Quantitative Analysis Of Distribution Research Articles

THÌ and LÀ Constructions in Vietnamese: A Study on Argument Structures

This study aims to shed light on the argument structure of the Vietnamese particles THÌ and LÀ, which function as markers of focused constituents and topic-comment structures, respectively. The research objectives are to identify the syntactic and semantic properties of constructions involving THÌ and LÀ, and to analyze their argument structures within the theoretical frameworks of construction grammar. Specifically, the constructional approach (Goldberg 1995, 2006) and radical construction grammar (Croft 2001) will be employed. The methodology involves collecting a corpus of naturally occurring data from various written sources. The data will undergo qualitative analysis to identify argument structure patterns associated with THÌ and LÀ constructions, as well as quantitative analysis of frequency and distribution. The expected findings will provide insights into the argument structures of these Vietnamese constructions, elucidating how focused constituents and topic-comment structures are marked. The study will evaluate the applicability of the chosen theoretical frameworks in accounting for the observed patterns. The findings have potential applications in natural language processing tasks requiring accurate recognition and interpretation of focused constituents and topic-comment structures, such as information extraction, machine translation, and language generation. Furthermore, the study may inform language teaching and acquisition by shedding light on the usage patterns of THÌ and LÀ in Vietnamese. The analysis is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of argument structures in Vietnamese and potentially motivate extensions or modifications to the theoretical frameworks.

Penetration Profiles of Four Topical Antifungals in Mycotic Human Toenails Quantified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Imaging.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that can be challenging to treat. Here, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (MALDI-FTICR) imaging was applied to the quantitative analysis of the penetration profile of the antifungal compound, amorolfine, in human mycotic toenails. The amorolfine profile was compared with those of three other antifungals, ciclopirox, naftifine, and tioconazole. Antifungal compounds (amorolfine 5% lacquer, ciclopirox 8% lacquer, naftifine 1% solution, and tioconazole 28% solution) were applied to mycotic nails (n = 42). Nail sections were prepared, and MALDI-FTICR analysis was performed on the sections at a spatial resolution of 70 μm to compare the distribution profiles. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the four test compounds needed to kill 90% (MIC90) of the fungal organism, Trichophyton rubrum, the fold differences between the MIC90 and the antifungal concentrations in the nails (termed the multiplicity of the MIC90) were calculated for each. The penetration profiles indicated higher concentrations of amorolfine and ciclopirox in the deeper layers of the nails 3h after treatment, compared with naftifine and tioconazole. The mean concentrations across the entire nail sections at 3h were significantly different among the four antifungals: amorolfine, 2.46mM; ciclopirox, 0.95mM; naftifine, 0.63mM; and tioconazole, 1.36mM (p = 0.016; n = 8 per compound). The median multiplicity of the MIC90 at 3h was 191-fold for amorolfine, tenfold for ciclopirox, 52-fold for naftifine, and 208-fold for tioconazole. In this study, MALDI-FTICR was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of antifungal distribution in human mycotic nails. The findings suggest that amorolfine penetrates deeper layers of the nail and accumulates at concentrations far exceeding the MIC needed to exert antimycotic activity.

Comprehensive investigation of recycled PVC powder.

This study constitutes a comprehensive investigation centred on comprehending the behaviour and characteristics of recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powders. The overarching objective is to successfully conclude the initial research phase, during which PVC-coated fabric offcuts undergo a transformation into PVC powder while achieving complete separation from polyethylene terephthalate fibres. The study entails a qualitative description of the morphology of PVC powder particles, employing an optical microscope to distinguish the diverse shapes exhibited by these particles. The optical microscope observations of PVC powder reveal a distinct array of non-spherical particles characterized by flat, elongated shapes. These high-magnification images unveil the intricate morphological features of the particles, highlighting their irregular shapes. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis of PVC particle size distribution is performed, comparing results from optical microscopy with those obtained through mechanical sieving. The qualitative and quantitative findings obtained provide robust evidence supporting the correlation and confirm that most particles are smaller than 600 µm (93.6%) using an optical microscope and the sieving process (96.39%). The greatest fraction (83.44%) is in the size range between 200 and 600 µm. Assessing flowability, another significant aspect in the evaluation of powders, provides insights into its behaviour and interparticle interactions. The flowability results indicate a Compressibility Index of approximately 26.84%, which suggests poor flowability. This means that the powder is likely to encounter difficulties in flowing freely. This finding is in line with the Hausner ratio, which measures 1.37. This investigation of recycled PVC powder will offer insights into the potential applications and processing considerations of this powder. More concretely, the use of recycled PVC powder shows promise as a viable alternative to conventional PVC resin in plastisol formulations, offering the potential to maintain the properties of the final PVC product without adverse effects.

