bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perennial grassland systems possess more complex bacterial communities and inter-domain networks across three land-use types
Authors: Zhu Ruifen , Liu Chang , Xu Yuandong , Sun Wanbin , chen jishan
Published: August 2023

Aims Continuous cropping is a common cropping practice in northeast China. This practice can positively or negatively impact soil microbial community. However, the response of rhizosphere microbial community structures, specific microbial taxa, and co-occurrence patterns to different continuous cropping systems are rarely tested.Methods In this study, soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of three different continuous cropping systems (Corn, Alfalfa and Sheepgrass) were analyzed for microbial community (bacterial and fungal) composition and structural responses using an Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing technique.Results Our results revealed that the α- and β-diversity indices of the fungal communities were significantly different across the three continuous cropping systems. The analysis of the molecular ecological network revealed that Alfalfa communities had the highest number of nodes and edges in the bacterial network while Sheepgrass had the highest number of nodes and edges in the fungal network. To distinguish differences between the co-occurring taxa among the three cropping systems, we compared the number of positive and negative links within and between microbial groups. This highlights that perennial grassland systems had more complex bacterial and inter-domain networks. Our inter-domain networks also revealed the predominant role of fungi as a key taxon in soil microbiome networks across the three land-use types.Conclusions Our results demonstrated that continuous cropping of perennial forage crops enhanced soil microbial diversity, network complexity and multifunctionality. Moreover, changes in microbiota characteristics are positively dependent on forage-induced changes in soil multifunctionality.
Associations of Self-Reported Sun Exposure and 25- Hydroxyvitamin D with Blood Pressure: Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Multi-Ethnic Community Sample
Authors: Rahman Juma , Sluyter John , Scragg Robert
Published: August 2023

Background: Physiological and epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin D may have several antihypertensive actions, and sun exposure is the primary source of vitamin D in humans. However, the results of recent trials are inconsistent. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], sun exposure, and blood pressure (BP).
Methods: We performed univariate and multivariable regression analyses. Sun exposure was assessed using a questionnaire to investigate the frequency of this activity in the past three months. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from blood samples collected during baseline assessment. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured by an Omron T9P oscillometric device.
Results: A total of 5,108 study participants aged 50–84 years were recruited from family practices in New Zealand. Age, ethnicity, BMI, and history of high BP were significantly associated with all BP indices. Serum 25(OH)D was not associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) [25(OH)D <25 nmol/L mean diff -0.7 mmHg (1.5) compared to ≥75 nmol/L; P = 0.62] or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [25(OH)D <25 nmol/L mean diff 0.7 (0.8) compared to ≥75 nmol/L; P = 0.79]. Sun exposure was positively associated (P<0.0001) with serum 25(OHD) level. When all key variables were adjusted for, sun exposure was positively associated (P < 0.05) with SBP [3.1 mmHg (1.0) compared to lowest; P = 0.01] and DBP [1.7 mmHg (0.5) compared to lowest; P = 0.01], but 25(OH)D was unrelated to these. Independently of sun exposure and 25(OH)D, BP varied with season, being lowest in summer (by up to 3 mmHg).
Conclusion:
These results indicate that sun exposure and winter season are associated with higher BP, independently of one another and of 25(OH)D, while the latter was unrelated to BP. The winter increase in BP is likely due to other factors than low vitamin D levels at that time of year (Figure 1).
Preoperative sequential short-course radiation therapy and FOLFOX chemotherapy versus long-course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SOLAR trial)
Authors: Kang Min Kyu , Yeun Park Soo , Park Jun Seok , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Jong Gwang , Kang Byung Woog , Baek Jin Ho , Cho Seung Hyun , Seo An Na , Kim Duck-Woo , Kim Jin , Baek Se Jin , Kim Ji Hoon , Ha Gi Won , Park Eun Jung , Park In Ja , Kim Chang Hyun , Kang Hyun , Choi Gyu-Seog , Kim Ji Yeon
Published: August 2023

