Volume Gain Research Articles

Quantum Computing and the Future of Encryption

Quantum computing is rapidly advancing, and it presents an unprecedented threat to modern encryption. Within the next two decades, quantum computing may lead to a global cybersecurity crisis dubbed Q-day. This is when quantum computing will be capable of breaking the encryption methods underpinning the internet and other digital processes. This scenario threatens individual privacy, global economic stability, and national security infrastructures. The actual timeline for quantum threats is uncertain, but it is urgent that quantum-resistant cryptography is developed and implemented. The paper examines the current state and projected growth of quantum computing capabilities by focusing on metrics including quantum volume, coherence time, and coherence gain. The paper also highlights the period from 2025 to 2030, as significant breakthroughs in quantum computing may occur during that time due to enhanced qubit scaling, error correction, and algorithm efficiency. Looking ahead a decade from now, 2034, the landscape of cryptography will be significantly different. By then, it is highly probable that quantum computers will achieve a quantum volume of around 107 qubits, with a low error rate of 10-3 or better. This level of quantum computing power makes widely used cryptographic systems, for instance, RSA-1024, vulnerable to disruption. Consequently, there is a narrow window of opportunity to adapt and prepare. This applies to areas such as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The paper underscores the importance of a coordinated global effort to develop, standardize, and implement quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions before it is too late.

Failure Modes and Fault Morphology

Abstract Fault failure modes determine the geometric characteristics of faults and fault zones during their formation and early development. These geometric properties, in turn, govern a wide range of fault processes and behaviors, such as reactivation potential, fault propagation, and growth, and the hydraulic properties of faults and fault zones. Here, we use field data and close-range digital photogrammetry to characterize, in detail, the surface morphology of three normal faults with cm-scale displacements in mechanically layered carbonates of the Cretaceous Glen Rose Formation at Canyon Lake Gorge, Comal County, Texas. Analyses demonstrate complex fault surface geometries, a broad spectrum of slip tendency (Ts) and dilation tendency (Td), and variable failure behavior. We show that (i) fault patches coated with coarse calcite cement tend to have moderate to high dips, low to high Ts, and high to very high Td; (ii) slickensided fault patches exhibit low to moderate dips, moderate to very high Ts, and moderate to high Td; and (iii) slickolite patches exhibit low dips, moderate Ts, and low to moderate Td. Calcite-coated patches are interpreted to record hybrid extension-shear failure, whereas slickensided and slickolite patches record shear and compactional shear failure, respectively. Substantial variability in both Ts and Td across the exposed fault surfaces reflects complex fault morphology that is not easily measured using traditional field techniques but is captured by our photogrammetry data. We document complex fault geometries, with kinematic (displacement) compatibility indicating the various failure modes were active coevally during fault slip. This finding is in direct contrast with the often-assumed concept of faults forming by shear failure on surfaces oriented 30° to σ1. Distinct failure behaviors are consistent with patchworks of volume neutral, volume gain, and volume loss zones along the fault surfaces, indicating that the characterized faults likely represent dual conduit-seal systems for fluid flow.

Elemental Mass Balance Calculation of the Hydrothermal Alteration in Awak Mas Gold Deposit, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia

Abstract Primary gold mineralization is associated with the hydrothermal processes. Interaction between the hydrothermal fluids and the wall rock resulting an alteration which characterized and indicated a mineralization process. The understanding of the mechanisms of alteration requires quantification of elemental changes in proximal to distal alteration zones. This study was conducted on an orogenic gold deposit at Awak Mas determine the lithogeochemical in each alteration zone caused by the hydrothermal processes. A total of eight schist rock samples geochemical data were applied in this study representing the least altered, quartz-albite zone, and albite-ankerite-pyrite zones. Major elements geochemical data was resulted by XRF analysis, and trace elements obtained by ICP-MS analytical method. The calculation method for mass balance during alteration is carried out using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software by applying the graphical isocon method. The calculation results show that there are gains and losses of elements that cause changes in rock volume and mass due to the reaction of hydrothermal solutions with wallrocks. From the least altered schist to quartz-albite zone, the alteration process increases 19,9% SiO2, 4.5% Na2O, 3.4% Fe2O3 and decrease of some elements, while Al and Ti were relatively immobile. This alteration process causes a gain in total rock volume of 20.7%. Furthermore, the alteration from quartz-albite to albite-ankerite-pyrite showed the gains of 0.16% SiO2, 0.43% Na2O, 1.3% SO3, 1.55% CaO, this reaction resulted in an additional volume to 9.7%. These calculations indicate that the hydrothermal solution is dominated by silica and sodium elements which form the secondary minerals of quartz and albite in distal zone. In the proximal alteration zone, which carries gold mineralization besides silica and sodium there is also characterized by enrichment of calcium, iron and sulfur which results in the formation of ankerite and pyrite. Gold is associated with pyrite which are formed in the albite-ankerite-pyrite zone.

