Complete Fusion Research Articles

Appearance of the hindrance to complete fusion in heavy-ion collisions

Appearance of the hindrance to complete fusion in heavy-ion collisions

Aero-engine defect detection by integrating attention and multi-scale features

The structural integrity of aircraft engines is related to flight safety. At present, aircraft engine defect detection based on borescope technology is mainly manual operation. In order to improve the detection accuracy and efficiency, an intelligent aircraft engine defect detection algorithm that integrates attention and multi-scale features is proposed to assist borescope work. First, to address the class imbalance problem of defect samples in the original borescope image, a multi- sample fusion data enhancement method based on geometric transformation and Poisson image editing is used to enrich small sample images and construct a defect dataset. Then, the coordinated attention module (CA) is integrated into the baseline network YOLOv5 to emphasize the extraction of defect features and enhance the network's distinction between defect targets and complex backgrounds. A weighted bidirectional feature pyramid structure (BiFPN) is constructed in the neck network to complete higher-level feature fusion and improve the expression ability of multi-scale targets. Finally, the bounding box regression loss function is defined as the EIOU loss to achieve fast and accurate positioning and identification of defect targets. Experimental results show that the average accuracy of defect detection of the proposed algorithm reaches 89.7%, which is improved compared with the baseline network 6.3%, and the size of the trained model is only 14.0 M. Therefore, the proposed method can effectively detect the main defects of aircraft engines.

C1-ring оsteosynthesis as a functionally preserving operation for unstable atlas fractures

Objective. To analyze the dynamics of pain syndrome, quality of life and functional status of patients with unstable atlas fractures after C1-ring osteosynthesis.Material and Methods. Study design: observational retrospective case series study (n = 15). The intensity of pain syndrome was assessed using the VAS scale before surgery, 3 days, and 3 and 6 months after surgery. The quality of life was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) before surgery, and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Functional status, as well as cervical spine range of motion (head turn left/right, flexion/extension) was assessed 3 and 6 months after surgery. The integrity of the atlas bone ring and the degree of fusion after fixation were assessed using axial CT scans; and the lateral mass separation was assessed using frontal CT scans. The criterion for transverse ligament injury was a separation of lateral masses of more than 8.1 mm. Results. All patients had C1 fractures type 3B according to Gehweiler, out of them 7 patients (46.7 %) had traumatic injury to the atlas transverse ligament according to Dickman type 1, and 8 patients (53.3 according to Dickman type 2. The average age of patients was 40 years (12; 71), the male/female ratio was 2/1. In 7 patients (46.7 %), the cause of injury was diving, in 6 (40.0 %) it was a traffic accident, and in 2 (13.3 %) – a fall from a standing height. Observation of patients revealed a positive dynamics in the form of statistically significant regression of pain according to VAS before and 6 months after surgery from 6.8 (6.0; 8.0) to 1.0 (1.0; 0.0) points (Z = -3.434; p = 0.001). A positive trend was also noted in the form of a decrease in NDI scores and an improvement in the quality of life after 3 (Z = -3.411; p = 0.001) and 6 months after surgery (Z = -3.410; p = 0.001). The range of motion (turn left/right, flexion/extension) increased statistically significantly by the 6th month after C1-ring osteosynthesis, and its indicators were close to physiological ones. Postoperative CT scans showed positive dynamics in the form of statistically significant regression of the lateral mass separation from 10.4 mm (8.9; 11.4) to 2.2 mm (1.8; 2.6); Z = -3.408; p = 0.001. Complete fusion of the atlas fracture was observed after 12.5 months (8.5; 16.5).Conclusion. Isolated posterior osteosynthesis of the atlas ring for Gehweiler type 3B injury using a repositioning compression maneuver under distraction conditions is physiologically justified. It is a reliable method of stabilization, ensures the restoration of congruence and the entire range of motion in the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints and stability of the occipital-atlantoaxial complex. This operation contributes to a considerable and long-term reduction in the intensity of pain syndrome and a significant improvement in the quality of life.

