Greater Changes Research Articles

3D human model guided pose transfer via progressive flow prediction network

Human pose transfer is to transfer a conditional person image to a new target pose. The difficulty lies in modeling the large-scale spatial deformation from the conditional pose to the target one. However, the commonly used 2D data representations and one-step flow prediction scheme lead to unreliable deformation prediction because of the lack of 3D information guidance and the great changes in the pose transfer. Therefore, to bring the original 3D motion information into human pose transfer, we propose to simulate the generation process of real person image. We drive the 3D human model reconstructed from the conditional person image with the target pose and project it to the 2D plane. The 2D projection thereby inherits the 3D information of the poses which can guide the flow prediction. Furthermore, we propose a progressive flow prediction network consisting of two streams. One stream is to predict the flow by decomposing the complex pose transformation into multiple sub-transformations. The other is to generate the features of the target image according to the predicted flow. Besides, to enhance the reliability of the generated invisible regions, we use the target pose information which contains structural information from the flow prediction stream as the supplementary information to the feature generation. The synthesized images with accurate depth information and sharp details demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Linkage Disequilibrium Decay in Selected Cattle Breeds

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) maps are fundamental tools for exploring the genetic basis of traits of interest in any species. Quantifying LD patterns in cattle breeds has been made possible due to the availability of huge quantities of SNPs through modern sequencing technology. The present research aims to determine and compare linkage disequilibrium levels at different distances on the genome of Sistani domestic cattle and subspecies of Bos taurus and Bos indicus based on genome SNP data. A total of 60 Bos indicus Sahiwal (dairy) and Nellore (beef), Bos taurus Hereford (beef) and Holstein (dairy), and Sistani cattle were sampled and genotyped using Illumina Bovine HD 770 k chip. To ensure the caliber of the sequencing, 10 samples (genetically sequenced cattle) were randomly chosen among all breeds represented. LD was evaluated at distances of 1–50 Kb, 50–100 Kb, 100–500 Kb, and 0.5–1 Mb, and average r2 values for all autosomes were calculated within distance classes. For all breeds, the average r2 was over 0.2 at distances less than 100 Kb, while for Sistani, Nellore, and Sahiwal, the average r2 was above 0.2 between 100 and 500 Kb. Furthermore, for all breeds, the average r2 exceeding 0.3 was noted at distances smaller than 50 Kb, while this amount for Holstein and Hereford was observed at distances between 50 and 100 Kb. In various breeds, greater changes in LD levels were observed (at <10 Kb distance). In this study, the Sistani breed showed LD decay patterns similar to indicine cattle (Nellore and Sahiwal), which may be due to the geographic proximity of the Sistan and Baluchestan province to Pakistan, the origin of indicine breeds (they may have had genetic or kinship relationships over a long historical period), or due to ascertainment bias in the SNP chips used.

Knee joint mechanics during gait after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a partial or full thickness quadriceps tendon autograft at 2 years after surgery.

Despite quadriceps weakness in individuals after quadriceps tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (QT-ACLR), and its association with knee joint mechanics, no studies have addressed gait mechanics in both partial-thickness (PT-Q) and full-thickness (FT-Q) options for QT-ACLR. To assess gait mechanics across a QT-ACLR cohort. We hypothesized that QT-ACLR would show changes in knee joint mechanics compared to control participants (CON) and nonoperated limbs. Additionally, we hypothesized that FT-Q operated limbs would show greater changes compared to PT-Q and CON. Retrospective cohort study. University-affiliated sports medicine institute. Sixteen patients who underwent QT-ACLR (7 FT-Q: Age (years) = 28.6 ± 7.3, post-op (months) = 23.5 ± 10.7, 9 PT-Q: Age = 25.2 ± 4.3, post-op = 24.4 ± 11.7) were recruited and compared to 11 CON (age = 23.4 ± 4.8). Participants underwent gait testing with force plate integrated motion capture. Mixed repeated-measures analyses of covariance, adjusted for gait speed, were used to determine significant main effects or interactions in peak knee flexion angle, sagittal knee range of motion, peak internal knee extension moment (KEM), and peak internal knee flexion moment. When measured an average of 2 years after surgery, no main effect for limb or limb by depth interaction were detected. A significant effect by group was observed for peak KEM (p = .03, η2 = .27) and peak knee flexion angle (p = .04, η2 = .24) in the loading response phase. FT-Q (p = .02) and PT-Q (p = .03) showed lower KEM compared to the CON group in both limbs. The FT-Q group showed lower peak knee flexion angle compared to the CON group (p = .01). Knee joint symmetry may be recovered 2 years following QT-ACLR, but lower KEM compared to CON for both graft options and lower peak knee flexion angle than CON for the FT-Q group may indicate a need for further investigation in QT-ACLR.