Transpulmonary Pressure as a Predictor of Successful Lung Recruitment: Reanalysis of a Multicenter International Randomized Clinical Trial.

Recruitment maneuvers are used in patients with ARDS to enhance oxygenation and lung mechanics. Heterogeneous lung and chest-wall mechanics lead to unpredictable transpulmonary pressures and could impact recruitment maneuver success. Tailoring care based on individualized transpulmonary pressure might optimize recruitment, preventing overdistention. This study aimed to identify the optimal transpulmonary pressure for effective recruitment and to explore its association with baseline characteristics. We performed post hoc analysis on the Esophageal Pressure Guided Ventilation (EpVent2) trial. We estimated the dose-response relationship between end-recruitment end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure and the change in lung elastance after a recruitment maneuver by using logistic regression weighted by a generalized propensity score. A positive change in lung elastance was indicative of overdistention. We examined how patient characteristics, disease severity markers, and respiratory parameters predict transpulmonary pressure by using multivariate linear regression models and dominance analyses. Of 121 subjects, 43.8% had a positive change in lung elastance. Subjects with a positive change in lung elastance had a mean ± SD transpulmonary pressure of 15.1 ± 4.9 cm H2O, compared with 13.9 ± 3.9 cm H2O in those with a negative change in lung elastance. Higher transpulmonary pressure was associated with increased probability of a positive change in lung elastance (adjusted odds ratio 1.35 per 1 cm H2O of transpulmonary pressure, 95% CI 1.13-1.61; P = .001), which indicated an S-shaped dose-response curve, with overdistention probability > 50% at transpulmonary pressure values > 18.3 cm H2O. The volume of recruitment was transpulmonary pressure-dependent (P < .001; R2 = 0.49) and inversely related to a change in lung elastance after adjusting for baseline lung elastance (P < .001; R2= 0.43). Negative correlations were observed between transpulmonary pressure and body mass index, PEEP, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and PaO2 /FIO2 , whereas baseline lung elastance showed a positive correlation. The body mass index emerged as the dominant negative predictor of transpulmonary pressure (ranking 1; contribution to R2 = 0.08), whereas pre-recruitment elastance was the sole positive predictor (contribution to R2 = 0.06). Higher end-recruitment transpulmonary pressure increases the volume of recruitment but raises the risk of overdistention, providing the rationale for transpulmonary pressure to be used as a clinical target. Predictors, for example, body mass index, could guide recruitment maneuver individualization to balance adequate volume gain with overdistention.

Quantitative genetics and breeding strategies in hybrid populations of Pinus patula × Pinus tecunumanii

Forestry companies SAFCOL and Sappi conducted a study in South Africa to examine genetic variation and select improved material in full-sib hybrid families of Pinus patula × Pinus tecunumanii. The results from the study on clonal and seedling hybrid populations of P. patula × P. tecunumanii low-elevation subpopulations (TECL) revealed a significantly larger impact of TECL compared to P. patula. The TECL parents exhibited higher general hybridising ability (GHA) variance for volume gain and modulus of elasticity (MOE). Consequently, future hybrid crosses should focus on increasing the number of TECL parents in the breeding programme to improve these traits. In the hybrid seedling population of P. patula × P. tecunumanii high-elevation subpopulation (TECH), P. patula exerted a substantial influence on volume gain and MOE. However, the TECH parents displayed zero estimates of GHA variance for volume and a low GHA variance for MOE, relative to GHA variance among P. patula parents for MOE. Thus, this study recommends testing more P. patula parents in new intercrosses of this variety to enhance volume and MOE gain.

