Branch Position Research Articles

Chemical Diversification of Enzymatically Assembled Polyubiquitin Chains to Decipher the Ubiquitin Codes Programmed on the Branch Structure.

The multimerization of ubiquitins at different positions of lysine residues to form heterotypic polyubiquitin chains is a post-translational modification that is essential for the precise regulation of protein functions and degradative fates in living cells. The understanding of structure-activity relationships underlying their diverse properties has been seriously impeded by difficulties in the preparation of a series of folded heterotypic chains appropriately functionalized with different chemical tags for the systematic evaluation of their multifaceted functions. Here, we report a chemical diversification of enzymatically assembled polyubiquitin chains that enables the facile preparation of folded heterotypic chains with different functionalities. By introducing an acyl hydrazide at the C terminus of the proximal ubiquitin, polyubiquitin chains were readily diversified from the same starting materials with a variety of molecules, ranging from small molecules to biopolymers, under nondenaturing conditions. This chemical diversification allowed the systematic study of the functional differences of K63/K48 heterotypic chains based on the position of the branch point during enzymatic deubiquitination and proteasomal proteolysis, thus demonstrating critical roles of the branch position in both the positive and negative control of ubiquitin-mediated reactions. The chemical diversification of the heterotypic chains provides a robust chemical platform to reframe the understanding of how the ubiquitin codes are regulated from the viewpoint of the branch structure for the precise control of cell functions, which has not been deciphered solely on the basis of the linkage types.

Modelling branch surface area of Fagus sylvatica L.

ABSTRACT Allometric models describe properties of trees that are difficult to measure. Here, we provide a set of allometric models for estimating branch properties for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). Branches affect rainfall and snow interception, provide habitat for other organisms and contribute to the economic and aesthetic value of trees. Using randomized branch sampling (RBS) of 27 beech trees in Austria we developed models for branch surface area, branch number, branch base diameter and branch length, depending on stem diameter, tree height and crown ratio. For individual branches, branch diameter was the best predictor of branch surface area while including branch length or position along the stem did not improve the models. For the entire tree, stem diameter was the most important predictor. Branch surface area (and in consequence also branch volume) assessed by RBS was greater than the branch surface area estimated as a cylinder from measurements of branch length and branch base diameter. Since the branch allometry of beech differs considerably from a previous study on branches of Picea abies, we conclude that assumptions and models derived from other tree species can lead to considerable biased results in assessing the functions of tree branches.

Anatomical Analysis of the Superior Gluteal Artery in 100 Women for Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

The superior gluteal artery (SGA) perforator (SGAP) flap is used more rarely for breast reconstruction with autologous tissue than other flaps because the SGA is often narrow, and the SGAP can be short. However, it provides ample fat, including in lean women. To improve its safety and utility, the preoperative SGA course in women who underwent autologous breast reconstruction was determined with three-dimensional computed tomography angiography. Consecutive deep inferior epigastric perforator, profunda artery perforator, and SGAP flap cases in 2019-2023 were identified. Frequencies of the following favorable preoperative SGA-anatomy variables were determined: branching of the main-SGA trunk on top/posterior of the greater sciatic foramen (designated M1/2), which allows access to a sufficiently wide SGA artery; superolateral perforating location of the superficial-SGA branch (SP3), which means the perforator is sufficiently long for uncomplicated flap placement; and nonbranching of the deep-SGA branch (D1/D2), which means this branch can used a venous and an arterial graft to extend an insufficiently long perforator. A total of 100 cases of deep inferior epigastric perforator (n = 80), profunda artery perforator (n = 13), and SGAP flap-based breast reconstructions (n = 7) were identified. Out of 200 buttocks, 89%, 91.5%, and 62% had the favorable M1/2, SP3, and D1/D2 variables, respectively. An atypical descending branch feeding the lower buttocks (DES1/2) was observed in 34%. The branching position of the main-SGA trunk, perforating location of the SGAP, and the shape of the deep branch were classified in detail in 100 patients. By creating a surgical plan that understands the anatomy taking preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiography, the SGAP flap can accommodate many patterns, increasing the possibility of safe execution.