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AIDS IN BRAZIL

Introduction: The HIV/AIDS epidemic poses a global challenge to public health, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigating the effects of this health crisis on AIDS epidemiology in Brazil is crucial. Methodology: Epidemiological, descriptive, and retrospective study using SINAN data from 2014 to 2022, totaling 187,947 cases. Quantitative analysis of distribution by sex, age, race, and region. Results: Reduction in cases observed from 2017, more pronounced in men and in the Southeast and South regions. Male predominance (70% of cases). Concentration in the age range of 20 to 49 years (75% of cases). Browns and blacks more affected. Discussion: Integration of different epidemiological dimensions provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemic in Brazil. Highlights the need for tailored public policies, improvement of information systems, and surveillance. Conclusion: Between 2014 and 2022, analysis of AIDS epidemiological data in Brazil reveals a decrease in diagnoses, particularly among men in the Southeast and South, with possible underreporting. Male predominance, concentration of cases among 20 to 49-year-olds, and racial disparities necessitate customized policies. Enhancing information systems is crucial.

Characterizations and quantification of freeze-thaw behaviors of recycled brick aggregate concrete

The use of recycled brick aggregates (RBAs) in concrete could provide sustainable solution in construction industry by reducing the consumption of natural resources and protecting the environment by saving landfill sites. However, the use of RBAs is uncommon due to limited available research studies investigating its mechanical and durability behavior, especially the freeze-thaw (FT) behavior. Despite a few studies on FT resistance of RBA concrete (RBAC), the FT deterioration mechanism in RBAC is not fully understood, particularly at the microscale. This lack of understanding hinders the widespread adoption of RBAC in sustainable construction practices, particularly in cold regions. Therefore, this study investigates the FT deterioration mechanism in RBAC using macro and microscale experiments and proposes a Weibull damage model to accurately describe the damage variation in RBAC. RBAC specimens with different water-cement (w/c) ratios of 0.65, 0.5 and 0.35 and RBA replacement levels of 0%, 25%, 50% and 100% were produced and tested under rapid FT cycles. Surface scaling, mass loss, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, and compressive strength reduction were evaluated. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was used to characterize pore structure and microcracking alterations during FT cycles. The results showed that the deterioration of RBAC increased with the increase in RBA replacement level. XCT revealed increased porosity and microcracking within the RBA particles, which was linked to the significant damage observed in RBAC compared to reference concrete. Quantitative analysis of pore size distribution before and after FT cycling revealed a substantial increase in small pores (<1 mm3) in RBAC. The proposed Weibull distribution damage model accurately described the damage variation in RBAC with different w/c ratios. This study provides new insights into multiscale FT deterioration mechanisms affecting RBAC, aiding in optimizing RBAC mix designs to balance sustainability and durability.

A model transfer strategy based on screening stable wavelength for quantitative analysis of holocellulose and lignin content distribution in pulpwood

A model transfer strategy based on screening stable wavelength for quantitative analysis of holocellulose and lignin content distribution in pulpwood

Analysis of heat generation during friction stir welding of aluminum alloy 2024-T4 and its impact on joint characteristics

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a successful welding technique for joining of aluminium and many other materials with the required joint configurations. During this welding process, large amount of heat is generated, which influences the integrity, performance, and microstructure of the weld joints. In this study, both experimental and numerical approaches are adopted to analyse the influence of heat generation on the metallurgical and mechanical properties of friction stir-welded joints of AA2024-T4. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is constructed for quantitative analysis of heat flux, heat generation, temperature distribution, strain rate and viscosity. The model is validated by experimentally measured temperature data, and both agree well. The results showed that both heat flux and strain rate are more or less symmetric about the tool axis whereas plastic material flow is asymmetric. Heat flux affects the grain size and mechanical properties of the joint.