Effects of unilateral nasal obstruction on mandibular condyle in mice of different ages: An exploration based on H-type angiogenesis coupling osteogenesis.

Nasal obstruction leads to a hypoxia condition throughout the entire body. In this study, the unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) mouse model was established by blocking the left nostril of mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of UNO-induced hypoxia on mandibular condyle in juvenile (3-week-old), adolescent (6-week-old) and adult (12-week-old) male C57BL/6J mice from the perspective of H-type angiogenesis coupling osteogenesis. Firstly, UNO exerted a significant inhibitory effect on weight gain in mice of all ages. However, only in adolescent mice did UNO have an obvious detrimental effect on femoral bone mass accrual. Subsequently, micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis of mandibular condylar bone mass revealed that UNO significantly retarded condylar head volume gain but increased condylar head trabecular number (Tb.N) in juvenile and adolescent mice. Furthermore, UNO promoted the ratio of proliferative layer to cartilage layer in condylar cartilage and facilitated the chondrocyte-to-osteoblast transformation in juvenile and adolescent mice. Moreover, although UNO enhanced the positive expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in the condylar subchondral bone of mice in all ages, an increase in H-type vessels and Osterix+ cells was only detected in juvenile and adolescent mice. In summary, on the one hand, in terms of condylar morphology, UNO has a negative effect on condylar growth, hindering the increase in condylar head volume in juvenile and adolescent mice. However, on the other hand, in terms of condylar microstructure, UNO has a positive effect on condylar osteogenesis, promoting the increase of condylar Tb.N, chondrocyte-to-osteoblast transformation, HIF-1α expression, H-type angiogenesis and Osterix+ cells in juvenile and adolescent mice. Although the changes in condylar morphology and microstructure caused by UNO have not yet been fully elucidated, these findings improve our current understanding of the effects of UNO on condylar bone homeostasis.

Effects of Early Enteral to Parenteral Protein Ratios on Brain Volume and Somatic Growth in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

To evaluate whether a higher proportion of enteral vs parenteral protein ratio (E:P ratio) in the first 28days after birth is associated with increased brain volume and somatic growth in very low birth weight (VLBW; birth weight <1500 g) infants. This was a retrospective analysis of a subcohort of VLBW infants (n=256, gestational age mean 28.07 [SD 2.17] weeks, birth weight 1038.80 [SD 262.95] grams) from the Cincinnati Infant Neurodevelopment Early Prediction Study, a regional prospective study of infants born at ≤32weeks' gestation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was obtained at term-equivalent age. Macronutrient intake and growth metrics for the first 28days were collected retrospectively. The primary outcome was total brain tissue volume. The relationships between E:P ratio, total and regional brain tissue volumes, and somatic growth were analyzed by multivariable linear regression models; composite variables were used to adjust for potential confounders including pregnancy risk factors and initial severity of illness. Higher E:P ratio was associated with increased total brain tissue volume but was not associated with change in head circumference z score. In secondary analyses, higher E:P ratio was associated with increased weight velocity. There were no significant associations between E:P ratio and change in weight or length z scores or regional brain volumes. Higher E:P ratio in the first 28days was positively associated with total brain volume and weight gain. Promoting the provision of enteral over parenteral protein may improve brain and somatic growth in VLBW infants.

Development of the pulmonary vasculature in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)-3D reconstruction by microcomputed tomography.

