Branch Angle Research Articles

Study on high-precision three-dimensional reconstruction of pulmonary lesions and surrounding blood vessels based on CT images.

The adoption of computerized tomography (CT) technology has significantly elevated the role of pulmonary CT imaging in diagnosing and treating pulmonary diseases. However, challenges persist due to the complex relationship between lesions within pulmonary tissue and the surrounding blood vessels. These challenges involve achieving precise three-dimensional reconstruction while maintaining accurate relative positioning of these elements. To effectively address this issue, this study employs a semi-automatic precise labeling process for the target region. This procedure ensures a high level of consistency in the relative positions of lesions and the surrounding blood vessels. Additionally, a morphological gradient interpolation algorithm, combined with Gaussian filtering, is applied to facilitate high-precision three-dimensional reconstruction of both lesions and blood vessels. Furthermore, this technique enables post-reconstruction slicing at any layer, facilitating intuitive exploration of the correlation between blood vessels and lesion layers. Moreover, the study utilizes physiological knowledge to simulate real-world blood vessel intersections, determining the range of blood vessel branch angles and achieving seamless continuity at internal blood vessel branch points. The experimental results achieved a satisfactory reconstruction with an average Hausdorff distance of 1.5 mm and an average Dice coefficient of 92%, obtained by comparing the reconstructed shape with the original shape,the approach also achieves a high level of accuracy in three-dimensional reconstruction and visualization. In conclusion, this study is a valuable source of technical support for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases and holds promising potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice.

AppleQSM: Geometry-Based 3D Characterization of Apple Tree Architecture in Orchards.

The architecture of apple trees plays a pivotal role in shaping their growth and fruit-bearing potential, forming the foundation for precision apple management. Traditionally, 2D imaging technologies were employed to delineate the architectural traits of apple trees, but their accuracy was hampered by occlusion and perspective ambiguities. This study aimed to surmount these constraints by devising a 3D geometry-based processing pipeline for apple tree structure segmentation and architectural trait characterization, utilizing point clouds collected by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). The pipeline consisted of four modules: (a) data preprocessing module, (b) tree instance segmentation module, (c) tree structure segmentation module, and (d) architectural trait extraction module. The developed pipeline was used to analyze 84 trees of two representative apple cultivars, characterizing architectural traits such as tree height, trunk diameter, branch count, branch diameter, and branch angle. Experimental results indicated that the established pipeline attained an R2 of 0.92 and 0.83, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 6.1cm and 4.71mm for tree height and trunk diameter at the tree level, respectively. Additionally, at the branch level, it achieved an R2 of 0.77 and 0.69, and a MAE of 6.86mm and 7.48° for branch diameter and angle, respectively. The accurate measurement of these architectural traits can enable precision management in high-density apple orchards and bolster phenotyping endeavors in breeding programs. Moreover, bottlenecks of 3D tree characterization in general were comprehensively analyzed to reveal future development.

Study on cooling of bionic leaf-vein channel liquid-cooled plate for lithium-ion battery pack

order to improve the cooling effect of lithium-ion battery packs, a bionic leaf-vein channel liquid-cooled plate was proposed. The liquid-cooled plate was numerically simulated using ANSYS FLUENT. The results show that at different Reynolds numbers, the pressure drop of the bionic leaf-vein channel is always smaller than that of the serpentine channel, and the local pressure drop of the bionic leaf-vein channel is 88.43% lower than that of the serpentine channel. The pressure drop of the bionic leaf-vein channel increases gradually with the increase of the branching angle, the branching angle increases from 35?to 45?, and the pressure drop increases by 212.27 Pa. The Reynolds number increases from 500 to 7500, and the maximum temperature of the lithium-ion battery pack reduces by 3.74 K, and the maximum temperature difference reduces by 2.25K.

SCAG: A Stratified, Clustered, and Growing-Based Algorithm for Soybean Branch Angle Extraction and Ideal Plant Architecture Evaluation.