Clinical Anatomy of the Sacral Nerve Roots and Its Relevance to Their Reconstruction After Sacrectomy.

En bloc sacrectomy is associated with sacral root transection causing loss of urinary bladder, rectum, and sexual function. The aim of the study was to determine the position of the pudendal branches (sensorimotor) and pelvic splanchnic nerves (parasympathetic) on the sacral roots relative to the sacrum, and the minimal and maximal defects in the sacral roots that can be reconstructed by grafting after various types of sacrectomy. Five cadaveric pelves were dissected bilaterally. The lengths and widths of the S1-S4 roots and their branches were measured. Then, the minimal and maximal defects between the proximal and distal stumps of the sacrificed roots were measured following 3 models of sacrectomy (below S2, below S1, and total sacrectomy). The mean distance of the splanchnic nerves from the S2 and S3 anterior sacral foramina was 17.7 ± 7.3 and 23.6 ± 11.1 mm, respectively, and the mean distance of the pudendal S2 and S3 branches was 36.8 ± 13.7 and 30.2 ± 10.8 mm, respectively. The mean widths of the S2 and S3 roots were 9.3 ± 1.9 and 5.4 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The mean maximal defects in S2 and S3 roots after various types of sacrectomies were between 61.8 ± 16.3 and 100.7 ± 14.3 mm and between 62.7 ± 20.2 and 84.7 ± 25.1 mm, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between sides or sexes for all obtained measurements. The reconstruction of the S2-S3 roots is anatomically feasible after partial or total sacrectomies in which the resection of the soft tissue does not extend further than approximately 1.5 to 2 cm ventrally from the sacrum.

Enhancing Rooting in Morus alba Cuttings: Effects of Indolebutyric Acid and a Commercial Rooting Agent across Branch Positions

Sericulture is the cultivation of silkworms to produce silk using white mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.); thus, the sector's quality production of mulberry seedlings on a large scale is economically important. The production of seedlings through cuttings is the most effective and fastest reproduction method. Still, it can also be enhanced using synthetic rooting agents, increasing the productive potential of white mulberry crops. The current work aims to evaluate the response of cuttings taken from different parts of the branch of M. alba var. Miura (Apical 1, Apical 2, Medial, Basal 1, and Basal 2) and treated with indolebutyric acid (IBA; 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg L-1) and commercial rooting agent Forth® (10 % v/v), in addition to a control treatment. After treating the branches, they were placed in polyethylene containers filled with substrate and kept in a greenhouse for 70 days. The application of hormones on cuttings of M. alba favored several morpho-agronomic parameters evaluated for the propagules obtained from different positions on the branch. In conclusion, applying 500 or 1,000 mg L-1 of IBA is recommended for the various positions, with Basal 1 and Basal 2 showing higher values ​​in the evaluated parameters than the other positions. The results can help silk breeders optimize white mulberry crop production.

Aggregation behaviour of paraffin molecules with different branched distributions during crude oil gelling: A molecular dynamics study

Revealing the microdynamic mechanism and thermodynamic properties of the gelling process of waxy crude oil at the microscale plays an important role in ensuring the safe production and transport of waxy crude oil. However, few studies have dealt with the influence of paraffin molecular branching position on the gelling process. The focus of this study is to clarify the influence of branching distribution on molecular aggregation through molecular simulation, so as to further improve the mechanistic study of the gelling process of waxy crude oil. A variety of molecular models of crude oil systems containing paraffin molecules with different distributions of branched chains, asphaltenes, and light oils are developed to analyse the molecular aggregation and wax precipitation characteristics during the gelling process.The results show that the paraffin molecular chain morphology gradually from stretching to curling and the molecules gradually from dispersing to aggregating during the temperature drop process. From the van der Waals force analysis, it is concluded that isomeric alkanes with a close branching distribution form the weakest gelling structures. In addition, the phase transition temperature difference between n-alkanes and isoalkanes is large about 9 K, but the phase transition temperature difference between the two isoalkanes with different distributions of branched chains is small only about 3 K. This indicates that for alkanes with the same molecular formula, the length of the main carbon chain is a dominant factor in influencing the aggregation of the molecules and the gelling properties of the crude oil system. Under high temperature conditions, isomeric alkanes have the best mobility and are most sensitive to temperature. The results of the study can provide help for the mechanism of the gelling process of waxy crude oil to ensure the safety of the pipeline transmission process, and provide theoretical guidance for the production of depressants and catalysts.

