Search Results (5,399)

This study presents a newly developed program that seamlessly converts G-code into formats compatible with Abaqus, enabling precise finite element simulations for FDM 3D printing. The tool operates on a two-pronged framework: a mathematical model incorporating key print parameters (layer thickness, extrusion temperature, print speed, and raster width) and a shape generator managing geometric parameters (fill density, pattern, and raster orientation). Initially, a predefined virtual section, based on predetermined dimensions, enhanced the correlation between experimental results and simulations. Subsequently, a corrected virtual section, derived from the mathematical model using the Box–Behnken methodology, improves accuracy, achieving a virtual thickness error of 1.06% and a width error of 8%. The model is validated through tensile testing of ASTM D638 specimens at 0°, 45°, and 90° orientations, using adaptive C3D4 mesh elements (0.35–0.6 mm). Results demonstrate that the corrected cross-section significantly improved simulation accuracy, reaching correlations above 95% in the elastic zone and 90% in the elastoplastic zone across all orientations. By optimizing the workflow from design to manufacturing, this program offers substantial benefits for the aerospace, medical, and automotive sectors, enhancing both the efficiency of the printing process and the reliability of simulations. Full article

Background: During maxillary sinus floor augmentation, the elevated sinus mucosa may come into close contact with the pristine mucosa. The presence of xenograft granules can lead to unintended mechanical and biological interactions between the two layers, and the resulting tissue damage remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to perform a focused histological evaluation of graft-mediated interactions between the elevated and pristine sinus mucosae. Methods: Histological slides from five previously published rabbit sinus augmentation studies using grafts with different resorption rates were retrospectively analyzed. The following main patterns of tissue alteration were identified: (1) Proximity stage, characterized by epithelial thickening, goblet cell hyperactivity, and ciliary shortening; (2) Fusion stage, with epithelial interpenetration and loss of distinct mucosal boundaries; (3) Synechiae stage, featuring connective tissue bridges linking the two mucosae; and (4) Pristine mucosa lesions, caused by direct contact between residual graft particles and the pristine sinus mucosa. Results: A total of 192 sinuses were evaluated. Sinuses augmented with slowly resorbable grafts showed proximity stage in 22.3% of cases, fusion in 7.7%, direct lesions in 9.6%, and only one instance of synechia. In contrast, the faster resorbable xenograft presented only 11.1% of proximity stage, without further alterations. Conclusions: In this rabbit model, xenografts were associated with histological alterations of the sinus mucosa, while synechiae formation was rare. These preclinical findings should not be directly extrapolated to humans but may provide a basis for future investigations. Full article

Directed self-assembly (DSA) of polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) has garnered substantial interest for semiconductor manufacturing, particularly for fabricating contact holes and vias. However, its application is limited by the low etch selectivity between the PS and PMMA domains. Here, we report an acid-responsive block copolymer, PS-N=CH-PMMA, incorporating a Schiff base (-N=CH-) linkage between the two blocks to impart acid sensitivity. The copolymer is synthesized via aldehyde-terminated PMMA (PMMA-CHO) precursors and is fully compatible with conventional thermal annealing workflows used for PS-b-PMMA. Uniform thin films with vertically oriented cylindrical domains were obtained, which could be directly converted into high-fidelity PS masks through acetic acid immersion without UV exposure. Graphoepitaxial DSA in 193i pre-patterned templates produced shrink-hole patterns with reduced critical dimension (CD) and improved local CD uniformity (LCDU). The shrink-hole CD was tunable by varying PMMA-CHO molecular weights. XPS confirmed selective cleavage of Schiff base linkages at the PS/PMMA interface under acidic conditions, while Ohta–Kawasaki simulations indicated interfacial wetting asymmetry governs etch fidelity and residual layer formation. Pattern transfer into TEOS layers was achieved with minimal CD loss. Overall, the acid-cleavable BCP enables scalable, high-fidelity nanopatterning with improved etch contrast, tunable process windows, and seamless integration into existing PS-b-PMMA lithography platforms. Full article