Exploring the Link Between Calcaneal Apophysis Maturation and Heel Pain in Youth Baseball Players.

Calcaneal apophysitis is the most common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents. However, the relationship between skeletal maturity and heel pain in the specific youth cohort is unclear. To clarify the relationship between the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis and heel pain in youth baseball players. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 336 youth male baseball players participated in this study. Ultrasound scanning of the calcaneal apophysis was performed along the longitudinal line connecting the middle of the Achilles tendon, the middle of the calcaneus, and the second toe, between the proximal calcaneal edge and the medial calcaneal tubercle. The authors classified the maturity of the calcaneal apophysis into 5 stages, from nonpresence of the apophysis (stage 1) to complete fusion (stage 5). The diagnosis of heel pain was based on subjective report of feeling pain on the squeeze test. The relationship between the maturity stages and physical characteristics was investigated using 1-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the relationship between the maturity stages and heel pain was investigated using the chi-square test. Of the 336 players, 49 had heel pain, for a prevalence of 14.6%. Eighteen (5.4%) players had unilateral heel pain, and 31 (9.2%) players had bilateral heel pain. There were no significant differences in the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis between the players with no heel pain and those with heel pain. However, no players had heel pain during stage 5, when the calcaneus had completed its maturation. The prevalence of heel pain was 14.6% in Japanese youth male baseball players. There was no relationship between the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis and heel pain. Heel pain that could be associated with calcaneal apophysitis did not occur during stage 5, when maturation of the calcaneal apophysis was complete.

Incorporating Microbial Stimuli for Osteogenesis in a Rabbit Posterolateral Spinal Fusion Model.

Autologous bone grafts are commonly used to repair defects in skeletal tissue, however, due to their limited supply there is a clinical need for alternatives. Synthetic ceramics present a promising option but currently lack biological activity to stimulate bone regeneration. One potential approach to address this limitation is the incorporation of immunomodulatory agents. In this study, we investigate the application of microbial stimuli to stimulate bone formation. Three different microbial stimuli were incorporated in a biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), gamma-irradiated Staphylococcus aureus (γi-S. aureus), or Candida albicans (γi-C. Albicans). The constructs were then implanted in both a rabbit posterolateral spinal fusion (PLF) and an intramuscular implant model for 10 weeks and compared to a non-stimulated control construct. For the PLF model, the formation of a bony bridge was evaluated by manual palpation, micro-CT, and histology. While complete fusion was not observed, the BCG condition was most promising with higher manual stiffness and almost twice as much bone volume in the central fusion mass compared to the control (9±4.4% bone area vs 4.6±2.3%, respectively). Conversely, the γi-S. aureus or γi-C. albicans appeared to inhibit bone formation (1.4±1.4% and 1.2±0.6% bone area). Bone induction was not observed in any of the intramuscular implants. This study indicates that incorporating immunomodulatory agents in ceramic bone substitutes can affect bone formation, which can be positive when selected carefully. The readily available and clinically approved BCG showed promising results, which warrants further research for clinical translation.

Hindrance of complete fusion in $$^{18}$$O + $$^{165}$$Ho reaction at above the barrier energies: Role of angular momentum

Hindrance of complete fusion in $$^{18}$$O + $$^{165}$$Ho reaction at above the barrier energies: Role of angular momentum

How Does the Stress in the Fixation Device Change during Different Stages of Bone Healing in the Treatment of Fractures? A Finite Element Study of External Fixation for Tibial Fractures.

