Complex Morphology Research Articles

АДАМДЫН ФИЗИОЛОГИЯЛЫК АБАЛЫН, ЭМОЦИЯСЫН ТУЮНДУРГАН ЭТИШТИК АНТОНИМДЕР (А.Жакыпбековдун чыгармаларынын негизинде)

In the realm of general linguistics, groups of words signifying various scenarios of object and phenomenon interactions, verbs, exhibit a greater morphological complexity compared to word families. They constitute a substantial portion of a language's vocabulary. Our aforementioned article yields the same conclusion. Specifically, when investigating antonyms within the artistic language of the esteemed writer A. Dzhakypbekov, verbal antonyms were found to be prevalent. The content of our scholarly work encompasses antonymous verbs that convey shifts in the emotional experiences of the characters in the work (including weeping, laughter, joy, sadness, positive and negative emotions, etc.), as well as diverse situations pertaining to their physiological state, movements, and actions involving the human body and its organs. Examples related to this word category were scrutinized in terms of morphological composition, antonym formation methods, and classification.

Changes in Craniofacial Morphology Induced by Unilateral Nasal Obstruction in Mice of Different Ages.

Nasal obstruction in humans leads to mouth breathing and subsequent hypoxia in the entire body. Furthermore, nasal obstruction in growing children affects craniofacial growth and development. To investigate the effects of unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) on craniofacial growth in mice of different ages, particularly on the morphology of the nasomaxillary complex and mandible. Mice aged 3, 6 and 12 weeks were selected as representatives of juvenile, adolescent and adult stages, respectively. A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice (10 mice each at the ages of 3, 6 and 12 weeks) were used in this study for a 3-week experiment. The mice in each age stage were randomly and evenly assigned to either the control group (C3+3, C6+3 and C12+3) or the experimental group (E3+3, E6+3 and E12+3). The UNO model in experimental group was constructed by plugging the mouse's left nostril, thereby disrupting its normal nasal breathing pattern and inducing hypoxia. The control group underwent the sham procedure. After 3 weeks, the length, width and height of the cranium, nasomaxillary complex and mandible of each group were measured on two-dimensional images constructed by micro-computed tomography. Furthermore, the impact of UNO on mouse growth was evaluated through the measurement of femoral length. In juvenile mice, UNO inhibited the growth of cranial width, cranial height and mandibular length. In adolescent mice, UNO impeded the growth of the femoral length, cranial length, nasomaxillary length and mandibular length. In adult mice, no significant negative effects of UNO on craniofacial growth were found. Referring to the experimental results, in addition to actively treating nasal obstruction in patients, it is important to monitor the growth of the mandible in juveniles, as well as the nasomaxillary and mandibular growth in adolescents during orthodontic clinical practice.

Morphology and anatomical variability of the external auditory canal: A population-based MRI study

BackgroundThe external auditory canal (EAC) exhibits a complex morphology and strong inter-individual variations. However, these have not yet been comprehensively described in the literature. PurposeThis study aims to determine the width, height and cross-sectional area of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC and to describe the three-dimensional morphology and variability of different EACs. MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging was performed on 870 subjects (401 male, 469 female, resulting in 1740 EACs) who participated in the longitudinal, population-based cohort study ‘Study of Health in Pomerania–START-3’. The height and width were measured in the cartilaginous part of the EAC, between the first and second bend. The variability of the EAC morphology was visualized in three-dimensional models. ResultsThe mean height (vertical length) of the EAC was 8.62 mm (SD = 2.42) on the right, 8.47 mm (SD = 2.36) on the left. The width (horizontal length) was 4.08 mm (SD = 1.6) on the right, 3.93 mm (SD = 1.64) on the left. The EAC cross-section was 28.6 mm2 (SD = 15.19) on the right, 27.15 mm2 (SD = 14.33) on the left. The average cross-sectional area of the EAC in men was higher than in women. Subjects with larger body size had larger cross-sectional areas. Subjects with higher body mass index tended to have smaller cross-sections. Although the average EAC had an oval shape, a three-dimensional comparison of different EACs revealed strong individual variation in morphology. ConclusionThis study enhances the understanding of otolaryngologists and anatomists regarding the complex morphology and variability of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC.

