Sequence Of Morphological Changes Research Articles

Sequence of Morphological Changes Preceding Atrophy in Intermediate AMD Using Deep Learning.

Investigating the sequence of morphological changes preceding outer plexiform layer (OPL) subsidence, a marker preceding geographic atrophy, in intermediate AMD (iAMD) using high-precision artificial intelligence (AI) quantifications on optical coherence tomography imaging. In this longitudinal observational study, individuals with bilateral iAMD participating in a multicenter clinical trial were screened for OPL subsidence and RPE and outer retinal atrophy. OPL subsidence was segmented on an A-scan basis in optical coherence tomography volumes, obtained 6-monthly with 36months follow-up. AI-based quantification of photoreceptor (PR) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, drusen height and choroidal hypertransmission (HT) was performed. Changes were compared between topographic areas of OPL subsidence (AS), drusen (AD), and reference (AR). Of 280 eyes of 140 individuals, OPL subsidence occurred in 53 eyes from 43 individuals. Thirty-six eyes developed RPE and outer retinal atrophy subsequently. In the cohort of 53 eyes showing OPL subsidence, PR and ONL thicknesses were significantly decreased in AS compared with AD and AR 12 and 18months before OPL subsidence occurred, respectively (PR: 20µm vs. 23µm and 27µm [P < 0.009]; ONL, 84µm vs. 94µm and 98µm [P < 0.008]). Accelerated thinning of PR (0.6µm/month; P < 0.001) and ONL (0.8µm/month; P < 0.001) was observed in AS compared with AD and AR. Concomitant drusen regression and hypertransmission increase at the occurrence of OPL subsidence underline the atrophic progress in areas affected by OPL subsidence. PR and ONL thinning are early subclinical features associated with subsequent OPL subsidence, an indicator of progression toward geographic atrophy. AI algorithms are able to predict and quantify morphological precursors of iAMD conversion and allow personalized risk stratification.

Dynamic photodamage of red blood cell induced by CisDiMPyP porphyrin.

It is well-known that oxidative damage in red blood cell (RBC) usually causes morphological changes and increased membrane rigidity. Although many studies have focused on investigating how RBC responds to a photodynamic stimulus, the intermediate steps between membrane damage and hemolysis are not reported. To give a comprehensive insight into changes of RBC membrane property under different oxidative damage levels, we employed the photoactivation of CisDiMPyP porphyrin that primarily generates singlet oxygen 1O2 as oxidant species. We found that there were distinguishable characteristic damages depending on the 1O2 flux over the membrane, in a way that each impact of photooxidative damage was categorized under three damage levels: mild (maintaining the membrane morphology and elasticity), moderate (membrane elongation and increased membrane elasticity) and severe (wrinkle-like deformation and hemolysis). When sodium azide (NaN3) was used as a singlet oxygen quencher, delayed cell membrane alterations and hemolysis were detected. The delay times showed that 1O2 indeed plays a key role that causes RBC photooxidation by CisDiMPyP. We suggest that the sequence of morphological changes (RBC discoid area expansion, wrinkle-like patterns, and hemolysis) under photooxidative damage occurs due to damage to the lipid membrane and cytoskeletal network proteins.

Morphologic Stages of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Assessed Using Swept-Source OCT

To describe the sequential morphologic changes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) utilizing a novel, objective, and clinically relevant staging system based on swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) and determine its association with the duration of fovea-off and postoperative visual acuity (VA). Prospective cohort study. Consecutive patients with primary fovea-involving RRD referred to St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada, from January 2020 to April2022. All patients underwent SS-OCT and ultrawide-field SS-OCT at baseline. Primary RRDs with breaks above the 8- and 4-o'clock meridians were included. Patients with vision loss for ≥ 3 months, proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade C or worse, a demarcation line, previous vitrectomy, or other retinal pathology were excluded. The staging was based on an assessment of outer retinal morphology on successive SS-OCT scans from the peripheral break to the most posterior aspect of the RRD, following its direction of progression. Sequential outer retinal morphologic changes observed using SS-OCT and associated VA at 3 months after surgery. Forty-nine eyes were included. The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) was 61.2 (15.2) years. The mean presenting logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (SD) acuity was 1.09 (0.75). All stages observed on a high-definition horizontal 51-line scan were reported. Outer retinal changes occurred in 5 stages: (1) separation of the neurosensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (42/49, 85.7%); (2) thickening of inner and outer segments of photoreceptors (45/49, 91.8%); (3) outer retinal corrugation formation: (3a) low-frequency (44/49, 93.6%) and (3b) high-frequency outer retinal corrugations (42/49, 85.7%); (4) loss of the definition of outer retinal corrugations, with concurrent thickening of inner and outer segments (26/49, 53.1%); and (5) patchy (moth-eaten) or complete loss of inner and outer segments (17/49, 34.7%). The mean duration of fovea-off by stage in the parafovea (SD) was 2 (1.4), 2.3 (1.2), 11.4 (8.1), and 12 (13.3) days for stages 3a, 3b, 4, and 5, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between increasing stage of RRD and longer duration of foveal involvement (P= 0.001) and, most importantly, between increasing stage and worse VA at 3 months after surgery (P= 0.011). This novel staging system describes the sequential morphologic changes in RRD using SS-OCT. Increasing stage of RRD was associated with worse VA at 3 months after surgery. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Acute and Chronic Alcoholic Pancreatitis, Including Paraduodenal Pancreatitis.