Impacts of climate change and deforestation on fire risk in the Amazon basin

Fires in the Amazon rainforest are a result of anthropogenic activity in the region. As the Amazon rainforest becomes vulnerable to fire through deforestation and climate change, it is imperative to understand how the fire risk will change in future years—not only for the potential of the forest to become a source of carbon to the atmosphere if burned but also for the potential loss of unique biodiversity and its critical role in regional and global climate. Therefore, we used the Eta regional climate model driven by 3 global climate models to simulate 2 distinct scenarios: one with a high CO2 emission (RCP8.5-DEF15) path and another with a high CO2 emission path and the total deforestation of the Amazon rainforest (RCP8.5-DEFTOT). Combining the multi-model ensemble of temperature and precipitation, we calculated the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) and analyzed the results for the dry and wet seasons. In both scenarios, precipitation is reduced and maximum temperature increased. The greatest changes occur during the dry season and with the RCP8.5-DEFTOT scenario. In RCP8.5-DEF15, the KBDI is greatly affected, showing positive anomalies in both seasons. With the addition of deforestation, the fire risk is further exacerbated, thus highlighting the role of the forest in suppressing optimal conditions for fire. Additionally, more than half of the basin area is predicted to experience a high risk of fire in extreme years. Our results emphasize the importance of reducing global emissions and deforestation of the Amazon, given that fire activity could threaten the future of the Amazon rainforest.

Similar adaptive responses in the upper body physical performance of table tennis players following the traditional and cluster set resistance and plyometric training.

Numerous studies have investigated the impact of resistance training (RT) and plyometric training (PT) set configurations (cluster sets [CS] and traditional sets [TS]) on lower body performance adaptations. However, the effects of these training modalities on upper body physical performance, particularly among Table Tennis (TT) players, remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week RT and PT using CS and TS configurations on the physical performance attributes of male TT players. Forty young male players were recruited from a local academy and after determining their dominant hand, divided into CS-PT, TS-PT, CS-RT, TS-RT, and active control (CON) groups, each of eight. Pre- and post-interventions, the upper body muscular power (medicine ball throw), maximal strength (bench press), reaction time, and arm crank anaerobic power test were measured. Following the intervention, the CON group exhibited no changes; however, the CS-PT, TS-PT, CS-RT, and TS-RT groups displayed significant (p = 0.001) improvements in muscular power (effect size [ES] = 1.21 [large], 1.02 [medium], 0.81 [medium], 0.64 [medium]), strength (ES = 0.40 [small], 0.43 [small], 0.62 [medium], 0.63 [medium]), reaction time (ES = - 0.71 [medium], - 0.68 [medium], - 0.83 [medium], - 0.61 [medium]), peak power (ES = 1.83 [large], 1.66 [large], 0.90 [medium], 0.67 [medium]), and mean power (ES = 0.89 [medium], 0.89 [medium], 0.57 [small], 0.59 [small]), respectively. The PT groups indicated significantly greater changes than the RT groups in both muscular (CS, p = 0.021; TS, p = 0.018) and anaerobic power (peak power: CS, p = 0.017; TS, p = 0.011; mean power: CS, p = 0.024; TS, p = 0.042) performance, while the RT groups showed greater adaptive responses than the PT groups in maximal strength (CS, p = 0.033; TS, p = 0.048). In conclusion, PT is recommended for enhancing power performance, while RT is preferred for increasing strength. When various set configurations were incorporated, no further effects were noted.