Multivariate Geostatistics for Mapping of Transmissivity and Uncertainty in Karst Aquifers

Due to their complex morphology, karst terrains are particularly more fragile and vulnerable to environmental damage compared to most natural systems. Their hydraulic properties, such as their transmissivity (T) and spatial variability, can be relevant for understanding groundwater flow and, consequently, for the sustainable management of water resources. The application of geostatistical methods allows for spatial interpolation and mapping based on observations combined with uncertainty quantification. Direct measurements of T are typically scarce, while those of the specific capacity (Sc) are more frequent. We established a linear and spatial relationship between the logarithms of T and Sc measured in 174 wells in a semi-arid karst region in northeastern Brazil. These relationships were used to construct a cross-variogram, whose Linear Model of Coregionalization proved valid. The values and the cross-variogram of logT and logSc were used to generate interpolations over 2554 values of logSc, which did not spatially coincide with logT. We used ordinary co-kriging (CO-OK) and conditional sequential Gaussian co-simulation (CO-SGS) to generate the interpolations. The cross-variogram of logT and logSc, when considering 174 wells, was isotropic with an exponential structure, a nugget effect of approximately 20% of the sill, and a range of 5 km. Cross-validation indicated an optimal number of 10 neighboring wells used in CO-OK, and we used 500 stochastic realizations in CO-SGS, which were then used to generate maps of logT estimates, deviations derived from the interpolations, and probabilistic scenarios. The resulting transmissivity maps are relevant for the design of groundwater management strategies, including stochastic approaches where the transmissivity realizations can be used to parameterize multiple executions of numerical flow models.

A single septin from a polyextremotolerant yeast recapitulates many canonical functions of septin hetero-oligomers.

Morphological complexity and plasticity are hallmarks of polyextremotolerant fungi. Septins are conserved cytoskeletal proteins and key contributors to cell polarity and morphogenesis. They sense membrane curvature, coordinate cell division, and influence diffusion at the plasma membrane. Four septin homologues are conserved from yeasts to humans, the systems in which septins have been most studied. But there is also a fifth family of opisthokont septins that remain biochemically mysterious. Members of this family, Group 5 septins, appear in the genomes of filamentous fungi, but are understudied due to their absence from ascomycete yeasts. Knufia petricola is an emerging model polyextremotolerant black fungus that can also serve as a model system for Group 5 septins. We have recombinantly expressed and biochemically characterized KpAspE, a Group 5 septin from K. petricola. This septin--by itself in vitro--recapitulates many functions of canonical septin hetero-octamers. KpAspE is an active GTPase that forms diverse homo-oligomers, binds shallow membrane curvatures, and interacts with the terminal subunit of canonical septin hetero-octamers. These findings raise the possibility that Group 5 septins govern the higher-order structures formed by canonical septins, which in K. petricola cells form extended filaments, and provide insight into how septin hetero-oligomers evolved from ancient homomers.

Prevalence of Middle Mesial Canal in Mandibular Molar Teeth Using CBCT

Introduction: Identification and completely cleaning the extra root canals are crucial for the success of endodontic treatment. Prevalence of the middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular molars is still a topic of debate due to the complex and diverse anatomy and morphology of these teeth. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MMC in mandibular molars using CBCT radiography. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 300 CBCT images obtained between 1995 and 2019 in a private oral and maxillofacial radiology center in Yazd, Iran, were evaluated. The first and second mandibular molars were examined for the presence of MMC based on the patients' age, gender, tooth location, and type. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17 and the Chi-square. Results: Out of 300 mandibular molars (122 first molars and 178 second molars), MMC was found in only 18 teeth (6%). The prevalence of MMC was significantly higher in the first molars (18 cases) than in the second molars (0 cases). Twelve MMCs were observed in females and 6 in males. 12 MMCs were located in the left side and the rest in the right side. The mean age of individuals with MMC was 37.33±15.27. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of MMC and age, gender, or tooth location (P > 0.05), but the prevalence of MMC was higher in the first molars than in the second molars (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of MMC in mandibular first molars was low in the studied population and was not detected in mandibular second molars. Nevertheless, the possibility of MMC should be considered during the treatment of teeth.

