Attachment Rate Research Articles

Regulatory Genes in Eyespot Formation and Function of Mytilus coruscus.

Light sensitivity is important for marine benthic invertebrates, and it plays a vital role in the marine bivalves settling. Animal visual systems are enormously diverse; their development appears to be controlled by a set of conserved retinal determination genes (RDGs). Eyespots, as the simplest animal eyes, their appearance indicates the important effect on mussel larvae attachment. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of the eyespot's development in Mytilus coruscus larvae is not clear. In this study, we identified 11 genes which play a regulatory role in the visual system (i.e. Pax1/9, Pax2/5/8, Pax6, Pax3/7, Six1/2, Six3/6, Six4/5, Dach, Eya, Brn and Tbx2) from transcriptome data and the whole genome sequence of M. coruscus. The results of chromosome localization showed that 11 genes were distributed on different chromosomes. Subcellular mapping revealed that all the proteins except Brn were located in the nucleus. Phylogeny and gene structure analyses revealed that the Pax members were divided into four subfamilies, the Six members were divided into three subfamilies and structures within the same subfamily were relatively conserved. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed that Dach, Pax6, Pax3/7, Six1/2 and Six4/5 were expressed at high levels during the pediveliger stage. Moreover, Six1/2 and Six4/5 were highly expressed in mantle tissues. Subsequent overall in situ hybridization experiments in the planktonic larval stage revealed that Pax6, Six1/2 and Six4/5 detected signals in the region of the eyespot. Based on these analyses, we suggested that the development of vision in M. coruscus not only depended on the expression pattern of Pax6, but perhaps also related to Six1/2 and Six4/5 in the planktonic larval stage, while Six1/2 and Six4/5 were the dominant genes for visual function in the adult mussel. This study made a comprehensive analysis of the visual function of M. coruscus at the genome level, which helps us to understand the intrinsic mechanism of the visual system of marine bivalves, and also provides a molecular basis for improving the attachment and metamorphosis rate of M. coruscus larvae.

The Relationship Between Length and Active Force for Submaximal Skeletal Muscle Contractions: a Review.

The force-length relationship is usually obtained for isometric contractions with maximal activation, but less is known about how sarcomere length affects force during submaximal activation. During submaximal activation, length-dependent alterations in calcium sensitivity, owing to changes in cross-bridge kinetics (rate of attachment and/or detachment), result in an activation-dependent shift in optimal length to longer sarcomere lengths. It is known that sarcomere length, as well as temperature and phosphorylation of the regulatory light chains of myosin, can modify Ca2⁺ sensitivity by altering the probability of cross-bridge interaction. This altered calcium sensitivity is particularly important for submaximal force levels, as it can change the shape of the length dependence of force, with peak force occurring at sarcomere lengths longer than those associated with maximal filament overlap. In athletic contexts, contractions typically do not reach maximal intensity. Therefore, understanding that the ability to produce force under both maximal and submaximal conditions can differ, and that peak force can be generated at different lengths, could influence the development of targeted training regimens optimal for each sport.

Biofilm characterization and dynamic simulation of advanced rope media reactor for the treatment of primary effluent.

Biofilm modeling is inherently complex, often requiring multiple assumptions and simplifications. In biofilm modeling, default or literature-based values in biofilm systems are usually used to estimate biofilm parameters, including boundary layer, biofilm density, thickness, attachment, and detachment rates. This study aimed to characterize and model the biofilm of a specific rope-type fixed media system, removing carbon and total inorganic nitrogen, coupled with sensitivity analysis. Among the five model parameters, the sensitivity analysis of this study showed that boundary layer thickness is the most influential parameter for predicting effluent ammonia and nitrate concentrations, and biofilm density is most sensitive with respect to effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD). The least sensitive parameter is the detachment rate. Based on the calculated mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE), the calibrated BioCord fixed-film reactor (BFFR) model accurately predicted effluent ammonium and dissolved oxygen (DO) in the continuously aerated bench-scale reactor (R1) and failed to predict well in the intermittently aerated bench-scale reactor (R2). RMSE values calculated for NH3-N and DO in R1 are 0.95 and 0.53 mg/L, respectively. In the BioCord pilot plant's case, ammonium-N predicted by the model fit the measured values well, while it overpredicted DO concentrations. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Fixed biofilm BioCord reactors were studied for primary effluent treatment. A methodology was developed to characterize biofilms. Boundary layer thickness is the most influential parameter for predicting effluent ammonia and nitrate concentrations. Biofilm density is the most sensitive parameter with respect to effluent COD. The calibrated BFFR model can predict effluent ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate-nitrogen.