Three-dimensional (3D) phenotyping is important for studying plant structure and function. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has gained prominence in 3D plant phenotyping due to its ability to collect 3D point clouds. However, organ-level branch detection remains challenging due to small targets, sparse points, and low signal-to-noise ratios. In addition, extracting biologically relevant angle traits is difficult. In this study, we developed a stratified, clustered, and growing-based algorithm (SCAG) for soybean branch detection and branch angle calculation from LiDAR data, which is heuristic, open-source, and expandable. SCAG achieved high branch detection accuracy (F-score = 0.77) and branch angle calculation accuracy (r = 0.84) when evaluated on 152 diverse soybean varieties. Meanwhile, the SCAG outperformed 2 other classic algorithms, the support vector machine (F-score = 0.53) and density-based methods (F-score = 0.55). Moreover, after applying the SCAG to 405 soybean varieties over 2 consecutive years, we quantified various 3D traits, including canopy width, height, stem length, and average angle. After data filtering, we identified novel heritable and repeatable traits for evaluating soybean density tolerance potential, such as the ratio of average angle to height and the ratio of average angle to stem length, which showed greater potential than the well-known ratio of canopy width to height trait. Our work demonstrates remarkable advances in 3D phenotyping and plant architecture screening. The algorithm can be applied to other crops, such as maize and tomato. Our dataset, scripts, and software are public, which can further benefit the plant science community by enhancing plant architecture characterization and ideal variety selection.

Bionic Design and Optimization on the Flow Channel of a Legged Robot Joint Hydraulic Drive Unit Based on Additive Manufacturing.

The joint hydraulic drive unit (HDU) serves as a pivotal element in enabling the high-performance movements of legged robots. Functioning as the conduit linking the oil source and the actuator, the hydraulic flow channel significantly impacts actuator performance. Hence, optimizing the HDU flow channel becomes imperative, enhancing not only HDU efficiency but also the overall system performance. This paper introduces a novel approach by aligning the hydraulic flow channel of the joint HDU with the arteriovenous layout of the cardiac vascular system, departing from the conventional machining flow channel model. Through simulations determining the optimal range of the vascular branch radius and angle, this study guides the design optimization of the joint HDU flow channel. With the primary optimization goal of reducing pressure loss, the study compares simulation outcomes of various flow channel models-linear, variable excessive radius, and the multidimensional Bessel curve-tailored to suit the arrangement specifics of the joint HDU. Further validating these designs, the flow channels are fabricated using additive manufacturing for experimental verification. The integration of simulation analyses and pressure loss testing reveals a remarkable reduction of over 40% in pressure loss for the bionic flow channel compared to the conventional machining form. This empirical evidence strongly substantiates the bionic flow channel's superior efficacy in pressure loss reduction. The findings presented herein offer valuable insights for the development of low-loss flow channels in joint HDUs, thereby presenting a new avenue for designing energy-efficient, high power-to-weight ratio legged robots.

Investigation into contributions of fracture geometry characterization and interference to productivity of multi-fractured vertical gas well

Vertically fractured wells have been widely used to develop tight gas reservoirs. Characterizing the geometry of fractures created by hydraulic fracturing is a key factor influencing the productivity of such wells. Appropriately modeling the shapes of actual fractures is thus important for accurately predicting the well productivity. Past research in the area has tended to simplify fractures into straight lines, but this does not adequately represent the complex hydraulic fractures encountered in fractured reservoirs. In this study, we propose a generalized model for the productivity of a vertically fractured well to capture the characteristics of hydraulic fractures in gas fields. The proposed model accounts for several relevant mechanisms, including Knudsen slippage, characteristics of complex fracture geometry, and interference caused by multiple fractures. We validate the proposed model by applying it to a series of cases considered in the literature, and analytically examine key parameters such as the fracture number Nf and characteristics of the fracture geometry, including the length ratio a, width ratio b, branching angle θ and level n, fracture penetration ratio l0re, asymmetry in the length of fracture wing, and fracture intersection angle φ et al. The results show that there is a small drop in pressure between the inlet and outlet of the fracture. The well productivity is found to be positively associated with Nf, l0re, φ, and asymmetry in the length of the fracture wing. Furthermore, the productivity of a well intercepted by tree-shaped fractures primarily depends on a and n, and is almost entirely unaffected by b. By contrast, the well productivity gradually decreases with increasing θ. A tree-shaped fracture significantly enhances the well productivity by 110% (a=0.9, n=3), compared with a straight fracture. Finally, we provide an approach to increase the productivity of vertical wells based on the findings of this study.