Impact of rupture disk morphology on self-ignition during pressurized hydrogen release: A numerical simulation study

In the study of self-ignition during pressurized hydrogen release, the morphology of the rupture disk alters the flow and mixing processes of the gas jet, as well as the development of shock waves, thereby affecting the occurrence of self-ignition. This study employs the LES method based on the RNG-SGS model, EDC model, and NUIMech1.1 H2 combustion mechanism to investigate the flow mixing, shock wave development, and self-ignition phenomena under three different the rupture disk morphologies. The research findings indicate that as the growth trend of the rupture disk rupture ratio increases, the propagation speed of shock waves within the tube and the compression speed of the air and hydrogen-air mixing region accelerate, resulting in an earlier occurrence of self-ignition. A more complex rupture morphology leads to higher mixing rates between hydrogen and air and increased complexity of shock waves. Self-ignition initially occurs in the fuel-lean region of the boundary layer, followed by ignition at the center of the tube. The characteristic number of rupture disk is proposed to describe its impact on the self-ignition time. The competitive relationship between the two elementary reaction pathways of oxygen influences the development of the flame.

The exploration of multifunctional liquid robotics with ferrofluids: Fabrication, control, operation and sensing

Liquid robotics with arbitrary deformability and rich functionality can adapt to various environmental constraints and perform many significant tasks. To turn this vision into reality, an intelligent liquid system, ferrofluid, which possesses excellent macroscopic and microscopic responsiveness to external magnetic fields, is explored as the rudiment of liquid robotics. Focus is given not only to its improved fabrication and cooperative programming control, but also its underexplored object manipulation and signal transmission. The prepared ferrofluid consists of sterically stabilized ultra-small magnetic nanoparticles suspended in carrier liquids, showing strong stability, flexible mobility, and substantial magnetization. Intelligent locomotion and complex morphology control are successfully achieved by a programmable platform that generates sequential pre-designed magnetic fields through the timing activation of specific electromagnets. Meanwhile, by utilizing the magneto-Archimedes effect, this ferrofluid system can perform multi-dimensional manipulation of objects with densities ranging from 1.1 to 8.9 g/cm3 in cooperation with varying magnetic fields. Furthermore, this system can sense vibrations due to its intrinsic liquid feature and send corresponding signals through detecting the changes in magnetic flux by external coils. Similarly, the flow, concentration, and speed of ferrofluids can also be detected. These advancements in fabrication, control, operation, and sensing are crucial for the development of liquid robotics.

Formation and radiolytic alteration of uraniferous solid bitumen related to hydrothermal base-metal mineralization in the Bytíz deposit, Příbram district, Czech Republic

The Bytíz deposit is a part of the Příbram uranium and base-metal ore district. It is an example of a vein-type deposit with polyphase hydrothermal mineralization. Samples of uraniferous solid bitumen from Bytíz with U content up to 38 wt% are characterized petrologically, geochemically, and mineralogically using EPMA, Raman and infrared microspectroscopy. The bitumen-bearing samples consist of base-metal sulfides: galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and also minor amounts of tetrahedrite, stibnite, and acanthite, associated with Mn-bearing calcite, quartz and silicates (chlorite, muscovite). Solid bitumens were found in the form of small veins and droplets, and roundish to irregular accumulations, in association with uraninite and carbonate veins.U-bearing minerals in the studied samples are represented by uraninite and more rarely by coffinite. Three generations of uraninite in association with solid bitumen were distinguished: 1. spherulites and large grains, filled with organic phase in the cracks; 2. as a part of complex textures inside areas with organic matter; in this case, the uraninite was assumed to have been remobilized; and 3. small inclusions in the latest calcite veins.More than 80 vol% of the solid bitumen from the vein fillings appeared to be radiolytically altered. Radiolytic alteration results in changes in optical properties and in composition, and in the formation of various textures around uraninite grains: halos, and irregular textures from simple massive to flow, dendritic, and fractured to a very complex morphology. The random reflectance values of unaltered mineral-free bitumen range from 0.45% to 0.99%, while in the radiolytically altered bitumen the average reflectance values are higher, from approximately 1.72% to 3.44%.The degree of graphitization of the organic matter was assessed by infrared micro-spectroscopy. Spectral maps show significant destruction changes of the aliphatic CH bonds and an increase in the content of oxygen functional groups in the vicinity of U minerals.On the element distribution maps, obtained by EPMA, the distribution of S, U, Pb and other elements across solid bitumen in the vicinity of uraninite and coffinite has a very heterogeneous character. An elevated content of sulfur in bitumen was also found, as well as a clear interdependence between S and C. It is suggested that the presence of sulfur in solid bitumen may result in ‘clouding’ of the solid bitumen with tiny stibnite grains. The dark rims of the halos observed under the optical microscope may be due to an elevated U content at the rims around the uraninite.Based on analysis of complex textural relationships of the solid bitumens with coexisting minerals, the formation of solid bitumen in association with uraninite is therefore assumed to relate to several stages of the influx of hydrothermal fluid. The temperature of the fluid, associated with bitumen formation was estimated to be up to 270 °C, according to chlorite thermometry.

