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Manufacturing of thin-walled components with protrusions holds importance for the advancement of extrusion technology, expanding the application scope of extrusion processes and achieving lightweight equipment. To accomplish these objectives, a novel two-step combined extrusion process is proposed, drawing on numerous research achievements and theories in flange forming. Detailed analysis of metal flow characteristics during extrusion is conducted using finite element simulation, and the strain heterogeneity index is introduced to quantitatively evaluate the influence of different process parameters and die cavity dimensions on the forming results. The results indicate that the forming quality of the protrusions depends on lower extrusion speeds, appropriate friction coefficients, and rounded die inlet corners. Furthermore, the generation mechanism of defects during the forming process is investigated through the analysis of billet and die cavity dimensions, leading to the establishment of a 3D forming limit diagram. Finally, multiple sets of physical experiments are designed and conducted to validate the feasibility of the forming process and simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration through 3D environments is essential to development, disease, and regeneration processes. Conceptual models of migration have been developed primarily on the basis of 2D cell behaviors, but a general understanding of 3D cell migration is still lacking due to the added complexity of the extracellular matrix. Here, using a multiplexed biophysical imaging approach for single-cell analysis of human cell lines, we show how the subprocesses of adhesion, contractility, actin cytoskeletal dynamics, and matrix remodeling integrate to produce heterogeneous migration behaviors. This single-cell analysis identifies three modes of cell speed and persistence coupling, driven by distinct modes of coordination between matrix remodeling and protrusive activity. The framework that emerges establishes a predictive model linking cell trajectories to distinct subprocess coordination states.

The dimensionless critical shear stress (τ*c) needed for the onset of sediment motion is important for a range of studies from river restoration projects to landscape evolution calculations. Many studies simply assume a τ*c value within the large range of scatter observed in gravel‐bedded rivers because direct field estimates are difficult to obtain. Informed choices of reach‐scale τ*c values could instead be obtained from force balance calculations that include particle‐scale bed structure and flow conditions. Particle‐scale bed structure is also difficult to measure, precluding wide adoption of such force‐balance τ*c values. Recent studies have demonstrated that bed grain size distributions (GSD) can be determined from detailed point clouds (e.g. using G3Point open‐source software). We build on these point cloud methods to introduce Pro+, software that estimates particle‐scale protrusion distributions and τ*c for each grain size and for the entire bed using a force‐balance model. We validated G3Point and Pro+ using two laboratory flume experiments with different grain size distributions and bed topographies. Commonly used definitions of protrusion may not produce representative τ*c distributions, and Pro+ includes new protrusion definitions to better include flow and bed structure influences on particle mobility. The combined G3Point/Pro+ provided accurate grain size, protrusion and τ*c distributions with simple GSD calibration. The largest source of error in protrusion and τ*c distributions were from incorrect grain boundaries and grain locations in G3Point, and calibration of grain software beyond comparing GSD is likely needed. Pro+ can be coupled with grain identifying software and relatively easily obtainable data to provide informed estimates of τ*c. These could replace arbitrary choices of τ*c and potentially improve channel stability and sediment transport estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mandibular fractures are frequent in facial trauma. Management of mandibular condylar fractures (MCF) remains an ongoing matter of controversy in maxillofacial injury. A number of techniques, from closed reduction (CR) to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), can be effectively used to manage these fractures. The best treatment strategy, that is, closed reduction or open reduction with internal fixation, remains controversial. Aim: The aim of this study is to systematically review the existing scientific literature to determine whether open reduction with internal fixation or closed reduction is a better treatment alternative for the patients with condylar fractures through a meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases like PubMed, google scholar and Ebsco Host were searched from 2000 to December 2021 for studies reporting management of condylar fractures through open reduction with internal fixation against closed reduction and reporting the outcome in terms of mean and standard deviation (SD). Quality assessment of included case control and cohort studies was performed using Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and randomized studies were evaluated using Cochrane risk-of-bias (ROB)-2 tool through its domains. The risk of bias summary graph and risk of bias summary applicability concern was plotted using RevMan software version 5.3. The standardized mean difference (SDM) was used as summary statistic measure with random effect model and p value <0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Seventeen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis, of which only nine studies were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate through the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of 0.80, 0.36 and 0.42 for maximum inter incisal opening, laterotrusion and protrusion favours CR compared to ORIF for condylar fracture management. Also, most results of heterogeneity tests were poor and most of the funnel plots showed asymmetry, indicating the presence of possible publication bias. Conclusion: The results of our meta-analysis suggest that CR provides superior outcomes in terms of maximum inter incisal opening, laterotrusion and protrusion compared to ORIF in condylar fractures management. It is necessary to conduct more prospective randomized studies and properly control confounding factors to achieve effective results and gradually unify clinical guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low Temperature Polysilicon (LTPS) is the most popular channel material used in the thin film transistor and it has the protrusions due to the volume expansion of Si and the presence of its native oxide. The protrusions cause the negative effects such as interface trap, hysteresis and so on. In that sense, the heights need to be lowered or eventually flattened. In this study, we used the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) technique to reduce the surface roughness of LTPS to the 1nm and even lower. One of the most difficult problmes in the large sized CMP process is the removal of slurry residues after CMP and we successfully overcome the issue by using the hydrophilic angent. Finally, we are succesfully able to prepare AMOLED panel with reduced gate insulator thickness by using the CMP process and it shows less hysteresis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wissen Kompakt is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Featured Application: Wind-tunnel tests of 3D-printed soccer balls with various surface features are used to create an equation that predicts the critical Reynolds number. Eight balls were manufactured with a 3D printer to resemble various types of 32-panel soccer balls. One ball was completely smooth, whereas the other seven possessed various dimple patterns on their surface panels. Seam width and seam depth were also varied. Wind-tunnel experiments were performed to extract aerodynamic coefficients, and also to determine the critical Reynolds number for each manufactured ball. A new surface roughness parameter is introduced, and a fitting formula is presented, which allows for the prediction of the critical Reynolds number if the new parameter is known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dam spillways permit the release of excess water from reservoirs; however, these structures can experience erosion during these releases, causing damage to dam infrastructure. To study rock mass erodibility in this context, a scaled physical model of an unlined open-channel flow spillway is built. The set-up used allows studying multiple parameters influencing rock mass erosion, such as joint orientation, joint opening, block protrusion, joint roughness, and block shape and size. The model also permits varying hydraulic parameters, including channel roughness, flow velocity, and flow turbulence. Using this model, it was evaluated how joint opening and surface protrusion (height and configuration) affect hydraulic parameters both on the block surface and inside rock joints responsible for rock block uplift. Dynamic pressure in the joints varied less than on the block top, with less variability as joint opening size decreased. The force acting on the block top, i.e. on the channel surface, was the main force influencing block uplift, and its effectiveness was affected by protrusion configuration, protrusion height, and joint opening. The uplift force under the block, induced mainly by static pressure, remained constant regardless of protrusion configuration and joint opening. However, the block geometry used may have induced less dynamic pressure under the block. Therefore, block geometry may alter the relative effects of protrusion and joint opening on uplift pressure. Future studies should evaluate how block shape affects the role of both parameters on rock mass erodibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between the degree of severity of neurological signs in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (TL-IVDD) and the magnitude of spinal cord compression on the computed tomography (CT) transverse view of the vertebra at the site of the greatest narrowing of the spinal canal caused by extruded disc material. In a total of 78 dogs with TL-IVDD, the greatest narrowing of the spinal canal at the site of greatest spinal cord compression was observed in the T11-T12 region (48.35 ± 20.70%) and the smallest in the L2-L3 region (33.06 ± 15.40%). There was a significant difference in the percentage of spinal canal narrowing between the L2-L3 region and the T11-T12 (P = 0.034), T12-T13 (P = 0.033) and T13-L1 (P = 0.022) regions, respectively. Females showed a significantly higher percentage of spinal canal narrowing compared to males (P = 0.029); the highest percentage of spinal canal narrowing was found in neutered females compared to intact females (P = 0.013), neutered males (P = 0.029), and intact males (P = 0.001), respectively. In addition, the dogs included in the study were divided into a group of chondrodystrophic (n = 55) and a group of nonchondrodystrophic (n = 23) dogs. Dogs of chondrodystrophic breeds generally showed a highly significantly (P = 0.001) more severe degree of neurological signs compared to dogs of nonchondrodystrophic breeds. Results of this study can be useful in veterinary practice diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: By investigating the thermal-mechanical interaction between the through silicon via (TSV) and the Cu pad, this study aimed to determine the effect of electroplating defects on the upper surface protrusion and internal stress distribution of the TSV at various temperatures and to provide guidelines for the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process. Design/methodology/approach: A simplified model that consisted of a TSV (100 µm in diameter and 300 µm in height), a covering Cu pad (2 µm thick) and an internal drop-like electroplating defect (which had various dimensions and locations) was developed. The surface overall deformation and stress distribution of these models under various thermal conditions were analyzed and compared. Findings: The Cu pad could barely suppress the upper surface protrusion of the TSV if the temperature was below 250 ?. Interfacial delamination started at the collar of the TSV at about 250 ? and became increasingly pronounced at higher temperatures. The electroplating defect constantly experienced the highest level of strain and stress during the temperature increase, despite its geometry or location. But as its radius expanded or its distance to the upper surface increased, the overall deformation of the upper surface and the stress concentration at the collar of the TSV showed a downward trend. Originality/value: Previous studies have not examined the influence of the electroplating void on the thermal behavior of the TSV. However, with the proposed methodology, the strain and stress distribution of the TSV under different conditions in terms of temperature, dimension and location of the electroplating void were thoroughly investigated, which might be beneficial to the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited information is available regarding intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) and its treatment in cats. Objectives: Describe outcomes after surgical or conservative treatment of cats with thoracolumbar and lumbosacral IVDH. Animals: Ninety‐two cats from 2 referral populations (2012‐2022) with compressive IVDH between the T3 and S1 vertebrae. Methods: Retrospective cohort study evaluating outcomes of surgical (49 cats) and conservative (36 cats) management of IVDH; 7 cats were euthanized at diagnosis. Outcome was assessed using hospital and referring veterinarian records and client questionnaires. Successful outcome was defined as regained or improved ambulation, urinary and fecal continence, and no requirement for analgesic medication. Results: Incidence of IVDH during the study period was 0.44% (92/20849). Surgical treatment resulted in 62% (6 weeks) and 74% success (6 months). Conservative treatment resulted in 54% (6 weeks) and 65% success (6 months). Neurological grade at presentation was higher in cats treated surgically (median, 2; range, 1‐5) than in those treated conservatively (median, 2; range, 0‐4; P =.001). Regardless of treatment type, cats suffering trauma were more likely to have a successful outcome 6 weeks after treatment compared with those without history of trauma (odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.05‐26.78; P =.04). Neurological deficits remained in the majority of cats for both treatment types (92%, conservative; 86%, surgical at 6 weeks). Acute‐on‐chronic IVDH with characteristics of both extrusion and protrusion were identified in 10% of cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Conservative treatment could be as effective as surgical decompression in cats with thoracolumbar or lumbosacral IVDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allorecognition of donor HLA is a major risk factor for long‐term kidney graft survival. Although several molecular matching algorithms have been proposed that compare physiochemical and structural features of the donors' and recipients' HLA proteins in order to predict their compatibility, the exact underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. We hypothesized that the ElliPro approach of single ellipsoid fitting and protrusion ranking lacks sensitivity for the characteristic shape of HLA molecules and developed a prediction pipeline named Snowball that is fitting smaller ellipsoids iteratively to substructures. Aggregated protrusion ranks of locally fitted ellipsoids were calculated for 712 publicly available HLA structures and 78 predicted structures using AlphaFold 2. Amino‐acid sequence and protrusion ranks were used to train deep neural network predictors to infer protrusion ranks for all known HLA sequences. Snowball protrusion ranks appear to be more sensitive than ElliPro scores in fine parts of the HLA such as the helix structures forming the HLA binding groove in particular when the ellipsoids are fitted to substructures considering atoms within a 15 Å radius. A cloud‐based web service was implemented based on amino‐acid matching considering both protein‐ and position‐specific surface area and protrusion ranks extending the previously presented Snowflake prediction pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of dental crowding and protrusion on the self-esteem levels of patients desiring orthodontic treatment. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthodontics, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Aug 2019 to Mar 2020. Methodology: One hundred and ten patients were included in the study. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to evaluate self-esteem levels, and the scores were correlated with the severity of malocclusion. Dental crowding and lip protrusion were evaluated on study casts and lateral cephalograms, respectively, taken during clinical examination of the patients. All the measurements were taken twice by the same operator. Results: The mean self-esteem (SE) score was highest in patients with no crowding (22.20±5.14) and lowest in cases with severe crowding (16.75±3.23). The self-esteem among various categories of crowding was statistically significant (p=0.003). No statistically significant difference in self-esteem levels was seen for lip protrusion, age, or gender. Conclusion: Patients with severe crowding had significantly lower self-esteem, while patients with nil or mild crowding had significantly higher self-esteem. This finding indicates that while being important for oral health, functional and esthetic reasons, orthodontic treatment may also have strong psychosocial benefits.

This experimental study investigates an innovative approach to enhance surface heat transfer efficiency by employing V-pattern protrusions in conjunction with an impinging air jet. The synergy between surface roughness and the air jet induces heightened turbulence, resulting in significantly improved heat transfer performance. Various parameters on a jet plate, such as relative streamwise spacing (X/Dh), relative spanwise spacing (Y/Dh), and relative jet diameter (dJ/Dh), were systematically explored over a Reynolds number range of 4,000 to 18,000, representing the operational range. Optimal thermo-hydraulic efficiency was achieved at specific parameter values: relative streamwise spacing (X/Dh) of 1.7, relative spanwise spacing (Y/Dh) of 0.86, and relative jet diameter (dJ/Dh) of 0.086. Statistical correlations were established based on experimental data for both Nusselt number and friction factor. Furthermore, an exhaustive exergetic analysis was conducted to evaluate the thermal system’s sustainability, potential for waste heat recovery, and avenues for improvement. This study’s significance lies in its pioneering approach to augmenting heat transfer through the novel integration of V-pattern protrusions and impinging air jets. The results not only delineate optimal parameter configurations for enhancing heat transfer but also provide insights into system sustainability, waste heat recovery potential, and broader applications. By amalgamating distinct techniques, this research advances the existing literature by achieving superior thermal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A novel turbulated cutback structure is designed for trailing-edge cooling, which has smooth-transition protrusions on the cutback surface. Experimental investigations are carried out on the effects of the protrusion configuration and the blowing ratio M on adiabatic cooling effectiveness and convective heat transfer coefficient of the cutback surface using transient thermochromic liquid crystal technology and steady pressure-sensitive paint technology as measuring methods. As M increases, the comprehensive heat transfer performance (heat flux ratio) first increases and then decreases, reaching a peak at M = 1.00. The smooth-transition protrusions effectively enhance the comprehensive heat transfer performance by 12.4 ~ 36.8% of the cutback surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filopodia are dynamic cell surface protrusions used for cell motility, pathogen infection, and tissue development. The molecular mechanisms determining how and where filopodia grow and retract need to integrate mechanical forces and membrane curvature with extracellular signaling and the broader state of the cytoskeleton. The involved actin regulatory machinery nucleates, elongates, and bundles actin filaments separately from the underlying actin cortex. The refined membrane and actin geometry of filopodia, importance of tissue context, high spatiotemporal resolution required, and high degree of redundancy all limit current models. New technologies are improving opportunities for functional insight, with reconstitution of filopodia in vitro from purified components, endogenous genetic modification, inducible perturbation systems, and the study of filopodia in multicellular environments. In this review, we explore recent advances in conceptual models of how filopodia form, the molecules involved in this process, and our latest understanding of filopodia in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight balls were manufactured with a 3D printer to resemble various types of 32-panel soccer balls. One ball was completely smooth, whereas the other seven possessed various dimple patterns on their surface panels. Seam width and seam depth were also varied. Wind-tunnel experiments were performed to extract aerodynamic coefficients, and also to determine the critical Reynolds number for each manufactured ball. A new surface roughness parameter is introduced, and a fitting formula is presented, which allows for the prediction of the critical Reynolds number if the new parameter is known.

Purpose Individual anatomical structural variations, including intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostatic urethral angle (PUA), prostatic urethral length, or prostatic apex shape, were correlated with micturition symptoms. We aimed to investigate the effects of these variables on micturition symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods This observational study was based on data from 263 men with the first visit to health promotion center and without BPH/LUTS treatment between March 2020 and September 2022. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the variables affecting total international prostate symptom score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and voiding efficacy (postvoid residual volume to total bladder volume ratio). Results Of 263 patients, decreasing PUA increases the severity of international prostate symptoms score (mild, 141.9°; moderate, 136.0°; severe, 131.2°; P

The current study studies the drag reduction offered by the plate with protrusions to the swirling steam-water two-phase flows. Protrusions of different types, having triangular, sinusoidal, and trapezoidal shapes, are investigated. The variations and modifications were made in the dimensions and orientations (facing along or across, flush-mounted or protruded into the swirling flows), to test the effectivity of these protrusions. At 5 bars of inlet gauge pressure and rpm varying from 360 to 1440, the trapezoidal shape provides the most effective drag reduction. It is also found from the PIV images of the fluid region near the protrusions that the drag reduction in the trapezoidal-shaped protrusions occurs mainly due to the secondary flow structures formation over those protrusions.On the one hand, the lateral spacing between the adjacent protrusions created the region of strengthening and expansion against the higher opposite inertial forces from the main swirling core fluids. While on the other hand, these spacings justify the impact of the axial elongation of the vortices above the protrusion tips. Further trends in drag reduction have also been investigated by observing the effect of the rise in the temperature of the fluid medium. Reduction in drag from 1.3 to 1.6% is noted using the trapezoidal protrusions for a temperature rise of 25–60 °C. It is also observed that the drag reduction profiles show a rising trend under the influence of the rising Nusselt Number. This trend is attributed to the decrease in viscosity. Whereas under the influence of a rising Prandtl number, the drag reduction shows a decreasing trend, mainly attributed to the rise in the pressure drop at the boundary layers and the pressure drop due to the friction.

Introduction: embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is a tumor that can originate from the bladder wall or vagina, mainly in infants and schoolchildren. This type of tumor is usually diagnosed late due to suspicion of other diseases. Case presentation: two-year-old female patient with urinary tract infection and mass protruded trough the urethral meatus. A tumor mass was identified in the abdomen and pelvis by imaging studies. After removal of the tumor, a diagnosis of embryonal botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma was confirmed by histopathological study. Conclusions: bladder botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma is a very rare neoplasm in pediatric patients; This diagnosis should be considered in the presence of recurrent urinary tract infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pear (Pyrus L.) is one of the most important fruits in the world. Fruit dots are an important trait that affects pear quality. Abnormal fruit dots usually reduce the merchantability of pears. In this research, during cold storage, 'Danxiahong' pear fruit exhibited protrudent fruit dots on the peels. Microscopy system measurement showed that fruit dots size and height on the abnormal fruit peel were bigger and higher than the normal ones. Likewise, scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the abnormal fruit peel, in contrast to the normal pear peel, exhibited an abnormal cell structure and fruit dots. Physiological analysis showed that the lignin content in abnormal fruit peel was significantly higher than in normal fruit peel. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that the top-enriched pathways were mainly associated with lignin synthesis and metabolism. The transcripts of lignin biosynthesis-associated genes were analyzed, and the results showed that the expression of a cascade of structural genes, including PpyPAL, PpyCCR, PpyC3H, PpyC4H, PpyHCT, PpyCAD, PpyLAC, and PpyPOD, was significantly induced in the protrudent peels. Furthermore, the expression of regulatory genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, especially the NAC-MYB-based gene regulatory network, was significantly upregulated in the abnormal peels. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis confirmed the induction of lignin biosynthesis genes. Overall, this research revealed that the abnormal fruit surface was caused by fruit dots disorder during cold storage. This research provides insights into the fine regulation pathways in the prevention of fruit dots protrusion, especially in modulating lignin synthesis and metabolism during postharvest storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bare-hand input, advantaged as the natural interaction, is a promising way of text input in VR. The paper proposes the predictive next-letter highlighting technology and investigates its spatial enhancement (magnification, protrusion) of the 100% correct predicted keys on bare-hand input in virtual reality. In Experiment One, the predicted keys are magnified in three levels (no magnification, medium magnification, maximum magnification). Results show that magnification can improve input performance, but excessive magnification may decrease participants' willingness to use it. In Experiment Two, the predicted keys are protruded in four levels (0 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm). We found that the overall input performance, especially on intrusion errors, is impaired with protrusion distance. The level of agility may be the critical factor affecting the effect of protrusion distance. In conclusion, the study found that the predicted keys with magnification are good choices for VR bare-hand inputting, especially for the low-agile person. However, the influence of protrusion distance on bare-hand input performance may vary from person to person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the protrusion of the optic nerve (ON) and internal carotid artery (ICA) and sphenoid sinus volume. Methods: A total of 142 patients (284 sphenoid sinuses) were included in the study. The study population was classified into the four groups according to ON and ICA protrusion into the sphenoid sinuses as follows: no protrusion of any structure (group 1); protrusion of ICA (group 2); protrusion of ON (group 3); and protrusion of both ICA and ON (group 4). A three-dimensional volumetric assessment of the bilateral sphenoid sinuses was performed with ITK-SNAP 3.8.0 software separately for both sides. Results: Group 1 was the most common group and included 138 sinuses (48.6%), while group 3 was the rarest group and included 25 sinuses (8.8%). Statistically significant differences in the volume of sphenoid sinus were found between group 1 and group 2 (p=0.002) and group 1 and group 4 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Larger sphenoid sinuses have a higher probability of ICA protrusion compared to smaller sphenoid sinuses. Although ON protrusion is considered to be rarer than ICA protrusion, it can be observed regardless of the volume of the sphenoid sinuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional solar air heater (SAH) has poor performance and in this work, an initiative has been taken to improve their overall performance with the help of a combined roughness pattern over the absorber plate. The experimental setup has been designed and fabricated having a rectangular duct with one heat-absorbing side (with roughness). The combination of dimple and protrusion roughness elements are arranged alternatively over the absorber plate for performance improvement of SAH. The precise placement of these roughness elements over the heat-absorbing side has been ensured with relative roughness pitch (RRP; P/e), print diameter to hydraulic diameter (d/D), and relative roughness height (RRH, e/D) which ranged from 10 to 20, 0.025–0.045, and 0.25 to 0.5, respectively. It is discovered with the experimental results that the thermal performance increases along with the pressure loss in the roughened SAH (rSAH). The heat flow increment is comparatively higher at the trailing and the leading edge of the dimple and the protrusion because of flow separation, reattachment, and flow impingement. The thermal performance is the highest while RRP, RRH, d/D are 10, 0.036, and d/D = 0.35, respectively. The proposed roughness pattern has resulted in a 2.1 and 1.95 times higher thermal augmentation and overall performance of SAH over the conventional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a clinical syndrome with neurogenic claudication, low back ache, with radiating pain to lower limbs, due to a decrease in spinal canal dimensions. Degeneration is the most common etiology, resulting due to facet joint arthropathy and intervertebral disc protrusion. Surgical intervention should be considered when conservative methods fail or if there is a progressive worsening of signs or symptoms. Most of surgical techniques are based on the principles of decompression with or without stabilization and fusion. Two or more levels of laminectomy with stabilization and fusion provide effective spinal stability but have limited adverse effect. Methodology: This is a study of 40 patients with lumbar canal stenosis, who were admitted in Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital, from July 01, 2016, to August 01, 2022. The patients admitted were allocated alternatively into two groups, decompression alone and decompression with stabilization/fusion with 20 cases each, respectively. Results: Both the groups were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively based on demographic criteria and on clinical history, radiographic angle measurements, and Oswestry Disability Index. Conclusion: The diagnosis of LSS is often challenging and requires proper clinical assessment of the patients and their symptoms and correlates with the radiological findings. Considering these, we suggest decompression alone may be considered rather than stabilization and fusion in patients with less than two-level stenosis and stabilization with fusion more than two levels.

Despite the well-established role of actin polymerization as a driving mechanism for cell protrusion, upregulated actin polymerization alone does not initiate protrusions. Using a combination of theoretical modeling and quantitative live-cell imaging experiments, we show that local depletion of actin-membrane links is needed for protrusion initiation. Specifically, we show that the actin-membrane linker ezrin is depleted prior to protrusion onset and that perturbation of ezrin's affinity for actin modulates protrusion frequency and efficiency. We also show how actin-membrane release works in concert with actin polymerization, leading to a comprehensive model for actin-driven shape changes. Actin-membrane release plays a similar role in protrusions driven by intracellular pressure. Thus, our findings suggest that protrusion initiation might be governed by a universal regulatory mechanism, whereas the mechanism of force generation determines the shape and expansion properties of the protrusion.

ABSTRACT The objective was to verify if the primary root emission can be recommended as a vigor test for soybean seeds. For this, five lots of varieties ANTA 82, NA7337 and BRS1074IPRO were evaluated by first count, germination, emergence, emergence speed index and tetrazolium tests. In the root protrusion test at 20, 25 and 30 ºC, two evaluation criteria were adopted: primary root emission precocity index (PREPI) and percentage of seeds that emitted the primary root (PRE). The seeds counted were those with a primary root equal to or greater than 2 mm, every 12 h from the installation of the test until 120 h. The design was completely randomized and means were compared, within each evaluation time, using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. Pearson’s linear correlation was performed for PREPI and PRE with emergence. PREPI was not considered efficient. For the PRE, at 20 ºC, there was a correlation at 72 h, for the three varieties. At 25 ºC there was a correlation for a period of 36 h for ANTA 82 and NA7337 and 60 h for BRS1074IPRO. At 30 ºC there was a correlation in the time of 36 h for the three cultivars. Considering that speed in obtaining results is important in vigor tests, it is concluded that primary root emission for 36 h after installing the test at 30 ºC is recommended as a vigor test in the quality control of soybean seeds.

Cell-shape is a conglomerate of mechanical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that reflects the cell biophysical state. In a specific application, we consider aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs), which maintain the structure and function of aortic heart valve leaflets. Actomyosin stress fibers help determine AVIC shape and facilitate processes such as adhesion, contraction, and mechanosensing. However, detailed 3D assessment of stress fiber architecture and function is currently impractical. Herein, we assessed AVIC shape and contractile behaviors using hydrogel-based 3D traction force microscopy to intuit the orientation and behavior of AVIC stress fibers. We utilized spherical harmonics (SPHARM) to quantify AVIC geometries through three days of incubation, which demonstrated a shift from a spherical shape to forming substantial protrusions. Furthermore, we assessed changes in post-three day AVIC shape and contractile function within two testing regimes: (1) normal contractile level to relaxation (cytochalasin D), and (2) normal contractile level to hyper-contraction (endothelin-1). In both scenarios, AVICs underwent isovolumic shape changes and produced complex displacement fields within the hydrogel. AVICs were more elongated when relaxed and more spherical in hyper-contraction. Locally, AVIC protrusions contracted along their long axis and expanded in their circumferential direction, indicating predominately axially aligned stress fibers. Furthermore, the magnitude of protrusion displacements was correlated with protrusion length and approached a consistent displacement plateau at a similar critical length across all AVICs. This implied that stress fiber behavior is conserved, despite great variations in AVIC shapes. We anticipate our findings will bolster future investigations into AVIC stress fiber architecture and function. Within the aortic valve there exists a population of aortic valve interstitial cells, which orchestrate the turnover, secretion, and remodeling of its extracellular matrix, maintaining tissue integrity and ultimately sustaining the proper mechanical function. Alterations in these processes are thought to underlie diseases of the aortic valve, which affect hundreds of thousands domestically and world-wide. Yet, to date, there are no non-surgical treatments for aortic heart valve disease, in part due to our limited understanding of the underlying disease processes. In the present study, we built upon our previous study to include a full 3D analysis of aortic valve interstitial cell shapes at differing contractile levels. The resulting detailed shape and deformation analysis provided insight into the underlying stress-fiber structures and mechanical behaviors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accessory sphenoidal septum (ASS) is a septal variation that exists in addition to the primary septum of the sphenoid sinus and can be found in or near anatomically essential structures. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between protrusions of vital structures around the sphenoid sinus and the ASSs. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study is based on the analysis of CBCT scans of 314 patients in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes with 0.2–0.3 slice thicknesses. Optic nerve (ON), internal carotid artery (ICA), both ON and ICA, maxillary nerve (MN), vidian canal (VN) and ASSs were detected, and the relationship between protrusions of these vital anatomical structures and ASS was evaluated. Results: Statistically significant relationship was observed between the right Type 1 ON protrusion (p < 0.05) and left Type 1 ON protrusion (p = 0.001); left Type 3 ON protrusion (p < 0.05); right Type 4 ON protrusion (p < 0.05) and ASS. Statistically significant relationship was also observed between the right ICA protrusion and ASS (p < 0.05). The right Type 1 VN protrusion (p = 0.001); left Type 2 VN protrusion (p < 0.001); right and left Type 3 VN protrusions (p < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the ASS. Conclusions: ASSs have significant associations with some protrusions, and they tend to cause potentially severe complications in endoscopic sinus surgery. This variability requires a comprehensive understanding of regional sphenoid sinus anatomy with detailed three-dimensional tomographic imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study studies the drag reduction offered by the plate with protrusions to the swirling steam-water two-phase flows. Protrusions of different types, having triangular, sinusoidal, and trapezoidal shapes, are investigated. The variations and modifications were made in the dimensions and orientations (facing along or across, flush-mounted or protruded into the swirling flows), to test the effectivity of these protrusions. At 5 bars of inlet gauge pressure and rpm varying from 360 to 1440, the trapezoidal shape provides the most effective drag reduction. It is also found from the PIV images of the fluid region near the protrusions that the drag reduction in the trapezoidal-shaped protrusions occurs mainly due to the secondary flow structures formation over those protrusions. On the one hand, the lateral spacing between the adjacent protrusions created the region of strengthening and expansion against the higher opposite inertial forces from the main swirling core fluids. While on the other hand, these spacings justify the impact of the axial elongation of the vortices above the protrusion tips. Further trends in drag reduction have also been investigated by observing the effect of the rise in the temperature of the fluid medium. Reduction in drag from 1.3 to 1.6% is noted using the trapezoidal protrusions for a temperature rise of 25–60 °C. It is also observed that the drag reduction profiles show a rising trend under the influence of the rising Nusselt Number. This trend is attributed to the decrease in viscosity. Whereas under the influence of a rising Prandtl number, the drag reduction shows a decreasing trend, mainly attributed to the rise in the pressure drop at the boundary layers and the pressure drop due to the friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Most of us has experienced low back pain (LBP) at least one time during his life, but there is no knowledge on weightlifting athletes. Indeed, LBP is one of the most complained injuries, usually caused by disc herniation. The athlete needs to know the correct training technique to reduce stress on joints and to avoid severe injuries. But once the injury has happened, the role of rehabilitation is crucial, because the athlete needs to return to the sport as soon as possible in an optimal condition. Objective. To analyze if the personalized protocol and the specific therapeutic exercises adopted are effective in amateur weightlifters. Patients and methods. LBP has been diagnosed on seven amateur weightlifters out of fifty athletes. We proposed a personalized rehabilitation treatment based on the symptoms of the patients, adapting it to their needs, following them until their return to the sport practice. Results. All patients returned to the sport practice, most of them at the same level as before the injury. One of them returned to the sport practice gradually, but not yet at the same level, and the last one is getting better results compared to the ones before the injury. Conclusions. In our experience, personalizing the rehabilitation on the symptoms of the patient is the key point of the rehabilitation program, as long as choosing the right therapeutic exercises for each patient. Pain and load management is the starting point; the specific exercise selection should be decided upon the level of discomfort the patient can work with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to look into the attitudes of Iraqi orthodontists towards the extraction of maxillary second premolars rather than maxillary first premolars and the usage of skeletal anchoring devices. Methods: 400 Iraqi orthodontists received an online questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics. Results: The poll received 89 responses from orthodontists (22.25 percent). The larger the carious lesion in the upper second premolar, the more likely it is to be extracted over the healthy upper first premolar. Furthermore, the duration of therapy was associated to the extraction decisions made by orthodontists. In this study, orthodontists determined that using a mini-implant as a temporary anchorage device was acceptable. Conclusions: When orthodontists determined which teeth to extract for orthodontic therapy, the condition of the teeth was the most important factor to consider. Furthermore, while most orthodontists utilize mini-implants to improve anchorage during orthodontic treatment, there are still some elements of mini-implant use that orthodontists need to understand.

Aim: Incisal guidance (IG) varies with maxillary and mandibular teeth wear. It in turn governs the forces on adhesive restorations. The present study evaluates the variation in forces because of changes in IG. Materials and Methods: IG was recorded on 46 subjects along with the distance from centric contact to incisal edge. Biteforce was recorded in the maximum possible intercuspal position (MIP) and in protrusion in the anterior region. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 21 at a confidence level ≤0.05. Pearson correlation test was applied to determine r value. Results: The association between forces on anterior teeth in MIP and forces on teeth in contact in protrusion is statistically significant (P value 0.001). There is definitive correlation between forces exerted in MIP and the distance travelled from centric contact to incisal edge (r = 0.059). There is a weak correlation between forces on anterior teeth in MIP and protrusive IG (r value 0.172). Conclusion: The force on anterior teeth in MIP with steeper IG is higher. Hence, the restoration margin should be kept away from the centric contact point.

Invadopodia are finger-like protrusions that are commonly spotted at the membrane of the invasive cancer cell. These structures are a major cause of death among cancer patients through metastasis process. Signal transduction stimulated upon contact between ligand and membrane receptors is identified as one of key factors in invadopodia formation. In this study, a time-dependent mathematical model of signal and ligand is investigated numerically. The moving boundary of plasma membrane is taken as a zero-level set function and is moved by the velocity that accounted as the difference of gradient between intra-cellular signal and extra-cellular ligand. The model is solved using a combination of ghost with linear extrapolation and finite difference methods. The results showed that the stimulation of signal from membrane associated ligand consequently moved the plasma membrane outward as time increases. The highest densities of signal and ligand are recorded on the membrane and slowly diffused into intra-cellular and extra-cellular regions, respectively.

High heat flux dissipation from the Lithium-ion battery pack of hybrid electric vehicles is one of the major concerns in the automotive sector, since it directly affects the performance and it may also lead to permanent failure. Among various thermal management systems, forced air cooling is most favorable due to its light weight, compactness, lower cost, and design flexibility. In the present work, a battery thermal management system with the two types of vortex generator in the coolant passage has been used to enhance the performance. A numerical model has been developed in commercial code to investigate the performance of the delta winglet and circular protrusion type vortex generator. Apart from that, both types of vortex generator have been compared in terms of various parameters such as pressure drop, weight, and maximum temperature. From the results of the simulation, it has been observed that both vortex generators performed better at the attack angle of 30° in comparison to the attack angles of 45° and 60°. Furthermore, it has also been found that the cooling system with protrusion as the vortex generator has performed better in terms of thermos-hydraulic performance compared to the cooling system with the delta winglet vortex generator. In addition to that, the protruded system is lighter in weight compared to both the plain and delta winglet systems, and is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) induced luminescence can be used to study various optoelectronic phenomena of single molecules and to understand the fundamental photophysical mechanisms involved. To clearly observe the molecule-specific luminescence, it is important to improve the quantum efficiency of molecules in the metallic nanocavity. In this work, we investigate theoretically the influence of an atomic-scale protrusion on the substrate on the emission properties of a point dipole oriented parallel to the substrate in a silver plasmonic nanocavity by electromagnetic simulations. We find that an atomic-scale protrusion on the substrate can strongly enhance the quantum efficiency of a horizontal dipole emitter, similar to the situation with a protrusion at the tip apex. We also consider a double-protrusion junction geometry in which there is an atomic-scale protrusion on both the tip and the substrate, and find that this geometry does provide significantly enhanced emission compared with the protrusion-free situation, but does not appear to improve the quantum efficiency compared to the mono-protrusion situation either at the tip apex or on the substrate. These results are believed to be instructive for future STM induced electroluminescence and photoluminescence studies on single molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In both physiological processes and disease contexts, migrating cells have the ability to adapt to conditions in their environment. As an in vivo model for this process, we use zebrafish primordial germ cells that migrate throughout the developing embryo. When migrating within an ectodermal environment, the germ cells form fewer and smaller blebs when compared with their behavior within mesodermal environment. We find that cortical tension of neighboring cells is a parameter that affects blebbing frequency. Interestingly, the change in blebbing activity is accompanied by the formation of more actin-rich protrusions. These alterations in cell behavior that correlate with changes in RhoA activity could allow the cells to maintain dynamic motility parameters, such as migration speed and track straightness, in different settings. In addition, we find that the polarity of the cells can be affected by stiff structures positioned in their migration path. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the frequency of protrusion of the Internal Carotid artery in the sphenoid sinus and dehiscence of the carotid canal in a subset of the Karachi population. Study design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Radiology Department of Ziauddin University. Methodology: We analyzed 270 head and neck CT scans 270 Head and neck CT scans (540 sides) were analyzed. CT was performed on a 16-slice Toshiba Alexion at Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 270 CT scans analyzed, 28 (10.3) scans showed protrusion of ICA in the sphenoid sinus. Out of 45 (16.6) of the subjects showed dehiscence of the carotid canal. Out of total dehiscence, present unilateral cases were more frequent as compared to bilateral. The unilateral protrusion was also more common as compared to the bilateral protrusion of the ICA. Conclusion: Knowledge of dehiscence and protrusion related to ICA and sphenoid sinus anatomy is essential to avoid complications in endoscopic sinus surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to verify if the primary root emission can be recommended as a vigor test for soybean seeds. For this, five lots of varieties ANTA 82, NA7337 and BRS1074IPRO were evaluated by first count, germination, emergence, emergence speed index and tetrazolium tests. In the root protrusion test at 20, 25 and 30 °C, two evaluation criteria were adopted: primary root emission precocity index (PREPI) and percentage of seeds that emitted the primary root (PRE). The seeds counted were those with a primary root equal to or greater than 2 mm, every 12 h from the installation of the test until 120 h. The design was completely randomized and means were compared, within each evaluation time, using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. Pearson's linear correlation was performed for PREPI and PRE with emergence. PREPI was not considered efficient. For the PRE, at 20 °C, there was a correlation at 72 h, for the three varieties. At 25 °C there was a correlation for a period of 36 h for ANTA 82 and NA7337 and 60 h for BRS1074IPRO. At 30 °C there was a correlation in the time of 36 h for the three cultivars. Considering that speed in obtaining results is important in vigor tests, it is concluded that primary root emission for 36 h after installing the test at 30 °C is recommended as a vigor test in the quality control of soybean seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case report of the clinical features and follow-up of an unusual case of a three-day-old baby boy with bilateral protrusion of the buccal pad of fat into the oral cavity. A follow-up of two years is also presented here. No history of trauma was reported. The swellings gradually decreased in size and finally disappeared by the age of 22 months. Hence, the clinician should be aware about this self-limiting and self-disappearing developmental anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]