Although the specific relationship between the stress changes in the external fixator during tibial fracture treatment and the bone healing process remains unclear, it is believed that stress variations in the external fixator scaffold can, to a certain extent, reflect the progress of tibial healing. This study aims to propose a non-invasive method for assessing the degree of fracture healing by monitoring the changes in stress transmission, the locations of stress-sensitive points, and displacement in the external fixator-tibia system during the healing process of tibial fractures. In this study, finite element models of tibial fractures at various healing stages were developed. Physiological conditions, including axial, torsional, and bending loads on the tibia, were simulated to evaluate stress and strain within the external scaffold-tibia system under normal physiological loading conditions. The results indicate variations in the stress distribution between the external fixator and the tibia during different stages of healing. In the early phase of fracture healing, the external fixator plays a crucial role as the primary load-bearing unit under all three loading conditions. As the fracture healing progresses, the stress on the tibia gradually increases, concentrating on the medial part of the tibia under axial and torsional loading, and at the upper and lower ends, as well as the central part of the anterior and posterior tibia during bending loading. The stress at the callus gradually increases, while micro-movements decrease. The stress within the external bracket gradually decreases, with a tendency for the connecting rod to transfer stress towards the screws. Throughout the fracture healing process, the location of maximum stress in the external fixator remains unchanged. Under axial and torsional loading, the maximum stress is located at the intersection of the lowest screw and the bone cortex, while under bending loading, it is at the intersection of the second screw and the connecting rod. During the bone healing process, stress is transferred between the external fixation frame and the bone. As bone healing advances, the stress on the connecting rods and screws of the external fixation frame decreases, and the amplitude of stress changes diminishes. When complete and robust fusion is achieved, stress variations stabilize, and the location of maximum stress on the external fixation frame remains unchanged. The intersections of the lowest screw and the bone cortex, as well as the second screw and the connecting rod, can serve as sensitive points for monitoring the degree of bone healing.

Charcot reconstruction using a novel intramedullary nail along the medial column: 3-5 year follow-up results

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a destructive, chronic disease of the bone structure and joints, and is identified in patients experiencing peripheral neuropathy, frequently associated with diabetes. The foot and ankle are most impacted by Charcot neuroarthropathy; whereas the goal of management is to stabilize the joint to avoid pedal collapse, infection, and foot amputation. Novel surgical approaches and hardware have shown promise in achieving these goals, allowing patients to return to ambulation, while avoiding late-stage complications. This multicenter, retrospective, consecutive case series reviewed individuals with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy who underwent surgical reconstruction using a novel locking intramedullary nail (LIN) in the medial column with at least 36 months of follow-up. Patients were treated between 2019 and 2021.This report presents data and outcomes on 30 patients with Charcot disease treated with a LIN to achieve stability and fusion along the medial column of the reconstruction, with 36-60 months of follow-up data. Of these patients, 93.3% (n = 28) demonstrated complete (multiple joint) fusion along the medial column while there were zero nonunions. Overall, the mean time to fusion was 14.1 weeks (range 10-18 weeks) and 18.1 weeks mean time to functional braced-weightbearing (range 12-28 weeks). Overall, this retrospective review investigated the long-term use of a novel LIN in Charcot neuroarthropathy patients. The success of this LIN was demonstrated by the rate of fusion and time to functional braced-weightbearing, and safety was demonstrated by the low incidence of adverse events. Overall, these results indicate that use of a LIN within the medial column to be successful in the surgical reconstruction of an unstable midfoot Charcot deformity.

Cage Obliquity in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion-How Common Is It and What Are the Effects on Fusion Rates, Subsidence, and Sagittal Alignment? A Computed Tomography-Based Analysis.