Cytological Features of Inflammatory Mammary Carcinoma in Dogs.

Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is the most aggressive and malignant type of mammary carcinoma. As in humans, canine IMC resembles mastitis clinically. However, IMC is highly aggressive with high incidence of metastases and common recurrence after surgery, leading to guarded prognosis and low survival rate. Given the complex morphology of canine mammary tumours, cytological examination is not performed routinely, and IMC diagnosis relies on the association of clinical features and histopathology. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of canine IMC cytology, in an attempt to find possible cytological features that allow differentiation of IMC from other mammary tumour types. We analysed preoperative cytological samples from 25 dogs with IMC, later confirmed by corroborating clinical and histopathological examinations. Distinct cytological features of canine IMC included scarce cellular cohesiveness, ballooning aspect of neoplastic cells, frequent multinucleation, irregularly dispersed and ropy chromatin pattern, and squamous metaplasia in some individualised cells or those in small groups. Our results indicate that cytological examination can contribute to the diagnosis of IMC and might help differentiate it from other mammary carcinomas, even when clinical data is not available, which is common in cytological routine.

Study on a new molten salt for electrolytic preparation of Ti: dissolution mechanism and kinetic analysis of TiO2 in NaCl-KCl-K2TiF6

Understanding the dissolution behavior and reaction rate of TiO2 in the NaCl-KCl-K2TiF6 electrolyte system is paramount for the advancement of a novel titanium metal production process. Initially, the liquidus temperature of the electrolyte system decreases with an increase in K2TiF6 content or the addition of a small amount of TiO2. Kinetic analysis reveals that the dissolution of TiO2 in the electrolyte follows a zero-order reaction for the first 30 min, with an activation energy of 2.46 × 105 (J/mol). The saturation concentration of TiO2 is reached at 300 min, and higher reaction temperatures or increased K2TiF6 content enhance the solubility of TiO2 in the electrolyte. In addition, the regression equation Y = − 25.02096 + 1.06412x1 + 0.0362x2 among the solubility of TiO2 (Y), the ratio of fluoride to chloride in electrolyte (x1) and experimental temperature (x2) was established by multivariate regression model. The analysis indicates that TiO2 dissolves in the electrolyte system as a complex K2NaTiOF5, releasing TiOF2 gas during the reaction. Finally, characterization studies on the elemental composition, chemical state, molecular structure, and material morphology of K2NaTiOF5 complex and TiOF2 gas reveal even distribution of elements. The K2NaTiOF5 complex molecules exhibit irregularly polygonal dispersion, while TiOF2 exists as agglomerated particles.

Experimental study on evaluating fracture processes of different rocks using multiple physical parameters

To improve the accuracy of rock fracture evaluation, three types of rocks with different lithologies, namely, granite, coal, and sandstone, were processed into cuboid samples with unilateral notches for three-point bending tests. Real-time data were obtained via load, resistance, and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. Various fracture patterns of the fractured rocks were collected, and the correlations between multiple physical parameters were determined. The results indicated that granite had the highest fracture toughness and initial fracture energy required for macroscopic fracturing, followed by sandstone, which had the lowest fracture toughness and initial fracture energy. The primary crack participated in the fracture process of coal and produced the most complex crack morphology, exhibiting the characteristics of “Progressive fracture” different from the “Instantaneous fracture” of granite and sandstone. The crack length reached 90.5 mm, which was much longer than that of sandstone. The temporal characteristics obtained from multiple physical quantities were synchronized with the fracture behavior. The resistivity increased gradually with the fracture, and the resistivity fluctuation caused by crack propagation increased. The resistivity change rate of granite was the highest when macrofractures occurred, whereas that of coal after complete fracture was the highest. Rock fracture produced a large number of AE events with small amplitude and low peak frequency, concentrated in the 100 ± 50 kHz band. The AE count corresponded to the crack propagation process, and the AE location indicated the crack complexity. The peak change rate of the resistivity was used to evaluate the fracture performance and exhibited a significant linear relationship with the peak load, fracture toughness, and initial fracture energy. The relationship between the accumulated AE energy and the fracture length was a quadratic function, which was used to evaluate the fracture complexity. The multiple physical quantity monitoring method is promising for predicting the fracture behavior of rocks.