Social factors that promote resilience in adolescents with depression: a systematic review

Abstract Background A socially protective environment matters. Social factors can protect against the development of depression among adolescents in community samples. There is however scant knowledge about their buffering role on the impact of depressive symptoms in adolescents in a clinical setting. Understanding these factors can help explaining why some children function well despite of their depression symptoms. In this review, we aimed to identify which social protective factors mitigate impairment from depression in adolescents. Methods We included peer-reviewed, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using the following search strategy: Social protective factors AND depression or depression symptoms AND adolescents AND daily impairment, yielding 1737 hits. Included studies focused on social protective factors in relation to a depression diagnosis or depression symptoms severity, in adolescents age 11-24. Preliminary results We found 6 studies that examined the relationship between social protective factors and impairment or severity of depression symptoms in adolescents with a clinical depression or elevated symptoms. In these studies, higher rates of parental attachment, parental monitoring and school belonging moderated the relation between depression symptoms and daily impairment. Higher rates of family support and peer belonging were associated with the low depressed mood group. The rest of the studies tested the association of social protective factors on the development of depression symptoms in non-clinical populations. Conclusions There are limited studies on the buffering role of social protective factors in adolescents with clinical depression. Next, we will focus on non-clinical, longitudinal studies to explore which social protective factors moderate the development of depression over time. We aim to identify social factors that can mitigate the development of depression in community samples and are potentially important for clinical settings. Key messages • There is a scarcity of studies that explored the relation between social protective factors in adolescents with elevated depression symptoms or depression diagnosis. • The role of social protective factors that moderate the development of adolescent depression symptoms over time should be prioritized in the development of intervention programs.

Surgical outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment coexisting with a macular hole.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the visual outcomes and foveal restoration in eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and macular hole (MH) following surgery using the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique. We collected data on eyes with coexisting RRD and MH that underwent surgery using the inverted ILM flap technique between January 2016 and December 2018. The primary outcome measures were visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography findings. Of 308 eyes with MH originating from various causes, 8 (2.6%) eyes diagnosed with coexisting RRD and MH treated using the inverted ILM flap technique were included. The average patient age and axial length were 65.00 ± 12.01 years and 23.66 ± 0.77 mm, respectively. The mean preoperative best-corrected VA (BCVA) was 1.84 (spherical equivalent [SE], counting finger) ± 0.32 logMAR and the mean final BCVA had improved significantly to 1.05 (SE, 20/223) ± 0.67 logMAR (P = .017). The primary retinal reattachment, MH closure, and secondary retinal attachment rates were 75% (6/8), 87.5% (7/8), and 100% (7/7), respectively. The inverted ILM flap technique led to significant improvements in anatomical and visual outcomes in patients with coexisting RRD and MH.

The Attachment of Juvenile Mussels via Byssus Weakened by Contaminated Polyethylene Fibers.

In the process of mussel farming, the rope for attachment is indispensable, as it provides a stable attachment environment for mussel seedlings, directly affecting their survival rate and growth quality. The objective of this study is to examine the contamination of ropes, composed of polyethylene fibers, by heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) after three years of deployment and to assess its influence on the attachment and locomotion behaviors of juvenile mussels. Utilizing a laboratory simulation of the seedling wrapping process, a comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the number of juvenile mussels attached and their movement distances when exposed to contaminated old ropes versus uncontaminated new ropes. The findings indicated that the old ropes markedly diminished the attachment rate of juvenile mussels and heightened their movement distances. In particular, juvenile mussels utilizing old ropes exhibited a final attachment rate of 15.0% and an average movement distance of 0.86 cm, whereas those using new ropes achieved a final attachment rate of 96.7% with an average movement distance of 0.26 cm. Further inspection found that heavy metals and PAHs were present in the old rope, among which the concentrations of Zn (17.127 μg/g) and Pb (22.905 μg/g) in heavy metals were high, and the concentrations of Phe (5.53 μg/kg), Fla (6.35 μg/kg), and Pyr (5.17 μg/kg) in PAHs exceeded the detection limits, which were the main source of pollution. This research underscores the potential risk that heavy metal and PAHs contamination pose to the health of juvenile mussels and the profitability of aquaculture, emphasizing the critical need for the regular replacement of clean ropes.