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) through a prepsoas approach was identified as an alternative to alleviate complications associated with direct lateral interbody fusion. Cage placement is known to influence cage subsidence and fusion rates due to suboptimal biomechanics. There are limited studies exploring cage obliquity as a potential factor influencing fusion outcomes. Hence, our objective was to assess the effects of cage obliquity and position on fusion rates, subsidence, and sagittal alignment in patients who underwent OLIF. Patients who underwent OLIF for levels L1 to L5 in our center, performed by a single surgeon and with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, were included in the study. Cage obliquity and sagittal placement were measured, and their correlation with fusion, subsidence, and sagittal alignment correction was assessed. Fusion and subsidence were evaluated using the Bridwell Criteria and Marchi Criteria, respectively. Among the included patients (age, 67.5 ± 7.93 years; 16 men and 37 women), 97 fusion levels were studied. The mean cage obliquity was 4.2° ± 2.8°. Ninety-six levels (99.0%) were considered to have achieved fusion with a Bridwell score of 1 or 2. Eighty-one (83.5%), 14 (14.4%), and 2 (2.06%) operated levels had a Marchi score of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. A Marchi grade of 1 or higher was considered indicative of significant subsidence. There was good improvement in both the segmental lordosis angle (4.2° ± 5.7°; P < 0.0001) and disc height (4.5 ± 3.8 mm; P < 0.0001). Cage placement did not have any statistical correlation with fusion rates, subsidence, or sagittal alignment. Our results indicate that OLIF facilitates appropriate cage placement with only a minor degree of cage obliquity, typically less than 20°. This minor obliquity does not lead to lower fusion rates, increased subsidence, or sagittal malalignment. Despite subsidence being common, the majority of these cases resulted in complete fusion.

Idiopathic pyogenic thoracic and lumbar spondylodiscitis: outcome of long segment fixation

BackgroundSpondylodiscitis is an infection of the vertebral body extending to the intervertebral disc, and possibly the surrounding paraspinal structures.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical results of posterior long segment transpedicular screws fixation and decompression of the infected area for management of idiopathic pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the thoracic and lumbar spine.MethodsThis retrospective study included 14 patients with idiopathic active pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the lumber and thoracic spine between January 2017 and December 2021, with follow-up continuing until December 2022. All patients had posterior long-segment rigid fixation with infection decompression.ResultsAll patients after 6-month follow-up had achieved complete fusion. There was no evidence of postoperative wound infection, and no patient had a recurrence of infection at the lesion site during follow-up. Prior to surgery, the mean VAS score for back pain was 7.6 (range 6–9), however, after surgery, it fell to 1.3 (0–3), a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) during the last follow-up. According to the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria, the functional prognosis was excellent in 11 individuals, good in two, and fair in one.ConclusionsPosterior long-segment fixation in conjunction with decompression of the affected area effectively resolved bacterial spinal infection and restored neurological impairment.

Mass distributions in 12C + 232Th fission: role of shell effects and excitation energy

This article reports the measurement of cross sections of charge and mass identified fission products and the mass distributions in 232Th(12C,f) reaction at 62.5, 70.7 and 102.9 MeV beam energies to investigate the role of single particle effects. The study was carried out using the recoil catcher technique followed by off-line γ-ray spectrometry. Cross sections of 32, 54 and 64 fission products were measured for 62.5, 70.7 and 102.9 MeV beam energies, respectively. The mass distributions obtained at 62.5 and 70.7 MeV show a flat-top nature indicating significant asymmetric fission contribution (heavy mass peak corresponding to Z range of 54–56), whereas, a nearly Gaussian behaviour was observed at 102.9 MeV indicating dominant contribution from symmetric fission. The experimental mass distributions were in gross agreement with the “GEF, 2021/1.1” calculations which predicted significant asymmetric fission contribution dominated by Z ≈ 55 (‘Standard 2’ mode) at 62.5 and 70.7 MeV. The present study shows the significant role of charge polarization resulting in the deviation of the most probable charge (ZP) values from those obtained using UCD hypothesis. “GEF, 2023/2.1” calculations were unable to explain the observed mass distributions with significant asymmetric fission contribution due to comparatively lower contribution from higher chance fission resulting from the lower saddle point energies. An attempt has been made to estimate the mass distributions arising from the complete fusion fission and α-transfer induced fission. The trend shows an increase in the α-transfer induced fission contribution with increasing beam energy which is in qualitative agreement with the sum-rule model calculations.