In the last 2 decades there has been significant progress in typing and recognition of pancreatitis, a necroinflammatory and fibroinflammatory process of multifactorial origin. To present the current state of pathology and pathogenesis of alcohol-associated pancreatitis, including paraduodenal pancreatitis. In the context of the most important epidemiologic, clinical, and radiologic features, the related macroscopic changes and histopathologic characteristics are addressed. In acute pancreatitis we discuss the pathologic findings that distinguish mild from severe pancreatitis and highlight autodigestive fat necrosis as the initial morphologic damage. In chronic pancreatitis we present a histologic staging system that describes the damage patterns as a necrosis-fibrosis sequence that takes place during the development of early to advanced and end-stage chronic pancreatitis. In paraduodenal pancreatitis the anatomic peculiarities are related to the sequence of morphologic changes that are correlated to the most important imaging findings. Pathogenetically, we discuss the role of alcohol overconsumption in triggering autodigestive fat necrosis in the pancreas, the repair of which results in a pancreas-transforming fibroinflammatory process. Whereas in acute pancreatitis there are no lesions that are diagnostic for alcohol overconsumption and that exclude other etiologies such as gallstone disease or drugs, the sequence of damage patterns in chronic pancreatitis are strongly related to the effect of alcohol overconsumption and allow in many cases the distinction from hereditary, autoimmune, or obstructive pancreatitis. Paraduodenal pancreatitis can be considered a special manifestation of alcoholic pancreatitis.

Actomyosin contractility as a mechanical checkpoint for cell state transitions.

Cell state transitions induced by mechano-chemical cues result in a heterogeneous population of cell states. While much of the work towards understanding the origins of such heterogeneity has focused on the gene regulatory mechanisms, the contribution of intrinsic mechanical properties of cells remains unknown. In this paper, using a well-defined single cell platform to induce cell-state transitions, we reveal the importance of actomyosin contractile forces in regulating the heterogeneous cell-fate decisions. Temporal analysis of laterally confined growth of fibroblasts revealed sequential changes in the colony morphology which was tightly coupled to the progressive erasure of lineage-specific transcription programs. Pseudo-trajectory constructed using unsupervised diffusion analysis of the colony morphology features revealed a bifurcation event in which some cells undergo successful cell state transitions towards partial reprogramming. Importantly, inhibiting actomyosin contractility before the bifurcation event leads to more efficient dedifferentiation. Taken together, this study highlights the presence of mechanical checkpoints that contribute to the heterogeneity in cell state transitions.

Morphological variations of ZnO nanostructures and its influence on the photovoltaic performance when used as photoanodes in dye sensitized solar cells