Growth, fruit bearing behaviour, yield and quality of some apple cultivars

Apple is a temperate climate fruit species grown almost worldwide. Research and past experiences have shown that apples have different growth and fruiting behaviours. Knowing the growth and fruiting behaviours of apples, determining the training system, how to prune, will shed light on the cultural practices that need to be done in order to obtain quality and early high yield. In light of the above, the study aimed to determine the growth and fruiting behaviours of different apple. In the experiment, eight apple cultivars, ‘Jeromine’, ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’, ‘Granny Smith Challenger’, ‘Buckeye Gala’, ‘Rosy Glow’, ‘Golden Reinder’, ‘Ginger Gold’ and ‘Amasya’, grafted on M9 rootstock were used. The growth and fruiting behaviours of the cultivars were determined by phenological observations, canopy dimensions, tree dimensions, canopy volume, tree volume, number and size of annual shoots on the leader, number of spurs, internode distance, distribution of flowers on the tree and similar measurements and evaluations. In addition, yield and some quality characteristics of fruits were also recorded. It was determined that ‘Rosy Glow’ and ‘GS Challenger’ cultivars showed the best performance in terms of growth, and ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’, ‘Rosy Glow’, ‘Buckeye Gala’, ‘GS Challenger’ cultivars in terms of cumulative yield. Additionally, this study found that there was a positive relationship between yield and branch angles in the first two years. Considering all the years, it was determined that ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’ and ‘Granny Smith Challenger’ cultivars produced larger fruits than the others. In conclusion, it was revealed that the growth and fruiting behaviours of apple cultivars cannot be classified very clearly, and it would be more accurate to group them as spur, semi-spur, standard and tip bearer in general. It was claimed that the number of flowers in the cluster is not a characteristic of apples. Besides, ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’, ‘Rosy Glow’, ‘GS Challenger’ was suggested for high yield in the new training systems.

Geometric optimization of fin structures for accelerated melting of phase change material in a triplex tube heat exchanger

This study aims to optimize the thermal energy storage performance of a novel Triplex Tube Heat Exchanger (TTHX) embedded with Phase Change Material (PCM). The PCM is placed in the inner tube and the outer annulus, while the heat transfer fluid (HTF) flows through the middle annulus section. This TTHX configuration outperforms conventional designs by effectively dividing the PCM volume into two distinct sections, consequently enhancing the interaction between HTF and PCM. The experimental results show that the PCM placed in the inner tube melts faster than the PCM in the outer annulus, indicating a need for fins to enhance heat transfer in the outer annulus. In this regard, several designs of the branched fin structures are proposed for the outer annulus region. Taguchi optimization method is used to identify the optimum fin design configuration by considering branched fin designs (F), their angular placement around the periphery of the middle tube (α), and the branch angle (β) as the independent design factors. The objective is to optimize the fin configuration so as to decrease the melt time of the PCM. All the cases of the L16 Taguchi design array are simulated numerically using the enthalpy-porosity model in ANSYS Fluent 2021 R2. The target parameters are the melt time, average temperature, and the energy storage features which are continuously recorded. The main effects plots of the Taguchi analysis suggest an optimum geometry as the one having fin design of F4 (containing angled and straight branches), α as 60° and β equal to 50°. The optimum fin configuration reduces the melt time by 35 % in comparison to the reference base case design. The energy storage characteristics are also improved with the optimum design storing 267 kJ/kg energy at 71.92 min, while the base case stores 208 kJ/kg at the same time. This gain has been achieved due to faster energy transfer rate which is increased to a value of 0.062 kW/kg for the optimum design as compared to 0.042 kW/kg for the base case, reporting an increase of 47.6 % in the energy transfer rate.

