Curve Pattern Research Articles

The trade-offs effect of ecosystem health and socio-economic development on tea production

Ecosystem health (EH) maintenance and improvement are important goals in environmental and ecological management, and help realize regional sustainable development goals. EH assessment and the regulatory mechanism have remained popular research fields in landscape ecology science. However, the improvement in EH assessment methods is ongoing, the influences of EH and socioeconomic development on agricultural production remain unclear. In this study, we chose Fujian Province in China as the study area, first quantitatively assess EH based on the Vigor–Organization–Resilience–Services (VORS) model, and thereafter explore the response of tea production to EH and socioeconomic development using the structural equation model (SEM). We found that the mean EH value in Fujian Province was 0.52 in 2010, which was 6.12% and 10.64% higher than that in 2000 and 2020, respectively. The high-EH-value regions were distributed in the northwest, while the southeastern regions exhibited low-EH-value agglomerations. According to the temporal evolution characteristics of EH, the kernel density curve patterns exhibited single peaks, and the curves shifted from a broad to a narrow peak from 2000 to 2020, indicating a trend toward a more balanced distribution of EH spatially. SEM results showed a significant positive effect of EH on tea production with a coefficient of 0.86. However, there is a significant trade-off between EH and economic development, as indicated by a coefficient of −0.6. There are also negative indirect effects on tea development when mediated by economic development. However, the overall effect of EH on tea production is 0.8, indicating that EH is still effective in promoting tea production. The results of this study have implications for the integration of ecosystem management and agricultural production management in the region.

Archaeometric analysis of pottery sherds from Barveh Tepe: Insights into Early Bronze Age pottery‐making techniques and firing temperatures

AbstractBarveh Tepe, an archaeological site from the Early Bronze Age in the Zagros Mountains of Iran, was the focus of an archaeometric analysis in this study. The aim was to evaluate the firing temperature of excavated pottery sherds from Barveh Tepe and to gain insights into the pottery‐making techniques employed. A range of analytical methods, including optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), was utilized to characterize the pottery sherds. The results revealed the utilization of two primary types of raw clays: calcite‐rich (calcareous) and calcite‐poor (non‐calcareous). The presence of calcite in calcareous pottery samples was confirmed, with the calcareous pottery showing a low CO3−2 vibrational band, indicating a low firing temperature. Through the integration of SEM images, FTIR spectra, TGA curve and XRD pattern results, the estimated firing temperature range for Barveh Tepe pottery was determined to be between 600 and 1100°C. These findings provide new insights into the pottery‐making practices of the Early Bronze Age and shed light on the technological advancements of the period.

Flight activity behavior of stingless bee (Apidae: Meliponini) in an urban park outside their natural range: the influence of hive temperature

In South America, the movement of stingless bee colonies outside their natural location is a common practice and, in many cases, meliponiculture activities are conducted in urban or semi-urban areas. In this study, we used a temperature/relative humidity probe inside the hives to assess indicators of hive dynamics to explore the adaptation of Scaptotrigona jujuyensis colonies located in an urban park outside the species’ natural range. The temperature inside the hives was negatively correlated with environmental temperature and its range was narrower than in the empty box (control). These results suggest that the colonies regulate the internal temperature and form a microenvironment, with average values ranging between 29 and 21 °C in the brood chamber, and between 27 and 19 °C in the storage chamber. The number of bees involved in the three flight activities studied varied with the time of the day, through the season and colony. Nevertheless, between 10:00 and 15:00 h, all colonies showed high and continuous activity. The pattern of activity curves of S. jujuyensis tends to be similar to other Scaptotrigona. Finally, we fit Generalized Linear Models to assess the effect of abiotic variables on the flight activity of S. jujuyensis through a negative binomial model. Our results show that the temperature of the brood chamber, relative humidity and colony size best predict the collection of pollen and removal pellets into the hive. These results contribute to the management and conservation of this native species in a new scenario of geographic distribution.