Different hierarchical architectures of ZnO were synthesized via optimization of ethylenediamine (EDA) concentration in a simple low-temperature hydrothermal route and their various photoanode characteristics are effectively used in superior DSSC performance. In a sequence of morphological changes from the nanoparticles to nanorods and the nanoflowers structures, gradually and systematically, the zinc-interstitial and oxygen-vacancy related phases reduce, bandgap redshifts relative to its bulk structure, surface area increases and the dye-loading capacity improves. In photoanodes with ZnO nanoflower structures, the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency gradually increases to ∼46.6% via significant photo-absorption by a larger number of dye-molecules adsorbed on its enhanced specific surface area and via its high dye-loading capacity that facilitate an amplified photogeneration of electrons upon light-exposure on the DSSC. Furthermore, the lowest charge transfer resistance and hence an improved charge transport pathway prevailing in the device consequences superior photovoltaic conversion efficiency (η) of the DSSCs, which gradually advances to ∼4.42%, via increasing the short-circuit current density (J SC ) to ∼10.75 mA cm −2 and the open-circuit voltage (V OC ) to 0.73 V. Morphological changes in the ZnO nanostructures are demonstrated to significantly influence the photovoltaic performance when used as an effective photoanode of the DSSCs, which has never been reported earlier. Highlights • Variety of ZnO nanostructures are synthesized, their striking features are ably used in photoanodes for superior DSSC activity. • Morphological changes from nanoparticle to nanorod to nanoflower sequentially reduce defects, bandgaps, increase surface area. • ZnO nanoflower photoanode with high dye-loading capacity gets good IPCE via better photocarrier generation by adsorbed dye-molecules. • Besides, the lowest charge transfer resistance facilitates superior photovoltaic conversion efficiency (η ∼4.42%). • ZnO in specific morphology significantly influences the PV performance when used as active photoanode in DSSCs.

Morphological changes in chronic subdural hematomas following upfront middle meningeal artery embolization: sequence, timing, and association with outcomes.

Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is an increasingly utilized approach for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). The course of morphological progression of CSDHs following MMAE is poorly understood. Herein, the authors aimed to describe these morphological changes and assess their prognostic significance for the outcomes on follow-up. A single-institution retrospective cohort study of CSDH cases treated by upfront MMAE, without prior or adjunctive surgical evacuation, was performed. Clinical outcomes, complications, and the need for rescue surgery on follow-up were recorded. Hematomas were categorized into 6 morphological subtypes. All baseline and follow-up head CT scans were assessed for CSDH structural appearance, density, and loculation. Changes in CSDH size were quantified via 3D reconstruction for volumetric measurement. Overall, 52 CSDHs in 45 patients treated with upfront MMAE were identified. Hematomas were followed for a mean of 92.9 days. Volume decreased by ≥ 50% in 79.6% of the CSDHs. The overall rescue surgery rate was 9.6%. A sequence of morphological changes after MMAE was identified. Hematomas that diverged from this sequence (5.4%) all progressed toward treatment failure and required rescue surgery. The CSDHs were categorized into early, intermediate, and late stages based on the baseline morphological appearance. Progression from early to intermediate and then to late stage took 12.7 and 30.0 days, respectively, on average. The volume of early/intermediate- and late-stage hematomas decreased by ≥ 50%, a mean of 78.2 and 47.6 days after MMAE, respectively. Early- and intermediate-stage hematomas showed a trend toward more favorable outcomes compared with late-stage hematomas. The density of homogeneous hypodense hematomas (HSDHs) transiently increased immediately after MMAE (p < 0.001). A marked decrease in density and volume 1 to 3 weeks after MMAE in HSDHs was detected, the lack of which indicated an eventual need for rescue surgery. In HSDHs, a baseline mean density of < 20 HU, and a lower density than baseline by 1 month post-MMAE were predictors of favorable outcomes. The baseline hematoma volume, axial thickness, midline shift, and loculation were not correlated with MMAE outcomes. Loculated, trabecular, and laminar hematomas, which are known to have unfavorable surgical outcomes, had MMAE outcomes similar to those of other "surgical" hematomas. The current study was the first to describe the nature, sequence, and timing of morphological changes of CSDHs after MMAE treatment and has identified structural features that can predict treatment outcomes.

109 Morphological Changes in Chronic Subdural Hematomas Following Upfront Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization: Sequence, Timing, and Association with Outcomes