In the marsupial gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), the majority of lung development, including the maturation of pulmonary vasculature, takes place in ventilated functioning state during the postnatal period. The current study uses X-ray computed tomography (μCT) to three-dimensionally reconstruct the vascular trees of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein in 15 animals from neonate to postnatal day 57. The final 3D reconstructions of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein in the neonate and at 21, 35, and 57 dpn were transformed into a centerline model of the vascular trees. Based on the reconstructions, the generation of end-branching vessels, the median and maximum generation, and the number of vessels were calculated for the lungs. The pulmonary vasculature follows the lung anatomy with six pulmonary lobes indicated by the bronchial tree. The pulmonary arteries follow the bronchial tree closely, in contrast to the pulmonary veins, which run between the pulmonary segments. At birth the pulmonary vasculature has a simple branching pattern with a few vessel generations. Compared with the bronchial tree, the pulmonary vasculature appears to be more developed and extends to the large terminal air spaces. The pulmonary vasculature shows a marked gain in volume and a progressive increase in vascular complexity and density. The gray short-tailed opossum resembles the assumed mammalian ancestor and is suitable to inform on the evolution of the mammalian lung. Vascular genesis in the marsupial bears resemblance to developmental patterns described in eutherians. Lung development in general seems to be highly conservative within mammalian evolution.

Assessment of Segmentary Hypertrophy of Future Remnant Liver after Liver Venous Deprivation: A Single-Center Study.

Background: Liver venous deprivation (LVD) is a recent radiological technique that has shown promising results on Future Remnant Liver (FRL) hypertrophy. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the segmentary hypertrophy of the FRL after LVD and after portal vein embolization (PVE). Methods: Patients undergoing PVE or LVD between April 2015 and April 2020 were included. The segmentary volumes (seg 4, seg2+3 and seg1) were assessed before and after the radiological procedure. Results: Forty-four patients were included: 26 undergoing PVE, 10 LVD and 8 eLVD. Volume gain of both segment 1 and segments 2+3 was significantly higher after LVD and eLVD than after PVE (segment 1: 27.33 ± 35.37 after PVE vs. 38.73% ± 13.47 after LVD and 79.13% ± 41.23 after eLVD, p = 0.0080; segments 2+3: 40.73% ± 40.53 after PVE vs. 45.02% ± 21.53 after LVD and 85.49% ± 45.51 after eLVD, p = 0.0137), while this was not true for segment 4. FRL hypertrophy was confirmed to be higher after LVD and eLVD than after PVE (33.53% ± 21.22 vs. 68.63% ± 42.03 vs. 28.11% ± 28.33, respectively, p = 0.0280). Conclusions: LVD and eLVD may induce greater hypertrophy of segment 1 and segments 2+3 when compared to PVE.

Abstract PO4-06-10: Targeting necroptosis in breast cancer induced by Ophiobolin A

Abstract Abstract Necroptosis or programmed necrosis is a form of cell death distinct from apoptosis. Necroptotic cells display the character of rounding of the cell, gain in cell volume, rupture of plasma membrane and release of intra-cellular contents. Although few key necroptosis regulators including receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase (MLKL) has been identified, their role/mechanism in inducing cell death in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) which lack RIPK3 expression remains elusive. Ophiobolin A is a compound naturally made by fungus and potently kills cancer cells especially TNBC. Our current study investigated the cell death mechanism(s) induced by Ophiobolin A (natural product) in breast cancer cell lines. The mechanism of cell death elicited by OpA was analyzed by applying inhibitors for specific pathways including apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis and paraptosis, by analyzing markers of cell death using flow cytometry and western blotting. The formation of necrosomes was analyzed with exogeneous expression of RIPK3 tagged with green fluorescence protein (GFP) in HeLa, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 cell lines which lacks endogenous RIPK3 expression and in MCF7 estrogen receptor (ER) positive cell line. OpA induced necrosome formation was identified by formation of puncta in TNBC and HeLa cells which lack RIP3 expression, however, necrosomes were not detectable in ER positive cells. Clinical relevance of RIPK3 and MLKL has been analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Effect of OpA In vivo has been analyzed using Immune compromised SCID mice. The data obtained in the present study indicates that OpA has an increased anticancer effect in TNBC compared to the estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer cells. Cells having undergone EMT were shown to have more sensitivity towards OpA when compared to uninduced cell lines, which is sensitive to Necrostatin-1, an inhibitor of necroptosis. However, apoptosis, ferroptosis and paraptosis inhibitors failed to rescue cell death which clearly confirms that OpA induces necroptosis cell death pathway in EMT undergone cells. OpA treatment significantly increased puncta in TNBC compared non-TNBC cells, further confirming the necroptotic cell death in TNBC. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that RIPK3 is negatively corelated with breast cancer and has least over-all survival in patients who lack RIPK3 expression. OpA treatment showed a significant tumor regression in tumor bearing SCID mice. All together our findings identify that OpA induce necroptosis in EMT-enriched TNBC. The study further needs an in-depth analysis of molecular mechanism induced by OpA and involvement of EMT in necroptotic cell death. Citation Format: Tolulope Ojo, Santhalakshmi Ranganathan. Targeting necroptosis in breast cancer induced by Ophiobolin A [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-06-10.