Expression of Immune Genes and Leukocyte Population in the Conjunctiva, Harderian Gland and Trachea of Chickens Inoculated with a Live Vaccine and a Field Strain Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus

Changes in leukocyte populations and immune gene expression associated with attenuated vaccine (SA2) or field (Class 9) strains of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in chicken pullets were observed primarily in the trachea and conjunctiva, while no substantial changes were detected in the Harderian gland. Although there were no significant differences in cellular infiltration in the tissues exposed to Class 9 and SA2, Class 9 induced greater changes in immune gene expression than SA2 in the trachea and conjunctiva and significantly upregulated CD4, CD8A, IRF1, STAT4 and downregulated CXCL12 expression in the trachea. Meanwhile, SA2 significantly upregulated CD14 and downregulated MPO, CCR6 and RAG1 expression in the conjunctiva. In conclusion, gene expression in pullets infected with SA2 and Class 9 were mostly related to inflammatory and tissue-repairing responses in the trachea and conjunctiva. Compared to SA2, Class 9 inoculation was associated with a more robust gene expression of immune markers; however, a larger infiltration of Kul01+, Bu1+ and CD8a+ cells was observed in trachea and conjunctiva after SA2 inoculation.

Abstract 4123308: Trends in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus By US State, 2019 -2023

Introduction/ Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most frequent adverse pregnancy outcomes and increases the risk of lifetime cardiometabolic disease. Given known geographic disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality in the US, we examined state-level prevalence and trends in GDM from 2019-2023. Methods: We conducted a serial, cross-sectional analysis of maternal health data recorded on birth certificates from all livebirths in the US using the National Center for Health Statistics Natality Files. We included pregnant individuals aged 15-44 years who gave birth from 2019-2023, had a singleton, live birth, and did not have pre-pregnancy diabetes. We calculated the age-standardized prevalence and average-annual percent change (AAPC) in GDM from 2019-2023, overall, by U.S. census region (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West), and in each US state and the District of Columbia (DC). Results: Of the 17,432,486 individuals with live births between 2019 and 2023, overall prevalence of GDM per 100 live births (95% confidence interval) was 6.9 (6.9, 6.9) in 2019 and 8.0 (8.0, 8.1) in 2023 (AAPC 3.2 [-1.7, 8.5]). There was significant geographic variation in overall prevalence of GDM by US region and state ( Figure 1 ). In 2023, prevalence was higher in the Midwest (8.8 [8.7, 8.9]) and Western states (8.6, [8.5,8.6]) compared with the Southern (7.3, [7.3, 7.4]) and Northeastern states (8.1, [8.0,8.2]), ranging from 5.5 (4.9,6.0) in DC to 13.0 (12.2,13.8) in Alaska. Prevalence was higher in 2023 compared with 2019 in all US regions and states and DC, except Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, and Wyoming. Prevalence increased most rapidly in the Western US states (AAPC 4.2%/year [0.1, 8.4]) with the greatest change observed in Montana from 5.1 (4.7, 5.6) in 2019 to 8.0 (7.5, 8.5) in 2023 (AAPC 10.3%/year [5.6, 15.3]). Conclusions: GDM prevalence increased significantly from 2019-2023 with substantial heterogeneity by US region and state. More localized state-level analysis with context-specific polices that address factors associated with geographic differences in GDM are needed to promote maternal cardiometabolic health equity in the US.

Escalating threat of human-perceived heatwaves in Brazil

Abstract Heatwaves pose significant threats to socioeconomic and environmental systems, with their intensity and frequency expected to increase due to climate change. Despite their critical impacts, future heatwaves in Brazil remain underexplored, especially from a human-perceived perspective, which is crucial for assessing potential public health impacts. Here, we propose a method to assess heatwaves using the humidex (H) – a climate index that combines temperature and relative humidity to indicate human-perceived heat - alongside traditional temperature-based measures. Using bias-corrected simulations from 10 CMIP6 models under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, we quantified projected changes in heatwaves across Brazil. The results indicate that heatwaves will become more severe and prolonged, with greater changes under the SSP5-8.5 scenario by the end of the century, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Central regions. The magnitude of human-perceived heatwaves is expected to rise faster than temperature-based ones, underscoring the need for public health-focused assessments. CMIP6 models strongly agree on increased future heatwaves, potentially tripling population exposure in most Brazilian states, with the Southeast experiencing greater changes due to its larger population. These events are expected not only to affect more people but also to be more severe, exceeding over 60 days per year of serious danger (H > 45°C) by the end of the century under SSP5-8.5. Record-shattering events in the historical period are projected to become the norm by mid-century, highlighting the accelerating nature of these extreme events. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering human-perceived heat in climate impact studies and public health planning to mitigate potential impacts.