INTRODUCTION: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is a novel approach for treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). The course of morphological progression of cSDHs following MMAE is poorly understood. METHODS: Through a retrospective survey of the institutional database, cSDH cases treated by upfront MMAE, without prior/adjunctive surgical evacuation, were selected. Hematomas were categorized into 6 morphological subtypes. CT-scans were assessed for hematoma structural appearance, density, and loculations. Changes in hematoma size were quantified via 3-dimensional reconstruction for volumetric measurement. RESULTS: 52 hematomas in 45 patients treated by upfront MMAE were identified. Hematomas were followed for a mean of 92.9 days. Volume of hematomas decreased by =50% in 79.6% of cases. The overall rescue surgery rate was 9.6%. A clear sequence of morphological changes after MMAE was identified. Hematomas not conforming to this sequence (5.4%) all required rescue surgery. Hematomas were categorized into early, intermediate and late stage on this basis. Progression from early to intermediate and then to late stage took 12.7 and 30.0 days respectively on average. Volume of early/intermediate and late-stage hematomas decreased by =50% a mean of 78.2 and 47.6 days after MMAE respectively. Early/intermediate-stage hematomas showed more favorable outcomes compared to late-stage hematomas. Density of homogenous hypodense hematomas (H-SDHs) transiently increased immediately after MMAE (p&lt;0.001). A marked decrease in density and volume 1-3 weeks after MMAE in H-SDHs was detected, lack of which indicated eventual need for rescue surgery. In H-SDHs, a baseline mean density of &lt;20 HU, and a lower density than baseline by 1 month post-MMAE were predictors of favorable outcomes. Baseline hematoma volume, axial thickness, and midline shift were not correlated with outcomes. Loculated, trabecular, and laminar hematomas – known to have unfavorable surgical outcomes – had outcomes similar to other “surgical” hematomas. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe nature, sequence, and timing of morphological changes after MMAE of cSDHs, and identify structural features that can predict treatment outcomes.

Novel cytological model for the identification of early oral cancer diagnostic markers: The carcinoma sequence model.

Most oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) arise from a premalignant lesion, oral epithelial dysplasia; however, useful markers for the early detection of OSCC are lacking. The present study aimed to establish a novel experimental model to observe changes in the sequential expression patterns of mRNAs and proteins in a rat model of tongue cancer using liquid-based cytology techniques. Cytology specimens were collected at 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 21 weeks from rats treated with 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide to induce tongue cancer. The expression of candidate biomarkers was examined by performing immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The percentage of positively stained nuclei was calculated as the labeling index (LI). All rats developed OSCC of the tongue at 21 weeks. The mRNA expression levels of bromodomain protein 4 (Brd4), c-Myc and Tp53 were upregulated during the progression from negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Brd4- and c-Myc-LI increased in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and SCC specimens. p53-LI was significantly increased in SCC specimens. This novel experimental model allowed the observation of sequential morphological changes and the expression patterns of mRNAs and proteins during carcinogenesis. Combining immunocytochemistry with cytology-based diagnoses may potentially improve the diagnostic accuracy of OSCC.

Defects of diamond crystal structure as an indicator of crystallogenesis

Based on the study of a representative collections of diamonds from diamondiferous formations of the Urals and deposits of the Arkhangelsk and Yakutian diamond provinces, we established patterns of zonal and sectoral distribution of crystal structure defects in crystals of different morphological types, identified the specifics of crystals formed at different stages of crystallogenesis and performed a comprehensive analysis of constitutional and population diversity of diamonds in different formations. We identified three stages in the crystallogenesis cycle, which correspond to normal and tangential mechanisms of growth and the stage of changing crystal habit shape. At the stage of changing crystal habit shape, insufficient carbon supersaturation obstructs normal growth mechanism, and the facets develop from existing surfaces. Due to the absent stage of growth layer nucleation, formation of new {111} surfaces occurs much faster compared to tangential growth mechanism. This effect allows to explain the absence of cuboids with highly transformed nitrogen defects at the A-B1 stage: they have all been refaceted by a regenerative mechanism. Based on the revealed patterns, a model of diamond crystallogenesis was developed, which takes into account the regularities of growth evolution, thermal history and morphological diversity of the crystals. The model implies the possibility of a multiply repetitive crystallization cycle and the existence of an intermediate chamber; it allows to explain the sequence of changes in morphology and defect-impurity composition of crystals, as well as a combination of constitutional and population diversity of diamonds from different geological formations.

Morphology and morphometry of the human early foetal brain: A three-dimensional analysis.

