality and control of corruption.

Robust and reproducible assays capable of specific and quantitative monitoring of multiple biologically important proteins, among the thousands of human plasma proteins, can be used to represent the overall health of an individual and distinguish health versus disease. In this study, we established an LC-MS assay to monitor a Health Surveillance Panel (HSP), comprising 60 circulating plasma proteins selected based on their biological functions and/or disease associations. Plasma samples were prepared for proteomic analysis in an automated process and analyzed using an optimized, scheduled LC-MRM assay composed of 60 endogenous proteins monitored by 364 transitions from 117 proteotypic peptides, along with their stable isotopically labeled standard peptides. For each proteotypic peptide, a quantifier ion and at least two qualifier ions were selected based on consistent peak area ratios, a linear response for the quantifier ion, and a low limit of quantification. As proof of concept, we evaluated the performance of our HSP assay in a case-control study of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reduced plasma concentrations of alpha-2-antiplasmin, antithrombin-III, and immunoglobulin heavy constant alpha 1 correlated with CKD, with p-values <0.05. These results demonstrate that CKD-associated differences can be detected with a multiplexed HSP assay panel.

Abstract Bifurcation is a ubiquitous design principle in nature, shaping the architecture of arteries, veins, airways, and plant branches. For centuries, researchers have sought the “optimal” branching law. As early as 1708, Keill proposed a cross-sectional area ratio of 0.7984 for arteries; later, Hess and Murray, invoking the principle of minimum work, derived a diameter ratio of ratio 2-1/3 = 0.7937. Although their work focused on blood vessels, the underlying principles were extended to other branching systems, including trees, establishing the conceptual foundation for a universal model. From metabolic scaling, Kleiber and Brody suggested ratios of 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. These values, however, remained irreconcilable, with no universally accepted framework. In contrast to existing models which are based on average over large datasets, here, we develop a new unifying theoretical model using dimensional analysis. By constructing similarity numbers that capture flow, gravity, viscosity, and energy constraints, we derive an optimal universal radius ratio of 0.7579, a value that bridges Hess &amp; Murray's theoretical law with Kleiber's quarter-power scaling. A case study of polyfurcated branches in Ficus microcarpa shows that our dimensional analysis predicts measured radii with only 4.7% error, outperforming classical models. This work provides the first mathematically grounded reconciliation of competing bifurcation rules, offering a unified framework applicable to both vascular and botanical branching systems.

The liquid spreading on structured packings plays an essential role in affecting gas–liquid mass transfer in separation columns, yet the synergistic mechanism of surface wettability and textured geometries remains insufficiently understood. This study integrates experimental and computational methods to systematically investigate the liquid spreading characteristics on textured surfaces. The synergistic combination of hydrophilic modification and surface textures markedly enhances liquid spreading performance. Compared with the hydrophilic plane surface, the spherical cap texture increases the interface area and wetted area by 25.2% and 49.6%, respectively, while the pyramid-shaped texture leads to improvements of 24.5% and 48.9%, respectively. Based on Weber number analysis, it is identified that the competition between inertial force and surface tension governs the evolution of liquid spreading regimes. In addition, the results suggest that variations in liquid viscosity and density may further influence spreading behavior by modifying the balance among inertial, viscous, and surface tension forces. The geometric parameters of spherical cap textures are systematically examined, and it is revealed that a spherical cap with a non-uniform staggered configuration (Mode III) enables the efficient liquid spreading. A new non-uniform spherical cap texture is designed to enhance liquid spreading, which enhances spreading performance compared with the original plate, increasing the interface area by 27.3% and the wetted area by 47.4%. Although the liquid film thickness increases slightly, the wetted area ratio is significantly improved, indicating enhanced effective surface coverage. Both simulations and experiments confirm that the new textured structure further enhances liquid spreading performance on the textured surface. This research unveils a strategy to improve liquid spreading through tailored surface textures, opening up new possibilities for the design of efficient packings.

In this research, Zn-6%Mg-x%Al (x = 15∼22) coatings were prepared using a laboratory-scale simulator. Their properties were characterized by NSS tests, electrochemical measurements, microstructural analysis, and SKPFM. The NSS test data revealed that the corrosion resistance of the Zn-6%Mg-x%Al coatings did not improve continuously with increase aluminum content. The Zn-6%Mg-19%Al coating exhibited the best corrosion resistance, showing no red rust after 2400 h of testing. To further identify the coating with the optimal corrosion resistance, electrochemical measurements were performed on four selected coatings. The results showed that Zn-6%Mg-19%Al coating exhibited the lowest corrosion current density (915 μA/cm 2 ). While previous studies have primarily focused on corrosion products, the key distinction of this work is that it elucidates the corrosion mechanism from the perspective of microstructural constituency. Microstructural analysis revealed that the dendrites consist of an α-Al core and a shell of Zn-Al eutectoid microstructure. The volume fraction of this core-shell dendritic structure was found to determine the corrosion resistance of the Zn-6%Mg-x%Al coatings. SKPFM measurements demonstrated that the Volta potential of α-Al phase in the dendritic core was −567 mV, which is higher than that of Zn (−653 mV). In contrast, the Zn-Al eutectoid structure in the dendritic shell exhibited the lowest Volta potential of −711 mV. The Zn-6%Mg-19%Al coating achieves its optimal corrosion resistance by balancing the area ratios of the α-Al dendritic core and the Zn-Al eutectoid shell.