Extended arc of rotation of Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap providing well-vascularized tissue for reconstruction of complete defects of the sternum: An anatomical study of flap pedicle modification.

Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) following cardiothoracic surgery represent a life quality endangering sequelae and may lead to sternal osteomyelitis. Radical debridement followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) may achieve infection control, provide angiogenesis, and improve respiratory function. When stable wound conditions have been established a sustainable plastic surgical flap reconstruction should be undertaken. This study analyses a method to simplify defect coverage with a single Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap (LDMF). Preparation of 20 LDMF in ten fresh frozen cadavers was conducted. Surgical steps to increase pedicle length were evaluated. The common surgical preparation of LDMF was compared with additional transection of the Circumflex Scapular Artery (CSA). Alteration of the surgical preparation of LDMF by sacrificing the CSA may provide highly valuable well-vascularized muscle tissue above the sensitive area of the Xiphisternum. All defects could be completely reconstructed with a single LDMF. The gain in length of flap tissue in the inferior third of the sternum was 3.86±0.9 cm (range 2.2 to 8 cm). By sacrificing the CSA in harvesting the LDMF a promising gain in length, perfusion and volume may be achieved to cover big sternal defects with a single flap.

¨[Original in spanish] Update of techniques for the treatment of periodontal recessions.

Background: Along the years, a remarkable variety of periodontal surgical protocols has been proposed, the focus of which has shifted from the mere resolution of a soft tissue defect to the performance of predictable and minimally invasive procedures. Initially, the free gingival graft was used. Subsequently, many different techniques were experimented, including those using soft tissue substitutes, such as the Alloderm membrane. Nowadays, the association of the connective tissue graft with the coronally advanced flap is considered the gold standard. Finally, the Pinhole technique, being a more conservative method in terms of tissue preservation and aesthetic outcome, was proposed. Objectives: The aim of this review was the comparison of the updated techniques for the treatment of multiple periodontal recessions, affecting both maxilla and mandible. The procedure outcome was assessed in terms of complete root coverage, recession reduction, gain in height and volume, aesthetic outcome, patient’s post-operative pain and morbidity of donor and recipient sites. Material and methods: Electronic and hand searches were performed to collect split- mouth studies, randomized controlled clinical trials, case series, pilot studies, periodontal books, case studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, including maxillary and mandibular multiple gingival recession defects of all four Miller’s classes, for its extensive evidence. Results: Thirty-four publications were included and data regarding the surgical techniques outcome were extracted from eighteen articles. The clinical evaluation analyzed the amount of complete root coverage, recession reduction and gain in height and volume, while the patient’s perspective was expressed in terms of aesthetic satisfaction and possible postoperative complications. Procedures in the last ten years showed better results in all the above-mentioned factors. Conclusion: Procedural predictability and long-lasting treatment stability embody the factors driving the technique election process and adding value to more updated procedures. Progress was observed both at an aesthetic level, by reducing the discrepancies between the surgical region and the surrounding tissue, and at a postoperative level, by reducing patient discomfort. The challenges inherent to this branch could soon find answers thanks to its prompt evolution, which allows for further advances to be conceived.