Redescription of two Euplotes species (Ciliophora, Euplotida) from Yangtze River Estuary, China, with a note on the distributions of this genus in China

Ciliates are important unicellular organisms in the studies of biomolecules, genetics, and evolution. Euplotids are a highly diversified and widely distributed group. The morphology of two euplotids, Euplotes dominicanus and E. parkei, isolated from the Yangtze River Estuary, China, were investigated based on live observation, protargol-, and Chatton-Lwoff staining methods. The Chinese population of E. dominicanus resembles the original abyssal population except for having two caudal cirri and seven dorsolateral kineties. The Chinese population of E. parkei corresponds well with the original description in size, having eight frontoventral cirri, two marginal cirri, and a double-eurystomus dorsal silverline system. The diagnoses were improved by incorporating newly obtained data, detailed illustrations, and photomicrographs were supplemented. Euplotes parkei sensu needs to be reinvestigated. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequence data confirmed the branching position of the two taxa within the genus Euplotes. The geographical distribution of the genus Euplotes in China was also briefly reviewed, and further exploration is needed in the brackish habitat, particularly focusing on the estuary zone.

Application of multi-planar reconstruction technique in endovascular repair of aortic dissection

BACKGROUND Endovascular repair of aortic dissection is an effective method commonly used in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection. Stent placement during the operation was one-time and could not be repeatedly adjusted during the operation. Therefore, it is of great significance for cardiovascular physicians to fully understand the branch status, position, angle, and other information regarding aortic arch dissection before surgery. AIM To provide more references for clinical cardiovascular physicians to develop treatment plans. METHODS Data from 153 patients who underwent endovascular repair of aortic dissection at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent multi-slice spiral computed tomography angiography. Based on distinct post-image processing techniques, the patients were categorized into three groups: Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) (n = 55), volume reconstruction (VR) (n = 46), and maximum intensity projection (MIP) (n = 52). The detection rate of aortic rupture, accuracy of the DeBakey classification, rotation, and tilt angles of the C-arm during the procedure, dispersion after stent release, and the incidence of late complications were recorded and compared. RESULTS The detection rates of interlayer rupture in the MPR and VR groups were significantly higher than that in the MIP group (P < 0.05). The detection rates of DeBakey subtypes I, II, and III in the MPR group were higher than those in the MIP group, and the detection rate of type III in the MPR group was significantly higher than that in the VR group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the detection rates of types I and II compared to the VR group (P > 0.05). The scatter rate of markers and the incidence of complications in the MPR group were significantly lower than those in the VR and MIP groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The application of MPR in the endovascular repair of aortic dissection has improved the detection rate of dissection rupture, the accuracy of anatomical classification, and safety.

Remarkable Improvement in Am3+ and Cm3+ Separation Using a Cooperative Counter Selectivity Strategy by a Combination of Branched Diglycolamides and Hydrophilic Polyaza-heterocycles.

Separation of Am3+ and Cm3+ is one of the most challenging problems in the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle. In the present work, we exploited the cooperative effect of the opposite selectivity of hydrophobic branched DGA derivatives and hydrophobic N-donor heterocyclic ligands taken in two different phases to achieve improved separation behavior. A systematic study was performed using a series of DGA derivatives to understand the effect and the position of branching in the alkyl chains on the separation behavior of Am3+ and Cm3+. A separation factor (S.F.) value as high as 10 for Cm3+ over Am3+ was obtained in the case of TiBDGA (N,N,N',N'-tetra-iso-butyl diglycolamide) using SO3PhBTPhen ((phenanthroline-2,9-diyl)-1,2,4-triazine-5,5,6,6-tetrayltetrabenzenesulfonic acid) as the aqueous complexant, which is the highest reported value so far for the ligand-based separation of Am3+ and Cm3+ without involving any oxidation or reduction step. The high selectivity favoring Cm3+ ion extraction in the case of this DGA derivative is also explained with the help of computational studies.