Morphology and taphonomy of the gastropod Terebralia palustris from an iron age site in the Arabian Peninsula

The Indo-Pacific gastropod Terebralia palustris is particularly suitable for comparing natural and anthropogenic induced taphonomic pathways due to its wide geographic distribution and common presence within archeological context. The present study aims to (1) correlate shell architecture and morphology with fragmentation pattern and preservation, (2) quantify taphonomic changes to differentiate between natural vs. anthropogenic preservation features, (3) provide a guideline for analyzing fragmented shell remains in archeological material. Shells and taphonomic features were studied from both recent mangrove environments from the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates as well as archeological material within the Iron age II site (1000–600 BC) of Muweilah near the City of Sharjah. Techniques utilized include morphometry, thin sectioning, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of recent specimens and a semi—quantitative taphonomic analysis of anthropogenic material. Thin sectioning shows a complex internal shell morphology with a tripartite subdivision of shell layers. The recent material shows better preserved features on both the exterior and internal shell surfaces than the highly fragmented material recovered from the archeological context, which shows a distinct size distribution as well as showing higher levels of surface abrasion, surface cracks and color alterations. These features are correlated to extraction techniques, cooking methods and waste disposal handling.

Ultrastructure of the extraordinary pedal gland in Asplanchna aff. herricki (Rotifera: Monogononta).

Rotifers possess complex morphologies despite their microscopic size and simple appearance. Part of this complexity is hidden in the structure of their organs, which may be cellular or syncytial. Surprisingly, organs that are cellular in one taxon can be syncytial in another. Pedal glands are widespread across Rotifera and function in substrate attachment and/or egg brooding. These glands are normally absent in Asplanchna, which lack feet and toes that function as outlets for pedal glandular secretions in other rotifers. Here, we describe the ultrastructure of a pedal gland that is singular and syncytial in Asplanchna aff. herricki, but is normally paired and cellular in all other rotifers. Asplanchna aff. herricki has a single large pedal gland that is active and secretory; it has a bipartite, binucleate, syncytial body and a cytosol filled with rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and several types of secretory vesicles. The most abundant vesicle type is large and contains a spherical electron-dense secretion that appears to be produced through homotypic fusion of condensing vesicles produced by the Golgi. The vesicles appear to undergo a phase transition from condensed to decondensed along their pathway toward the gland lumen. Decondensation changes the contents to a mucin-like matrix that is eventually exocytosed in a "kiss-and-run" fashion with the plasma membrane of the gland lumen. Exocytosed mucus enters the gland lumen and exits through an epithelial duct that is an extension of the syncytial integument. This results in mucus that extends from the rotifer as a long string as the animal swims through the water. The function of this mucus is unknown, but we speculate it may function in temporary attachment, prey capture, or floatation.

Text Summarization in the Shona Language using Natural Language Processing

The rise of digital information in many languages, including Shona, highlights the significance of developing effective text summarizing techniques to promote information accessibility and usability. This work fills a major gap in the natural language processing (NLP) for the Shona language, which is widely spoken in Zimbabwe and its surrounding areas but has received little attention. The lack of pre-trained language models specifically designed for Shona, the intricacy of Shona's morphology, and the scarcity of annotated datasets provide the main obstacles to Shona text summarization.[1] The goal of this research is to create and modify contemporary machine learning methods for efficient Shona text summarizing in order to address these issues. By gathering and analyzing texts from a variety of sources, such as news stories, scholarly papers, and social media, we produced large annotated corpora. These datasets were utilized to fine-tune existing NLP models, such as Transformer-based architectures, ensuring they account for Shona’s specific language traits. To address the morphological and syntactic complexities of Shona, our solution combines statistical and rule-based techniques. When compared to baseline methods, the results show a significant improvement in the relevancy and accuracy of Shona text summaries. In addition to serving as a starting point for further NLP research in underrepresented languages, the generated models help Shona-speaking people in the areas of business, education, and media. By encouraging inclusivity and linguistic variety, showcasing the possibility for cross- lingual breakthroughs, and emphasizing the ethical development of technology, this research adds to the larger area of NLP.