Mechanism and bearing load-capacity of compound stirrup UHPC-encased CFST columns under axial compression

To augment the synergistic performance between the outer reinforced concrete and the core concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) in standard reinforced concrete encased CFST columns, 14 columns underwent axial compression testing. Of these, 12 columns were encased with compound stirrup Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), one with compound stirrup high-strength cement-based material, and one with ordinary reinforced concrete. The experiment investigated the effects of compound stirrup forms, stirrup spacing, steel fiber content, steel tube wall thickness, outer concrete types, and core concrete strength on the final failure mode, load-displacement curve, strain characteristics, and development pattern of the specimens. Results indicated improved deformation coordination between the outer compound stirrup UHPC and the core CFST in compound stirrup UHPC encased CFST columns. The yield strength of both the compound stirrup and the steel tube was fully developed within the tested parameter range. A calculation method considering the compound stirrups, fiber constrained outer concrete, and the CFST’s contribution ratio was used to predict the ultimate bearing capacity of reinforced concrete encased CFST columns.

Unveiling the nature of two dwarf novae: CRTS J080846.2+313106 and V416 Dra

We present the analysis of optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of two non-magnetic cataclysmic variables, namely CRTS J080846.2+313106 and V416 Dra. We find CRTS J080846.2+313106 to vary with a period of 4.9116pm 0.0003 h, which was not found in earlier studies and which we provisionally suggest is the orbital period of the system. In both long-period systems, the observed dominant signal at the second harmonic of the orbital frequency and the orbital modulation during quiescence are suggestive of ellipsoidal variation from changing aspects of the secondary, with an additional contribution from the accretion stream or hotspot. However, during the outburst, the hotspot itself is overwhelmed by the increased brightness, which is possibly associated with the accretion disc. The mid-eclipse phase for V416 Dra occurs earlier and the width of the eclipse is greater during outbursts compared to quiescence, suggesting an increased accretion disc radius during outbursts. Furthermore, from our investigation of the accretion disc eclipse in V416 Dra, we find that a total disc eclipse is possible during quiescence, whereas the disc seems to be partially obscured during outbursts, which further signifies that the disc may grow in size as the outburst progresses. The optical spectra of CRTS J080846.2+313106 and V416 Dra are typical of dwarf novae during quiescence, and they both show a significant contribution from the M2-4V secondary. The light curve patterns, orbital periods, and spectra observed in the two systems look remarkably similar, and seem to resemble the characteristics of U Gem-type dwarf novae.

Presence of compensatory curve predicts postoperative curve progression in congenital scoliosis after thoracolumbar hemivertebra resection and short fusion.

To investigate the impact of preoperative compensatory curve on the postoperative curve progression in congenital scoliosis (CS) patients following thoracolumbar hemivertebra (HV) resection and short fusion. This study retrospectively reviewed a consecutive cohort of patients with CS who underwent thoracolumbar HV resection and short fusion with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. According to the preoperative curve pattern, patients were divided into compensatory curve group non-compensatory curve group. Based on the postoperative coronal curve evolution, patients were further divided into the progressed group (Group P, with curve decompensation ≥ 20°) and the non-progressed group (Group NP, characterized by well-compensated curves). A total of 127 patients were included in this study, with 31 patients in the compensatory curve group and 96 patients in the non-compensatory curve group. The incidence of postoperative coronal curve progression was significantly higher in the compensatory curve group than that in non-compensatory curve group (35.5% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.007). In the compensatory curve group, patients who experienced postoperative curve progression showed fewer fusion segments (p = 0.001), greater preoperative UIV translation (p = 0.006), greater preoperative LIV tilt (p = 0.017), and larger postoperative UIV tilt (p < 0.001) compared with patients in group NP. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that the shorter fusion segments and greater postoperative UIV tilt were two independent risk factors for postoperative curve progression. The presence of the compensatory curve was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative curve progression in patients with CS who underwent thoracolumbar HV resection and short fusion. Shorter fusion segments and greater postoperative UIV tilt were found to be the risk factors for postoperative curve progression.