During embryonic development, angiogenesis and arteriogenesis are responsible for vast growth and remodeling. These processes have distinct mechanisms, like budding, cord hollowing, cell hollowing, cell wrapping, and intussusception. This review discusses the diversity of morphogenetic mechanisms contributing to vessel assembly and angiogenic sprouting in blood vessels and how molecular pathways regulate some complex cell behaviors concerning the VEGFR pathway. Also, a particular part is dedicated to the HIF 1α gene. The key components of the VEGFR pathway are VEGF receptors VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3. VEGFR2 plays a central role in vascular morphogenesis. VEGF is the primary ligand involved in angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. Various types of VEGF are being studied in terms of their therapeutic use. The ultimate goal of the vascular morphogenesis study is to enable the development of organized vascular tissue that presumably might be used to replace the diseased one. Cellular chirality—the intrinsic “handedness” of cells in movement, structure, and organization—plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels develop from old ones. This chiral activity is essential for the directed and patterned organization of endothelial cells during vascular formation and remodeling. In angiogenesis, cellular chirality directs endothelial cells to adopt specific orientations and migratory patterns, which are crucial for the formation of functionally organized blood vessels that provide tissues with the necessary nutrients and oxygen. Cellular chirality in this environment is affected by multiple mechanisms, including VEGF/VEGFR signaling, mechanical pressures, interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), and cytoskeletal movements. Lately, researchers have focused on the molecular control of blood vessel morphogenesis, the study of signaling circuitry implied in vascular morphogenesis, the emerging mechanism of vascular stabilization, and helical vasculogenesis driven by cell chirality. Full article

The growth-promoting roles of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) and the inflammation-modulating cytokine TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha) have been substantially deciphered in various pathological conditions. Also, their biphasic roles in modulating cellular inflammation have been reported. While their independent signaling pathways are sufficiently explored, recent studies have identified that their combined or costimulatory effects uniquely contribute to the regulation of different disease states. Such costimulatory effects appear to confer divergent and at times opposite effects on certain cellular processes. We and others in the literature have previously demonstrated that TNF-α and IGF-1 would independently induce the expression of SOCS3 (Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-3, a tumor suppressor protein). However, their combined presence has been found to prevent SOCS3 expression. The cause of this divergent opposite effect remained unclear. Here, we provide structural evidence on the interactions between the receptors for TNF-α and IGF-1, and the expression patterns of intermediary proteins which play a prominent role in SOCS3 expression. Our analysis here presents new evidence which demonstrates that TNFR1 (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-1) has the potential to form hybrid receptors with IGF1R (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor). Formation of these hybrid receptors may preclude the intracellular signaling that leads to the inhibition of SOCS3. Additionally, we also identified a unique binding site on TNFR1, where SOCS3 by binding to this region is hypothesized to prevent the export of TNFR1 to cell surface. This could be one of negative feedback regulation mechanisms of SOCS3 associated with preventing inflammatory signaling. Our results described here delineate molecular mediators which could cause inhibition of SOCS3 when both TNF-α and IGF-1 induce their costimulatory effects. Full article

Phoebe bournei is an important economic tree species in China, its large-scale propagation is limited by the difficulty of adventitious root (AR) formation in cuttings. In this study, morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to investigate the process of AR formation in P. bournei. The results showed that ARs mainly originated from callus tissue. During AR formation, soluble sugar and soluble protein contents changed significantly. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxygen free radicals (OFRs) peaked at first sampling stage (PB0), while the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and indoleacetic acid oxidase (IAAO) exhibited similar patterns. Lignin content increased during callus induction stage, whereas phenolic content continuously declined throughout rooting. Endogenous hormone levels also changed markedly, and Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) analysis indicated that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) played dominant roles in this process. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway in all three comparison groups. A total of 48 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in plant hormone signal transduction pathways, with 22 and 14 genes associated with IAA and ABA signaling, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further identified two hub modules related to IAA and ABA contents, including eight hub genes such as D6PKL1 and ISTL1. Correlation analysis revealed that the hub genes D6PKL1 and HSP were significantly positively correlated with IAA4 in the IAA signaling pathway. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying AR formation in P. bournei cuttings and offers a theoretical basis for optimizing its clonal propagation system. Full article