Association Between Postoperative Medial-Middle Intercuneiform Joint Widening and Recurrence Rates in Hallux Valgus Treated With Modified Lapidus Procedure.

Although an association between intercuneiform (C1-C2) joint instability and the recurrence of hallux valgus (HV) deformity after the modified Lapidus procedure has been suggested, there is currently no radiographic evidence to support it. This study aims to investigate radiographic changes in the C1-C2 joint after the modified Lapidus procedure for HV correction, using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). This retrospective cohort study included 52 feet (50 patients) with HV who underwent modified Lapidus procedure and had preoperative and postoperative WBCT. Patients who had an additional transfixation screw between the first and second ray were excluded. The preoperative and average 6.5 months postoperative C1-C2 distance, C1-C2 angle, and C1-ground angle were measured on coronal multiplanar reconstructed WBCT images. Radiographic parameters between the recurrence group (n = 9) and nonrecurrence group (n = 43) were compared. Recurrence of HV deformity was characterized by a postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) greater than 20 degrees. Nine of 52 patients (17.3%) had recurrence of their HV deformity. The recurrence group had greater changes in the C1-C2 distance; the median widening in the recurrence group was 0.7 mm (IQR, 0.6-0.8), whereas the nonrecurrence group was 0.3 mm (IQR, 0.1-0.4, P < .001). Regression analysis showed that increase in the C1-C2 distance were significantly associated with recurrence (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.18-3.77; P = .0015). Although no preoperative imaging parameters were associated with a change in the C1-C2 distance, increasing postoperative sesamoid position (r = 0.32, P = .022) and HVA (r = 0.28, P = .046) were correlated with a greater change in the C1-C2 joint gapping. Our study results suggest a possible association between early postoperative widening of the C1-C2 joint and the recurrence of the HV deformity following a modified Lapidus procedure. This raises, but does not answer, the question as to whether the routine stabilization of intercuneiform joint directly or indirectly may help reduce the rate of hallux valgus recurrence when performing the modified Lapidus procedure.

Microbiological profile of patients with generalized gingivitis undergoing periodontal therapy and administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019: A randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the adjunctive use of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) to conventional therapy on clinical and microbiological parameters in patients with generalized gingivitis. Sixty systemically healthy individuals with untreated generalized gingivitis were submitted to periodontal therapy and allocated to receive Placebo (n = 30) or Probiotic (n = 30) lozenges, twice a day for 8 weeks. Bleeding on Marginal Probing (BOMP) was evaluated at baseline, after 2 and 8 weeks. Supra and subgingival biofilm were obtained at baseline and 8 weeks post-therapy for analyses by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Differences between therapeutic groups were analyzed by non-parametric tests (p<0.05). The Placebo and Probiotic groups showed a significant reduction in BOMP at 8 weeks compared to baseline (p<0.05). The Probiotic group had a lower percentage of BOMP when compared with the Placebo group at 8 weeks (p<0.0001). Alpha and beta-diversity showed no statistical significance between groups and time points. At phylum level, no significant differences were observed between groups and time points. At genus level, an increase in the relative abundances of Bergeyella and Corynebacterium were significantly associated with a greater reduction in bleeding in the Placebo group and with less reduction in bleeding in the Probiotic group, respectively. At species level, Schaalia spp., Streptococcus gordonii, and Leptotrichia wadei increased in Placebo and decreased in the Probiotic group after treatment. Granulicatella adiacens decreased significantly after the probiotic therapy, while Saccharibacteria (TM7) spp., Solobacterium moorei, and Catonella morbi increased significantly. In the Placebo group, Bergeyella sp. HMT-322 was associated with a greater percentage of reduction in bleeding. In both groups, Actinomyces species were related to less reduction in bleeding. The adjuvant use of B. lactis HN019 alongside conventional therapy enhanced the reduction in BOMP and promoted greater changes in the microbiological profile of patients with generalized gingivitis. The study was registered at Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC; protocol number: RBR-59v2yb).