Modeling Reliability-Driven Software Release Strategy Considering Testing Effort with Fault Detection and Correction Processes: A Control Theoretic Approach

In this paper, we have introduced a software reliability growth model (SRGM) that integrates a Weibull testing effort function (TEF) within the software fault detection process (FDP) and fault correction process (FCP), effectively capturing the intricacies of software testing. Leveraging the least squared estimation method, we estimated both model parameters and the TEF, leading to a notably improved fit with the dataset and enhancing our comprehension of software reliability dynamics. Our approach also involved employing a reliability-based method to identify the optimal time for software release, further reinforcing the robustness of our model. Subsequently, we devised an optimal control model to minimize testing efforts throughout the software development life cycle. This work provides a comprehensive methodological framework for computing the total cost while ensuring debugging costs follow a learning curve pattern. Through numerical simulations involving hypothetical values and the Weibull TEF, we observed that once the software achieves the desired reliability for release, subsequent costs gradually decline to zero. In essence, both testing and future costs converge to zero post-release, reducing instantaneous expenses.

Fibrosarcomatous Transformation in Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Male Breast and its Association with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Immunohistopathologic Features.

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma, accounting for approximately 1% of all tumors; however, DFSP of the breast is extremely rare. Moreover, DFSP generally has a low malignant potential and is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence along with a small but definite risk of metastasis. The risk of metastasis is higher in fibrosarcomatous transformation in DFSP than in ordinary DFSP. We have, herein, reported a case of a 61-year-old male patient with fibrosarcomatous transformation in DFSP. Preoperative Dynamic Contrastenhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) of the breast revealed an oval-shaped mass with heterogeneous internal enhancement, a large vessel embedded within, and a washout curve pattern on kinetic curve analysis. The mass exhibited a hyperintense signal on Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI), with a low apparent diffusion coefficient value. Histologically, the bland spindle tumor cells were arranged in a storiform pattern. Areas with the highest histological grade demonstrated increased cellularity, cytological atypia, and mitotic activity. Immunohistochemically, Ki-67 and p53 were highly expressed. Recognizing the risk and accurately diagnosing fibrosarcomatous transformation in male breast DFSP are critical for improving prognosis and establishing appropriate treatment and follow-up plans. This emphasizes the significance of combining immunohistopathological features with DCE-MRI and DWI to assist clinicians in the early and accurate diagnosis of sarcomas arising from male breast DFSP.

Directors tenure diversity and corporate sustainability performance: The non-linear evidence from Indonesia public listed companies

The primary objective of this study is to thoroughly investigate the association between director tenure diversity and corporate sustainability performance. This study utilizes a sample comprising 578 firm-year observations from non-financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. To test the hypothesis, the study employs the Ordinary Least Squares method, complemented by a series of endogeneity tests. This study reveals that the sustainability performance of corporations in Indonesia falls significantly short of satisfactory levels. Furthermore, the study indicates that there is a negative association between tenure diversity and sustainability performance, demonstrating a U-shaped curve pattern. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we performed additional analysis using coarsened exact matching and Heckman (1979) two-stage least square methodologies, confirming that the results remained consistent with those of the initial test. Intriguingly, our supplementary analyses also revealed an inverse association between tenure diversity in the boardroom and sustainability performance within companies. This study makes a significant contribution to the corporate governance literature by elucidating the inverse association between director tenure diversity and sustainability performance. In doing so, it enhances the originality and novelty of existing studies, particularly within the context of developing countries, such as Indonesia. This study exhibits novelty by embracing a quantitative approach to measure sustainability performance, revealing an intriguing inverse association between sustainability performance and ESG initiatives within the companies.

A Novel Method to Assess Healing of Segmental Bone Defects using the Induced Membrane Technique.