Modeling the influence of carbon branching structure on secondary organic aerosol formation via multiphase reactions of alkanes

Abstract. Branched alkanes represent a significant proportion of hydrocarbons emitted in urban environments. To accurately predict the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) budgets in urban environments, these branched alkanes should be considered as SOA precursors. However, the potential to form SOA from diverse branched alkanes under varying environmental conditions is currently not well understood. In this study, the Unified Partitioning Aerosol Phase Reaction (UNIPAR) model is extended to predict SOA formation via the multiphase reactions of various branched alkanes. Simulations with the UNIPAR model, which processes multiphase partitioning and aerosol-phase reactions to form SOA, require a product distribution predicted from an explicit gas kinetic mechanism, whose oxygenated products are applied to create a volatility- and reactivity-based αi species array. Due to a lack of practically applicable explicit gas mechanisms, the prediction of the product distributions of various branched alkanes was approached with an innovative method that considers carbon lengths and branching structures. The αi array of each branched alkane was primarily constructed using an existing αi array of the linear alkane with the nearest vapor pressure. Generally, the vapor pressures of branched alkanes and their oxidation products are lower than those of linear alkanes with the same carbon number. In addition, increasing the number of alkyl branches can also decrease the ability of alkanes to undergo autoxidation reactions that tend to form low-volatility products and significantly contribute to alkane SOA formation. To account for this, an autoxidation reduction factor, as a function of the degree and position of branching, was applied to the lumped groups that contain autoxidation products. The resulting product distributions were then applied to the UNIPAR model for predicting branched-alkane SOA formation. The simulated SOA mass was compared to SOA data generated under varying experimental conditions (i.e., NOx levels, seed conditions, and humidity) in an outdoor photochemical smog chamber. Branched-alkane SOA yields were significantly impacted by NOx levels but insignificantly impacted by seed conditions or humidity. The SOA formation from branched and linear alkanes in diesel fuel was simulated to understand the relative importance of branched and linear alkanes with a wide range of carbon numbers. Overall, branched alkanes accounted for a higher proportion of SOA mass than linear alkanes due to their higher contribution to diesel fuel.

Application of three-dimensional ultrasound technique in repairing dorsal foot wounds with medial sural artery perforator flaps

To investigate the accuracy of positioning perforator of medial sural artery with three-dimensional ultrasound technique guided by a wide band linear matrix array volume transducer probe before operation, and the effectiveness of the flap design based on this in repairing the dorsal foot wounds. Between January 2019 and December 2022, 30 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot were treated. There were 19 males and 11 females, with an average age of 43.9 years (range, 22-63 years). There were 12 cases of traffic accident injury, 15 cases of heavy crushing injury, and 3 cases of machine injury. The time from injury to hospitalization was 1-8 hours (mean, 3.5 hours). The wounds in size of 5 cm×3 cm to 17 cm×5 cm were thorough debrided and covered with vacuum sealing drainage dressing. Then the wounds were repaired with the medial sural artery perforator flaps after no obvious infection observed. To obtain the complete three-dimensional image, the number and position of the medial sural artery perforator branches and the position of the main blood vessels in the muscle were detected and recorded by wide band linear matrix array volume transducer probe before operation. Suitable perforating branches were selected to design the flap and guide the flap incision on this basis. The size of the perforating flap ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×6 cm. The sensitivity and positive predictive value were calculated by comparing preoperative exploration with intraoperative observation of perforating branches, so as to evaluate the positioning accuracy of three-dimensional ultrasound technique. The donor sites were sutured directly in 25 cases and repaired with free skin grafting in 5 cases. The 60 perforating branches of medial sural artery were found before operation and 58 during operation in 30 patients. Among them, pre- and intra-operative perforations were consistent with 56. The sensitivity was 93.3% and positive predictive value was 96.6%. The intramuscular position and route of the main blood vessels were basically consistent with the pre- and intra-operative observation. All flaps survived and wounds healed by first intention. All incisions at the donor sites healed by first intention, and all skin grafts survived. All patients were follow up 9-24 months (mean, 14.7 months). The appearance, color, and texture of the flaps were good, and no obvious effect on wearing shoes and walking. At last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind score ranged from 80 to 92, with an average of 87.5. The patient satisfaction was excellent in 29 cases and good in 1 case. The three-dimensional ultrasound technique guided by the wide band linear matrix array volume transducer probe can accurately locate the perforating branch of the medial sural artery, and the three-dimensional imaging is more intuitive, which can be used to guide the design and incision of the medial sural artery perforator flap.