Local strain distribution analysis in strained SiGe spintronics devices

This paper reports nanobeam X-ray diffraction (nanoXRD) measurement results for strained SiGe spintronics devices grown by MBE. A quantitative nanoXRD analysis verifies that in-plane strain is properly exerted on the SiGe spin channel layer in the device showing enhanced spin diffusion length, whereas overall strain relaxation and local change in crystallinity occur in the sample with unclear spin signals. Crystal defects such as dislocations and stacking faults found in cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy observations are correlated with the results of nanoXRD analysis and their influence on spin transport properties are discussed. The present results demonstrate the capability of the nanoXRD based method for quantitative nondestructive analysis of strain distribution and crystallinity in real device structures.

Modulatory effect of olanzapine on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in the rat striatum.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been thought to be a novel factor involved in the mechanisms of mental disorders pathogenesis for quite some time. However, little is known about potential crosstalk between neuronal NO signaling and neuroleptics action. The present work was, therefore, focused on gene expression of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in the brains of rats chronically treated with olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug. Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into 2 groups: control and experimental animals treated with olanzapine (28-day-long intraperitoneal injection, at dose 5mg/kg daily). All individuals were killed under anesthesia and the whole brains excised. Immunohistochemical procedure was used for histological assessment of the whole brain, and for both descriptive and quantitative analysis of nNOS protein distribution in selected brain structures. Long-term treatment with olanzapine is reflected in different changes in the number of enzyme-expressing cells in the rat brain. Olanzapine decreased the number of nNOS-expressing cells and possibly reduced NO synthesis in the rat striatum. Olanzapine can be taken into account as a potential inhibitor of NO synthesis in the rat striatum.

Using MitER for 3D analysis of mitochondrial morphology and ER contacts.

We have developed an open-source workflow that allows for quantitative single-cell analysis of organelle morphology, distribution, and inter-organelle contacts with an emphasis on the analysis of mitochondria and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (mito-ER) contact sites. As the importance of inter-organelle contacts becomes more widely recognized, there is a concomitant increase in demand for tools to analyze subcellular architecture. Here, we describe a workflow we call MitER (pronounced "mightier"), which allows for automated calculation of organelle morphology, distribution, and inter-organelle contacts from 3D renderings by employing the animation software Blender. We then use MitER to quantify the variations in the mito-ER networks of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, revealing significantly more mito-ER contacts within respiring cells compared to fermenting cells. We then demonstrate how this workflow can be applied to mammalian systems and used to monitor mitochondrial dynamics and inter-organelle contact in time-lapse studies.

Feasibility of Customized Thermoplastic Patient-Specific Helmet Bolus for Scalp Irradiation Using Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy Planning.