Clinical concerns exist regarding the quality of bony consolidation in the context of the induced membrane technique. This study evaluates the clinical process of bone grafting in the second stage of induced membrane bone union in patients with tibial bone defects to infer the possibility of non-union and establish a reliable and effective evaluation method combined with computed tomography (CT) to assess fracture healing. Patients with tibial bone defects who underwent the induced membrane technique at our hospital between February 2017 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the patients were evaluated at different times during the second stage of bone grafting. Bone healing at the boundary value of the 120 HU output threshold (-1024 HU-3071 HU) was directionally selected, and the changes in the growth volume of union (new bone volume [selected according to HU value]/bone defect volume) were compared with analyzing individual class bone union. Method 1 involved X-rays revealing that at least three of the four cortices were continuous and at least 2 mm thick, with the patient being pain free. For Method 2, new bone volume (selected according to HU value/bone defect volume) at the stage was compared with analyzing individual class healing. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used for Methods 1 and 2. A total of 42 patients with a segmental bone defect with a mean age of 40.5 years (40.5 ± 8.3 years) were included. The relationship between bone graft volume and time variation was analyzed by single factor repeated variable analysis (F = 6.477, p = 0.016). Further, curve regression analysis showed that the change in bone graft volume over time presented a logarithmic curve pattern (Y = 0.563 + 0.086 × ln(X), Ra2 = 0.608, p = 0.041). ROC curve analysis showed that Method 2 is superior to Method 1 (AUC: 86.3% vs. 68.3%, p < 0.05). The induced membrane technique could be used to treat traumatic long bone defects, with fewer complications and a higher healing rate. The proposed imaging grading of HU (new bone volume/bone defect volume) can be used as a reference for the quality of bony consolidation with the induced membrane technique.

IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF CUSTOM-MADE BOSTON-TYPE THORACO-LUMBO-SACRAL ORTHOSIS ON BALANCE AND POSTURAL STABILITY IN ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can impair postural stability and balance functions. Boston brace systems with varying external corrective force strategies are used as one of the common conservative treatments in AIS. Although multiple studies have found that various orthotic therapies enhance curve advancement, the effects of spinal bracing on postural equilibrium and stability remain unknown. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of the immediate use of custom-made Boston-type thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) on balance and postural stability in AIS. Postural balance using the center of pressure (CoP) measures was measured by the HUMACⓇ Balance &amp; Tilt System (CSMi, Stoughton, MA). The line laser tool (Bosch, GLL 3 X P, Stuttgart, Germany) was used for measuring the decompensation distance for postural evaluation. The balance parameters such as stability score (%), path length (cm), average velocity (cm/s), and compensation–decompensation for posture were evaluated and compared between brace-on and brace-off conditions. Improvement of standing posture indicates spinal symmetry and cosmesis whereas enhancement of static balance was statistically nonsignificant ([Formula: see text] &gt; 0.05). Although the mean stability score, path length and average velocity of CoP in braced condition (91.4 ± 4.57, 115.62 ± 22.34 cm and 1.05 ± 0.12 cm/s) was found to be improved than unbraced condition (90.5 ± 5.09, 121.46 ± 35.52 cm and 1.11 ± 0.24 cm/s), the results were nonsignificant ([Formula: see text] = 0.078, 0.425 and 0.263). The scoliotic compensation was improved in the braced condition (0.64 ± 0.60 cm) compared to brace-off condition (1.74 ± 0.61 cm) showing improved posture ([Formula: see text] = 0.00013). Wearing the custom-made Boston-type TLSO showed positive effects on static posture and mean balance parameters. In future studies, the long-term effectiveness of this brace should be examined in patients with different spinal curve patterns and degrees of scoliosis.

Dynamic quantile connectedness between oil and stock markets: The impact of the interest rate

This paper explores the heterogeneous and dynamic connectedness between the oil and stock markets of emerging economies under various market conditions by introducing a novel quantile regression TVP-VAR network method. Moreover, a semiparametric model is used to analyze the impact of interest rates on the connectedness. The results show that (1) the total connectedness between the oil and stock markets of emerging economies in bull and bear markets is significantly larger than under normal market conditions. Moreover, the total connectedness is time-varying and crisis-sensitive in all market scenarios. (2) The total connectedness has asymmetric characteristics in bull and bear markets. The net information spillover from oil markets to stock markets of emerging economies shows heterogeneity under different market backgrounds. (3) The impact of interest rates on the total connectedness exhibits a “U-shaped” curve pattern for all market statuses. This study can serve as a reference for regulators aiming to formulate monetary policies for different market environments, especially extreme markets, and for investors aiming to adjust their investment strategies and optimize their investment portfolios according to market conditions.