Cardiomyocyte myofilament function in common animal models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Human cardiomyocytes from very obese patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have markedly depressed calcium-activated tension and increased resting stiffness. To test if either are recapitulated by obese-HFpEF animal models, tension‑calcium and tension-sarcomere length relations were measured in myocytes from mice on a high fat diet (HFD) with L-NAME, ZSF1 rats, and Göttingen minipigs on HFD + DOCA (MP). Only MP myocytes displayed reduced Ca2+-activated tension, and none exhibited increased resting stiffness versus respective controls. Consistent with prior myofibrillar data, crossbridge attachment and detachment rates at matched tension were slower in rodent models, and detachment slower in MP.

Uterine layers hypervascularization in atypical placentation: the comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with vascular pathomorphology

Rationale: One in five women worldwide delivers through cesarean section, which is associated to a high rate of placenta previa and abnormal placenta attachment to the uterine wall. The grade of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) correlates with blood loss volume, which could be related to vascularization characteristics. Up to now, there have been no studies on the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance criteria for hypervascularization of the uterine wall and their correlation with an assumed grade of PAS according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification. Also, abnormal vessels location and their wall structure have not been studied with state-of-the-art pathomorphological methods. Aim: To develop a classification for various types of the uterine wall hypervascularization depending on the depth of placental invasion assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical files of 66 patients aged 18 to 45 years, who were assumed to have PAS based on their sonography results. To clarify the extent and localization of the placental invasion, all patients had MRI performed at 24 to 32 weeks of gestation. In all patients, the PAS grade was verified pathologically; in 30 of them (45,5%), a detailed pathological examination was additionally performed. The PAS grades were classified according to Morbidly Adherent Placenta Imaging Reporting and Data System (MAPI-RADS). The MRI data were correlated with the PAS (FIGO) grade estimated from intraoperative data and with intraoperative blood loss. At the final study step, the MRI data was correlated with abnormal pathomorphology, with the assessment of the degree of vascularization and the visual picture of abnormal uteroplacental vasculature. Results: We have proposed a classification of MRI signs of hypervascularization in the lower uterine segment correlating with the depth of placenta accreta. Type 1. Single small vessels in the myometrium, medium caliber arteries in the projection of the uterine serosa (normal variation for the 3rd trimester of gestation). Type 2. Numerous small confluent vessels, mainly in the uteroplacental region, and retroplacental hematomas (typical for placenta accreta, or FIGO PAS 1). Type 3. Intrauterine hypervascularization with a deficient myometrium thickness, predominantly vessels of the middle layer (typical for placenta increta, or FIGO PAS 2). Type 4. Thinning of the lower uterine segment due to significant bulging of the placenta in the presence of curved anastomosing vessels of vast caliber over 4 mm (typical for placenta increta – FIGO PAS 2, as well as placenta percreta – FIGO PAS 3a). Type 5. Hypervascularization outside the uterus, over its surface and in the parametrial tissues: at the border with the bladder, uterine isthmus, including signs of fibrosis and growing into the posterior bladder wall (typical for various grades of placenta percreta – FIGO PAS 3b, 3c). Conclusion: The proposed classification of uterine wall hypervascularization in accordance with the grades of placenta accreta spectrum (FIGO PAS) could be useful for its practical implementation by radiologists.