Seismic observations of Nazca-plate crustal thicknesses providing constraints for a first-order asthenospheric-mantle potential-temperature anomalies assessment

The Nazca plate is populated with several magmatic tracks exhibiting complex morphologies responding to time-dependent positioning of spreading centers (East Pacific Rise, Cocos-Nazca). Mantle plumes beneath the Nazca plate are/were located on- or off-ridge (with ridge being spreading center), modulating the resulting hotspot-tracks’ crustal thickness accordingly. We use published seismic observational constraints of Moho depths to study asthenospheric-mantle potential-temperature anomalies (ΔTp) beneath the Nazca plate. We use a simple thermodynamics formulation for adiabatic cooling and decompression melting, and a depth-dependent, static analytical description presenting different options for hydrated-solidus-liquidus curves up to 8 GPa-lithostatic pressure as a function of bulk water content in the peridotite source. The calculated Tp-anomalies are relative to an average Nazca crust (∼6 km thick) formed at the East Pacific Rise with source hydration levels of about 0.01 wt%. As active-upwelling perturbing passive MOR environments, on-ridge plumes added mass (lower crustal intrusion, surface extrusion) to young crust creating OIB hotspot-tracks whose mean crustal thicknesses (≤18 km) are consistent with inferred ΔTp range-values of [-100, 75] °C (Iquique Ridge), [-50, 130] °C (Nazca Ridge), and [-20, 150] °C (Carnegie Ridge south), considering conservative bulk water contents of 0.005–0.08 wt%. The Juan Fernández OIB hotspot track was formed by an off-ridge active-upwelling plume impinging under a 27 Myr-old oceanic lithosphere with ∼7 km-thick pre-existing crust. Currently, the track presents 4-5 km-high isolated volcanic edifices and about 1 km crustal root, totaling about 12–13 km aggregate melt thickness, and suggesting ΔTp range-values of [-20, 160] °C.

Bioengineering Human Upper Respiratory Mucosa: A Systematic Review of the State of the Art of Cell Culture Techniques.

The upper respiratory mucosa plays a crucial role in both the physical integrity and immunological function of the respiratory tract. However, in certain situations such as infections, trauma, or surgery, it might sustain damage. Tissue engineering, a field of regenerative medicine, has found applications in various medical fields including but not limited to plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and urology. However, its application to the respiratory system remains somewhat difficult due to the complex morphology and histology of the upper respiratory tract. To date, a culture protocol for producing a handleable, well-differentiated nasal mucosa has yet to be developed. The objective of this review is to describe the current state of research pertaining to cell culture techniques used for producing autologous healthy human upper respiratory cells and mucosal tissues, as well as describe its clinical applications. A search of the relevant literature was carried out with no time restriction across Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and Medline Ovid databases. Keywords related to "respiratory mucosa" and "culture techniques of the human airway" were the focus of the search strategy for this review. The risk of bias in retained studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical appraisal tools for qualitative research. A narrative synthesis of our results was then conducted. A total of 33 studies were included in this review, and thirteen of these focused solely on developing a cell culture protocol without further use. The rest of the studies used their own developed protocol for various applications such as cystic fibrosis, pharmacological, and viral research. One study was able to develop a promising model for nasal mucosa that could be employed as a replacement in nasotracheal reconstructive surgery. This systematic review extensively explored the current state of research regarding cell culture techniques for producing tissue-engineered nasal mucosa. Bioengineering the nasal mucosa holds great potential for clinical use. However, further research on mechanical properties is essential, as the comparison of engineered tissues is currently focused on morphology rather than comprehensive mechanical assessments.

Evolution of tooth morphological complexity and its association with the position of tooth eruption in the jaw in non-mammalian synapsids.