Physics-informed neural network for velocity prediction in electromagnetic launching manufacturing

Electromagnetic launching manufacturing (EMLM) is a high-speed material processing technique powered by pulsed current. The hammer velocity is a key indicator in EMLM, but it is hard to obtain. A viable approach is to use the circuit response current to help in measuring the hammer velocity, but the different curve patterns and the weak interactions between the parameters are major hindrances. In this paper, response current information was used to develop a physics-informed neural network to indirectly predict the hammer velocity. With the experimental dataset, the proposed model had the lowest root mean squared error (0.95) compared with the traditional models (1.62 from Seq2Seq, 1.98 from LSTM, and 2.18 from Attention). This improvement was achieved through the proposed physics-informed neural network architecture. The proposed loss function incorporated knowledge from physics which enabled the model to obtain implicit physical data in the EMLM process, thus enhancing its generalization ability. A fast convergence of the training process was promoted by the developed 2-stage strategy. The introduced attention mechanism added a global perspective that improved the prediction accuracy of the peak velocities. Consequently, our model achieved state-of-the-art predictions of velocities in real-world industrial EMLM systems.

Experimental Study on Cyclic Simple Shear Test of Coastal Tidal Soft Soil

Based on undrained cyclic simple shear tests conducted on coastal tidal soft soil under various conditions of cyclic stress ratios and moisture contents, this study investigated the influence of these factors on the dynamic properties of the soil. The findings indicated that with increasing moisture content and stress cycle ratio, the stress–strain hysteresis loop gradually expanded, resulting in a higher strain difference and a transition from a dense to a sparse curve pattern. Moreover, the symmetry of the hysteresis loop was lost in the later stages of shearing. With an increase in the number of cycles, the cumulative shear strain gradually increased, and the increase in the cyclic ratio of water content to stress reduced the number of cyclic shear cycles required to achieve failure, thereby accelerating the soil’s failure rate. A predictive formula was developed based on the experimental results to estimate the failure cycles as a function of the cyclic stress ratio and moisture content. Furthermore, the softening index decreased gradually with an increasing number of cycles, and a higher moisture content and cyclic stress ratio accelerated the soil’s softening process. It was observed that under the conditions of optimal moisture content, the soil exhibited a slower softening rate during the initial stage of shearing.

Experimental study on bond behavior between wet lay-up CFRP and corroded steel plates

Corrosion of steel in marine environments is a major safety concern for marine steel structures throughout their service lives. Strengthening these corrosion-damaged structures with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) shows great potential for extending their service lives. However, the bond behavior between CFRP and corroded steel, especially the influence from adhesive properties and corrosion degree, has not been fully understood. This paper therefore presents the results of a comprehensive experimental study on the bond behavior between wet lay-up CFRP and corroded Q355B steel plates. Tensile tests on double-lap CFRP-to-steel joint specimens with different bonded lengths, adhesives and corrosion durations were then conducted. The failure modes, load-displacement curves, strain and local shear stress distributions, effective bond lengths, and bond-slip relationships of the test joint specimens were investigated in detail. The result showed that the influence of corrosion on the CFRP-to-steel bond performance varied depending on the failure modes resulting from the material properties of adhesives. However, corrosion has insignificant influence on the general patterns of load-displacement curves, strain distribution, local shear stress distribution, local bond-slip curves with same adhesives. When failure occurred in the adhesive or the steel-adhesive interface, the corrosion tended to have a more accentuated effect on the bond performance.

Correlation of anterior chest wall anomalies and spinal deformities: a comprehensive descriptive study.