Anesthetic sampling and the tissue regeneration potential of oysters: A study with Crassostrea hongkongensis

The use of an appropriate amount of anesthetic can prevent the sacrifice of oysters during experimental sampling or seedling rearing. In this study, we assessed the effects of air exposure and three concentrations of magnesium chloride (10, 40, and 70 g L–1) on the anesthetic efficiency for Crassostrea hongkongensis. We examined the recuperative capacity of the oysters post-tissue sampling. The results indicated that 36 h of air exposure could significantly enhance the anesthetic efficiency of C. hongkongensis while ensuring the oysters’ survival. A 40 g L–1 solution of magnesium chloride had the optimal anesthetic effect on C. hongkongensis across all oyster sizes. In addition, smaller oysters (119.10 g) had a higher relaxation rate than larger oysters (191.00 g). The oysters anesthetized with 40 g L–1 magnesium chloride also demonstrated the best recovery. No deaths were observed among the non-anesthetized oysters, anesthetized-recovered oysters, or non-recovered oysters during a seven-day post-farming period. In terms of live sampling, the control group (100 %), gonad group (100 %), mantle group (98.67 %), gill group (89.33 %), and adductor muscle group (97.33 %) all showed high survival rates after anesthesia. Observation of tissue growth post-sampling revealed the presence of focal green areas in tissues between days 7 and 14. By day 30, the adductor muscle and mantle tissues had fully healed, and the regrown tissue in the gills had approached its original length. A 40 g L–1 magnesium chloride solution had no significant effects on gametes in terms of fertilization rate, growth rate, and attachment rate. The present findings indicated that C. hongkongensis could be effectively anesthetized using a 40 g L–1 magnesium chloride solution following 36 h of aerial exposure. Post-anesthesia tissue and gamete sampling did not result in significant mortality, and the tissues had fully recovered within 30 days post-sampling. The anesthesia did not have any adverse effects on the progeny.

Pediatric Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and its Treatment

Pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachments have a different clinical presentation and different treatment algorithms than adult rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. The absence of posterior vitreus detachment and the predominance of retinal holes and dialysis in the etiology can be counted among these differences. Slow onset of visual loss and the inability of the pediatric age group to appreciate the symptoms leads to the development of variable amounts of proliferative vitreoretinopathy at clinical presentation. The presence of the crystalline lens and exaggerated wound healing response of the young eye changes the usual treatment approach of the adult detachments, and combination surgeries are frequently required. Scleral buckling surgery is the primary treatment option in the pediatric age group. It may be applied segmentally or circumferentially according to the level of the retinal breaks and the extent proliferative vitreoretinopathy present. Vitrectomy may be added according to the treatment response or the level of proliferative vitreoretinopathy present. Phakic lens status, abnormally posterior insertion of posterior vitreus base, and hyalocyte cellular remnants despite successful intraoperative posterior vitreus detachment are the obstacles that may be encountered in vitrectomy for pediatric retinal detachment. Pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachments require a higher number of surgeries per patient and have a lower final retinal attachment rate than adult cases. Examination and prophylactic treatment of the fellow eye must be carried out as the underlying retinal breaks and predisposing lesions are frequently bilateral with the exception of trauma in this age group.

A Modified Intravitreal Methotrexate Protocol for the Prevention of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy after Silicone Oil Removal

ObjectiveTo utilize a modified intravitreal (IVT) methotrexate (MTX) protocol for the prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after silicone oil (SO) removal (SOR). DesignSingle-center nonrandomized retrospective comparative case series. SubjectsEyes with grade C PVR who underwent retinal detachment repair and SO placement between 2019-2022 with at least 6 months of follow-up after SOR. A control group of age- and sex-matched eyes was included. MethodsEyes were treated with one of two MTX protocols. Eyes in Group 1 received 6 IVT MTX injections following SO placement, and another 6 IVT MTX injections following SOR. Eyes in Group 2 received 6 IVT MTX following SO placement only. Each series of 6 IVT MTX injections (400 μg/0.1 mL) consisted of 3 injections every 2 weeks followed by 3 injections every 4 weeks. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was the retinal attachment rate at 6 months post-SOR without re-detachment or re-operation. Secondary outcomes included change in visual acuity (VA) and rates of complications after SOR. ResultsFifty-two eyes of 52 patients (13 Group 1, 13 Group 2, 26 control) (mean age 59.8 years, 80.8% male) were included with a mean follow-up of 31.0 months. In aggregate, Group 1 and Group 2 eyes received a median (IQR) of 6 (5.25, 7) IVT MTX injections pre-SOR; eyes in Group 1 received a median (IQR) of 5 (3, 6) IVT MTX injections post-SOR. Twelve (92.3%) Group 1 eyes, 11 (84.6%) Group 2 eyes, and 21 (80.8%) control eyes had primary retinal attachment at 6 months post-SOR (P > 0.05). VA outcomes did not significantly differ between groups (P > 0.05). Rates of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and cystoid macular edema (CME) were significantly lower in Group 1 eyes (7.7% and 15.4%) compared to Group 2 (53.8% and 92.3%) and control (44.3% and 65.4%) eyes, respectively (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe use of IVT MTX injections in eyes with PVR undergoing RD repair was associated with a high rate of primary retinal attachment after SOR. Eyes that received IVT MTX injections after SOR had significantly lower rates of ERM and CME than eyes that did not.