Morphometric analyses in the early foetal phase (9-13 postconceptional week) are critical for evaluating normal brain growth. In this study, we assessed sequential morphological and morphometric changes in the foetal brain during this period using high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 21 samples preserved at Kyoto University. MRI sectional views (coronal, mid-sagittal, and horizontal sections) and 3D reconstructions of the whole brain revealed sequential changes in its external morphology and internal structures. The cerebrum's gross external view, lateral ventricle and choroid plexus, cerebral wall, basal ganglia and thalamus, and corpus callosum were assessed. The development of the cerebral cortex, white matter microstructure, and basal ganglia can be well-characterized using MRI scans. The insula became apparent and deeply impressed as brain growth progressed. A thick, densely packed cellular ventricular/subventricular zone and ganglionic eminence became apparent at high signal intensity. We detected the emergence of important landmarks which may be candidates in the subdivision processes during the early foetal period; the corpus callosum was first detected in the sample with crown-rump length (CRL) 62mm. A primary sulcus on the medial part of the cortex (cingulate sulcus) was observed in the sample with CRL 114mm. In the cerebellum, the hemispheres, posterolateral fissure, union of the cerebellar halves, and definition of the vermis were observed in the sample with CRL 43.5mm, alongside the appearance of a primary fissure in the sample with CRL 56mm and the prepyramidal fissure in the sample with CRL 75mm. The volumetric, linear, and angle measurements revealed the comprehensive and regional development, growth, and differentiation of brain structures during the early foetal phase. The early foetal period was neither morphologically nor morphometrically uniform. The cerebral proportion (length/height) and the angle of cerebrum to the standard line at the lateral view of the cerebrum, which may reflect the growth and C-shape formation of the cerebrum, may be a candidate for subdividing the early foetal period. Future precise analyses must establish a staging system for the brain during the early foetal period. This study provides insights into brain structure, allowing for a correlation with functional maturation and facilitating the early detection of brain damage and abnormal development.

Postoperative morphological changes over time of vascularized scapular bone used for mandibular reconstruction: A retrospective cohort study

Currently, sequential morphological changes of vascularized scapular bone for mandibular reconstruction have remained unreported. We retrospectively analyzed 18 patients with defects on the lateral segment of the mandible who underwent postoperative computed tomography (CT) scanning at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Using the cross-sectional coronal CT images during each assessment, we measured the height and thickness of the grafted scapular bone at points 10 and 30 mm away from the mesial segment and evaluated their differences over time. Then, the relationship between the morphological changes of the grafted scapular bone and the distance from the mesial bone segment, the number of occlusal supports on the contralateral side of the mandible, and the correlation of sex and age were evaluated. The height of the grafted scapular bone decreased by approximately 11% and its thickness increased by 14% within 24 months postoperatively. The bone thickness increase was greater at point 30 mm from the mesial bone segment. Patients with two occlusal contacts (premolar and molar) on the contralateral side had a significantly higher rate of bone thickness increase. Furthermore, the graft morphology was not associated with age or sex. A vascularized scapular bone thickens over time, which depends on the distance from the mesial bone segment and the occlusal contact regions on the contralateral side of the mandible.

Temperature-Induced uncoupling of cell cycle regulators

The early stages of development involve complex sequences of morphological changes that are both reproducible from embryo to embryo and often robust to environmental variability. To investigate the relationship between reproducibility and robustness we examined cell cycle progression in early Drosophila embryos at different temperatures. Our experiments show that while the subdivision of cell cycle steps is conserved across a wide range of temperatures (5-35​°C), the relative duration of individual steps varies with temperature. We find that the transition into prometaphase is delayed at lower temperatures relative to other cell cycle events, arguing that it has a different mechanism of regulation. Using an in vivo biosensor, we quantified the ratio of activities of the major mitotic kinase, Cdk1 and one of the major mitotic phosphatases PP1. Comparing activation profile with cell cycle transition times at different temperatures indicates that in early fly embryos activation of Cdk1 drives entry into prometaphase but is not required for earlier cell cycle events. In fact, chromosome condensation can still occur when Cdk1 activity is inhibited pharmacologically. These results demonstrate that different kinases are rate-limiting for different steps of mitosis, arguing that robust inter-regulation may be needed for rapid and ordered mitosis.

Sperm Differentiation: The Role of Trafficking of Proteins.

Sperm differentiation encompasses a complex sequence of morphological changes that takes place in the seminiferous epithelium. In this process, haploid round spermatids undergo substantial structural and functional alterations, resulting in highly polarized sperm. Hallmark changes during the differentiation process include the formation of new organelles, chromatin condensation and nuclear shaping, elimination of residual cytoplasm, and assembly of the sperm flagella. To achieve these transformations, spermatids have unique mechanisms for protein trafficking that operate in a coordinated fashion. Microtubules and filaments of actin are the main tracks used to facilitate the transport mechanisms, assisted by motor and non-motor proteins, for delivery of vesicular and non-vesicular cargos to specific sites. This review integrates recent findings regarding the role of protein trafficking in sperm differentiation. Although a complete characterization of the interactome of proteins involved in these temporal and spatial processes is not yet known, we propose a model based on the current literature as a framework for future investigations.