Background Preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy has been widely used as an effective treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), leading to a significant reduction in pelvic recurrence rates. Because early administration of intensive chemotherapy for LARC has more advantages than adjuvant chemotherapy, total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has been introduced and evaluated to determine whether it can improve tumor response or treatment outcomes. This study aims to investigate whether short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by intensive chemotherapy improves oncologic outcomes compared with traditional preoperative long-course chemoradiotherapy (CRT).Methods A multicenter randomized phase II trial involving 364 patients with LARC (cT3–4, cN+, or presence of extramural vascular invasion) will be conducted. Patients will be randomly assigned to the experimental or control arm at a ratio of 1:1. Participants in the experimental arm will receive SCRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions, daily) followed by four cycles of FOLFOX (oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and folinic acid) as a neoadjuvant treatment, and those in the control arm will receive conventional radiotherapy (45−50.4 Gy in 25−28 fractions, 5 times a week) concurrently with capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil. As a mandatory surgical procedure, total mesorectal excision will be performed 2–5 weeks from the last cycle of chemotherapy in the experimental arm and 6–8 weeks after the last day of radiotherapy in the control arm. The primary endpoint is 3-year disease-free survival, and the secondary endpoints are tumor response, overall survival, toxicities, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.Discussion This is the first Korean randomized controlled study comparing TNT with traditional preoperative LC-CRT for LARC. The involvement of experienced colorectal surgeons ensures high-quality surgical resection. SCRT followed by FOLFOX chemotherapy is expected to improve disease-free survival compared with CRT, with potential advantages in tumor response, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.Trial registration This trial is registered at Clinical Research Information under the identifier Service KCT0004874 on April 02, 2020, and at Clinicaltrial.gov under the identifier NCT05673772 on January 06, 2023.
ADHD Prescription Patterns and Medication Adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cunniff Peter , Ahsan Amil , McCrary Catherine , Dien Tracy , Kuhn Tristan , Vazifedan Turaj , Harrington John
Published: August 2023

Background
COVID-19 put students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at risk of disruptions to their medication regimen and school performance, and telehealth appointments became more common during the pandemic. Our study aimed to identify if ADHD medication regimens were disrupted through analyzing prescription refill schedules and if telehealth management demonstrated a higher rate of adherence.
Methods
Patients between the ages of 8–18 with a history of ADHD for three or more years medically managed with four or more prescription refills between January 2019 and May 2022 were reviewed. A retrospective chart review collected age, sex, race, refill schedule, and appointment schedule.
Results
The total percentage of patients who had their ADHD medications refilled between January 2019 and March 2020 ranged from 40–66% versus 31–44% between April 2020 and May 2022. Additionally, the total percentage of patients who had quarterly ADHD management appointments between January 2019 and March 2020 ranged between 59–70% versus 33–50% between April 2020 and June 2022. The number of months with ADHD prescription refills over the last three years was significantly higher among those who had both virtual and in-person visits than those who had just in-person visits, p < 0.001.
Conclusions
Since the start of the pandemic, ADHD patients have both refilled their prescriptions and returned to clinic less frequently. This data suggests a need to re-evaluate the ADHD symptoms of GAP patients periodically and return them to a more consistent medication regimen. Telehealth appointments are a potential solution to increase adherence.
Status of the invasion of Carpobrotus edulis in Uruguay based on community science records
Authors: Grattarola Florencia , Rodríguez-Tricot Lucía , Zarucki Matías , Laufer Gabriel
Published: August 2023

Carpobrotus edulis, a highly invasive plant species repeatedly introduced along the Atlantic coast of South America, poses a significant threat to the ecological integrity of coastal dune ecosystems in Uruguay. This study used 15 years of iNaturalist records to assess the magnitude of Carpobrotusinvasion, focusing on its distribution, abundance, and reproductive structures. Through the analysis of georeferenced and dated data, we determined that Carpobrotus has spread extensively, covering a 10-km-wide coastal area and occupying approximately 220 km along the Atlantic coast and the outer Rio de la Plata estuary. The presence of this species in both natural and urbanized areas highlights the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate its impact on native biodiversity. Utilizing community science platforms like iNaturalist has been instrumental in monitoring and documenting invasive species occurrences. However, further investigations are necessary, particularly in less sampled regions, to fully understand the extent of Carpobrotus invasion, especially along the eastern coast of Uruguay. To uphold conservation efforts and protect the country's coastal ecosystems, it is crucial for local authorities to reassess current practices related to exotic ornamental planting, which facilitates the spread of Carpobrotus. This study emphasizes the importance of robust monitoring programs in combating invasive species. By addressing the invasion of C. edulis, the ecological integrity of coastal dune ecosystems can be preserved, ensuring the survival of native flora and fauna along Uruguay's Atlantic coast.
Towards carbon-neutral cities: an assessment of urban CO2 removal and albedo management
Authors: Mendez Quirina Rodriguez , Creutzig Felix , Fuss Sabine , Lück Sarah
Published: August 2023