Pancake kidney – a rare form of renal malformation in a 7-year-old girl. A case report and a literature review

Renal ectopia and renal fusion belong to a group of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract that mostly remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally. Patients with congenital renal anomalies are prone to urinary tract infections and stone formation, and ultimately more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Pancake kidney is one of the rarest types of renal anomaly, with complete fusion of the superior and inferior poles as well as the middle parts of both kidneys in the pelvic cavity into a pancake-like mass. Imaging studies play a key role in the diagnosis of this anomaly. We present a case of a girl diagnosed with pancake kidney at the age of 8 years. The patient did not present with any alarming symptoms and the suspicion of renal malformation was raised after an abdominal ultrasound, which shew that the left kidney was missing from its typical location. Ultimately, computed tomography allowed for precise imaging of the urinary tract and establishing the diagnosis.

Atlanto-occipital assimilation: A pictorial review of a commonly missed pathology.

Atlanto-occipital assimilation is a congenital craniovertebral junction malformation where the partial or complete fusion of the atlas and occiput occurs. Atlanto-occipital assimilation can be associated with numerous complications, including basilar invagination, atlantoaxial subluxation, Chiari malformation, congenital vertebral bodies fusion, and cord compression. As a result, vigilant identification and accurate reporting of atlanto-occipital assimilation are essential. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the numerous complications and associations of atlanto-occipital assimilation, such that an accurate diagnosis could be made for this commonly missed pathology.

E-ΔE detection module of DGFRS-2 setup

Thе paper describes a new E-ΔE detection module which includes a position-sensitive double-sided strip detector (DSSD) and a low-pressure pentane-filled ΔE chamber for detection of Evaporation Residues (ERs) in complete fusion reactions. The goal is to synthesize superheavy isotopes at the new DC-280 (Dubna Cyclotron) cyclotron of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). With the 48Ca ion beam intensity of about 5–7 pμA (particle micro ampere) and the ΔE counter count rate of approximately 104 sec−1, we observe a decrease in the overall registration efficiency of the gas ΔE counter. The paper proposes a solution to this problem: introduction of an additional negatively biased electrode, which results in the stabilization of the ΔE detector operation.

Treatment of lower cervical spine fracture with ankylosing spondylitis by simple long anterior cervical plate: a retrospective study of 17 cases.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an autoimmune disease, often leads to lower cervical spine fractures, with the potential for severe spinal nerve damage even from low-energy injuries. The optimal treatment approach remains debated. A retrospective study involved 17 AS patients with lower cervical spine fractures who received anterior cervical fixation. Most presented cervicothoracic or thoracolumbar kyphosis, with 11 exhibiting neurological deficits. Patient characteristics, clinical data, visual analog scale (VAS), complications, and nerve recovery were analyzed. No postoperative neurological deterioration occurred. All cases experienced complete fusion of fractures during the follow-up period. Preoperative VAS significantly decreased at 3 days and 3 months post-surgery. Of the 11 patients with preoperative neurological deficits, approximately 54.5% showed improvement post-surgery. No complications were reported, such as esophageal fistula, wound infection, or fixation failure. Anterior internal fixation is a possible treatment for AS-related lower cervical fractures. This approach ensures satisfactory spinal stability and neurological recovery with proper cranial traction and external fixation post-surgery. Our findings demonstrate that this surgical method is safe and effective.

Labial Fusion in a Postmenopausal Woman Presenting with Urinary Incontinence

ABSTRACT Genitourinary syndrome of menopause refers to the collection of signs and symptoms associated with decrease in estrogen and other sex steroids involving changes in labia majora/minora, clitoris, vestibule/introitus, vagina, urethra, and bladder. This term was coined in 2014 to reduce the stigma associated with genital symptoms after menopause. Our patient is a 65-year-old woman, menopausal for the past 15 years, who presented with dribbling of urine for 1 month. On examination, she was diagnosed with complete labial fusion. Diabetes was incidentally detected and antidiabetic treatment was started. Considering dense labial adhesion, the patient underwent surgical separation of labia under anesthesia. Postoperatively, she was put on topical estrogen therapy and was advised to maintain proper hygiene. She was followed up regularly for a month to prevent refusion.

Vértebra limbus: ¿hallazgo casual?