Re-examining the Spectrum of Lumbosacral Transitional Dysmorphisms: Quantifying Joint Asymmetries and Evaluating the Anatomy of Screw Fixation Corridors.

ObjectiveAlthough a wide range of sacral dysmorphisms has been documented with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) variations, quantitative characterization of the upper segment morphology and articular anatomy across the array of lumbosacral transitions are hardly found in the literature. This study presents LSTV anomalies as a series of sequential morphological changes (the LSTV spectrum) and quantitatively compares 6 LSTV subtypes with normative sacral dimensions including the anatomy at the upper sacral segments used for percutaneous sacroiliac screw insertion. MethodsSeven linear dimensions were measured from LSTV subtypes and normal sacral variants from dried adult sacral specimens. The auricular, superior articular and facet surface areas were quantified. Obliquity and thickness of osseous corridors used for sacroiliac screw fixation were measured. Data were statistically compared within and between LSTV subtypes and the normal variants. ResultsLSTVs presented a wide range of morphometric differences in comparison to the normal bones. Grouping LSTV according to auricular surface positions (high, normal, and low) demonstrated significant between-group differences in the obliquity and thickness at the S1 and S2 segmental corridors. ConclusionFrequent occurrence of LSTV in the general population may require evaluation of anatomical parameters in these variations for safe sacroiliac instrumentation around this region.

The Anthelmintic Effects of Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Paramphistome Parasites, Carmyerius spatiosus.

Paramphistomosis is a disease caused by the rumen flukes which cause an acute gastroenteritis and anemia with high mortality particularly in young ruminants. In this study, we have investigated the anthelmintic effect of medicinal plant extracts from leaves and heartwoods of Cassia siamea L., roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. and Plumbago indica L., and leaves of Terminalia catappa L. against Carmyerius spatiosus. The highest anthelminthic effect on the flukes after 24h of exposure was found in heartwood ethyl acetate extract of C. siamea (LC50 = 374.30; LC90 = 749.03ppm), root n-butanol extract of P. zeylanica (LC50 = 1005.12; LC90 = 2411.55ppm), root hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol extract of P. indica (LC50 = 34.38, 211.34, 506.92; LC90 = 64.09, 496.05, 934.86ppm), and leaf n-butanol and water extract of T. catappa (LC50 = 487.17, 470.28; LC90 = 913.27, 848.23ppm). When observed by scanning electron microscopy, the tegument showed similar sequence of morphological changes after treatments with all plant extracts, comprising of swelling of ridges and folds, blebbing, rupturing of the blebs, erosion, lesion and disruption of the tegument. This study is the first report on the anthelmintic activity of plant extracts to C. spatiosus; therefore, these plant extracts are highly effective in the elimination of adult rumen flukes.

Dendritic Morphologies of Hot-Dip Galvanized Zn-0.2 Wt Pct Al Coatings on Steel Sheets

The dendritic morphologies of hot-dip galvanized Zn-0.2 wt pct Al coatings on steel sheets with two different surface roughness conditions were systematically examined as functions of the inclination angle and axis of the Zn basal plane with respect to the sheet surface by using electron backscattered diffraction. When the inclination axis of the basal plane was $$ \langle 1\bar{2}10 \rangle $$ , the dendrite changed its morphology by following the sequence of six-fold → eight-fold → elongated X → elongated X + C patterns with increasing inclination angle. When the inclination axis was $$ \langle 10\bar{1}0 \rangle $$ , the sequence of morphological patterns on the mirror-polished steel substrate was six-fold → eight-fold → two-fold → four-fold, whereas, for the steel substrate with a rough surface, the eight-fold pattern was missing in the sequence. These sequences of morphological changes indicated the presence of a third family of preferred dendritic growth directions, in addition to the two previously known families of $$ \langle 10\bar{1}0 \rangle $$ and $$ \langle 0001 \rangle $$ . The third growth direction family is proposed to be those normal to the $$ \left\{ {1\bar{2}11} \right\} $$ planes. The absence of the eight-fold pattern on the rough steel surface was attributed to the surface undulation that perturbed the growth in the six weakly preferred directions toward the two strongly preferred $$ \langle 10\bar{1}0 \rangle $$ directions.