Productivity model for multi-fractured horizontal wells accounting for cross-scale flow of gas and total factor characteristics of fractures

Fractured horizontal wells are widely utilized to develop tight gas reservoirs. Accurate productivity prediction of horizontal wells intercepted by complex hydraulically induced fractures is highly challenging due to fracture branching, bending, extending, and reversing in tight rock formations. Accounting for complex tree-shaped fracture geometries in reservoirs, this study proposes a cross-scale model of gas flows from the matrix to fractures. Using the proposed framework, the well productivity can be calculated in fractured gas reservoirs with any pore size and a fracture-controlled unit. The novelty of this study is that the total factor characteristics of fractures (i.e., length ratio a, width ratio b, branching angle θ, and branching level n), pressure drop coupling between the reservoir and fracture, and gas flow regime in different scale channels can be perfectly considered in the proposed model, from which the key contributions to well productivity are derived. Subsequently, the validity of the proposed cross-scale model is evaluated in comparison with the results of Ning et al. model and field well testing. The characteristic length L0,i, fracture effective width wf, stimulated reservoir volume Vf, fracture pressure pf, pressure gradient Gf, effective permeability kf and flow conductivity Cf of tree-shaped fractures are derived using the proposed model. The results show that the well productivity is jointly determined by Gf and Cf. Moreover, the well productivity mostly depends on a and n, and it is little influenced by b. In contrast, it is almost unaffected by θ. Compared to a straight fracture, a tree-shaped fracture with characteristic parameters of a=0.9 and n=3 can dramatically enhance the productivity by 32 % (b=0.5; θ=30°). In contrast, a tree-shaped fracture slightly increases the productivity by only 3 % when b increases from 0.1 to 0.9 (a=0.2; θ=30°; n=3). Furthermore, when θ is increased from 0° to 90°, the productivity of a well with a tree-shaped fracture decreases by 3 % (a=0.2; b=0.6; n=3). Hence, the study findings will contribute to the exploitation of tight gas reservoirs.

Efficacy and reliability of three-dimensional fusion guidance for fluoroscopic navigation in transarterial embolization for refractory musculoskeletal pain.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of three-dimensional (3D) fusion guidance in roadmapping for fluoroscopic navigation during trans-arterial embolization for refractory musculoskeletal pain (TAE-MSK pain) in the extremities. The included research patients were divided into two groups: group A-TAE-MSK pain performed without the use of 3D fusion guidance; group B-TAE-MSK pain performed with the use of 3D fusion guidance for fluoroscopic navigation. We compared the procedure time, radiation dose, visual analogue scale for pain scores, and adverse effects (before and 3 months after TAE-MSK pain) among the two groups. In the group B, we determined the reliability of ideal branch angle for pre-operative non-contrast 3D magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and intra-operative 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) angiography. We recruited 65 patients, including 23 males and 42 females (average age 58.20±12.58 years), with 38 and 27 patients in groups A and B. A total of 247 vessels were defined as target branch vessels. Significant changes were observed in the fluoroscopy time which was 32.31±12.39 and 14.33±3.06 minutes, in group A and group B (P<0.001), respectively; procedure time, which was 46.45±17.06 in group A and 24.67±9.78 in group B (P<0.001); and radiation exposure dose, determined as 0.71±0.64 and 0.34±0.29 mSv (P<0.01) in group A and group B, respectively. Furthermore, the number of target branch vessels, that underwent successful catheterization were 107 (97%) in group B as compared to 96 (70%) in group A, which was also significant (P<0.001). The study also showed that the ideal branch-angle has a similarly high consistency in pre-operative and intra-operative angiography based on the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) (0.994; 0.990, respectively). 3D fusion guidance for fluoroscopic navigation not only is a reliable process, but also effectively reduces the operation time and radiation dose of TAE-MSK pain.

Numerical study on the discharging performance of a latent heat thermal energy storage system with fractal tree-shaped convergent fins

In this paper, an innovative fractal tree-shaped convergent fin (FTSCF) is embedded into a latent heat thermal energy storage system (LHTESS) to numerically investigate the parametric influences of FTSCF including FTSCF number N, maximum branching level m, length ratio α, branch convergence β, level convergence γ, rotation angle δ of the branch at the outermost level and branching angle θu on the discharging performance of the LHTESS under the fixed total fin volume. The results imply that increasing N, m, and α significantly reduces the complete solidification time τ of the phase change material (PCM). Further, the τ of the PCM demonstrates a pattern of initial decrease followed by an increase under the influences of β, γ, and δ, indicating the presence of an optimal FTSCF structure maximizing the discharging efficiency of LHTESS. Compared to the fins without branch convergence, the minimum τ of PCM within the LHTESS reduces by 4.33 %, 5.03 %, and 12.42 % by the branch convergence β when γ = 0.5, 0.707, and 1. In addition, the minimum τ of PCM monotonically decreases when θ1 = θ2 increases from 50° to 90°. The present work provides a technique to improve the discharging performance of the LHTESS by using fin convergence.