The increasing scale and complexity of data mining outputs, such as frequent itemsets, association rules, sequences, and subgraphs have made efficient pattern retrieval a critical, yet underexplored challenge. This review addresses the organisation, indexing, and access strategies, which enable scalable and responsive retrieval of structured patterns. We examine the underlying types of data and pattern outputs, common retrieval operations, and the variety of query types encountered in practice. Key indexing structures are surveyed, including prefix trees, inverted indices, hash-based approaches, and bitmap-based methods, each suited to different pattern representations and workloads. Storage designs are discussed with attention to metadata annotation, format choices, and redundancy mitigation. Query optimisation strategies are reviewed, emphasising index-aware traversal, caching, and ranking mechanisms. This paper also explores scalability through parallel, distributed, and streaming architectures, and surveys current systems and tools, which integrate mining and retrieval capabilities. Finally, we outline pressing challenges and emerging directions, such as supporting real-time and uncertainty-aware retrieval, and enabling semantic, cross-domain pattern access. Additional frontiers include privacy-preserving indexing and secure query execution, along with integration of repositories into machine learning pipelines for hybrid symbolic–statistical workflows. We further highlight the need for dynamic repositories, probabilistic semantics, and community benchmarks to ensure that progress is measurable and reproducible across domains. This review provides a comprehensive foundation for designing next-generation pattern retrieval systems, which are scalable, flexible, and tightly integrated into analytic workflows. The analysis and roadmap offered are relevant across application areas including finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, and retail, where robust and interpretable retrieval is essential. Full article

The article presents experimental data on the electrochemical oxidation of vanadium-bearing ore with the aim of increasing the efficiency of vanadium extraction during subsequent hydrometallurgical processing. Three different charge compositions were studied during the preliminary oxidative roasting stage, differing in the type of oxidizers used: calcined soda, sodium chloride, and their mixture in a mass ratio of 9:1. Electrochemical oxidation was carried out in a sulfuric acid medium using a membrane electrolysis cell equipped with an MK-40 type diaphragm. Experimental studies were conducted by varying key technological parameters: H₂SO₄ concentration (5–15%), solid-to-liquid phase ratio (1:2–1:5), temperature (25–85 °C), process duration (0.5–3 h), and current density (100–1000 A/m²). It was found that preliminary roasting promotes the conversion of vanadium into higher oxidation states, predominantly V⁵⁺, which significantly increases its solubility during subsequent electrochemical treatment. For the first time, the kinetic patterns of electrochemical vanadium leaching were identified, as well as the limiting mechanism of the process, associated with the formation of poorly soluble oxide films on the ore surface. Optimization of the electrochemical oxidation parameters allowed us to achieve vanadium extraction into solution up to 92%. Full article

Under the global climate change, variations in climatic elements such as temperature, precipitation, and sunshine duration significantly impact the growth, development, and yield formation of winter wheat. A precise understanding of the impact of climate change on winter wheat growth and the scientific use of meteorological resources are crucial for ensuring food security, optimizing agricultural planting structures and agricultural sustainability. This study uses statistical methods and focuses on the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, utilizing data from 25 meteorological stations from 1961 to 2010 and winter wheat yield data from 1978 to 2010. Twelve refined indicators encompassing temperature, precipitation, and sunshine duration were constructed. Path analysis was employed to determine their weights, establishing a comprehensive climate indicator model. Results indicate: Temperature indicators in the region show an upward trend, with accumulated temperature of the whole growth period increasing at a rate of 61.1 °C·d/10a. Precipitation indicators reveal precipitation of the whole growth period rising at 3.9 mm/10a and pre-winter precipitation increasing at 4.2 mm/10a. Sunshine duration exhibits a declining trend, decreasing at 72.7 h/10a during the whole growth period. Comprehensive climate indicators decrease from south to north, with the southwest region exhibiting the highest tendency rate (18.41), while the central and southern regions show greater variability. This study provides scientific basis for optimizing winter wheat planting patterns and rational utilization of climate resources in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. It recommends prioritizing cultivation in western southern Hebei and improving water conditions in the central and northern areas through irrigation technology to support sustainable crop production. Full article