To investigate the association and evaluate the characteristics between different types of anterior chest wall and spinal deformities. A total of 548 patients with anterior chest wall deformities were included in this study. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed to determine spinal deformities. The type and severity of the spinal deformities were evaluated and their relationships with chest wall deformity subtypes were statistically analyzed. Spinal deformities were identified in 93 (16.97%) patients. The patients were subdivided into 71 (76.3%) male and 22 (23.7%) female patients. A spinal deformity was detected in 57 (13%) of 418 pectus excavatum (PE) patients, in 23 (19%) of 117 pectus carinatum (PC) patients, and in all patients with mixed pectus deformity (PE + PC), syndromic deformity and rib anomalies. In the PE group, scoliosis, and kyphosis were observed at 57.9 and 31.6%, respectively. In the PC group, these rates were 43.5 and 47.8%, respectively. Idiopathic scoliosis was observed in 42 (77.7%) and constituted the most common scoliosis subgroup. The main thoracic curvature was the most common curve pattern, which was observed in 15 (35.7%) patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis with main thoracic curvature is the most common deformity in patients with anterior chest wall deformity. Spinal deformities are more common in male patients with chest deformities. Kyphosis is found in a significant number of PE and PC patients. Patients with mixed PE and PC, rib anomalies, and syndromic disease are more likely to have spinal deformities.

Study of non-exponential OSL decay curve within critical physical conditions of synthetic quartz material and their resolution by selection of suitable protocol

Researchers had reported that synthetic quartz which was annealed either at 400 °C irradiated by 75.6 Gy beta doses or at 600 °C irradiated by 25.2 Gy beta doses showed better rise in OSL intensity at room temperature depicting the change from non-exponential to exponential shape of the decay curve. Under these conditions, the non-exponential shape of decay curve with weaker OSL intensity was observed. It was due to re-trapping of optically released electrons by shallow traps corresponding to 110 °C TL glow peak and it was later verified by ESR spectra.In order to eliminate the non-exponential behaviour of decay curve, the researchers suggested OSL measurement at elevated temperature so as to further remove the contribution of shallow traps. However, in the present work, the OSL decay curves are recorded at 160 °C for 400 °C and 600 °C annealed samples irradiated by 2.52 Gy, 5.04 Gy, 25.2 Gy and 75.6 Gy beta doses. Both the samples show non-exponential shape of OSL decay curve up to 25.2 Gy beta doses. However, it gradually changes to exponential shape with better OSL intensity at higher beta doses. Additionally, few attempts were made to examine the non-exponential pattern of OSL decay at room temperature as well as elevated temperature within respective critical conditions by using fitting equations. It reports that various mode of non-exponential patterns of curve and their changes were influenced by strength of physical conditions. Further, a new protocol of cyclic sequence of doses, pre-heat up to 200 °C, test dose and stimulation at 125 °C for 40 s stimulation time was implemented to identical treated samples. It shows disappearance of non-exponential shape of OSL decay by growth in OSL intensity. These changes in OSL pattern were further justified by the contribution of annealing, irradiation, thermal transfer and thermal assistance process and TL measurements before and after OSL.

Adversarial Infrared Curves: An attack on infrared pedestrian detectors in the physical world

Deep neural network security is a persistent concern, with considerable research on visible light physical attacks but limited exploration in the infrared domain. Existing approaches, like white-box infrared attacks using bulb boards and QR suits, lack realism and stealthiness. Meanwhile, black-box methods with cold and hot patches often struggle to ensure robustness. To bridge these gaps, we propose Adversarial Infrared Curves (AdvIC). Using Particle Swarm Optimization, we optimize two Bezier curves and employ cold patches in the physical realm to introduce perturbations, creating infrared curve patterns for physical sample generation. Our extensive experiments confirm AdvIC’s effectiveness, achieving 94.8% and 67.2% attack success rates for digital and physical attacks, respectively. Stealthiness is demonstrated through a comparative analysis, and robustness assessments reveal AdvIC’s superiority over baseline methods. When deployed against diverse advanced detectors, AdvIC achieves an average attack success rate of 76.2%, emphasizing its robust nature. We conduct thorough experimental analyses, including ablation experiments, transfer attacks, adversarial defense investigations, etc. Given AdvIC’s substantial security implications for real-world vision-based applications, urgent attention and mitigation efforts are warranted.