Heterodonty and complex molar morphology are important characteristics of mammals acquired during the evolution of early mammals from non-mammalian synapsids. Some non-mammalian synapsids had only simple, unicuspid teeth, whereas others had complex, multicuspid teeth. In this study, we reconstructed the ancestral states of tooth morphological complexity across non-mammalian synapsids to show that morphologically complex teeth evolved independently multiple times within Therapsida and that secondary simplification of tooth morphology occurred in some non-mammalian Cynodontia. In some mammals, secondary evolution of simpler teeth from complex molars has been previously reported to correlate with an anterior shift of tooth eruption position in the jaw, as evaluated by the dentition position relative to the ends of component bones used as reference points in the upper jaw. Our phylogenetic comparative analyses showed a significant correlation between an increase in tooth complexity and a posterior shift in the dentition position relative to only one of the three specific ends of component bones that we used as reference points in the upper jaw of non-mammalian synapsids. The ends of component bones depend on the shape and relative area of each bone, which appear to vary considerably among the synapsid taxa. Quantification of the dentition position along the anteroposterior axis in the overall cranium showed suggestive evidence of a correlation between an increase in tooth complexity and a posterior shift in the dentition position among non-mammalian synapsids. This correlation supports the hypothesis that a posterior shift of tooth eruption position relative to the morphogenetic fields that determine tooth form have contributed to the evolution of morphologically complex teeth in non-mammalian synapsids, if the position in the cranium represents a certain point in the morphogenetic fields.

Major and Trace Element Composition Differences Revealed in Porcine Intestine by Dynamic Analysis and MeV Ion Microscopy

Physiologically relevant concentrations in biological tissue, in the in vivo, state are of the order of μmol L−1 and mmol L−1. Up to the present, mapping the major elements in the matrix and its thickness has been neglected, despite their importance for quantification of lesser and trace element concentrations. Ryan and Jamieson's dynamic analysis, statistical spectral decomposition approach, is developed to quantitatively measure ex vivo tissue sections cut using a cryomicrotome. This mitigates the problem that physical analysis methods require a vacuum environment. This approach is used to quantitatively image the major matrix elements H, C, N, and O as well as trace maps of Ca, Fe, and Zn in a tissue section of porcine intestine. This sample is selected as it exhibits a complex morphology with multiple tissue compartments (such as muscle and mucosa, as well as void areas from blood vessels, lymph ducts, sinuses crypts, and villi. In the results, it is demonstrated that different tissue types can have a different matrix composition and thickness. Using this information, quantitative maps and elemental molarities for the lesser and trace elements Ca, Fe, and Zn are obtained.

Identifying factors influencing reservoir eutrophication using interpretable machine learning combined with shoreline morphology and landscape hydrological features: A case study of Danjiangkou Reservoir, China

Reservoir nearshore areas are influenced by both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, making them sensitive regions to water quality changes. The analysis of basin landscape hydrological features provides limited insight into the spatial heterogeneity of eutrophication in these areas. The complex characteristics of shoreline morphology and their impact on eutrophication are often overlooked. To comprehensively analyze the complex relationships between shoreline morphology and landscape hydrological features, with eutrophication, this study uses Danjiangkou Reservoir as a case study. Utilizing Landsat 8 OLI remote sensing data from 2013 to 2022, combined with a semi-analytical approach, the spatial distribution of the Trophic State Index (TSI) during flood discharge periods (FDPs) and water storage periods (WSPs) was obtained. Using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), explained the relationships between landscape composition, landscape configuration, hydrological topography, shoreline morphology, and TSI, identified key factors at different spatial scales and validated their reliability. The results showed that: (1) There is significant spatial heterogeneity in the TSI distribution of Danjiangkou Reservoir. The eutrophication levels are significant in the shoreline and bay areas, with a tendency to extend inward only during the WSPs. (2) The importance of landscape composition, landscape configuration, hydrological topography, and shoreline morphology to TSI variations during the FDPs are 25.12 %, 29.6 %, 23.09 %, and 22.19 % respectively. Besides shoreline distance, the Landscape Shape Index (LSI) and Hypsometric Integral (HI) are the two most significant environmental variables overall during the FDPs. Forest and grassland areas become the most influential factors during the WSPs. The influence of landscape patterns and hydrological topography on TSI varies at different spatial scales. At the 200 m riparian buffer zone, the increase in cropland and impervious areas significantly elevates eutrophication levels. (3) Morphology complexity, shows a noticeable threshold effect on TSI, with complex shoreline morphology increasing the risk of eutrophication.