Germline mutations in the X-linked cohesin subunit gene SMC1A have been increasingly recognized as a cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE); however, the underlying basis of its marked phenotypic heterogeneity remains elusive. In our narrative review, starting from all literature-reported clinical cases of SMC1A-related DEE, we propose an integrative framework summarizing all the clinical and genetic features, stratified by mutation type, mosaic fraction, and X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns to provide valuable support for genetic diagnosis and variants, found to date. Also, we discuss how somatic mosaicism and epigenetic variability underlie the clinical diversity of SMC1A-associated epilepsy and systematically describe the entire phenotypic spectrum, from early-onset, therapy-resistant seizures to milder intellectual disability profiles. We further examine how SMC1A mutations perturb cohesin’s canonical roles in chromatin loop formation and sister-chromatid cohesion, leading to widespread transcriptional dysregulation of neurodevelopmental gene networks. Evidence that XCI skewing can ameliorate or exacerbate neuronal cohesin deficits and, thus modulate seizure threshold, is presented. Full article

Critical metals associated with aluminum-bearing strata have garnered increasing attention due to their considerable economic potential. Recent investigations have identified notable enrichment of Li, Ga, Zr, Nb, REEs (rare earth elements), etc., within the Upper Carboniferous Benxi Formation in the Yangquan mining area, the Northeastern Qinshui Basin, Northern China. However, their mineralogical characteristics and micro-scale modes of occurrence remain insufficiently constrained. In this study, we employed the TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA) in combination with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and clay-separation experiments to provide direct mineralogical evidence for the occurrence of Ti, Li, Ga, Zr, and REEs in claystone and aluminous claystone from the Benxi Formation, Yangquan mining area, Northeastern Qinshui Basin. Our results indicate that both lithologies are primarily composed of kaolinite and diaspore, with minor amounts of anatase and cookeite; illite is additionally present in the claystone. Titanium predominantly occurs as anatase in both lithologies, though a portion in aluminous claystone may be incorporated into kaolinite and other Ti-bearing minerals such as rutile and leucoxene. Lithium is primarily hosted by cookeite in both rock types. Mineral assemblage variations further suggest that kaolinite may have partially transformed into Li-rich chlorite (i.e., cookeite) during the transformation from aluminous claystone to claystone. Gallium is chiefly associated with diaspore and kaolinite, with a stronger correlation with diaspore in the aluminous claystone. Zircon is the sole carrier of Zr in both lithologies. Importantly, La and Ce show a consistent spatial association with O–Al–Si–Ti–P mixed aggregates in TIMA maps, particularly in aluminous claystone. Based on these spatial patterns, textural relationships, and comparisons with previous studies, phosphate minerals are inferred to be the dominant REE hosts, although minor contributions from other phases cannot be completely excluded. These findings highlight a previously underexplored mode of critical-metal enrichment in Northern Chinese bauxite-bearing strata and provide a mineralogical basis for future extraction and utilization. Full article