Development and validation of novel keloid-derived immortalized fibroblast cell lines.

Keloids are a common connective tissue disorder with an ill-understood etiopathogenesis and no effective treatment. This is exacerbated because of the absence of an animal model. Patient-derived primary keloid cells are insufficient as they age through passaging and have a limited supply. Therefore, there is an unmet need for development of a cellular model that can consistently and faithfully represent keloid's pathognomic features. In view of this, we developed keloid-derived immortalized fibroblast (KDIF) cell lines from primary keloid fibroblasts (PKF) by transfecting the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene. The TERT gene encodes the catalytic subunit of the telomerase enzyme, which is responsible for maintaining the cellular replicative potential (cellular immortalization). Primary fibroblasts from keloid-specific lesional (peripheral, middle, and top) as well as extralesional sites were isolated and evaluated for cell line development and comparative cellular characteristics by employing qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, the immortalized behavior of KDIF cell lines was evaluated by comparing with cutaneous fibrosarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans cell lines. Stable KDIF cell lines with elevated expression of hTERT exhibited the cellular characteristics of site-specific keloid fibroblasts. Histochemical staining for β-galactosidase revealed a significantly lower number of β-gal-positive cells in all three KDIF cell lines compared with that in PKFs. The cell growth curve pattern was studied over 10 passages for all three KDIF cell lines and was compared with the control groups. The results showed that all three KDIF cell lines grew significantly faster and obtained a fast growing characteristic as compared to primary keloid and normal fibroblasts. Phenotypic behavior in growth potential is an indication of hTERT-mediated immortalized transformation. Cell migration analysis revealed that the top and middle KDIF cell lines exhibited similar migration trend as site-specific PKFs. Notably, peripheral KDIF cell line showed significantly enhanced cell migration in comparison to the primary peripheral fibroblasts. All KDIF cell lines expressed Collagen I protein as a keloid-associated fibrotic marker. Functional testing with triamcinolone inhibited cell migration in KDIF. ATCC short tandem repeat profiling validated the KDIF as keloid representative cell line. In summary, we provide the first novel KDIF cell lines. These cell lines overcome the limitations related to primary cell passaging and tissue supply due to immortalized features and present an accessible and consistent experimental model for keloid research.

The Evolution of Curve Patterns in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis during Chêneau Brace Treatment.

This retrospective study analyzed bracing outcomes in AIS patients, focusing on curve pattern changes and brace efficacy. To analyze the effectiveness of the Chêneau brace across different curve patterns and to evaluate the tendencies in curve evolution during treatment. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) presents diverse curve patterns, each responding differently to bracing. Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. The study included 177 AIS patients treated with Chêneau orthoses, categorized based on curve patterns as per the main curve and modified Lenke (mLenke) classifications. We compared patients according to curve patterns and assessed changes in curve magnitude and pattern before and after treatment. Over an average follow-up of 28.1±10.7 months, the primary curve magnitude decreased from 28.8±6.6° to 25.9±10.5°. Significant reductions were observed in mLenke V and VI patients (P<0.05). Patients with main lumbar curves showed better initial in-brace correction and curve control compared with those with main thoracic curves (P<0.05). In single-curve patterns, binary logistic regression indicated that mLenke V patients demonstrated higher rates of curve control compared with mLenke I patients (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in double-curve patterns between mLenke III and VI (P>0.05). At the final follow-up, thoracolumbar/lumbar curves improved significantly in mLenke III and VI patients (P<0.05), while thoracic curves did not (P>0.05). Furthermore, at the last follow-up, the proportions of mLenke I, II, and IV increased, while mLenke III, V, and VI decreased. Bracing outcomes were more favorable in patients with main lumbar curves than those with main thoracic curves. However, no significant differences were found in patients with double-curve patterns. Thoracic curves exhibited a higher progression risk compared with thoracolumbar/lumbar curves within the same curve pattern. During bracing, a tendency for primary curves to shift proximally was noted.