The Verb &lt;em&gt;*yahway&lt;/em&gt;

Even though he may not have been the first to suggest that YHWH was a causative verb, Paul Haupt certainly initiated academic inquiry into the meaning of the Tetragrammaton. Subsequent scholars, especially W. F. Albright and F. M. Cross have expanded and clarified Haupt’s thesis by examining the issue from a predominantly West Semitic linguistic and cultural perspective. During the interval of time that has passed since Cross published his definitive work, Canaanite Myth and Hebrew Epic, significant advances have been made in the morphological development of East and West Semitic verb forms. This encourages a more nuanced approach regarding the points in time when certain principles, such as the Barth-Ginsberg law and the earliest use of the III-he mater lectionis may be accurately applied. The fact that Barth’s yiqtal cannot be substantiated without the existence of an earlier yaqtal encourages a reexamination of the chronological placement of Albright’s third-person masculine singular imperfective hiphil yahwě(h). Is this truly the oldest form of the verb? I proposes that it is not and that the earliest form is, in all likelihood, a G-stem yaqtal, *yahway. A careful analysis of the development of the third-person common/masculine singular imperfective verb forms of III-*y roots in East and West Semitic provides the template for uncovering the sequence of morphological changes that may eventually have led to *yahwēh in Hebrew. As for yahwī, which occurs in Early Old Babylonian and Old Babylonian texts, it initially entered the West as a thirdperson masculine singular G-stem poetic-perfective meaning “he was present.”

Ag-coated submicron particles of polystyrene formed by dewetting process and their application in multi-functional biosensor-chips

The formation of submicron polystyrene (PS) particles based on dewetting process during spin-coating was investigated. The surface morphologies on glass substrates were analyzed. The formation of particles was achieved using PS with relatively high molecular weight (Mw ≥ 3250). In addition, it was observed that the particle formation proceeded through sequential morphological changes in the order of initial wet thin film, secondary spinodal-decomposed structures, and eventual dewetted particles. One of the fabricated samples exhibited obvious optical resonance in the visible region based on the relationship between particle dimeters and optical wavelengths in the visible region. The optical resonance strongly depended on the ambient refractive index, which can be used for optical sensor-chips. Finally, a multi-functional biosensor-chip was demonstrated to detect glucose in water solutions.

Developmental patterns and variation among early theropods.

Understanding ontogenetic patterns is important in vertebrate paleontology because the assessed skeletal maturity of an individual often has implications for paleobiogeography, species synonymy, paleobiology, and body size evolution of major clades. Further, for many groups the only means of confidently determining ontogenetic status of an organism is through the destructive process of histological sampling. Although the ontogenetic patterns of Late Jurassic and Cretaceous dinosaurs are better understood, knowledge of the ontogeny of the earliest dinosaurs is relatively poor because most species-level growth series known from these groups are small (usually, maximum of n~5) and incomplete. To investigate the morphological changes that occur during ontogeny in early dinosaurs, I used ontogenetic sequence analysis (OSA) to reconstruct developmental sequences of morphological changes in the postcranial ontogeny of the early theropods Coelophysis bauri and Megapnosaurus rhodesiensis, both of which are known from large sample sizes (n=174 and 182, respectively). I found a large amount of sequence polymorphism (i.e. intraspecific variation in developmental patterns) in both taxa, and especially in C.bauri, which possesses this variation in every element analyzed. Megapnosaurus rhodesiensis is similar, but it possesses no variation in the sequence of development of ontogenetic characters in the tibia and tarsus. Despite the large amount of variation in development, many characters occur consistently earlier or later in ontogeny and could therefore be important morphological features for assessing the relative maturity of other early theropods. Additionally, there is a phylogenetic signal to the order in which homologous characters appear in ontogeny, with homologous characters appearing earlier or later in developmental sequences of early theropods and the close relatives of dinosaurs, silesaurids. Many of these morphological features are important characters for the reconstruction of archosaurian phylogeny (e.g. trochanteric shelf). Because these features vary in presence or appearance with ontogeny, these characters should be used with caution when undertaking phylogenetic analyses in these groups, since a specimen may possess certain character states owing to ontogenetic stage, not evolutionary relationships.