Rescue nasopharyngeal tube for preterm infants non-responsive to initial ventilation after birth

BackgroundPhysiological changes during the insertion of a rescue nasopharyngeal tube (NPT) after birth are unclear.MethodsObservational study of very preterm infants in the delivery room. Data were extracted at predefined timepoints starting with first facemask placement after birth until 5 min after insertion of NPT. End-expiratory lung impedance (EELI), heart rate (HR) and SpO2/FiO2-ratio were analysed over time. Changes during the same time span of NIPPV via facemask and NIPPV via NPT were compared.ResultsOverall, 1154 inflations in 15 infants were analysed. After NPT insertion, EELI increased significantly [0.33 AU/kg (0.19–0.57), p < 0.001]. Compared with the mask period, changes in EELI were not significantly larger during the NPT period [median difference (IQR) = 0.14 AU/kg (−0.14–0.53); p = 0.12]. Insertion of the NPT was associated with significant improvement in HR [52 (33–96); p = 0.001] and SpO2/FiO2-ratio [161 (69–169); p < 0.001] not observed during the mask period.ConclusionsIn very preterm infants non-responsive to initial facemask ventilation after birth, insertion of an NPT resulted in a considerable increase in EELI. This additional gain in lung volume was associated with an immediate improvement in clinical parameters. The use of a NPT may prevent intubation in selected non-responsive infants.ImpactAfter birth, a nasopharyngeal tube may be considered as a rescue airway in newborn infants non-responsive to initial positive pressure ventilation via facemask. Although it is widely used among clinicians, its effect on lung volumes and physiological parameters remains unclear.Insertion of a rescue NPT resulted in a considerable increase in lung volume but this was not significantly larger than during facemask ventilation. However, insertion of a rescue NPT was associated with a significant and clinically important improvement in heart rate and oxygenation.This study highlights the importance of individual strategies in preterm resuscitation and introduces the NPT as a valid option.

Depression wetland formation by redox-driven iron and silica cycling

This paper investigates the origin and geomorphic evolution of Shadow Vlei, a depression wetland located approximately 30 km northwest of Gqeberha, South Africa. The wetland is on sandstone on the African Erosion Surface. The depression wetland has a rim of high-lying ground surrounding a central depression. Fluctuations between wet and dry periods create both highly reducing conditions in soils during wet phases in the depression, and highly oxidising conditions in the depression margin. Under reducing conditions, iron(III) oxides that are insoluble, are reduced to soluble iron(II), which is transported to and trapped in the margins of the depression under oxidising conditions when the water table declines and iron(II) is oxidised to iron(III). There is also a moderate flux of silica from the surface in the centre of the depression to the margins, which is suggested to be associated with maximum alkalinity associated with iron(III) reduction, and decreased alkalinity in the margins associated with iron(II) oxidation. However, the main flux of silica is from the surface in the centre of the depression to depth of greater than 1.5 m, again associated with variations in pH linked to iron-cycling. These reactions have thus caused a net volume loss in the centre of the depression, causing sagging, and a net volume gain at the margins of the depression, causing swelling. Wetland formation associated with alteration of landform morphology as a consequence of alternating redox conditions represents a novel mechanism that has not yet been described.

Evaluation of liver segmental dose threshold for hepatocyte regeneration following liver stereotactic body radiation therapy.

There is limited evidence studying the relationship of liver segmental dose and segmental volume changes. The segmental dose thresholds could potentially allow for segmental regeneration after liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Given improved survival in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and liver metastases and more salvage therapy options, this has become an important clinical question to explore. This study assesses the impact of liver segmental dose on segmental volume changes (gain or loss) after SBRT. Liver segmental contours were delineated on baseline and serial follow up triphasic computed tomography scans. The volumes of total liver and doses to total liver, uninvolved liver and individual segments were noted. A correlation was evaluated between liver/segmental volume and dose using Pearson's correlation. Furthermore, receiver operator's curve (ROC) analysis was performed to find the segmental dose, i.e . predictive for liver volume loss. A total of 140 non-tumour liver segments were available for analysis in 21 participants. Overall, 13 participants showed loss of overall liver volume and eight showed gain of overall liver volume. The median dose in segments reporting an increase in volume was 9.1 Gy (7-36 Gy). The median dose in segments losing volume was 15.5 Gy (1-49 Gy). On ROC analysis, segmental dose >11 Gy was associated with volume loss. On univariate analysis, only liver segmental dose contributed to a significant segmental volume loss. We propose from the findings of this study that in SBRT for large hepatocellular cancer or liver metastases, liver segments should be individually delineated. Furthermore, 3-5 liver segments may be preferentially subjected to <9 Gy to facilitate hepatocyte regeneration. Preferential sparing of uninvolved liver segments may improve outcomes in liver stereotaxyas lower segmental doses were associated with liver regeneration. This may have implications on future liver SBRT planning where segmental doses may be as important as the mean dose.