Four-Year Longitudinal Investigation of the Relationship Between Myopia and Retinal Shape in Chinese Children: The Anyang Childhood Eye Study

Purpose To investigate the longitudinal relationship between myopia and retinal shape in Chinese children. Methods A total of 2471 seven-year-old Chinese children were measured for axial length, anterior corneal radius of curvature, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, central spherical equivalent, and peripheral refractions along the horizontal meridian (±15°, ±30°) under cycloplegia. Retinal shape was fitted using vertex radius of curvature, asphericity, and an offset. The areas under the horizontal retinal curve, the nasal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve and the temporal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve, were calculated. Children were tested annually for 5 years from year 0 to 4, with 1123 newly developed myopes divided into eight subgroups based on relative time to myopia onset. Results In follow-up subgroups, vertex radius of curvature showed positive correlations with central spherical equivalent from years 1 to 4. Smaller temporal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve was associated with negative central spherical equivalent each year. Myopic shift (Δcentral spherical equivalent) was negatively correlated with baseline central spherical equivalent and with greater change in areas under the horizontal retinal curve from year 0 to 4. The absolute change in temporal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve (0.39 ± 1.15 mm2) was significantly larger than the absolute change in nasal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve (0.05 ± 1.11 mm2) over the 4 years. In myopia onset subgroups, temporal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve was significantly smaller than nasal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve. The ratio of temporal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve/nasal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve was closest to 1 in the year before myopia onset and decreased as myopia developed. Vertex radius of curvature, areas under the horizontal retinal curve, and temporal side of areas under the horizontal retinal curve decreased linearly as myopia progressed. Conclusion A progressive steepening of the horizontal posterior retina was associated with myopia progression. Myopia shift was negatively correlated with baseline central spherical equivalent and with greater change in posterior retinal shape. As myopia progressed, the horizontal retina shape displayed increased asymmetry.

French Foreign Policy Shifts in a Multi-dimensional Perspective: The Impact and Consequences of Populism

French foreign policy has played an important role in global politics in history. As one of the core countries in Europe, France's diplomatic decisions not only affect its own interests, but also have a far-reaching impact on the political landscape of Europe and even the world. In the past few decades, the process of globalization, regional conflicts, EU internal dynamics and other factors have continuously reshaped France's diplomatic strategy. In recent years, the rise of populism has been particularly eye-catching. It not only triggered great changes in domestic politics, but also had a far-reaching impact on France's foreign policy. As a political phenomenon, populism is usually characterized by anti-elite, anti-dism and an emphasis on national sovereignty and the will of the people. In France, the rise of populism is reflected not only in the words and deeds of politicians and political parties, but also in the attitude and voting behavior of voters. The impact of populism on French foreign policy is mainly reflected in its attitude towards the European Union, its position on immigration and refugee issues, and its attitude towards international cooperation and multilateralism. This article aims to explore the foreign policy transformation of France under the influence of populism from a multidimensional perspective and analyze the consequences of this change. By comparing France's diplomatic strategies in different historical periods, people can more clearly understand the role of populism in it and its potential impact on future international relations.

Empowering Education Through Teacher-Technology Collaboration

The emergence of information systems integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) technology has led to great changes in education. It provides strong support and guarantees for the education field in adapting to the transformation of the digital environment. As end users and managers of information system and technology, teachers' innovative leadership contributes to this rapid digitalization transformation in education. The current study highlights the leading role of teachers' innovative leadership in the teaching process involving the application of smart learning systems. In the smart learning environment, teachers who practice more innovative leadership improve the engagement of end user learners in collaborative activities and further improve campus organizational culture. This study further presents feasible measures for practicing innovative teacher leadership in class and conducting blended management for teacher–AI collaboration in a smart environment.

Serum Metabolome Signature Response to Different Types of Resistance Training.

Pneumatic resistance training (PRT) facilitates a longer time under tension that might lead to greater changes in body composition when compared to traditional resistance training (TRT), possibly enhancing serum metabolite concentrations indicative of healthy metabolic function. To assess the impact of PRT and TRT on muscular strength, body composition, and serum metabolome, 69 men (age: 31.8±7.2 years, height: 179.7±5.4 cm, weight: 81.1±9.9 kg) were randomized into two 10-week intervention groups (PRT:n=24 and TRT:n=24) and one control group (CON:n=21). Serum metabolite concentrations were assessed before and after the training intervention by high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance. Fat mass and lean mass were obtained by bioimpedance analysis. The training intervention resulted in an increase in lean mass for both PRT (1.85±2.69%; p=0.003) and TRT (2.72±4.53%; p=0.004), while only PRT reduced statistically significantly in body fat percentage (PRT: -5.08±10.76%; p=0.019). Only in PRT and TRT significant increases in small high-density lipoproteins (S-HDL-L) and small HDL particles (S-HDL-P) were observed. When controlling for fat and lean mass, the effects on S-HDL-L/S-HDL-P diminished. Network analysis may suggest that PRT and TRT result in an increase in network connectivity and robustness. It appears that the observed improvements are associated with changes in body composition.