Dissociative electron attachment and Ar+ reaction with chromium hexacarbonyl, 296-400 K.

Dissociative electron attachment rate constants have been measured for Cr(CO)6 under thermal conditions, 296-400K, yielding Cr(CO)5- product. At 296K, 2.92 ± 0.70cm3s-1 was measured and a small decrease with temperature was observed (2.72 ± 0.70cm3s-1 at 400K). We additionally determined the cation products of Ar+ reacting with Cr(CO)6.

Anatomic and Visual Outcomes of Scleral Buckle in Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in the Era of Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

Introduction: To determine the presenting clinical characteristics of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who underwent scleral buckling and the impact on final visual outcomes and to determine the postoperative primary attachment rate, complications, and subsequent management. Methods: This retrospective observational study comprised patients with RRD who had scleral buckling surgery from January 2016 to December 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Results: The study comprised 307 eyes of 290 patients; 97% of eyes were phakic. Primary anatomic attachment was achieved in 93% of eyes. Macula-on detachment had a significant relationship with visual gain, while age, refractive status, number of breaks, configuration of the detachment, traumatic etiology, and lens status did not. Eyes with recurrent detachment did not have a significant visual gain after subsequent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Conclusions: Most eyes that underwent scleral bucking were phakic. Macular status played a significant role in the visual prognosis. The primary anatomic attachment rate after scleral buckling surgery is comparable to that after PPV. Thus, scleral buckling is far from being a procedure of the past. Multiple breaks, inferior detachments, and traumatic etiology do not appear to adversely affect the visual outcomes. Multiple vitreoretinal surgeries may not result in a visual gain in cases of recurrent detachment.

Modeling bacterial transport and fate: Insight into the cascading consequences of soil water repellency and contrasting hydraulic conditions

The mechanisms governing bacteria transport and fate rely on their hydrophobicity and the wettability of porous media across a wide range of soil moisture conditions, extending from extreme dryness to highly saturated states. However, it largely remains unknown how transport, retention, and release mechanisms change in natural soil systems in such conditions. We thus optimized our previously published unique transport data for hydrophilic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and hydrophobic Rhodococcus erythropolis (R. erythropolis) bacteria, and bromide (Br−) in two distinct wettable and water-repellent soils at column scale. The soils were initially dry, followed by injecting influents in two pulses followed by a flushing step under saturated flow conditions for six pore volumes. We conducted simulations for each pulse separately and simultaneously for soils. There were differences in hydraulic properties of the soils due to their contrasting wetting characteristic in separate and simultaneously modeling of each pulse affecting Br− and bacteria transport fate. Bacteria attachment was the dominant retention mechanism in both soils in these conditions. Notably, the 82.4 min−1 attachment rate in wettable soil was almost 10× greater than in the water-repellent soil and it governed optimization of bacteria die-off. Physicochemical detachment and physical release unraveled the effect of bacteria size and hydrophobicity interacting with soil wettability. The smaller and hydrophobic R. erythropolis detached more easily while hydrophilic E. coli released; the rates were enhanced by soil water repellency. Further research is needed to reveal the effects of surface wettability properties on bacteria survival especially at the nanoscale.

Effect of PFDTS/TiO2 Coating on Microstructure and Wetting Behavior of Phosphogypsum.