Introduction: In this study, we sought to develop a thermoplastic patient-specific helmet bolus that could deliver a uniform therapeutic dose to the target and minimize the dose to the normal brain during whole-scalp treatment with a humanoid head phantom. Methods: The bolus material was a commercial thermoplastic used for patient immobilization, and the holes in the netting were filled with melted paraffin. We compared volumetric-modulated arc therapy treatment plans with and without the bolus for quantitative dose distribution analysis. We analyzed the dose distribution in the region of interest to compare dose differences between target and normal organs. For quantitative analysis of treatment dose, OSLD chips were attached at the vertex (VX), posterior occipital (PO), right (RT), and left temporal (LT) locations. Results: The average dose in the clinical target volume was 6553.8 cGy (99.3%) with bolus and 5874 cGy (89%) without bolus, differing by more than 10% from the prescribed dose (6600 cGy) to the scalp target. For the normal brain, it was 3747.8 cGy (56.8%) with bolus and 5484.6 cGy (83.1%) without bolus. These results show that while the dose to the treatment target decreased, the average dose to the normal brain, which is mostly inside the treatment target, increased by more than 25%. With the bolus, the OSLD measured dose was 102.5 ± 1.2% for VX and 101.5 ± 1.9%, 95.9 ± 1.9%, and 81.8 ± 2.1% for PO, RT, and LT, respectively. In addition, the average dose in the treatment plan was 102%, 101%, 93.6%, and 80.7% for VX, PO, RT, and LT. When no bolus was administered, 59.6 ± 2.4%, 112.6 ± 1.8%, 47.1 ± 1.6%, and 53.1 ± 2.3% were assessed as OSLD doses for VX, PO, RT, and LT, respectively. Conclusion: This study proposed a method to fabricate patient-specific boluses that are highly reproducible, accessible, and easy to fabricate for radiotherapy to the entire scalp and can effectively spare normal tissue while delivering sufficient surface dose.

Quantitative Analysis of Distribution and Reliability Based on Maximum Capacity Segmented Subscribers on Distribution Lines

The rapid economic progress and widespread use of sophisticated technology elevate the output value per kWh of electricity consumed, underscoring the paramount importance of maintaining an uninterrupted and dependable power supply to avoid substantial economic losses for consumers and society. Investigating the reliability of urban distribution systems emerges not only as a pivotal factor in enhancing power supply quality but also as a cornerstone of electric power modernization, significantly impacting production, technology, and management within the industry while bolstering its economic and social benefits. This study adopts a multifaceted approach: firstly, establishing a methodology for grid-side storage capacity distribution to mitigate substation load factors and implement peak shaving, thereby minimizing load discrepancies. Secondly, it develops a mathematical model encompassing diverse user distributions, employing analytical techniques to derive reliability indices and optimal segment numbers tailored to different user distributions. The research proposes segment optimization based on user distributions, considering both economic viability and reliability, showcasing an interdisciplinary amalgamation of combinatorial principles and scientific computing methodologies. This approach aims to optimize segment distribution, enhancing the reliability and economic feasibility of urban distribution networks through advanced mathematical and computational techniques.

ATRA Can Correct Impaired Proplatelet Formation By Regulating HIF-1α/SPHK2/S1P Axis in ITP

Introduction Under normal physiological conditions, the bone marrow (BM) niche is hypoxic, and sustained and consistent oxygen gradients result in stable physiological hypoxia. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is central to mediating the cellular response to hypoxia. Whether hypoxia gradients regulate megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and maturation and the possible mechanisms of these actions remain unknown. Our previous data showed that impaired proplatelet formation (PPF) contributed to the development of thrombocytopenia in ITP. Recent studies suggest that the S1P signaling pathway in MKs plays a critical role in PPF ( Blood, 2013; J EXP MED, 2012). To further explore the underlying mechanism of impaired PPF in ITP, we found that HIF-1α/SPHK2/S1P axis-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization was defective in the PPF of ITP. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which has been shown to be a promising treatment option for ITP patients in our clinical studies ( Blood, 2021; Lancet Haematology, 2017; Lancet Haematology, 2021), could restore cytoskeletal reorganization and correct impaired PPF. Methods Thirty patients with newly diagnosed ITP and 30 healthy donors were included in our study. The 30 ITP patients received ATRA at a dose of 10 mg orally twice daily for 12 weeks. Bone marrow samples were taken before the first medication (Day 0) and after 12 weeks of ATRA therapy (Day 85). We employed an imaging cytometry platform to perform a comprehensive quantitative analysis of MK distribution and hypoxic status in the bone marrow microenvironment of ITP. Targeted and untargeted metabolomic profiling through metabolomic analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the metabolome and ITP. Results We analyzed the hypoxic status of MKs in the endosteal niche and perivascular niche. In healthy controls, MKs in the perivascular niche exhibited a hypoxic profile, defined by robust HIF-1α expression and strong retention of pimonidazole. MKs in the endosteal region were less hypoxic. These results reflect a spatial hypoxia gradient in the bone marrow microenvironment. In contrast, we found that, irrespective of their location, ITP MKs displayed less hypoxia with no defined spatial gradients. ITP-MKs in the perivascular niche displayed altered cytoskeletal reorganization and impaired proplatelet formation (PPF). Metabolomics data revealed a decreased S1P level in ITP patients. Downregulated sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) in MKs suppressed S1P production. S1P was essential for cytoskeletal reorganization and PPF regulation. In addition, we demonstrated that hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mediated SPHK2 activation and S1P production. These data suggested that a disrupted hypoxia gradient contributed to impaired PPF via the HIF-1α/SPHK2/S1P axis. We then investigated the effect of ATRA on PPF. The ITP patients received ATRA at a dose of 10 mg orally twice daily for 12 weeks. For patients who received ATRA, S1P levels, HIF-1α and SPHK2 expression levels were increased compared with the pretreatment levels. And ATRA corrected impaired PPF and restored cytoskeletal reorganization by upregulating HIF-1α. Conclusions A disrupted hypoxia gradient contributed to impaired PPF in the ITP bone marrow environment via the HIF-1α/SPHK2/S1P axis. The ATRA-induced correction of impaired PPF is a potential mechanistic explanation for the clinical efficacy of ATRA in ITP.