Deformation prediction of overlying strata in multi-seam mining based on the influence function method-key stratum hybrid model

The extraction of coal seams from subterranean strata has the potential to induce displacement and deformation within the overlying strata. This leads to fractures in the strata and surface subsidence. The repetitive mining of coal seams, especially in scenarios involving multiple coal seams, can reactivate previously stabilized rock strata, causing them to subside and deform again. This exacerbates deformation and compromises the structural integrity of the strata. Consequently, there is an imperative need to thoroughly investigate the patterns of movement exhibited by overlying rock layers as a result of the recurrent extraction of coal seams. In recent years, significant progress in this field has been the effective utilization of the Influence Function Method-Key Stratum (IFM-KS) hybrid model. This model, distinguished by its amalgamation of mechanical and geometric methodologies, has proven to be efficacious in scrutinizing the movement dynamics of overlying strata in the context of single-layer mining operations. Based on that, this paper introduces a novel model for predicting rock layer movement and deformation in multi-seam mining. The calculation results derived from this model reveal the dynamics of rock layers' movement and deformation following secondary disturbances during repetitive mining. The accuracy and reliability of this newly proposed model in predicting rock movement during dual-layer coal mining are validated through both theoretical calculations and UDEC numerical simulations. The results demonstrate a high degree of consistency between the numerically simulated rock displacement and mathematical calculations and the rationality of the model. Based on the rock strata movement calculation results, the corresponding porosity distribution is also derived. Compared to single-layer coal mining, multi-seam mining could cause greater changes in porosity in the goaf area and extensive damage to rock strata. More fracture pathways between coal seams occur and a volume of air-leakage quantity is expected. This computational model provides invaluable insights for predicting rock strata deformation and porosity distribution in repetitive mining scenarios of a similar nature.

Exploring Shape Variance in Waterbirds' Pad Feet: A Geometric Morphometric Analysis

Waterbirds usually have webbed feet, which help them move easily through water. These pad feet fall into four main categories: palmate, semipalmate, totipalmate, and lobate. In this study, morphological diversity among the pad feet of different waterbirds breeds such as the West Indian whistling duck (Anas bahamensis), mandarin duck (Aix galericulata), red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis), wood duck (Aix sponsa), mute swan (Cygnus olor), greylag goose (Anser anser), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), redhead duck (Aythya americana), Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), and pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) was examined by the geometric morphometric method. 2D images of 12 waterbirds pad feet from different parts of Türkiye were analyzed from dorsal view. In total thirteen landmarks were used. The analysis focused on principal component 1 and principal component 2 values. Principal component 1 shows slightly greater changes occurring on the lateral toes II and IV, as well as in the interdigital webbing below the average. Principal component 2 reveals greater shape changes also on the toes II and IV, which are more lateral. Geometric morphometric analysis proves valuable in identifying variations in the shape of the pad feet among various breeds of waterbirds, making it an effective tool for taxonomic purposes.

Plasma Treatment Technologies for GaN Electronics

Nowadays, the third-generation semiconductor led by GaN has brought great changes to the semiconductor industry. Utilizing its characteristics of a wide bandgap, high breakdown Electric field, and high electron mobility, GaN material is widely applied in areas such as 5G communication and electric vehicles to improve energy conservation and reduce emissions. However, with the progress in the development of GaN electronics, surface and interface defects have become a main problem that limits the further promotion of their performance and stability, increasing leakage current and causing degradation in breakdown voltage. Thus, to reduce the damage, Plasma treatment technologies are introduced in the fabrication process of GaN electronics. Up to now, designs like the high-resistivity p-GaN cap Layer, passivating termination, and surface recovery process have been established via Plasma treatment, reaching the goals of normally-off transistors, diodes with high breakdown voltage and high-reliability GaN electronics, etc. In this article, hydrogen, fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen Plasma treatment technologies will be discussed, and their application in GaN electronics will be reviewed and compared.