Modeling branch attributes and biomass for Catalpa bungei plantations under various fertilization regimes

The development and morphology of branches, a crucial step in producing high-quality large-diameter lumber, may be influenced by fertilization. The response of branch attributes to different fertilization regimes, however, is still poorly understood. The Catalpa bungei plantations, which had been growing for 6 years in northern China, were chosen to study how various fertilization measures affected branch attributes. The two fertilization techniques used were hole fertilization (HF) and water and fertilizer integration (WF), with no fertilization (CK) as a control. The quantity, density, morphology (e.g., diameter, length, and angle), and position (e.g., height and orientation) of branches, and organ biomass of 18 standard trees (total of 516 branches) were investigated. The results demonstrated a considerable increase in tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), canopy ratio, branch quantity, and organ biomass following the addition of fertilizer. Both the maximum branch diameter and the number of branches rose with fertilization. Following fertilization, the number of branches rose by 16% (HF) and 28% (WF) compared to non-fertilized trees, while the maximum branch diameter increased by 3.5% (HF) and 17.3% (WF), respectively. WF led to an increase in the number of branches and largest branch diameter in comparison to CK and HF. The length, angle, and diameter of branches, however, were not affected significantly by different fertilization treatments. There were roughly equal amounts of branches in four orientations. The mixed-model analysis revealed that the number of branches was positively correlated with branch density and tree height. The branch diameter increased with the increase of branch length and angle. The branch length was negatively correlated with branch height and angle. The branch angle showed a larger angle at the bottom of the canopy. Tree height plus diameter at breast height combined, or just the diameter at breast height indicator alone, can both reliably predict the total biomass of trees. The branch models created in this research may offer some theoretical backing for understanding the crown dynamics of valuable tree species in northern China.

Low‐Temperature Processed Efficient and Reproducible Blade‐Coating Organic Photovoltaic Devices with γ‐Position Branched Inner Side Chains‐Containing Nonfullerene Acceptor

Recent advancements in blade‐coating organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices utilizing eco‐friendly nonhalogenated solvents have demonstrated high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) when processed at high substrate temperatures. However, this method poses challenges in device reproducibility and stability. Herein, a BTP‐eC9‐γ nonfullerene acceptor (analogous to BTP‐eC9) with γ‐position‐branched inner side chains within the BTP‐eC9‐based structural motif is developed. This pin‐sized extension in the branching position enhances the solubility of BTP‐eC9‐γ in nonhalogenated toluene solvent. This improvement not only mitigates excessive aggregation in the film state but also facilitates device fabrication at lower substrate temperatures. Optimized at a substrate temperature of 40 °C, the BTP‐eC9‐γ‐based blade‐coating devices with toluene achieve remarkable PCEs of 16.43% (0.04 cm2) and 14.95% (1.0 cm2). Furthermore, these devices retain their high film uniformity at 40 °C, which contributes to superior device reproducibility. This is attributed to the minimized alteration in the evolution kinetics of fluid flow. These findings signify a promising direction for the industrial production of blade‐coating OPV devices.