Symmetric multipath branching as a layout design strategy for blast-resilient tunnel structures

Explosions can result in massive fatalities and severe damage to structures and facilities in tunnels. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to incorporate disaster mitigation strategies against potential blast scenarios in the design of such structures and implement viable solutions to attenuate the destructive effect of blast waves caused by explosions. To this end, we propose an innovative layout design strategy called symmetric multi-path branching, where multiple closed-end paths with relatively small cross-sectional areas branch out laterally from the sides of a straight and prismatic tunnel. To exploit the neutralizing effect of colliding pressure waves, a reflective symmetry with respect to the longitudinal mid-plane of the tunnel is considered in the layout design. To examine the effectiveness and efficiency of this strategy in reducing the effect of the pressure wave caused by the explosion, a series of layout designs are produced and investigated numerically and experimentally. After verifying the simulation method, the effect of the branching angles, cross-sectional geometry, drilling depth, and location of the branches, as well as the mass of the explosive charge, are studied systematically. The results illustrate an acceptable match between the numerical and the scaled experimental test methods. Moreover, it is shown that using three pairs of branches with an appropriate geometry and branching angles can attenuate the pressure waves passing through the tunnel up to 50% without obstructing the main route. The findings of this study can be applied to designing blast-resilient layouts in the development of underground tunnels and other corridor-like structures.

Evaluation of Gmelina Arborea (Roxb) Germplasm for Qualitative Traits and Insect Pest Resistance in Natural and Planted Population Populations of Madhya Pradesh, India

Gmelina arborea Roxb., a fast-growing tree species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, has garnered attention for its potential in wood-based industries. However, its large-scale plantation in Madhya Pradesh, India, faces significant challenges. This study investigates the prevalent diseases and pests, bole form and branching habit of Gmelina arborea among different populations in Madhya Pradesh. Eextensive field surveys were carried out to identify the natural and planted populations of Gmelina arborea. Based on these surveys three natural populations viz Betul, Mandla and Jabalpur Population and five planted populations Sonaghati, Badhaura, Saraswahi, Neemkheda and Barha were selected for the present investigation. Observations of the bole form of trees was recorded visually as Crooked, less crooked, nearly straight, straight. Branch angle was visually observed and observation is recorded 300, 450, 600 and 900. Disease and pest incidence was visually assessed and intensity of the observations are recorded as Heavy infection, Moderate infection, Low infestation, A healthy tree with no attack. Considerable variation among the qualitative traits was observed among population under study. most straight and nearly straight trees found in planted population than natural populations. 900 and 600 branch angles were observed more in plantation than natural populations. More no of healthy tree and tree with low infestation was observed in plantation. Agroclimatic zones of Satpura plateau performs better for bole form. Kymore plateau and Satpura hills agroclimatic zones performs well in case of branching angle and health status. Northen hill zones of Chhattisgarh underperforms as far as qualitative traits are concerned.

Modal properties of fractal trees as recursive analytical solutions

This study analyzes the modal properties of two-dimensional fractal trees under the assumptions of linear-elastic vibrations and axially inextensible branches. The examined fractal trees are of a generalized sympodial architecture with possibly non-zero and non-uniform branching angles. The study first presents the construction of tree geometry via iterated functions and then formulates the trees’ dynamic matrices from a renormalization viewpoint. The study proposes a novel recursive analytical solution to capture the trees’ modal properties. The proposed solution perceives the modal analysis of the fractal trees as an equivalent static analysis of trees with a modified configuration. These “modified” trees are made from the original trees but with all branches connected to the ground via negative stiffness springs. The analysis shows that identifying the lateral trunk displacements of the modified trees (under a static unit force) is associated with the recursive construction of a new family of functions that are introduced in the study, called the auxiliary P-functions. The results reveal that the modal frequencies of the original fractal trees are given by the roots of all auxiliary P-functions. Crucially, these auxiliary P-functions allow the graphical construction of the trees’ mode shapes. Illustrative examples demonstrate how the proposed recursive analytical solutions can be used to determine the trees’ modal properties. Lastly, the study concludes that the repetition of branches, even without geometrical symmetry, is a necessary condition for the existence of a unique vibration mitigation mechanism in fractal trees, namely the self-similar modes.