Limbus vertebrae is an intraosseus herniation of the nucleus pulposus through the vertebral apophyseal ring before the complete fusion of the vertebral body. Although many cases are asymptomatic, there are an increasing number of studies that associate limbus vertebrae with low back pain or radiculopathy. We present a limbus vertebrae case in a 11-year-old patient. The added eosinophilia finding made us rule out other clinical entities.

Study on the reaction channels in the 6Li+89Y system with multi-angular proton and deutron-γ coincidence analysis

The 6Li+89Y experiment was conducted at the Legnaro National Laboratory in Italy to explore the influence of breakup and transfer reactions on the fusion process induced by the weakly bound projectiles. Due to the competition between neutron and proton evaporation, complete and incomplete fusion might produce identical residues, leading to the difficulties in identification of different reaction process. In this work, the High-Purity-Germanium (HPGe) detector array (GALILEO) was employed to measure γ rays, and the silicon detector array (EUCLIDES) was utilized to capture light charged particles. Exclusive measurements of prompt γ rays from residuals with various light charged particles at an energy near the Coulomb barrier are reported. In the p−γ coincident measurements, observed 91Nb, 92Nb, and 93Nb is considered from neutron evaporation channel in complete fusion reaction, and 90Y is generated through 1n stripping reaction. A two-step, breakup followed by fusion, in case of the capture of α is inferred to be the dominant mechanism to yield the 92Nb and 91Nb in the deutron coincident exclusive measurement.

Cleavage of the syncytial protein of J paramyxovirus is required for its ability to promote cell–cell fusion

Cell-cell fusion mediated by most paramyxovirus requires fusion protein (F) and attachment protein (H, HN, or G). The F protein is proteolytic cleaved to be fusogenically active. J paramyxovirus (JPV) has a unique feature in the family Paramyxoviridae: It encodes an integral membrane protein, syncytial protein (SP, formerly known as transmembrane protein, TM), which is essential in JPV-promoted cell-cell fusion (i.e., syncytial). In this study, we report that cleavage of SP is essential for its syncytial-promoting activity. We have identified the cleavage site of SP at amino acid residues 172 to 175, LKTG, and deletion of the "LKTG" residues abolished SP protein cleavage and its ability to promote cell-cell fusion. Replacing the cleavage site LKTG with a factor Xa protease cleavage site allows cleavage of the SP with factor Xa protease and restores its ability to promote cell-cell fusion. Furthermore, results from a hemifusion assay indicate that cleavage of SP plays an important role in the progression from the intermediate hemifusion state to a complete fusion. This work indicates that SP has many characteristics of a fusion protein. We propose that SP is likely a cell-cell fusion-promoting protein.

«ПРОСТО КЕН!» ДРАМАТУРГИЯ ЖИЗНЕННОГО ЦИКЛА ГЕРОЯ ФИЛЬМА «БАРБИ»: ОТ ЭМОЦИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ К НАЧАЛУ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТИ

The article exposes the specifics of the construction of the path of the secondary character Ken from Greta Gerwig's film “Barbie”, which goes from complete fusion with the object of love, the state of emotional dependence as an inferior appendage of Barbie, to the realization of himself as an autonomous individual who is at the beginning of the construction of an independent identity. The hero's mental genesis follows the stages of child development described within Margaret Mahler's separation-individuation theory. Like an infant, Ken experiences phases of normal autism, symbiosis, and then separation-individuation. An essential stage on the road to adulthood is the scene of mistaken identity when he encounters the “giver” who tests the hero with a question about time. The failed test offers Ken a false picture of the world, lets him construct a wrong plan of action, and perform a carnivalesque inversion of the social organization of Barbieland. The dramaturgy of mistaken insight involves a dialectical movement from a state of absolute subordination and dependence to the possession of a transitive object, power. By engaging in a struggle for recognition, Ken moves from the position of slave to that of master, nothing becomes everything, and then is once again stripped of everything. Owing to such treatment the hero gets rid of illusions about his place, gains insight and acquires identity and the capability for further development.