Soft-tissue volume augmentation using a connective tissue graft and a volume-stable collagen matrix with polydeoxyribonucleotide for immediate implant placement: a pilot study in a dog model.

The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the effects of a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and a volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) on soft-tissue volume gain in the immediate implant placement protocol, and 2) to determine whether polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) can enhance the effects of a VCMX. Dental implants were placed in 4 mongrel dogs immediately after extracting the distal roots of their third and fourth mandibular premolars. The gap between the implant and the buccal bone plate was filled with synthetic bone substitute particles. The following soft-tissue augmentation modalities were applied buccally: 1) control (no augmentation), 2) SCTG, 3) VCMX, and 4) VCMX/PDRN. After 4 months, histomorphometric analysis was performed. Tissue changes were evaluated using superimposed standard tessellation language (STL) files. Wound dehiscence was found in more than half of the test groups, but secondary wound healing was successfully achieved in all groups. Histomorphometrically, tissue thickness was favored in group SCTG at or above the implant platform level (IP), and group SCTG and the groups with VCMX presented similar tissue thickness below the IP. However, the differences in such thickness among the groups were minor. The keratinized tissue height was greater in group VCMX/PDRN than in groups SCTG and VCMX. Superimposing the STL files revealed a decrease in soft-tissue volume in all groups. Wound dehiscence after soft-tissue volume augmentation might be detrimental to obtaining the expected outcomes. PDRN appears not to have a positive effect on the soft-tissue volume gain.

Modular Multifunctional Composite Structure for CubeSat Applications: Embedded Battery Prototype Modal Analysis

Current CubeSats usually exhibit a low structural mass efficiency and a low internal volume for their payloads. The present work aims to propose an advanced structural architecture for CubeSats that addresses the issues of low structural mass efficiency and payload volume. The starting concept is the smart tiles architecture for satellites developed for the ARAMIS (an Italian acronym for a highly modular architecture for satellite infrastructures) CubeSat project. By introducing multifunctional structures and lightweight, composite materials in the design of smart tiles, the volumetric and structural mass efficiency of the entire CubeSat are enhanced. The advantages of the chosen approach are preliminarily analyzed in terms of the volumetric efficiency and amplitude of the payload design space. A 1U battery tile design is then selected to investigate the multifunctional structures design aspects in the project of space structures. A battery tile prototype is designed, produced, and tested. The CubeSat volumetric increment and the payload volume gain with respect to the traditional architecture is shown to reach a maximum of 37%. The CubeSat structural mass ratio can be reduced to 16.7%.

Enviromic analysis for prediction of Eucalyptus globulus genotype-environment interaction and mapping of breeding zones