Greater Casablanca, one of Africa’s largest metropolitan regions, is undergoing significant spatial and demographic transformation. Yet, the underlying patterns of these dynamics remain poorly understood. This study investigates population dynamics and spatial inequalities in Greater Casablanca between 2014 and 2024. The analysis combines geospatial data, regression modeling, and clustering techniques to explore the interplay between demographic change, housing affordability, public-transport accessibility, and economic activity, providing a data-driven perspective on how these factors shape spatial inequalities and the region’s urban development trajectory. The results reveal a clear core–periphery divide. The central prefecture has lost population despite continued land consumption, while peripheral communes have experienced rapid demographic and economic expansion. This growth is strongly associated with affordable housing and high rates of new-firm formation, but it occurs where transport access remains weakest. Cluster analysis identifies four socio-spatial types, ranging from a shrinking but well-served core to fast-growing, poorly connected peripheries. The study underscores the need for integrated policy interventions to improve transport connectivity, implement inclusive housing strategies, and manage economic decentralization in ways that foster balanced and sustainable metropolitan development. By situating Greater Casablanca’s trajectory within global urbanization debates, this research extends core–periphery and shrinking-city frameworks to a North African context and provides evidence-based insights to support progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 11. Full article

Limestone in Japan exhibits distinct distribution patterns and associated lithologies compared to limestone found in most other parts of the world. These differences reflect contrasting depositional settings and formation processes. While the majority of the world’s limestones originate from reefs and their detritus deposited on continental shelves adjacent to continents, most limestones in Japan are derived from atoll reefs formed on oceanic island basalts. The remainder developed as reefs and associated detritus along the margins of island arcs underlain by continental crust. In this study, we refer to the former as Accreted Oceanic Reef (AOR) Limestones and the latter as Autochthonous Arc-Shelf (AAS) Limestones. These two types not only differ in origin and depositional environment, but also in the development of karst landforms, including cave systems. AOR Limestones, typified by the Akiyoshi Limestone of Akiyoshidai and the Shikoku Karst, partly distributed in Seiyo (Shikoku), and Pre-Cenozoic AAS Limestones such as Torinosu Limestone of Seiyo (Shikoku) exhibit complex three-dimensional structures that contrast with various caves common worldwide. In contrast, Cenozoic AAS Limestones are exemplified by the Pleistocene Ryukyu Limestone of Okinoerabu Island, where caves, though relatively small, develop parallel to bedding planes. While differing in scale from many caves worldwide, their fundamental structures are comparable. These contrasting characteristics provide new insights into the geological and geomorphological diversity of limestone and karst landforms in Japan. Full article

A simple and efficient approach to spatially addressed polychromatic modulation of light polarization using a photopatterned nematic liquid crystal film is proposed and investigated. In particular, we demonstrate linear polarization structuring of the broadband probe beam, including the formation of polarization singularities under the adiabatic propagation of linearly polarized light, which is achieved through in situ, rewritable photoalignment of nematic liquid crystal by a pump beam. This opto-optical control of polarization does not involve dynamic phase modulation and enables spatially resolved polarization patterning of broadband linearly polarized light in real time. Full article

Soils in arid regions are characterized by elevated salinity levels. During the process of soil moisture evaporation, salts are transported with water to the surface, resulting in the formation of salt crusts. Although these crusts significantly impact soil moisture evaporation, there is a paucity of systematic quantitative research concerning their formation mechanisms, dynamic evolution patterns, and effects on evaporation. To elucidate the mechanisms by which salt crusts influence soil moisture evaporation, this study conducted evaporation experiments utilizing brine soil columns. Various thicknesses of sand mulching (1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm) were applied to the top of the soil columns to generate different forms of NaCl salt crusts. Observations of soil column water evaporation rates, salt crust coverage (SCC), and salt crust morphology were conducted to analyze the effects of salt crust formation on soil water evaporation. The results indicate that the morphology and coverage of NaCl salt crusts significantly influence soil moisture evaporation. A crusty salt crust with high coverage impedes soil moisture evaporation; a patchy salt crust with moderate coverage may promote evaporation; the absence of a crust on the surface has a relatively weak effect on soil moisture evaporation. Nevertheless, the development of ‘salt trees’ within the soil profile can increase soil evaporation. These findings challenge the conventional understanding that “salt inhibits evaporation,” providing essential mechanistic parameters for accurately quantifying evaporation fluxes in saline soils and enhancing regional water cycle models, particularly the module related to atmosphere–soil water vapor exchange. Full article