Renal and Visceral Artery Configuration During the First Year of Follow-Up After Fenestrated Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using the Anaconda Stent-graft: A Prospective Longitudinal Multicenter Study With ECG-Gated CTA Scans.

The performance of fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) may be compromised by complications related to the dynamic vascular environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of FEVAR bridging stent configurations during the cardiac cycle and during follow-up to improve our understanding on treatment durability. Twenty-one patients presenting with complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs; 9 juxtarenal/6 pararenal/3 paravisceral/1 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm type IV), treated with a fenestrated Anaconda (Terumo Aortic, Inchinnan, Scotland, UK) with Advanta V12 bridging stents (Getinge, Merrimack, NH, USA), were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter observational cohort study and underwent electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomographic angiography (CTA) preoperatively, at discharge, 7-week, and 12-month follow-ups. Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair stability was assessed considering the following variables: branch angle as the angle between the aorta and the target artery, end-stent angle as the angle between the end of the bridging stent and the native artery downstream from it, curvature and tortuosity index (TI) to describe the bending of the target artery. Body-bridging stent stability was assessed considering bridging stent flare lengths, the distances between the proximal sealing stent-ring and fenestrations and the distance between the fenestration and first apposition in the target artery. Renal branch angles significantly increased after FEVAR toward a perpendicular position (right renal artery from median 60.9°, inter quartile range [IQR]=44.2-84.9° preoperatively to 94.4°, IQR=72.6-99.8°, p=0.001 at 12-month follow-up; left renal artery [LRA], from 63.7°, IQR=55.0-73.0° to 94.3°, IQR=68.2-105.6°, p<0.001), while visceral branch angles did not. The mean dynamic curvature only decreased for the LRA from preoperative (3.0, IQR=2.2-3.8 m-1) to 12-month follow-up (1.9, IQR=1.4-2.6 m-1, p=0.027). The remaining investigated variables did not seem to show any changes over time in this cohort. Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair for complex AAAs using the Anaconda fenestrated stent-graft and balloon-expandable Advanta V12 bridging stents demonstrated stable configurations up to 12-month follow-up, except for increasing renal branch angles toward perpendicular orientation to the aorta, yet without apparent clinical consequences in this cohort. This study provides detailed information on the cardiac-pulsatility-induced (dynamic) and longitudinal geometry deformations of the target arteries and bridging stents after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) up to 12-month follow-up. The configuration demonstrated limited dynamic and longitudinal deformations in terms of branch angle, end-stent angle, curvature, and tortuosity index (TI), except for the increasing renal branch angles that go toward a perpendicular orientation to the aorta. Overall, the results suggest that the investigated FEVAR configurations are stable and durable, though careful consideration of increasing renal branch angles and significant geometry alterations is advised.

Responses of the Crown Shape of Larix kaempferi Plantations to Site Index in Subtropical Areas of China

This study addresses how site index may affect crown shape by developing a crown shape regression model for the planted L. kaempferi at high altitudes in the subtropical climate of China. A total of 9241 branches from 78 trees, including 39 dominant trees and 39 intermediate trees, were measured in Hubei Province, southern China. The branch characteristics, including branch length, branch angle, and branch chord length of all living branches, were measured by felling trees. The models that showed good performance in crown shape modeling were used and compared in the present study. The goodness of fit statistics and stability of parameter estimation of the modified Kozak equation were better than those of the segmented polynomial equation. A nonlinear mixed-effect crown shape model was developed based on the modified Kozak equation. In addition to the tree level variables of diameter at the breast height (DBH), crown ratio (CR), and tree height-to-DBH ratio, an attempt was made to incorporate the site index into the crown shape model for the planted L. kaempferi. However, the site index was not a significant variable in the crown shape model. The purpose of our study was to lay the foundation for further study of the growth of the trees and the effects of crown morphology on stem growth in the future.