Phosphogypsum (PG) constitutes a form of solid byproduct emanating from the manufacturing process of wet-process phosphoric acid. The fabrication of one metric ton of wet-process phosphoric acid entails the generation of approximately five tons of phosphogypsum, a highly prolific and economically viable waste stream. If we can effectively solve the problem of poor hydrophobicity of phosphogypsum, it is possible to replace cement and other traditional cementitious materials. In this way, we can not only improve the utilization rate of phosphogypsum but also obtain significant economic and environmental benefits. In the present investigation, hydrophobic surface coatings were synthesized and applied onto the surface of α-hemihydrate phosphogypsum (α-HPG) utilizing sol-gel processing and impregnation techniques. After hydroxylating α-HPG with alkaline solution (OH-α-HPG), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) hybridized with perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTS) were grafted on its surface. The assessment of the hydrophobic properties of the coatings was conducted through water contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The contact angle remained above 124.2° after strong acidic and alkaline immersion and 50 tape adhesion experiments with good chemical stability and durability, and the mechanism of surface hydrophobicity modification was discussed. The experimental outcomes demonstrated a notable increase in the hydroxyl group concentration on the α-HPG surface following hydroxylation, significantly enhancing the attachment rate of PFDTS and TiO2 onto the HPG surface. PFDTS and TiO2 can undergo chemical interaction with hydroxyl groups, facilitating their robust adsorption onto the surface of OH-α-HPG through chemisorption mechanisms. After bonding the OH-α-HPG surface with PFDTS and TiO2 via hydrogen bonding, the otherwise hydrophilic α-HPG surface acquired excellent hydrophobicity (OH-α-HPG-PT, contact angle (CA) = 146.7°). The surface modification of α-HPG through hydroxylation and hydrophobicity enhancement significantly augmented the compatibility and interfacial interplay between α-HPG and PT. This research successfully enhanced the hydrophobic properties of α-HPG, profoundly showcasing its immense potential within the construction industry and the realm of comprehensive solid waste utilization.

Numerical Simulation of the Dynamics of RF Capacitive Discharge in Carbon Dioxide

In this research, the one-dimensional fluid code SIGLO-rf was used to study the internal parameters of RF capacitive discharge in carbon dioxide, focusing mainly on time-averaged and spatio-temporal distributions of discharge parameters. With the help of this code, in the range of distances between electrodes d = 0.04 – 8 cm, RF frequencies f = 3.89 – 67.8 MHz, and values of carbon dioxide pressure p = 0.1 – 9.9 Torr, averaged over the RF period axial profiles of the density of electrons, positive and negative ions were calculated as well as potential and electric field strength. It is shown that the discharge plasma in CO2 contains electrons, positive ions, as well as negative ions. The negative ions of atomic oxygen are formed by the dissociative attachment of electrons to CO2 molecules. Studies of the spatio-temporal dynamics of plasma parameters (electron density, potential and electric field strength, as well as ionization and attachment rates) in RF capacitive discharge in CO2 showed that during half of the RF period, 1 to 3 ionization bursts are usually observed. They correspond to stochastic heating in the near-electrode sheath and the formation of passive and active double layers near the sheath boundaries. The passive double layer appears in the cathode phase and maintains the discharge plasma. The active layer is formed in the anodic phase and ensures a balance of positive and negative charges escaping to the electrode during the RF period. It was found that when the conditions pd = 2 Torr cm and fd = 27.12 MHz cm are met simultaneously, during half of the RF period, 4 intense ionization peaks are observed: resulting from stochastic heating, passive, active, and additional (auxiliary) double layers. The auxiliary double layer helps bring electrons to the surface of the temporary anode and occurs near its surface inside the near-electrode sheath. Using the similarity law, the conditions for the existence of these 4 ionization peaks in a wide range of RF frequencies, carbon dioxide pressures, and distances between electrodes were verified.

Role of Parenting Status in the Relationship Between Maternal Depression and Infant–Mother Attachment: A Longitudinal Cohort Study in China

ABSTRACTThis study in China aimed to explore the impact of maternal depression on infant–mother attachment and whether parenting status moderated this relationship. Women underwent depression assessments at seven perinatal time points: ≤12, 17, 21, 31, and 37 weeks of pregnancy, as well as 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. Those completing at least three times assessments, along with their infants, were invited for infant–mother attachment assessment at 12–18 months postpartum. Among 233 infant–mother pairs completing the infant–mother attachment assessment, 62 and 80 mothers had postnatal depression and perinatal major depression, respectively; 75 (32.2%) of infants exhibited insecure attachment. While infants whose mothers had maternal depression showed a slightly elevated rate of insecure attachment, this difference did not achieve statistical significance. Additionally, parenting status did not influence the relationship between maternal depression and infant–mother attachment. Nevertheless, the study hinted that more physical contact between mother and infant might reduce insecure attachment likelihood. Future research should expand sample sizes and assessment points for better understanding. In addition, encouraging close interaction and physical touch between mother and infant may be beneficial.