From β-KB3O4F2 to α-KB3O4F2: Phase Transition-Directed Great Changes in Structure and Optical Anisotropy.

Herein, a new fluorooxoborate α-KB3O4F2 is synthesized successfully in a closed system. It crystallizes in the P21/n space group and features the rare one-dimensional (1D) zigzag [B6O8F4]∞ chains built by fundamental building blocks (FBBs) [B6O9F4]. To the best of our knowledge, KB3O4F2 is a unique example of inorganic anhydrous borate whose two polymorphs show 1D B-O/F chains constructed by different FBBs but the same symmetry operation. Different from β-KB3O4F2, the inconsistent arrangement of π-conjugated [B2O5] units in α-KB3O4F2 makes it exhibit a small birefringence (0.011@546 nm). Further, α-KB3O4F2 owns a deep-ultraviolet (DUV) cutoff edge (<200 nm), suggesting that it has a potential application as the zero-order waveplate material in the DUV region.

Complex shape markers can detect alterations in the spatial distribution of cell nuclei in human lung squamous cell carcinoma: a useful tool for automatic analysis?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. The use of computational methods to quantify changes that are not perceptible to the human eye is increasing in digital pathology imaging and has quickly improved detection rates at a low cost. Therefore, the present study aims to use complex computational shape markers as tools for automated analysis of the spatial distribution of cells in microscopy images of squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCC). Photomicrographs from pathology glass slides in the LC25000 dataset were used in this study. Compared with those of the control, the fractal dimension (28%) and lacunarity (41%) of the cell nuclei changed in SqCC. The multifractal analysis revealed a significant difference in parameters Dq, α, and f(α) for all values of q (-10 to + 10), with a greater increase for more positive q values. The values at q + 10 increased by 34% for Dq, 36% for α, and 53% for f(α) in the SqCC images. The circularity, area, and perimeter also changed in the SqCC images. However, the parameters of aspect ratio, roundness, and solidity did not significantly differ between SqCC and benign tissue. The complex shape markers with the greatest changes in this study were the f(α) values for multifractality (53%) and lacunarity (41%). In conclusion, automated quantification of the spatial distribution of cell nuclei can be a fast, low-cost tool for evaluating the microscopic characteristics of SqCC; therefore, complex shape markers could be useful tools for software and artificial intelligence to detect lung carcinoma.

Long-term Clinical and Radiographic Results of Posteromedial Lateral Release for Neuromuscular Clubfoot Deformity.

Clubfoot occurs in up to 50% of patients with spina bifida (SB) and 90% with arthrogryposis (AR). Many of these patients with neuromuscular clubfoot deformity fail conservative casting and require surgery with posteromedial lateral release (PMLR). Limited data exist for the outcomes of PMLR in patients with SB and AR. Retrospective chart review was performed on PMLR in patients with SB and AR from January 2007 to June 2022, excluding those with follow-up <3 years or incomplete charts. Radiographic measurements were obtained pre-PMLR and post-PMLR when available. In total, 51 patients with 79 cases of clubfeet treated with PMLR at a tertiary children's hospital were identified. Of those, 35 patients with 54 cases of clubfeet treated with PMLR were analyzed, including 22 patients (29 feet) with SB and 13 patients (25 feet) with AR. In the SB cohort, 41% of feet required reoperation at an average of 4.6 years, and 76% of AR feet required reoperation at an average of 4.7 years post-PMLR. In addition, 21% of SB feet and 8% of AR feet required 2 or more reoperations. Talectomy was required post-PMLR in 24% of SB feet and 40% of AR feet at an average of 4.9 and 5.9 years, respectively. Younger age at time of PMLR was associated with significantly increased reoperation rates in AR (P=0.01). Greater change in calcaneus-fifth metatarsal angle after PMLR was associated with a future need for reoperation (P=0.047). Greater talo-first metatarsal angle after PMLR was associated with a future need for reoperations of any kind (P=0.040) in SB. Although PMLR remains a safe and successful treatment in the short term, many neuromuscular clubfeet will require additional procedures. Younger age and greater preoperative versus postoperative changes in calcaneus-fifth metatarsal and postoperative talo-first metatarsal angles were associated with increased reoperation rate. These results help orthopaedic surgeons counsel families about the long-term prognosis of clubfoot treatment in SB and AR. Level IV.