Design of a Low‐Cost Electron Acceptor for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cell through Alkyl Chain Branching Position Manipulation

The state‐of‐the‐art bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) typically include expensive fused‐ring electron acceptors, hindering industrialization. Designing low‐cost and highly efficient electron acceptors remains challenging. Herein, two low‐cost electron acceptors (DTB2 and DTB3) based on a conjugated 1,4‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)benzene (DTB) core and two fluorinated 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydroinden‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile end‐groups are reported. Their only difference is the alkyl chain branching position on the benzene ring. Both acceptors exhibit similar low optical gaps of ≈1.35 eV but different molecular orientations. DTB2 shows an edge‐on arrangement, while DTB3, with a shift in branching positions toward the conjugated backbone, produces a face‐on arrangement. Such molecular orientations are maintained in their BHJ layers after blending with a polymer donor PBQx‐TF. The PBQx‐TF:DTB3 film demonstrates superior BHJ phase‐separation and faster charge carrier generation (0.44 ps) than those of the PBQx‐TF:DTB2 film (50 ps). As a result, the DTB2‐based OSC achieves a modest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.5%. While the DTB3‐based OSC produces an outstanding PCE of 15.3%, which is much higher than those of the reported DTB‐based OSCs. Besides, DTB3 has a figure of merit up to 0.46, higher than the state‐of‐the‐art fused‐ring electron acceptors. This work provides new insights into designing low‐cost and highly efficient electron acceptors.

Phylogenomics reveals Adeleorina are an ancient and distinct subgroup of Apicomplexa

Apicomplexans are a diverse phylum of unicellular eukaryotes that share obligate relationships with terrestrial and aquatic animal hosts. Many well-studied apicomplexans are responsible for several deadly zoonotic and human diseases, most notably malaria caused by Plasmodium. Interest in the evolutionary origin of apicomplexans has also spurred recent work on other more deeply-branching lineages, especially gregarines and sister groups like squirmids and chrompodellids. But a full picture of apicomplexan evolution is still lacking several lineages, and one major, diverse lineage that is notably absent is the adeleorinids. Adeleorina apicomplexans comprises hundreds of described species that infect invertebrate and vertebrate hosts across the globe. Although historically considered coccidians, phylogenetic trees based on limited data have shown conflicting branch positions for this subgroup, leaving this question unresolved. Phylogenomic trees and large-scale analyses comparing cellular functions and metabolism between major subgroups of apicomplexans have not incorporated Adeleorina because only a handful of molecular markers and a couple organellar genomes are available, ultimately excluding this group from contributing to our understanding of apicomplexan evolution and biology. To address this gap, we have generated complete genomes from mitochondria and plastids, as well as multiple deep-coverage single-cell transcriptomes of nuclear genes from two Adeleorina species, Klossia helicina and Legerella nova, and inferred a 206-protein phylogenomic tree of Apicomplexa. We observed distinct structures reported in species descriptions as remnant host structures surrounding adeleorinid oocysts. Klossia helicina and L. nova branched, as expected, with monoxenous adeleorinids within the Adeleorina and their mitochondrial and plastid genomes exhibited similarity to published organellar adeleorinid genomes. We show with a phylogeneomic tree and subsequent phylogenomic analyses that Adeleorina are not closely related to any of the currently sampled apicomplexan subgroups, and instead fall as a sister to a large clade encompassing Coccidia, Protococcidia, Hematozoa, and Nephromycida, collectively. This resolves Adeleorina as a key independently-branching group, separate from coccidians, on the tree of Apicomplexa, which now has all known major lineages sampled.

A Study on the Punishment Day Calculation Method and Related Issues in the “Punishment Day” Section of the Mawangdui Manuscript Yinyang wuxing A

Abstract First, through an analysis of the binary categorization of the heavenly stems and the earthly branches in calculations and arts (shushu 數術) literature in transmitted and excavated texts, this paper argues that the two characters meng 䖟（孟） and zhong 中（仲） next to the branches in the Punishment Day diagram do not connote substantive meaning, but constitute a set of binary categories in the same vein as the binarisms yin/yang, hard/soft, man/woman, female/male, heaven/earth, punishment/virtue, and so on. Next, this paper points out a mistake made in the previous calculation of punishment days in the Changsha Mawangdui Han mu jianbo jicheng before putting forward a new calculation method. Based on the new method, we find that the two columns of stem-branch binomes inscribed on the manuscript should be construed such that the stem-branch binomes in one column represent the punishment days resulting from the movements of a stem and a branch starting from contiguous branch positions, and those in the other column represent the punishment days resulting from the movements of a stem and a branch starting from branch positions six branches apart. The reason for the emphasis on the punishment days resulting from these two cases lies in the fact that the branches of these punishment days are the grave branches (muchen 墓辰) in the Three Unions Scheme of the Five Agents. The meaning of the grave branches as vanishing and decaying resonates with the activities of military display, battling, attacking, killing, imprisonment, and demolishing constructions that may be undertaken on punishment days. Therefore, particular attention is paid to the punishment days identified by the four grave branches. In the end, this paper argues against the view that correlates Punishment Day with Meeting Day. This paper maintains that despite their similarity on the surface, they are in fact two different types of calendar spirits and should not be confused.

Insights into how carbon chain length and branch position of alcohol solvents affect solid–liquid thermodynamic behavior of form I of probucol

Insights into how carbon chain length and branch position of alcohol solvents affect solid–liquid thermodynamic behavior of form I of probucol

Reassessment of the enigmatic "Prestosuchus" loricatus (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia) from the Middle-Late Triassic of southern Brazil.

Our knowledge of the diversity and evolution of South American Triassic pseudosuchians has greatly improved in the past 15 years, due to new discoveries, but also to the revision of several historically important specimens. One of the earliest descriptions of pseudosuchians from the Triassic of Brazil stems from the classic work of Huene from the first half of the 20th century, who described several species, including such influential taxa as Rauisuchus tiradentes or Prestosuchus chiniquensis, which have recently been reviewed. The more poorly known proposed second species of Prestosuchus, P. loricatus, is the focus of the present work. The original material included some elements of the axial skeleton (cervical and caudal vertebrae, ribs, osteoderms) and the hindlimb (ischia, calcaneum, metatarsus), collected from the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone of the Chiniquá area, west of São Pedro do Sul. "Prestosuchus" loricatus shows numerous differences to P. chiniquensis, including the shape of cervical neural spines, presence of epipophyses on the cervical vertebrae, presence of a pit in the iliac articulation of the ischium, lack of longitudinal furrows in the dorsolateral surface of the ischial shafts, the more slender calcaneal tuber and a less pronounced ventral pit in the calcaneum, and is thus referred to a new genus, Schultzsuchus gen. nov. Phylogenetic analysis indicates an early branching position within Poposauroidea for Schultzsuchus, making it the oldest known member of this clade in South America.

Unsuspected Limitations of 3D Printed Model in Planning of Complex Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment.

Static 3-dimensional (3D) printing became attractive for operative planning in cases that involve difficult anatomy. An interactive (low cost, fast) 3D print allowing deliberate surgical practice can be used to improve interventional simulation and planning. Endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms is technically challenging, especially in case of narrow aortic lumen or significant aortic angulation (hostile anatomy). The risk of complications such as graft kinking and target vessel occlusion is difficult to assess based solely on traditional software measuring methods and remain highly dependent on surgeon skills and expertise. A patient with juxtarenal AAA with hostile anatomy had a 3-dimensional printed model constructed preoperatively according to computed tomography images. Endovascular graft implantation in the 3D printed aorta with a standard T-Branch Cook (Cook® Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) was performed preoperatively in the simulation laboratory enabling optimized feasibility, surgical planning and intraoperative decision making. The 3D printed aortic model proved to be radio-opaque and allowed simulation of branched endovascular aortic repair (BREVAR). The assessment of intervention feasibility, as well as optimal branch position and orientation was found to be useful for surgeon confidence and the actual intervention in the patient. There was a remarkable agreement between the 3D printed model and both CT and X-ray angiographic images. Although the technical success was achieved as planned, a previously deployed renal stent caused unexpected difficulty in advancing the renal stent, which was not observed in the 3D model simulation. The 3D printed aortic models can be useful for determining feasibility, optimizing planning and intraoperative decision making in hostile anatomy improving the outcome. Despite already offering satisfying accuracy at present, further advancements could enhance the 3D model capability to replicate minor anatomical deformities and variations in tissue density.

Effect of UV-absorbing small molecule dyes with different alkyl chain densities and branching positions on the photovoltaic performance of semitransparent DSSCs

To achieve dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with high transparency, multi-color capability, and long-term durability for future applications across various fields.