Unpolarized transverse-momentum dependent distribution functions of a quark in a pion with Minkowskian dynamics

The unpolarized twist-2 (leading) and twist-3 (subleading), T-even, transverse-momentum dependent quark distributions in the pion are evaluated for the first time by using the actual solution of a dynamical equation in Minkowski space. The adopted theoretical framework is based on the 4D homogeneous Bethe–Salpeter integral equation with an interaction kernel given by a one-gluon exchange, featuring an extended quark-gluon vertex. The masses of quark and gluon as well as the interaction-vertex scale have been chosen in a range suggested by lattice-QCD calculations, and calibrated to reproduce both pion mass and decay constant. The sum rules to be fulfilled by the transverse-momentum dependent distributions are carefully investigated, particularly the leading-twist one, that has to match the collinear parton distribution function, and hence can be scrutinized in terms of existing data as well as theoretical predictions. Noteworthy, the joint use of the Fock expansion of the pion state facilitates an in-depth analysis of the content of the pion Bethe–Salpeter amplitude, allowing to calculate the gluon contribution to the quark average longitudinal fraction, that results to be ∼6%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim 6\\%$$\\end{document}. The current analysis highlights the role of the gluon exchanges through quantitative analysis of collinear and transverse-momentum distributions, showing, e.g. for both leading and subleading-twists, an early departure from the widely adopted exponential fall-off, for |k⊥|2>m2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$|\ extbf{k}_\\perp |^2> m^2$$\\end{document}, with the quark mass ∼ΛQCD\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim {\\varLambda }_{QCD}$$\\end{document}.

Transient behavior of liquid water distribution in a lung-inspired PEM fuel cell

Water management is a crucial aspect of hydrogen fuel cell operation because inadequate management can lead to significant losses in mass transport, limitations in oxygen diffusion, and membrane durability issues. This study investigates the impact of various operational conditions on the initial formation and evolution of liquid water content and distribution, as well as water evacuation, within a lung-inspired PEM fuel cell with a 50 cm2 active area. A series of experiments were conducted to assess the effects of cell pressure, relative humidity of the reactant (anode and cathode), temperature, and cell current density. Neutron imaging was utilized as it has been shown to be an effective technique for quantitative analysis of water distributions. The results indicate that water initially appears in the sponges located in the central region of the cathode, but due to considerable back-diffusion, water predominantly accumulates in the area of the anode channels in contact with the cathode sponges. The amount of water in the cell increases faster when the relative humidity of the cathode and anode is higher, and high pressure and low temperature also favours water accumulation. After the experiments, the design of the cathode sponge facilitates faster water evacuation compared to the anode side. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the behaviour of water in a hydrogen fuel cell and the factors influencing its distribution.