Chiari Malformation Type I and Type 0 are congenital malformations diagnosed by MRI findings of at least 5mm and less than 3mm of cerebellar ectopy below the foramen magnum respectively. In this study we aimed that to comparatively analyze the morphometry of the clivus, tentorium, and posterior cranial fossa in patients with Chiari malformation Types I and 0 versus healthy subjects, and to assess the potential contribution of these measurements to diagnostic accuracy. In this study mid-sagittal MRI scans of 326 individuals obtained between 2018-2025 and including patients with Chiari Type I malformation (n = 111), Chiari Type 0 malformation (n = 27), and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 188), were retrospectively analyzed. Multiple cranial base, posterior cranial fossa, cerebellar, and intracranial morphometric parameters and area-based ratios were measured on mid-sagittal T1-weighted images. We observed that, compared with Chiari Type 0 patients and controls, Chiari Type I patients exhibited a significantly shorter clivus, reduced posterior cranial fossa area, and increased cerebellar area, whereas foramen magnum diameter and total brain area were comparable among groups. Ratio-based analyses demonstrated significantly higher cerebellum-to-posterior fossa and cerebellum-to-brain area ratios in Chiari Type I, indicating increased relative cerebellar occupancy despite preserved global cranial proportions. Chiari Type I malformation is characterized by specific cranial base remodeling. These morphometric alterations are absent in Chiari Type 0, which remains anatomically comparable to healthy controls. These findings suggest that CM-I is associated with distinct morphoanatomical features, whereas CM-0 does not demonstrate a consistent structural substrate and may represent a functionally defined condition.

Oil-water separation is an important pursuit because of the ever-increasing demands both in the environment and health cares. Bioinspired superwetting materials outperforming traditional methods are promising in oil-water separation, yet now highly challenging in cost, efficiency, and robustness. Herein, for the first time, diamond-like carbon film dual-coated copper meshes were prepared via one-step electrodeposition in deep eutectic solvent based on electrode size regulation for bilateral oil-water separation. The results showed that the bilateral microstructures and wettability of the films are highly dependent on the area ratio of the cathode to the anode. Decreasing this area ratio can facilitate more charged ions in the electrolyte moving across the holes and edges to reach and deposit on the back of meshes, thus forming microstructures similar to that on the front. Especially, at the smallest area ratio of 1:16, the bilateral films exhibit nearly identical surface superhydrophobicity and superlipophilicity as well as long-term corrosion resistance and mechanical durability. The oil-water separation tests revealed that the bilateral separation efficiencies are as high as 99.8% at one time, remain above 90% even after 25 separation cycles, and can be basically restored via acetone-cleaning and air-aging. This work provides a new strategy for creating low-cost, high-efficiency, and reusable materials for bilateral oil-water separation.

To propose and validate the residual ratio of the metal artifact area (ResRaMAA) as an objective and practical metric for quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of metal artifact reduction (MAR) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using a dedicated phantom. A phantom enabling variation in the number and positioning of titanium rods was scanned under four rod configurations using three CBCT systems. The metal artifact area (MAA) was measured with MAR turned off (MAR-Off) and on (MAR-On), and the two values were used to determine the ResRaMAA. MAA values indicated a proportional relationship between MAR-Off and MAR-On. The proportionality coefficient, total ResRaMAA, ranged from 14% to 18%, significantly differing from 0% and 100%. Lower and upper ResRaMAA distributions differed significantly within the same device. Device-related differences were suggested, but not confirmed statistically. Additionally, titanium rod shapes in MAR-On data varied by device and metal rod configuration. ResRaMAA was able to quantify MAR effectiveness in reducing metal artifacts (MAs) caused by titanium rods and revealed significant differences between the lower and upper MA regions. ResRaMAA provides a simple, practical metric for objective evaluation of MAR performance.

Cell therapies have demonstrated great potential for treating a broad range of diseases where conventional treatments have failed. However, long development times and sub-optimal processing conditions often hinder their clinical translation. To efficiently develop optimal bioprocesses, a large number of experiments are required, making the screening process lengthy, costly, and resource-intensive. To address these challenges, we present a modular and 3D-printed scaled-down mini-bioreactor that enables parallelization of stirred cell cultures. In addition, the bioreactor system is coupled to real-time monitoring of critical parameters within the cell culture environment, offering the ability to generate multiple time-series data required for artificial intelligence-driven bioprocess development. In this study, a sequential screening design was employed, enabling the efficient evaluation of different combinations of bioprocess parameters (initial cell inoculum, cell-to-microcarriers surface area ratio, and rotation speed). This strategy facilitated rapid, cost-effective, and efficient convergence toward the optimal process conditions. Furthermore, the integrated sensor system demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a soft-sensing framework using metabolic indicators (dissolved oxygen, pH, glucose, and lactate) to non-invasively and non-destructively estimate cell number and gain insights into culture dynamics. Following dynamic expansion in the mini-bioreactor, several analyses were performed to confirm and assess the stemness and multipotency of the cells, which successfully underwent osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation.