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Zusammenfassung. Die malignen Tumoren der hepato-pankreato-biliären Organe sind mehrheitlich typische Adenokarzinome mit Ausnahme der Leber, wo sie wegen ihrer charakteristischen Morphologie als hepatozelluläre Neoplasien bezeichnet werden. Neben diesen klassischen morphologischen Ansätzen haben in den letzten Jahren molekulare und vor allem morphomolekulare Untersuchungen viele neue Erkenntnisse ergeben, immer mit dem Ziel, den Patienten eine bestmögliche Therapie zukommen zu lassen. So wird heute zum Beispiel die fokale noduläre Hyperplasie (FNH) der Leber als reaktive Veränderung angesehen, welche keine weiteren Therapien braucht. Auf der einen Seite erlaubt die molekulare Stratifizierung der Leberzelladenome, Risikotumoren zu erkennen und entsprechend operativ zu behandeln. Als weiteres Beispiel seien Tumoren der extra- und intrahepatischen Gallengänge aufgeführt, welche heute in «Small-Duct-Type» und «Large-Duct-Type» unterschieden werden, welche unterschiedliche, therapeutisch relevante molekulare Profile aufweisen. Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt eine Übersicht über die wichtigsten und häufigsten Tumoren der hepato-pankreato-biliären Organe.

Cupping is an ancient medical therapy with a modern-day resurgence. This practice has been referred to in the ancient Egyptian papyri and the writings of Hippocrates and Galen. We attempt to bridge the past with the present by showcasing a series of ancient Greek coins from different mints depicting medical cupping vessels and dating as far back as the 4th century bce. This practice has not been sufficiently studied in randomized controlled trials, and a standardized procedure does not exist. The dermatologist may see the consequences of this practice in the office, as it is a complementary medical technique supposed to treat a variety of ailments from joint pain to menstrual problems and leaves a very characteristic morphology. We have showcased three coins of historic numismatic and medical interest that depict ancient cupping vessels. This is the first time these coins have been presented together. A literature search was also performed to outline the theories of the mechanism of action of cupping and to compile a list of reported dermatologic side effects.

The anatomical characteristics of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), which is crucial when performing craniofacial surgeries and transvenous access to the cavernous sinus, have not been documented. The present study aimed to explore them using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). A volumetric, phase-contrast MRA was performed in 74 outpatients not bearing vascular or tumorous pathologies in the face, orbit, and cavernous sinus. The entire course of the SOV was delineated in 46 patients (62%), for 76% on the right side and 83% on the left. These SOVs consistently showed a characteristic morphology with a laterally coursing proximal segment and a medially coursing distal segment. The latter segment was connected to the angular, supraorbital, supratrochlear, facial, and external nasal veins that were inconsistently delineated. The angular vein was tortuous in 51% of the patients on the right and 53% on the left. The morphology of the proximal part of the SOV was also variable and involved a tortuous segment in 11% of the patients on the right and in 7% on the left. Furthermore, in 4 patients (8.7%), a fenestration was found in the right SOVs. Inconsistent tributaries of the SOV, tortuous angular vein, and possible tortuous segment and fenestration of the SOV can make orbital transvenous access to the cavernous sinus difficult.

Background: Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease with varying developmental trajectories/patterns that are influenced by different risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate eczema development from infancy to early adulthood by identifying distinct developmental trajectories that describe disease patterns over time and evaluate the role of prenatal and early-life risk factors. Methods: The Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (n = 1456) was prospectively assessed at birth, 1, 2, 4, 10, 18 and 26 years. In all assessments, eczema was defined as chronic or chronically relapsing itchy dermatitis lasting >6 weeks with characteristic morphology and distribution in the past 12 months. Developmental trajectories of eczema between 1 or 2 and 26 years were identified separately for males and females by applying semiparametric mixture models. Associations were assessed by applying a modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In both males and females, the following eczema developmental trajectories were identified: unaffected/transient (males: 77.7% vs. females: 73.0%), mid-onset late-resolving (males: 7.8% vs. females: 4.4%), late-onset (males: 5.2% vs. females: 9.5%) and early-onset persistent (males: 9.3% vs. females: 5.4%). In females, an additional trajectory was identified as follows: early-onset early-resolving (7.7%). Among males, filaggrin gene (FLG) variants (aRR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.34–4.46) and paternal eczema (2.66, 1.39–5.08) were associated with the early-onset persistent trajectory. Among females, maternal eczema (2.84, 1.42–5.70) and high birthweight (2.25, 1.08–4.69) were associated with the early-onset persistent trajectory. Conclusions: Four and five trajectories represented eczema development among males and females, respectively, with different predisposing risk factors. Our results indicate that males and females may experience a different course of eczema.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 classification, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is placed in the category of AML with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. Cytogenetic confirmation of reciprocal translocation t(15:17) is essential criteria for diagnosis of this entity. However, these tests may have a significant time delay and it is usually the characteristic morphology of the abnormal promyelocytes which helps to pick up the diagnosis early and alert the clinician to initiate treatment promptly. The two variants commonly described are the hypergranular and the variant (M3v) forms, but knowledge of other rarer morphological variants of APL becomes crucial in certain situations for the hematopathologist. To highlight this phenomenon, we describe a case report of a 9-year-old female who presented with a hand mirror morphology of the abnormal promyelocytes.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with specific genetic abnormalities is a clinically, biologically, and prognostically distinct category with some of the entities in it displaying characteristic morphology. AML with t(8:21) is one such subtype carrying favorable prognosis with specific blast morphology. Eosinophilia, characteristically, has been described till date in AML with inv (16); however, hypereosinophilia with prominent dysplastic features has yet not been seen with any AML subtype. We report the case of an 8-year-old child presenting with massive splenomegaly, hypereosinophilia, and low marrow blast percentage. The initial clinical and hematological impression was that of a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm, which was later diagnosed as AML with t(8:21) with the help of cytogenetic studies. The case report highlights the unusual and extremely rare presentation of this AML subtype and the importance of cytogenetic studies in definite categorization, especially in cases with overlapping morphological and immunophenotypic findings.

Microbial bioerosion, in all its manifestations, is one of the major factors determining the long-term survival of archaeologically and environmentally important artefacts and ecofacts made from mineralised collagen – bones, antler, teeth and ivory. The bone diagenesis literature contains extensive descriptions of different morphologies and classifications of microbial bioerosion – microscopical focal destruction, Wedl tunnels, linear longitudinal, budded and lamellate tunnelling, etc. but the causative agents remain to be discovered. Palaeontologists are in a similar situation when describing ichnofossils where bioerosion is classified by its characteristic morphology and only tentatively assigned to specific causes. In archaeological bones, Wedl tunnels have traditionally been ascribed to fungi but a re-examination of Wedl's original paper and subsequent literature has shown that all the early specimens examined came from aquatic environments and that euendolithic microflora (cyanobacteria or chlorophytes) might have been responsible. These microorganisms are known to tunnel into marine shells. Linear longitudinal, budded and lamellate tunnelling have all been ascribed to bacteria. However, analyses using a combination of backscatter SEM (BSEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (HgIP) of bones excavated from terrestrial soils suggest that the various tunnelling morphologies described by earlier researchers are actually all manifestations of a single architecture, the differences arising from the inherent variability of bone microstructure and the hydrology of the burial environment. An examination of the BSEM and HgIP data also indicates that the bacteria responsible may spread through dead bone tissues by expanding the canalicular network (or dentinal tubules in teeth) rather than creating new tunnels. Long-term field burial experiments using de-fleshed cow bone specimens have now demonstrated that bacterial tunnelling develops over decades rather than months as was previously thought, even in warm tropical soils. This has obvious implications for the origin of the bacteria responsible (soil bacteria versus endogenous gut bacteria) since the bone specimens were quickly isolated from gut contents. Although no attempt is made here to identify a specific organism or organisms responsible for tunnelling in terrestrial archaeological bones a tentative model is proposed for how cycles of wetting and drying, or changes in local dissolved oxygen levels, could lead a common gram positive soil bacterium to produce the pattern of bacterial bioerosion seen in exhumed bones. This soil organism may act in a similar way to Staphylococcus aureus which proliferates in living bone (causing osteomyelitis) by infiltrating and enlarging the canalicular network.

Tubulosquamous polyp (TSP) of the vagina is a rare and benign lesion, best considered along the spectrum of lesions derived from Skene’s glands, the female counterpart of male prostatic glands. It is likely underdiagnosed and represents a challenging diagnosis if one is unfamiliar with this entity. We present an illustrative case of TSP occurring as an upper vaginal wall nodule of a 75-year-old woman, with characteristic morphology and broad immunophenotype. It should be suspected in postmenopausal women with a polyp that demonstrates biphasic squamous and glandular components, which show a prostatic immunophenotype.

Ultrathin VO2 films with insulator-metal transition (IMT) were successfully fabricated on sapphire (001) substrates by utilizing radio frequency-biased reactive sputtering. We realized a 6 nm-thick VO2 film that shows resistance change over 2 orders of magnitude. Microscopic observations combined with energy dispersive x-ray analyses revealed characteristic networking morphology in VO2 films with thickness up to around 10 nm. It was found through micro-Raman analyses that a 30 nm-thick film possessed flat surface and ordered lattice with strong in-plane tensile stress. We evaluated the thickness dependence of optical switching performance for infrared-light. The results suggest that the thickness of the VO2 films should be carefully selected for realizing required performances of optical switching, which depends on not only IMT but also characteristic morphological aspects., Part of this work was carried out under the Cooperative Research Project Program of the Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University. XRD, SEM, AFM, and EDX analyses were performed in the Future Science and Technology Joint Research Center of Tokai University.

A dimeric Keggin-type phosphotungstate (ODA)10[(PW11FeO39)2O]·9H2O (abbreviated as ODA10[(PW11Fe)2], ODA = octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) was synthesized and investigated comprehensively its antitumor activity on MCF-7 and A549 cells. The dimeric structure and amorphous morphology were characterized by FT-IR, UV-vis-DRS, SEM and XRD. The in vitro MTT assay of ODA10[(PW11Fe)2] showed anticancer activity on MCF-7 and A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the IC50 values for MCF-7 and A549 cells at 48 h were 5.83 μg/ml and 3.23 μg/ml, respectively. The images of the ODA10[(PW11Fe)2]-treated cells observed by inverted biological microscope exhibited the characteristic morphology of apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis showed cell apoptosis and cycle arrested at S phase induced by ODA10[(PW11Fe)2]. The above results illuminated the main mechanism of the antitumor action of ODA10[(PW11Fe)2] on MCF-7 and A549 cells, indicating that this dimeric phosphotungstate is a promising anticancer drug.

SummaryDendrites display a striking variety of neuronal type-specific morphologies, but the mechanisms and principles underlying such diversity remain elusive. A major player in defining the morphology of dendrites is the neuronal cytoskeleton, including evolutionarily conserved actin-modulatory proteins (AMPs). Still, we lack a clear understanding of how AMPs might support developmental phenomena such as neuron-type specific dendrite dynamics. To address precisely this level ofin vivospecificity, we concentrated on a defined neuronal type, the class III dendritic arborisation (c3da) neuron ofDrosophilalarvae, displaying actin-enriched short terminal branchlets (STBs). Computational modelling reveals that the main branches of c3da neurons follow a general growth model based on optimal wiring, but the STBs do not. Instead, model STBs are defined by a short reach and a high affinity to grow towards the main branches. We thus concentrated on c3da STBs and developed new methods to quantitatively describe dendrite morphology and dynamics based onin vivotime-lapse imaging of mutants lacking individual AMPs. In this way, we extrapolated the role of these AMPs in defining STB properties. We propose that dendrite diversity is supported by the combination of a common step, refined by a neuron type-specific second level. For c3da neurons, we present a molecular model of how the combined action of multiple AMPsin vivodefine the properties of these second level specialisations, the STBs.In briefA quantitative morphological dissection of the concerted actin-modulatory protein actions provides a model of dendrite branchlet outgrowth.HighlightsActin organisation in small terminal branchlets ofDrosophilaclass III dendritic arborisation neuronsSix actin-modulatory proteins individually control the characteristic morphology and dynamics of branchletsQuantitative tools for dendrite morphology and branch dynamics enable a comparative analysisA two-step computational growth model reproduces c3da dendrite morphology

A 51-year-old man visited our hospital with a main complaint of precordial pain, difficulty swallowing, and pyrexia. The patient was diagnosed with esophageal carcinosarcoma, based on the characteristic morphology noted on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and histology tests, and he underwent surgical treatment. His preoperative blood granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were high, and the surgical specimens were positive in both immunohistochemical tests; therefore, he was diagnosed with a G-CSF- and IL-6-producing tumor. When pyrexia is seen as a paraneoplastic symptom, it is important to consider and investigate the possibility of a cytokine-producing tumor.

PURPOSE: Pathological parameters assessed on biopsies and resection specimens have a pivotal role in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: A non-systematic literature search was performed, updated to January 2018, to identify key standards and controversies in the pathological classification, grading and staging of RCC. RESULTS: Although most RCCs exhibit characteristic morphology that enables easy categorisation, RCCs show considerable morphological heterogeneity and it is not uncommon for there to be difficulty in assigning a tumour type, especially with rarer tumour subtypes. The differentiation between benign and malignant oncocytic tumours remains a particular challenge. The development of additional immunohistochemical and molecular tests is needed to facilitate tumour typing, because of the prognostic and therapeutic implications, and to enable more reliable identification of poorly differentiated metastatic tumours as being of renal origin. Any new tests need to be applicable to small biopsy samples, to overcome the heterogeneity of renal tumours. There is also a need to facilitate identification of tumour types that have genetic implications, to allow referral and management at specialist centres. Digital pathology has a potential role in such referral practice. CONCLUSION: Much has been done to standardise pathological assessment of renal cell carcinomas in recent years, but there still remain areas of difficulty in classification and grading of these heterogeneous tumours.

The advancement of human retinal pigment epithelial cell (hRPE) replacement therapy is partly dependent on optimization of cell culture, cell preservation, and storage medium. This study was undertaken to search for a suitable storage temperature and storage medium for hRPE. hRPE monolayer sheets were cultured under standard conditions at 37°C and then randomized for storage at six temperatures (4, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 37°C) for 7 days. After revealing a suitable storage temperature, hRPE sheets were subsequently stored with and without the silk protein sericin added to the storage medium. Live/dead assay, light microscopy, pH, and phenotypic expression of various proteins were used to assess cell cultures stored at different temperatures. After 7 days of storage, hRPE morphology was best preserved at 4°C. Addition of sericin to the storage medium maintained the characteristic morphology of the preserved cells, and improved pigmentation and levels of pigmentation-related proteins in the cultured hRPE sheets following a 7-day storage period at 4°C.

Claudino-Sales, V.; Wang, P., and Carvalho, A.M., 2018. Interactions between various headlands, beaches, and dunes along the coast of Ceara State, Northeast Brazil.The equatorial coast of NE Brazil consists of long and wide sandy beaches, segmented by rhythmic headlands, sometimes with seacliffs. Large and extensive mobile transgressive dunefields distribute up to 6 km landward of the coastline. The coastal area of Ceara state, as examined in this study by the means of measurements, field work, and remote sensing, illustrates a characteristic morphology composed of interactive headland, beach, and dune systems. Under persistent unidirectional wind and wave forcing, the morphodynamics of the studied coast is strongly controlled by the headlands because they produce an interruption of the longshore sand transport at their contact, resulting in accretion updrift of the headland and in erosion downdrift of the headland. The headland bypass dunefield activates one major mechanism and dynamics of the system headland-beach-dune because they refeed the beaches in the process of erosion downdrift. Littoral bypass is also an important process, supplying the cell with new sand, together with the erosion that takes place in the zetaform beach. Such a unique system can be strongly affected by anthropogenic activities, which can influence nearly all the factors at all temporal and spatial scales.

Context.—Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas, when uterine in location, are relatively easy to diagnose because of characteristic morphology and patterns of myometrial invasion. However, when they occur at extrauterine sites, they fall under the broad umbrella of small round blue cell tumors, making diagnosis challenging, especially when they have variant morphologic features and lack the characteristic pattern of invasion.Objectives.—To provide an insight into the sites of occurrence of low-grade endometrioid stromal sarcomas, the variant morphologic patterns, clues to diagnosis, and the usefulness of immunohistochemistry as an aid to facilitate correct diagnosis. The outcome of these tumors, in comparison with their uterine counterpart, is also discussed.Data Sources.—Existing peer-reviewed literature was reviewed.Conclusions.—Low-grade endometrioid stromal sarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm that can be misdiagnosed because of its rarity, unusual location, and presence of numerous variant histologic patterns that mimic other tumors. Knowledge of those features; consideration of this tumor in the differential diagnosis of small, round blue cell tumors at any location in a woman; and an appropriate use of immunohistochemistry can help facilitate the diagnosis.

Sn-doped NiO microwires with tailored structure of defects, optical properties and waveguiding behaviour were fabricated by a one-step vapor-solid method. The presence of metallic Sn or SnO2 in the precursor mixture favours the formation of elongated microstructures with singular morphologies. This geometry, not explored so far, provides an increased surface to volume ratio and a characteristic morphology, which is of potential interest in a wide range of surface properties and optoelectronic functionalities. In this work, the structural, compositional, electronic and optical properties of the microwires have been analyzed as a function of Sn precursor. Depending on the employed Sn precursor, the optical properties such as their luminescence or waveguiding behaviour can be tailored. In some of the analysed microwires a red laser can be guided along the microstructure. This behaviour has not been previously reported for NiO so far, hence increasing the functionality and applicability of this material.

PURPOSE To determine whether Demodex infestation in blepharitic patients can be confirmed by slit-lamp examination without the need for light microscopy. METHODS Demodex infestation was evaluated in 16 patients presenting with blepharitis and cylindrical dandruff at a single medical center from November 2014 to February 2015. Two lashes with cylindrical dandruff were epilated from each lid (8 per patient, total 128), mounted on slides, and examined in the clinic under a slit lamp equipped with a 90D condensing lens followed by light microscopy in the pathology laboratory. All evaluations were performed by the same pathologist. Mites were identified by their characteristic morphology and movement patterns. Findings were compared between the 2 methods. RESULTS The mean total Demodex count per lash was 1.5 ± 2.1 mites by using the slit lamp and 2 ± 2.9 mites by light microscopy. Corresponding counts per patient were 11.7 ± 9.4 and 16.1 ± 12.4. The correlation between the slit lamp and microscopy results was statistically significant, per lash (r = 0.922, P < 0.01) and per patient (r = 0.976, P < 0.01). On analysis by the more clinically relevant negative (no mites detected) or positive results (at least 1 mite detected), the accuracy of the slit-lamp examination for a single lash was 91.4% and the specificity and sensitivity were 89% and 94%, respectively; the negative predictive value was 93% [χ(1) = 87.94, P < 0.01)]. All 16 patients were positive for Demodex infestation by both methods (accuracy 100%). CONCLUSIONS Demodex infestation in blepharitic patients with cylindrical dandruff can be confirmed using only a slit lamp and common eye clinic equipment.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of SB-20 M culture medium to perform differential morphological identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus compared to biochemical identification and to proteomic identification by the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technique. Material and methods Unstimulated saliva samples from 266 dental students were seeded on SB-20 M culture medium by the wooden spatula technique. After incubation, S. mutans and S. sobrinus colonies were identified by stereomicroscopy based on their differential morphological characteristics. Following these procedures, 135 colonies with characteristic morphology of S. mutans (89 colonies) and S. sobrinus (46 colonies) were randomly selected, submitted to biochemical identification (biotyping) and proteomic identification by the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technique. The results were compared using the Kappa test, with a 5% significance level. Results All (100%) S. mutans colonies were correctly identified after culture in SB-20 M medium compared to biotyping and proteomic identification. For S. sobrinus, morphological identification in SB-20 M medium was correct for 43 colonies (93.5%) compared to biotyping and proteomic identification. However, there was no statistically significant difference when comparing the capacity to identify S. mutans and S. sobrinus of the three techniques (p Conclusions It was concluded that the SB-20 M culture medium for morphological identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus was highly reliable, being comparable to the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technique. Clinical relevance The efficiency evaluation of identification methods of S. mutans and S. sobrinus is clinically relevant in order to determine caries risk and activity of patients.

Dromaeosaurids were a clade of bird-like, carnivorous dinosaurs that are well known for their characteristic morphology of pedal digit II, which bore an enlarged, sickle-shaped claw and permitted an extreme range of flexion–extension. Proposed functions for the claw often revolve around predation, but the exact manner of use varies widely. Musculoskeletal modelling provides an avenue to quantitatively investigate the biomechanics of this enigmatic system, and thereby test different behavioural hypotheses. Here, a musculoskeletal model of the hindlimb and pes ofDeinonychuswas developed, and mathematical optimization was used to assess the factors that maximize production of force at the claw tip. Optimization revealed that more crouched hindlimb postures (i.e., more flexed knees and ankles) and larger flexor muscle volumes consistently increased claw forces, although the optimal degree of digit flexion or extension depended on assumptions of muscle activity and fibre operating range. Interestingly, the magnitude of force capable of being produced at the claw tip was relatively small, arguing against regular transmission of a large proportion of body weight into a substrate principally via the claw tip. Such transmission would therefore likely have needed to occur via more proximal parts of the foot. Collectively, the results best support a grasping function for digit II (e.g., restraint of prey smaller than the dromaeosaurid’s own body size), although other behaviours involving flexed hindlimbs cannot be excluded.

In the present work, the convergence of two different drug delivery systems is investigated, namely the combination of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) and liposomes. Our effort initially included the synthesis of two conversely charged carbon nanohorns and their subsequent analysis through various methods. The study of their effect on the thermotropic behavior of artificial membranes provided an essential assistance for the upcoming liposome preparation, which were estimated for their physicochemical properties. The presence of CNHs alters the calorimetric parameters of the lipids. We also prepared CNHs:liposome systems. The characteristic morphology and secondary spherical superstructure of CNHs is retained in the chimeric materials, suggesting that the interactions with the liposomes do not alter the dahlia-flower-like aggregation of CNHs. Both CNHs-liposome systems exhibit a relatively small cellular cytotoxicity in vitro, tested in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. To summarize, we developed CNHs:liposome platforms with a complete knowledge of their thermotropic, physicochemical, morphological and nanotoxicological characteristics.

Cassidinae Gyllenhaal​ is the second largest subfamily of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), which presents characteristic morphology, biology and behaviour. The current study describes the life cycle of ...

Characteristic morphologies of the surface of oxide ceramics, which are produced by grinding, have been identified and a relationship between conditions of diamond grinding and these morphologies has been revealed using the developed method of study. It has been found that the type of the characteristic morphology of the surface of ground oxide-ceramic specimens has a strong effect on the tribological behavior of these specimens. The prime role of the grinding subsystem, which is a component of the manufacturing system for producing ceramic friction members, in the formation of the mode of wear at the run-in stage has been established.

Helius spiralensis sp. nov., is a very peculiar species of the genus Helius (Diptera: Limoniidae), with a characteristic morphology of hypopygium not found in other representatives of this genus. This is the second Helius species described from Early Cretaceous Álava amber (Spain), and one of the oldest representatives of the genus.

The ground-breaking properties of biaxially textured thin films have attracted increasing attention to the characterization and growth theory of their crystal morphologies. In particular, multi-faceted columnar structures developed during oblique angle deposition (OAD) show abnormal tilt angles that have not been previously captured by existing models. Current theories for the formation of biaxially aligned columnar structures overlook the fact that the surface diffusion on individual facets can be finite. In this work, a continuum model incorporating finite adatom mobility, flux-dependent sticking coefficient, and material-specific surface energies is employed to study the growth of a well-known MgO-OAD system. Experimentally observed morphologies are reproduced by simulating the shadowing growth of an array of preferentially oriented single crystals. We show that the abnormal tilting is elusive considering only the effects of faceting and shadowing. A proposed sticking coefficient in our model, determined by the component of adatom momentum parallel to the surface, is responsible for the development of abnormal tilting. The role of faceting is demonstrated by its effect on the resulting columnar morphologies. Using the proposed model, the characteristic morphology and tilting behavior of a CaF 2-OAD system are also obtained, which agree with experiments.

Pseudofurnishius murcianus van den Boogaard is a Triassic conodont with a very characteristic morphology, a blade with a rostral platform heavily denticulated, that makes it easily distinguishable from other coeval species. It is a well-know taxon that has been the object of several palaeobiological works, focused on their apparatus reconstruction, ontogeny and, recently, their P 1 element function. In order to increase our palaeobiology knowledge of this taxon we undertook a histological analysis to corroborate the functional hypothesis established for this conodont. The histological study demonstrated the presence of different microstructural types, suggesting that they are functional adaptions due to the slicing function that the P 1 elements performed

Neonatal sucking blisters result from vigorous sucking on hand or forearm in utero. Clinically, one observes a tense, fluid-filled blister, which when ruptured forms an erosion. We report a female neonate with a sucking blister on the distal dorsal aspect of her left forearm. These benign bullae should be differentiated from other diseases of the newborn through their presentation, characteristic morphology, and self-limiting course.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a very common disorder affecting the adolescent hip. The etiology of SCFE is multifactorial and mechanical force associated with the characteristic morphology of the hip is considered one of the causes of SCFE. We investigated the characteristics of whole pelvic morphology including pelvic incidence (PI) in patients with SCFE and compared it with pelvic morphology in healthy children. We retrospectively assessed the whole pelvic morphology of 17 patients with SCFE and 51 healthy children using their pelvic computed tomography data. We measured superior iliac angle, inferior iliac angle, and ischiopubic angle as the parameters of pelvic rotation. Additionally, we measured acetabular anteversion of the superior acetabulum (AVsup) and of the center of the acetabulum (AVcen), and measured anterior acetabular sector angle (AASA), posterior acetabular sector angle, and the superior acetabular sector angle (SASA) as parameters of acetabular coverage and PI. Each measurement was compared between the 2 groups. AASA and SASA of patients with SCFE were significantly greater than that of controls, and AVsup of patients with SCFE was significantly smaller. There were no significant differences in pelvic rotation, PI, or AVcen between the 2 groups. This is the 1st report to evaluate SCFE patients’ whole pelvic morphology including PI and pelvic rotation. Our results showed that patients with SCFE have excessive coverage of the anterior and superior acetabulum, and a more retroverted cranial acetabulum as compared with healthy control subjects. Such characteristic pelvic morphology may be involved in the onset of SCFE. To clarify the mechanical forces involved in SCFE onset, further investigations of pelvic morphology and alignment, including the femur and spine, are needed.

How might we measure the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), which can be so important in spintronics? When this magnetic exchange interaction is small, knowing the actual value becomes significant, since operating speed is proportional to it in spintronic devices based on domain-wall movement. The authors develop a method for measuring a weak DMI: When current and a magnetic field are applied to a perpendicularly magnetized thin film, the characteristic morphology of the magnetic domains that form can be observed, and the DMI obtained from the angles present in the unusual domain shapes. This will improve the engineering of spintronic logic and memory applications.

Background & Aim A newly developed human- and animal-component-free, ready-to-use cultureware was specifically designed to allow reliable and robust expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Based on synthetic peptides, the FN1 motifs surface supports stem cell attachment by mimicking the native ECM protein fibronectin. hMSCs represent a promising stem cell population in various cell applications. Present at relatively low abundance in their natural tissue of origin, hMSCs require a robust in vitro expansion system to obtain sufficient high-quality cell numbers for research and clinical applications. Well-defined like serum-free (SF), xenogenic-free (XF) or even animal-component-free (ACF) hMSC culture systems are recommended to reach efficient cell expansion with a high level of consistency and reproducibility. Methods, Results & Conclusion The FN1 motifs surface facilitates establishment of an animal-component-free environment for hMSC cultivation in various SF, XF or ACF media. A detailed expansion analysis showed that bone marrow-derived hMSCs (hMSC-BM) grown on FN1 motifs in a completely defined animal-component-free culture system maintain a stable and robust proliferation rate with their characteristic morphology without signs of replicative senescence. The undifferentiated hMSCs-BM retain their typical marker expression profile as well as their multi-lineage differentiation potential. The present experimental work demonstrates that the synthetic FN1 motifs surface, used in combination with well-defined culture medium and dissociation solution, represents a highly suitable growth surface to establish ACF culture systems for reliable hMSC expansion.

Accurate expedient species identification of deceased sturgeon (Acipenseridae) when external physical characteristic analysis is inconclusive has become a high priority due to the endangered or threatened status of sturgeon species around the world. Examination of otoliths has provided useful information to aid in population management, age and size-class analysis, understanding predator–prey interactions, and archeological research in other fish species. The relationship between otolith characteristics and sturgeon species has remained unknown. Therefore, we analyzed the shape of otoliths from the eight species of sturgeon found in North America to test the utility of otolith characteristic morphology in species identification. There were distinct differences in the size and shape of the otoliths between species of sturgeon with little shape variation among individuals of the same species. The relationship between otolith length axes was linear, and most of the variability was explained by a Log (axis + ...

The sandfish lizard, Scincus scincus (Squamata: Scincidae), spends nearly its whole life in aeolian sand and only comes to the surface for foraging, defecating and mating. It is not yet understood how the animal can respire without sand particles entering its respiratory organs when buried under thick layers of sand. In this work, we integrated biological studies, computational calculations and physical experiments to understand this phenomenon. We present a 3D model of the upper respiratory system based on a detailed histological analysis. A 3D-printed version of this model was used in combination with characteristic ventilation patterns for computational calculations and fluid mechanics experiments. By calculating the velocity field, we identified a sharp decrease in velocity in the anterior part of the nasal cavity where mucus and cilia are present. The experiments with the 3D-printed model validate the calculations: particles, if present, were found only in the same area as suggested by the calculations. We postulate that the sandfish has an aerodynamic filtering system; more specifically, that the characteristic morphology of the respiratory channel coupled with specific ventilation patterns prevent particles from entering the lungs., Highlighted Article: The sandfish S. scincus spends nearly its whole life in fine desert sand. We discovered that it has an aerodynamic filtering system to prevent sand particles from entering the lungs.

Triangular defects with a characteristic morphology consisting of a 3C-type structure were investigated on Si-face 4H-SiC epitaxial films using electron microscopy. Two types of triangular defects were investigated: one with a single valley on the surface along the [ 11 2 ¯ 0 ] direction and another with several parallel ridges and valleys called “washboard-like defects”. The defects with a single valley had a characteristic domain structure consisting of four 3C crystals, which is similar to that of previously reported comet-shaped defects on the C-face. It is shown that the 3C domain in the washboard-like defect is covered by 4H layers with a washboard-like morphology.

The nervous system is populated by numerous types of neurons, each bearing a dendritic arbor with a characteristic morphology. These type-specific features influence many aspects of a neuron's function, including the number and identity of presynaptic inputs and how inputs are integrated to determine firing properties. Here, we review the mechanisms that regulate the construction of cell type–specific dendrite patterns during development. We focus on four aspects of dendrite patterning that are particularly important in determining the function of the mature neuron: (a) dendrite shape, including branching pattern and geometry of the arbor; (b) dendritic arbor size; (c) targeting of dendrites to particular locations; and (d) subdivision of dendrites into compartments with unique electrical properties or synaptic inputs.

Although the characteristic morphology of rugby forwards playing different positions in the rugby scrum has been well documented, a complete picture of the force characteristics that different players produce has not been evaluated. This is especially true for the movement of the centre of pressure (CoP) elicited during scrummaging in a forward direction. An individual scrummaging ergometer was therefore developed to measure the CoP of an individual scrum action using conventional torque calculations. Calibration of the measurement system revealed measured force errors within 16.6 N of the actual force and errors of less than 3.96 mm for CoP location determination. Thirty-nine club level rugby union players (22 front rows, 11 locks and six back rows) scrummed against the ergometer on an outdoor rugby field. Differences between the three groups were tested using one-way ANOVAs. The maximum force for different players was 2253.6 ± 649.0 N over the entire subject group. There were no differences in the individual compressive force between the groups [front rows: 2404.0 ± 650.3 N; locks: 2185.6 ± 568.9 N; back rows: 1826.9 ± 670.2 N (p = 0.143)]. Individually, front rows started at a higher position than back rows (p = 0.009) and were at a higher vertical position than locks when producing maximum force (p = 0.028). Front rows had lower variation in the CoP (p = 0.044) and less movement to achieve their maximum force (p = 0.020) than locks. Front rows moved less overall than back rows (p = 0.028) during the scrum trial. The design and application of the individual scrum ergometer showed with good limits of agreement that differences in force magnitude and CoP exist within scrummaging players. Practically, the application of this ergometer may assist in the individual optimisation of scrummaging performance.

Localized corrosion in an AA2099-T83 aluminum–lithium alloy has been correlated with localized plastic deformation (LPD) introduced by cold working. The high population density of dislocations in the slip bands associated with LPD promoted preferential precipitation of needle-shaped T1 (Al2CuLi) phase during artificial aging. Consequently, preferential attack of the electrochemically active T1 phase in corrosive environment resulted in selective corrosion of the bands, leading to the development of the characteristic morphology of narrow, parallel volume of corrosion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Summary The top issue in tissue engineering is how to obtain more seed cells quickly and to preserve their characteristic morphology during in vitro expansion culture of cells. Microcarriers can help to amplify cell numbers and maintain the appropriate phenotype for tissue repair and restoration of function. In addition, microtissue with cell microcarriers can be used to repair diseased tissues or organs. This review introduces the materials used for, and classification of, microcarriers and the improvements in, and potential applications of, microtissues with cell microcarriers in tissue engineering.

To describe the diagnostic signs and biometric characteristics of preexisting posterior capsule defects in congenital cataract.Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.Retrospective case series.Eyes with congenital cataract were reviewed and divided into a preexisting posterior capsule defect group (study group) and a control group with intact posterior capsules. Diagnostic signs were summarized on agreement of 3 ophthalmologists after they reviewed surgical videos. The biometric parameters, including central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, axial length, mean keratometry, corneal astigmatism, corneal diameter, and intraocular pressure, were compared between groups. The predictors of preexisting posterior capsule defect were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.The study comprised 81 eyes (53 patients). The diagnostic signs of preexisting posterior capsule defect included posterior capsule plaque with a well-demarcated margin, gray granules and vacuoles, and heterogeneous nuclear opacity (more dense in the posterior). The lens was significantly thinner in the study group than in the control group (P .001). The corneal diameter was significantly smaller in the study group (P = .015 horizontal and P = .005 vertical). Multivariate analysis identified lens thickness as an independent predictor (odds ratio, 0.731; 95% confidence interval, 0.621-0.860; P .001).For preexisting posterior capsule defect, lens thickness was a valuable predictor and the presence of characteristic morphology was an important indicator. The cornea configuration suggests the need for further study of the role of genetic mutation.

Background Patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) are prone to meniscal injuries related to its shape and abnormal mobility. The anatomical joint inclination of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) can also affect joint movement in knee motion. However, an association between PTFJ morphology and DLM remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphology of the PTFJ on MRI and how this differs between patients with and without DLM. Materials and methods Fifty-eight patients with DLM and 58 age-matched controls (normal meniscus) were included in this study. Slices from preoperative MRI sagittal images that clearly showed the PTFJ were used for measurements. The angle between the PTFJ and the perpendicular line of the fibula axis was measured as the inclination angle, and patients were classified as horizontal-type ( 20°). The inclination angle was also compared among patients with open and closed epiphysis in both groups to assess the effect of age. Results Patients in the horizontal-type PTFJ group frequently had DLM. Before epiphyseal closure, most patients had a horizontal-type PTFJ, with or without DLM. However, in older patients with a closed epiphysis, most with a normal meniscus had an oblique-type PTFJ, and those with DLM retained the horizontal-type joint. Conclusion The horizontal-type PTFJ was significantly associated with DLM, and patients with DLM tended to retain a horizontal-type PTFJ after epiphyseal closure. In contrast, in patients with a normal meniscus, the PTFJ may change from a horizontal-type to an oblique-type PTFJ in line with bone maturity.

This chapter investigates the relationship between the individual trabecular morphology in cancellous bone and the types of load applied. In particular, to understand the effects of a bending load on trabecular bone adaptation, we conduct remodeling simulations for a single trabecula subjected to a cyclic bending load based on our original remodeling model. It is shown that the bending load influences not only the formation of the plate-like trabecula but also the changes in its topology. The results suggest the possibility that the characteristic morphology of an individual trabecula is determined by the local mechanical environment in the overall cancellous bone.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic modality which can be performed with ease on any superficially palpable lesion. Surgical scar endometriosis is a rare entity which presents as an abdominal lump in women of reproductive age. It is often a diagnostic pitfall for clinicians due to its nonspecific symptoms. It displays characteristic morphology, which needs to be identified and recognized by a cytopathologist for accurate diagnosis. FNAC can be used as a key diagnostic tool in cases of abdominal wall mass for appropriate patient management, thereby avoiding unnecessary diagnostic procedures. Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with an abdominal lump where FNAC played a vital role in the patient’s management.

The sandfish lizard Scincus scincus spends its life in the aeolian dune deserts. To prevent sand grains from entering its lungs, it is hypothesized that the particles are aerodynamically filtered when they enter the nasal cavity: The vestibulum is a narrow rounded channel leading to a kind of Open image in new window , where cilia and mucus are present. In this chamber the particles get caught by mucus during a slow, long-lasting inhalation (2 s) due to the air flow induced by the characteristic morphology in this area, and eventually get exhaled because of an intense, cough-like exhalation that lasts only 40 ms. To verify this theory we studied the filtering system by integrating experiments and computational fluid dynamic simulations of fluid and particle flow. The simulations show that the flow profile anterior to and in the chamber is characterized by a strong cross-flow velocity that moves the sand grains towards the mucus-covered wall; particles usually remain close to the lower wall of the vestibulum and subsequently get trapped. Due to the air flow profile particles would get trapped even if they reached the central region of the nasal cavity. In this context we explore the possibility to optimize state of the art filtering systems.

PURPOSE: To study the characteristic morphology and quantitatively evaluate the eye shape in different types of myopic maculopathy. METHODS: A total of 103 eyes from 65 patients with high myopic maculopathy were examined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI). The participants were classified into two groups, namely myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) eyes and non-MTM eyes, with SD-OCT imaging. Volume renderings and morphology analysis of the 3D MRI of the eyeball were obtained. Quantitative analysis was achieved in the calculation of vitreous volume and the three-dimensional diameters of the eyeball in three cardinal axes. The eye shape distribution and the diameters of the eyeball were compared between the two groups. Eye shape distribution, vitreous volume, and eyeball diameter were compared between MTM and non-MTM eyes. RESULTS: The MTM and non-MTM groups had a total of 68 and 35 eyes, respectively. A significant difference was found in the eye shape distribution (P0.05) in either vitreous volume or other diameters between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Non-uniform globe expansion and staphyloma formation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of MTM.

Although bivalves develop through spiral cleavage patterns, similar to other lophotrochozoans, the cleavage pattern of D lineage blastomeres is unique, since 2d shows four rounds of stereotypic unequal cleavage before bilateral cleavage of the largest derivative of 2d: 2d1121. This unique modification of spiral cleavage is directly associated with the characteristic morphology of bivalves, namely, bilaterally separated shell plates, because the bilateral shell plates are thought to be derived from the bilateral derivatives of 2d1121. In this report, to determine whether the unique cleavage pattern of bivalves is regulated depending on the interaction with other cells or by cell autonomous mechanisms, we performed cell isolation experiments and observed subsequent cleavage patterns of isolated blastomeres. When focusing on the largest derivatives of D blastomeres, 8% of isolated D blastomeres followed the cleavage pattern of normal development up to bilateral cleavage. Importantly, the remainder of the partial embryos ended cleavage before that stage, and none of the isolated blastomeres showed abnormal cleavage patterns. We also examined the development of isolated blastomeres and found that isolated D blastomeres could develop shell plates, whereas larvae developed from AB blastomeres never had shell plates. Based on these observations, we concluded that D blastomeres control their unique cleavage pattern through intrinsic mechanisms and develop shell glands autonomously without any cell–cell interaction with other lineages. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 13–21, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tinea versicolor (TV) is a common cutaneous fungal infection characterized by superficial scaling and a mild disturbance of skin pigmentation. It typically affects the chest, upper back, and shoulders. However, involvement of more unusual regions of the body such as the face and scalp, arms and legs, intertriginous sites, genitalia, areolae, and palms and soles has been reported. This report details two such cases observed at our institution: a 32-year-old woman with involvement of the popliteal fossa and a 16-year-old boy with involvement of the groin. The clinician must be aware of these variations in location and perform the appropriate diagnostic workup when lesions have the characteristic morphology of TV despite an unusual location. The etiology, pathophysiology, and epidemiology of TV are reviewed and current literature describing other instances of TV in uncommon locations is discussed.

An investigation was made regarding to what extent road network patterns are reproduced by a crack model from a viewpoint that they seem to resemble crack patterns in morphology. A desiccation model using double-layered cellular meshes was considered with the parameters representing the anisotropy of the material and the coarseness of grains, together with the introduction of singularities in points and in lines. The model can generally reproduce the real crack patterns and the road network patterns of cities with characteristic morphology by appropriately choosing the values of parameters, indicating that the similar mechanism acts on the formation of road networks and cracks of material although the relevant scales of space time differ from each other. Factors which make the road networks more complex and irregular in morphology were also investigated.

INTRODUCTION: The microbiological diagnosis of leptospirosis comprises bacteriological and serological methods. The former ones allow the direct detection of leptospires and are considered presumptive with the exception of culture. Therefore, they constitute invaluable tools for rapid diagnosis, mainly in samples from deceased subjects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a modified Fontana silver staining method in experimentally infected samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human and animal (hamster) urine samples were experimentally infected with different strains of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Liquid culture medium, leptospira cultures, experimentally infected and non-infected human urine samples, clarified and non-clarified imprints, and clarified and non-clarified suspension smears from tissues of experimentally infected and non-infected hamsters were applied for the ass essment of silver staining. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was compared with dark field microscopy and culture. Other bacterial and fungi species were also used. RESULTS: The modified Fontana silver staining allowed the accurate observation of the well-defined leptospire helical structure. On leptospire cultures from infected human samples, we could observe until (1-10) × 10³ leptospires/ml, higher sensitivity in comparison with direct dark field microscopy and lower in comparison with culture. The best results in tissues were obtained on clarified imprints and non-clarified suspension smears. Morphological and stainable structures compatible with leptospires were not observed in the samples without them. CONCLUSION: This procedure allowed differentiating the characteristic morphology of leptospires. As its application suggests, it consists of a simple and easily conducted procedure with stable reagents. INTRODUÇÃO: O diagnóstico microbiológico da leptospirose inclui métodos bacteriológicos e sorológicos; os primeiros permitem a detecção direta de leptospiras e, à exceção do cultivo, são considerados como presuntivos, mas constituem ferramentas valiosas para o diagnóstico rápido, principalmente nos falecidos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a coloração de prata Fontana modificada em amostras experimentalmente infectadas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Urinas humanas e hamsters foram infectados experimentalmente com diferentes cepas de Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Para a avaliação, foi utilizado meio de cultura líquido, culturas de leptospiras, urinas humanas experimentalmente infectadas e não infectadas, impressões clarificadas e não clarificadas e esfregaços de suspensões clarificadas e não clarificadas a partir de tecidos de hamsters infectados e não infectados para o experimento. A sensibilidade analítica do ensaio foi comparada com a microscopia de campo escuro e de cultura. Outras espécies de bactérias e fungos também foram utilizadas. RESULTADOS: A coloração de prata de Fontana modificada permitiu observar claramente e bem definida a estrutura helicoidal das leptospiras. Nas culturas destas e de urinas humanas infectadas, pôde-se observar até (1-10) × 10³ leptospiras/ml, sensibilidade superior à da microscopia de campo escuro e inferior à da cultura. Os melhores resultados nos tecidos foram obtidos em impressões clarificadas e a partir de esfregaços de suspensões não clarificadas. Estruturas morfológicas e tingidas compatíveis com leptospiras não foram observadas nas amostras livres destas. CONCLUSÃO: Esse procedimento permitiu diferenciar a morfologia característica das leptospiras. É um procedimento simples, fácil de realizar e com reagentes estáveis pelo o que a sua aplicação é sugerida.

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) represent unique type of endothelial cells featured by their characteristic morphology, ie, lack of a basement membrane and presence of fenestrations—transmembrane pores acting as a dynamic filter between the vascular space and the liver parenchyma. Delicate structure of LSECs membrane combined with a submicron size of fenestrations hinders their visualization in live cells. In this work, we apply atomic force microscopy contact mode to characterize fenestrations in LSECs. We reveal the structure of fenestrations in live LSECs. Moreover, we show that the high-resolution imaging of fenestrations is possible for the glutaraldehyde-fixed LSECs. Finally, thorough information about the morphology of LSECs including great contrast in visualization of sieve plates and fenestrations is provided using Force Modulation mode. We show also the ability to precisely localize the cell nuclei in fixed LSECs. It can be helpful for more precise description of nanomechanical properties of cell nuclei using atomic force microscopy. Presented methodology combining high-quality imaging of fixed cells with an additional nanomechanical information of both live and fixed LSECs provides a unique approach to study LSECs morphology and nanomechanics that could foster understanding of the role of LSECs in maintaining liver homeostasis.