Accurately 3D neuron localization using 2D conv‐LSTM super‐resolution segmentation network

AbstractNeuron localization is a fundamental step in the neuron morphology reconstruction and quantitative analysis of cell counting and spatial distribution. The recent development of labelling and imaging techniques has resulted in growing demand for automatic neuron localization methods of 3D neuronal microscopy images. However, accurately localizing touching neurons remains a challenge. To address this issue, a novel method utilizing a super‐resolution segmentation network based on 2D Conv‐LSTM and a region growing method are proposed. This network can map and detect individual neurons in higher resolution space, allowing for the separation of closely touching neurons with reduced resource consumption. Subsequently, a region growing method is employed to localize neurons accurately. This method is evaluated using neuronal images generated by TDI‐fMOST. This method achieved neuron localization with an F1 score of 0.91. In comparison, other automatic localization methods achieved F1 scores lower than 0.85. It is also demonstrated that our network has fewer computational requirements compared to 3D neural networks. This method is promising for accurately localizing neurons in large‐scale neuron images.

High-precision zircon age spectra record the dynamics and evolution of large open-system silicic magma reservoirs

The emplacement history and thermal evolution of subvolcanic magma reservoirs determine their longevity, size, and ability to feed volcanic eruptions. As zircon saturation is dependent on melt temperature and composition, quantitative analysis of zircon age distributions provides insight into the timing and magnitude of intensive parameter variations during the lifetime of a magma reservoir. Here we present chemical abrasion-isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) U-Pb zircon crystallization ages and in-situ zircon trace-element geochemistry for a suite of caldera-related, coeval plutonic and volcanic units of the Permian Sesia Magmatic System (northern Italy). This dataset documents the protracted growth and evolution (∼1 Myr) of a voluminous (>1000 km3), upper crustal (3.5–2.0 kbar) silicic magma reservoir. Systematic changes in zircon composition with time reveal episodic intrusions of new magma into a single, progressively differentiating reservoir which was dominantly kept at high crystallinity conditions (>60 vol.%). The volcanic and plutonic units both show dispersed and heterogeneous CA-ID-TIMS age distributions. A stochastic, thermodynamics-based zircon saturation model accounting for fractional crystallization, recharge and thermal rejuvenation effects on zircon growth and stability in a rhyolitic magma body reproduces the observed distributions of zircon U-Pb ages. Model results suggest that zircon compositional variability and crystallization age heterogeneity, characteristic of the Sesia and other large silicic systems, distinguish open- and closed-system magmatic processes. Specifically, an increase of the mass of crystallized zircons over time is the hallmark of thermally and chemically mature magma reservoirs, capable of producing voluminous eruptions upon changes in the thermal and mechanical state of the system. Conversely, a decrease in crystallized zircon mass over time characterizes systems where crystallization dominates over magma mobility, hindering substantial mass release during eruptive events. We suggest that quantitative analyses of dispersed zircon crystallization age distributions obtained with high-precision techniques can be applied to the plutonic and volcanic record to identify mature silicic magma reservoirs whose properties and storage conditions allowed for catastrophic caldera-forming eruptions. This work provides the petrologic community with a new tool to investigate the genesis and evolution of zircon-bearing intermediate to silicic intrusive magmatism and caldera-forming volcanism through time and across tectonic settings.