Latent L-systems: Transformer-based Tree Generator

We show how a Transformer can encode hierarchical tree-like string structures by introducing a new deep learning-based framework for generating 3D biological tree models represented as Lindenmayer system (L-system) strings. L-systems are string-rewriting procedural systems that encode tree topology and geometry. L-systems are efficient, but creating the production rules is one of the most critical problems precluding their usage in practice. We substitute the procedural rules creation with a deep neural model. Instead of writing the rules, we train a deep neural model that produces the output strings. We train our model on 155k tree geometries that are encoded as L-strings, de-parameterized, and converted to a hierarchy of linear sequences corresponding to branches. An end-to-end deep learning model with an attention mechanism then learns the distributions of geometric operations and branches from the input, effectively replacing the L-system rewriting rule generation. The trained deep model generates new L-strings representing 3D tree models in the same way L-systems do by providing the starting string. Our model allows for the generation of a wide variety of new trees, and the deep model agrees with the input by 93.7% in branching angles, 97.2% in branch lengths, and 92.3% in an extracted list of geometric features. We also validate the generated trees using perceptual metrics showing 97% agreement with input geometric models.

The Influence of Pulmonary Veins’ Anatomic Features and Catheter Coaxiality on Cryoballoon Ablation Results for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

A total of 172 consecutive patients with sympathetic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who received cryoballoon (CB) ablation from 2020 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Catheter coaxiality and anatomic features of pulmonary veins (PVs) on computed tomography images were explored by several parameters and their influence on the cryoablation results was then analyzed. The rate of incomplete CB occlusion was significantly higher for inferior than superior PVs. A multivariate analysis revealed that a short distance (<6.3 mm) from PV ostium to first branch (D-PVB) and a small angle (<32.5°) of first branch were independent predict factors for an incomplete CB occlusion in right inferior PVs (RIPVs). A combination of D-PVB and angle of first branch could elevate the predictor value for an incomplete balloon occlusion with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 1.0 for RIPVs. For PVs with a perfect balloon occlusion, the best catheter coaxiality was observed in right superior PV while the worst catheter coaxiality was observed in RIPV. A more aggressive catheter manipulation with a "7" or "reverse-U" shape of long sheath could obtain a better catheter coaxiality compared with conventional manipulation strategy for RIPVs. In Conclusion, a short D-PVB and a small angle of first branch were independent predict factors for an incomplete CB occlusion in RIPVs. A more aggressive catheter manipulation strategy was recommended to achieve a complete balloon occlusion and a better catheter coaxiality for RIPVs.

Diversity of nematodes associated with Heterodermia diademata: A case study in the Eco Área of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Lichens represent a complex life form characterized by a symbiotic partnership between at least two organisms: a fungus and an alga. In this unique relationship, the fungus offers a protective habitat for the alga, which, in turn, harnesses energy from sunshine, water and air to provide sustenance for the fungus. They fulfill ecological roles as a food source for many invertebrates and serve as the basal trophic level for a variety of animals, being considered micro-ecosystems which can host a rich and diverse biota. Nematodes are among the most widespread and abundant of all metazoans, inhabit moist interstitial environments in all habitats and are abundant in marine and freshwater benthic habitats and in the soil. They were also reported from accumulations of detritus in leaf axils, in the angles of tree branches and in mosses and lichens. In this case study, the trophic role and diversity of free-living nematodes associated with lichens were examined in an area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, revealing seven genera of nematodes linked to Heterodermia diademata, representing all trophic levels of free-living nematodes: bacteriophages (Plectus and Acrobeles), fungivores (Aphelenchus), herbivores (Helicotylenchus), omnivores (Eudorylaimus and Mesodorylaimus) and a predator (Prionchulus).

Groundwater's Fingerprint in Stream Network Branching Angles

AbstractBranching river networks are prominent features of the Earth's surface, but the mechanisms that create branching river networks patterns remain elusive. Recent studies have suggested that climate, tectonics, and lithology may control both longitudinal profiles of channel incision and the planform geometry of stream networks. Here we show, by analyzing almost 1 million river junctions and over 4.2 million groundwater wells across the contiguous United States, that stream network branching angles vary systematically with the degree to which streams lose water to, or gain water from, nearby groundwater aquifers. Streams whose surfaces lie above nearby groundwater levels, and thus are likely to be losing flow to underlying aquifers, tend to have narrower branching angles than streams that lie below nearby groundwater levels, and thus are likely to gain flow from groundwater. This systematic relationship persists across several stream orders, and across a wide range in channel gradients.