Assessing Microstructural, Biomechanical, and Biocompatible Properties of TiNb Alloys for Potential Use as Load-Bearing Implants.

Titanium-Niobium (TiNb) alloys are commonly employed in a number of implantable devices, yet concerns exist regarding their use in implantology owing to the biomechanical mismatch between the implant and the host tissue. Therefore, to balance the mechanical performance of the load-bearing implant with bone, TiNb alloys with differing porosities were fabricated by powder metallurgy combined with spacer material. Microstructures and phase constituents were characterized with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties were tested by uniaxial compression, and the corrosion performance was determined via a potentiodynamic polarization experiment. To evaluate a highly matched potential implant with the host, biocompatibilities such as cell viability and proliferation rate, fibronectin adsorption, plasmid-DNA interaction, and an SEM micrograph showing the cell morphology were examined in detail. The results showed that the alloys displayed open and closed pores with a uniform pore size and distribution, which allowed for cell adherence and other cellular activities. The alloys with low porosity displayed compressive strength between 618 MPa and 1295 MPa, while the alloys with high porosity showed significantly lower strength, ranging from 48 MPa to 331 MPa. The biological evaluation of the alloys demonstrated good cell attachment and proliferation rates.

Bridging classical nucleation theory and molecular dynamics simulation for homogeneous ice nucleation.

Water freezing, initiated by ice nucleation, occurs widely in nature, ranging from cellular to global phenomena. Ice nucleation has been experimentally proven to require the formation of a critical ice nucleus, consistent with classical nucleation theory (CNT). However, the accuracy of CNT quantitative predictions of critical cluster sizes and nucleation rates has never been verified experimentally. In this study, we circumvent this difficulty by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The physical properties of water/ice for CNT predictions, including density, chemical potential difference, and diffusion coefficient, are independently obtained using MD simulation, whereas the calculation of interfacial free energy is based on thermodynamic assumptions of CNT, including capillarity approximation among others. The CNT predictions are compared to the MD evaluations of brute-force simulations and forward flux sampling methods. We find that the CNT and MD predicted critical cluster sizes are consistent, and the CNT predicted nucleation rates are higher than the MD predicted values within three orders of magnitude. We also find that the ice crystallized from supercooled water is stacking-disordered ice with a stacking of cubic and hexagonal ices in four representative types of stacking. The prediction discrepancies in nucleation rate mainly arise from the stacking-disordered ice structure, the asphericity of ice cluster, the uncertainty of ice-water interfacial free energy, and the kinetic attachment rate. Our study establishes a relation between CNT and MD to predict homogeneous ice nucleation.

Outer membrane vesicles from commensal microbes contribute to the sponge Tedania sp. development by regulating the expression level of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)

The transition from the swimming larval stage to the settlement stage represents a significant node in the marine sponge developmental process. Previous research has shown that the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from the bacterial species Tenacibaculum mesophilum associated with the sponge Tedania sp. influence larval settlement: low concentrations of OMVs increase the attachment rate, whereas high concentrations decrease the attachment rate. Here, by comparing the transcriptomes of sponge larvae in filtered seawater (FSW group) and in FSW supplemented with OMVs (FSW-OMV group), the results indicated that bacterial OMVs affected larval settlement by modulating the expression levels of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in the host. Subsequently, quantitative real-time PCR revealed a decrease in aif expression near the time of settlement (SE) compared to that in the control group. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to target the aif gene, and the rate of larval settlement was significantly reduced, confirming the inhibitory effect of high concentrations of OMVs. Moreover, small RNA (sRNA) sequencing of OMVs revealed the existence of abundant AIF-sRNAs of 30 nt, further suggesting that one pathway for the involvement of sponge-associated bacteria in host development is the transport of OMVs and the direct function of cargo loading.