Thermal Deformation Characteristics and Dynamic Recrystallization Mechanism of Incoloy 800H Alloy under Different Deformations

Incoloy 800H alloy has excellent high‐temperature mechanical properties and broad application prospects. However, the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of this alloy at different deformations has been little studied. The thermal deformation characteristics and DRX mechanisms of Incoloy 800H alloy are studied by thermal compression tests. Quantitative analysis of grain size, DRX fraction, misorientation distribution, and twin boundaries under different deformation degrees is conducted using electron‐backscattered diffraction. Furthermore, the evolution characteristics of dislocations and grains are observed through transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the proportion of DRX improves with increasing deformation significantly. In the DRX process, discontinuous DRX (DDRX) is the main nucleation mechanism, while continuous DRX (CDRX) serves as an auxiliary nucleation mechanism. As the deformation increases, the CDRX + DDRX mechanisms can also be observed simultaneously in the high‐density dislocation region near the grain boundary. In addition, the ratio of ∑3 boundaries first decreases and then increases as the deformation increases. The initial twins gradually disappear due to the increase in deformation, and new twins are formed within the DRX grains. Twins can promote grain boundary bulging, provide more nucleation sites for DRX, and have a significant promoting effect on DRX.

PyCreas: a tool for quantification of localization and distribution of endocrine cell types in the islets of Langerhans.

Manifest diabetes, but also conditions of increased insulin resistance such as pregnancy or obesity can lead to islet architecture remodeling. The contributing mechanisms are as poorly understood as the consequences of altered cell arrangement. For the quantification of the different cell types but also the frequency of different cell-cell contacts within the islets, different approaches exist. However, few methods are available to characterize islet cell distribution in a statistically valid manner. Here we describe PyCreas, an open-source tool written in Python that allows semi-automated analysis of islet cell distribution based on images of pancreatic sections stained by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. To ensure that the PyCreas tool is suitable for quantitative analysis of cell distribution in the islets at different metabolic states, we studied the localization and distribution of alpha, beta, and delta cells during gestation and prediabetes. We compared the islet cell distribution of pancreatic islets from metabolically healthy NMRI mice with that of New Zealand obese (NZO) mice, which exhibit impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) both preconceptionally and during gestation, and from C57BL/6N (B6) mice, which acquire this IGT only during gestation. Since substrain(s) of the NZO mice are known to show a variant in the Abcc8 gene, we additionally examined preconceptional SUR1 knock-out (SUR1-KO) mice. PyCreas provided quantitative evidence that alterations in the Abcc8 gene are associated with an altered distribution pattern of islet cells. Moreover, our data indicate that this cannot be a consequence of prolonged hyperglycemia, as islet architecture is already altered in the prediabetic state. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis suggests that states of transient IGT, such as during common gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are not associated with changes in islet architecture as observed during long-term IGT. PyCreas provides the ability to systematically analyze the localization and distribution of islet cells at different stages of metabolic disease to better understand the underlying pathophysiology.

839 A Retrospective, Multi-National, Longitudinal Study for Quantitative Analysis of Gender Distribution of Speakers at Major Neurosurgical Conferences

Abstract Aim To explore gender distribution of invited lecturers and panel speakers at major international neurosurgical conferences and investigate this as a potential contributor to lack of female representation in neurosurgery, known as a significant workforce problem, worldwide. Method We retrospectively analysed annual meetings organised by 4 major neurosurgical organisations between January 2016 and December 2021. Male and female faculty were academically stratified according to mean publications, citations, and H-index. A manel was defined as a session with 2 or more speakers, all of whom are men. Sex was determined by specific speaker title in conference program, online autobiography, or Gender Balance Assessment Tool (GBAT). Results Of the 21 conferences hosted by 4 major international neurosurgical societies/organisations analysed there were 5883 speakers, of which 10.93% (n = 643) were female. Of 885 panel sessions, 534 (60.34%) were manels. There were statistically significant changes between online and in-person conferences (45.45% (n = 60) manels online vs 62.95% (n = 474) manels in-person; p&amp;lt;0.05). Male invited lecturers had significantly higher mean H-index than female invited lecturers (male = 34.88, female = 18.95; p&amp;lt;0.05). There was a significant reduction in the proportion of manels over time (67.35% in 2016 vs 39.83% in 2021; p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions Despite encouraging findings that manels are becoming less prevalent in major neurosurgical meetings, they continue to comprise the majority, while female representation remains poor. This study hopes to highlight the need for greater gender diversity and female representation in neurosurgery.