Genotype-environment interaction (GE) is pervasive in forest genetics and is a substantial cause of erosion in genetic gain. Delineation of spatial breeding zones (BZs) is fundamental for controlling GE. We developed a BZ classification pipeline for Eucalyptus globulus in 2 Australian regions based on phenotypic, genomic and pedigree data, as well as on a detailed environmental characterization (‘envirotyping’) and spatial mapping of BZs. First, the factor analytic method was used to model additive genetic variance and site-site correlations (rB) in stem volume across 48 trials of 126,467 full-sib progeny from 2 separate advanced-generation breeding programs. Single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) was used to create a joint relationship matrix combining both programs for factor analytic analysis. Thirty-three trials were envirotyped using 145 environmental variables (EVs), involving soil and landscape (71), climate (73), and management (1) EVs. Next, sparse partial least squares-discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) was used to identify EVs that were required to predict classification of sites into 5 non-exclusive BZ classes on the basis of rB. These BZs were then spatially mapped across the West Australian (WA) and ‘Green Triangle’ (GT) commercial estates by enviromic prediction using EVs for 80 locations and 15 sets of observed climate data to represent temporal variation. Finally, stem volume breeding value accuracy and genetic gain from ssGBLUP across 40 trials were compared using the new enviromic BZ classification and the previous regional BZ classification. The FA model explained 85.9% of additive genetic variation. Our environmental classification system produced within-zone mean rB between 0.76 and 0.84, which improves upon the existing values of 0.62 for WA and 0.67 for GT as regional BZs. One to two sPLS-DA components were required for each BZ definition, with 5 to 8 EV’s per BZ. The enviromic BZ classification provided for more accurate breeding values and greater stem volume gain. This work raises highly relevant topics for discussion, including a) the drivers of GE in E. globulus, b) methods of collecting and curating environmental data for envirotyping with eucalypts, c) the advantages and challenges of adopting non-exclusive (i.e. overlapping) BZs, d) the need for developing a phenological system for eucalypts, e) accommodating temporal environmental variation in GE analysis, and f) breeding and improvement strategies for a changing climate.

The effect of orally consumed Lactuca sativa syrup on human milk volume and weight gain in the preterm infant: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Human milk feeding can support premature infants to thrive. Yet those with premature infants can be challenged in human milk production. Considering this, and the use of potentially harmful human milk enhancers, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of orally consumed Lactuca sativa (L. sativa) syrup (lettuce extract) on human milk volume and subsequent weight gain in the preterm infant. Extracts from lettuce and other plants such as silymarin are already evidenced to be safe for use during lactation and have other therapeutic effects in humans. Yet this is the first study of its kind. This parallel randomized clinical trial included lactating participants with their preterm infants who were born at < 32 weeks' gestation and admitted to an intensive care unit. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. Eligible participants were allocated to groups randomly: intervention (n = 47), placebo (n = 46), and control (n = 47). The intervention group received one tablespoon of Lactuca sativa (L. sativa) syrup, and the placebo group received one tablespoon of placebo syrup 3 times a day for 1 week. Those in the control group did not receive any herbal or chemical milk-enhancing compounds. Routine care was provided to all three groups. Participants recorded their milk volume for 7 days in a daily information recorder form. Infant weight was measured prior to the intervention, and on the third, fifth and seventh days of the intervention period. There was a statistically significant difference observed in the adjusted mean volume of milk on the fourth and fifth days between the intervention, placebo, and control groups (P < 0.05). The adjusted mean milk volume of those in the intervention group on the first day was significantly higher than those in the control group and those in the placebo group. On the second day, the adjusted mean milk volume of those in the intervention group was higher than in those from the control group; and on the fourth day it was higher than in those from both the control and placebo groups; on the fifth day it was higher than in those in the placebo group; on the sixth day it was higher than in those in the control group and on the seventh day it was higher than in those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the mean changes (with or without adjustment) in the weight of preterm infants between any of the groups. Lactuca sativa (L. sativa) syrup increases the volume of human milk production and no specific side effects have been reported in its use. Therefore, Lactuca sativa syrup can be recommended for use as one of the compounds that increase human milk volume.

A Radiohistographic Analysis of Growth Factor-Mediated Sinus Augmentation in Atrophic Maxillae: A 30-Month Follow-up Study.

A total of 20 atrophic maxillary sinuses were augmented with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rhPDGF-BB), alloplast, and bovine xenograft using a direct approach. CBCT imaging was performed at baseline, immediately postoperatively, and at 6 and 30 months postoperatively. A histologic evaluation revealed the bone bridging and bone regenerative efficacy of the graft material. Radiographic evaluation determined the ridge height (H) and volume of the graft (V) to be as 3.02 ± 1.35 mm at baseline (H0), 15.18 ± 2.52 mm (H1) and 1,106.10 ± 398.84 mm3 (V1) immediately postoperatively, 14.79 ± 2.30 mm (H2) and 1,086.95 ± 396.86 mm3 (V2) at 6 months, and 1,058 ± 391.83 mm3 (V3) at 30 months, with a significant gain in the residual ridge height at 6 months and no significant loss or gain in sinus volume postoperatively.