Cities worldwide are increasingly committing to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the coming decades. Most cities are not yet aware of the drastic changes in built environment required to reduce GHG emissions, and in many cases carbon neutrality targets will require atmospheric carbon removal outside or within city boundaries to offset remaining emissions. Since cities are particularly affected by increasing temperatures (e.g. due to the urban heat island effect), direct regulation of radiation through surface albedo management has also been suggested to alleviate these exacerbated urban heat impacts. With the aim of supporting the path to carbon-neutral cities, this paper assesses the existing literature on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) at the urban scale, seeking to quantify the potential negative emissions contribution of cities globally. Our potential estimates indicate that deploying CDR options at the urban scale could make a significant contribution to global mitigation of climate change, alongside supporting the upscaling of climate action from local to regional and national scale. The associated human and environmental well-being effects strengthen the case for cities as carbon sinks. The upscale of the reviewed technologies is nevertheless constrained by numerous uncertainties, economic barriers and governance issues that pose substantial drawbacks to their implementation and scope, suggesting a future research agenda.
Congenital Absence of Right Coronary Artery Complicated with Unstable Angina: A Case Report
Authors: Kwaku Ofe Eugene , Luo Hao , Wen Cong , Yue Rongchuan
Published: August 2023

Congenital absence of right coronary artery (RCA) complicated with unstable angina is a rare clinical condition that can present with symptoms of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with a one-month history of nocturnal chest pain with no obvious underlying cause that has worsened over the past week. She was seen at the cardiology clinic and had a Coronary computed tomography (CTA) which showed plaque and severe stenosis in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Considering a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina), she was hospitalized. During diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG), it was discovered the patient had a single coronary artery with stenosis of the LAD. An absent right coronary artery was also found. A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was subsequently performed. The patient was discharged home in a stable condition and remained asymptomatic on follow-up.
Optimality Conditions and Duality for MultiobjectiveSemi-infinite Optimization Problems with SwitchingConstraints on Hadamard Manifolds
Authors: Upadhyay Balendu Bhooshan , Ghosh Arnav
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with a certain class of multiobjective semi-infinite programming problems with switching constraints (in short, (MSIPSC)) in the framework of Hadamard manifolds. We introduce Abadie constraint qualification (abbreviated as, (ACQ)) for (MSIPSC) in Hadamard manifold setting.Necessary criteria of weak Pareto efficiency for (MSIPSC) are established by employing (ACQ). Further, sufficient criteria of weak Pareto efficiency for (MSIPSC) are established by using geodesic quasiconvexity and pseudoconvexityassumptions. Subsequently, Mond-Weir type and Wolfe type dual modelsare formulated related to the primal problem (MSIPSC), and thereafter several duality results are established that relate (MSIPSC) and the correspondingdual models. Several interesting non trivial examples are furnished in the framework of well-known Hadamard manifolds, such as the set consistingof all symmetric positive definite matrices and the Poincaré half plane, toillustrate the importance of the results derived in this article. To the best ofour knowledge, this is the first time that optimality conditions and duality for (MSIPSC) have been studied in the setting of Hadamard manifolds
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 90C34 · 90C46 · 90C48 · 90C29
Mobile retroelements induced by hypomethylating agents are restricted to transpose in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Plevova Karla , Pavlova Sarka , Krzyzankova Marcela , Volakhava Anastasiya , Smirnova Anastasia , Grigoreva Tatiana , Jaskova Zuzana , Synackova Hana , Wahl Dennis , Bohunova Michaela , Cervinek Libor , Pospisilova Sarka , Mamedov Ilgar
Published: August 2023

Retroelements (RE) present in the human genome are silenced via multiple mechanisms, including DNA methylation, to prevent their potentially mutagenic effect. RE activity, demonstrated by their expression and somatic retrotransposition events, is deregulated in multiple tumor types but not in leukemia. We hypothesized that treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMA), commonly used in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia, could lead to increased RE activity and somatic retrotranspositions, and contribute to disease progression. We induced expression of ORF1p protein encoded by long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) after 72h treatment with HMA in DAMI and HL-60 cell lines. ORF1p was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, as evidenced by fluorescent microscopy of the DAMI cell line. To study whether long-term HMA therapy may induce somatic retrotranspositions, we (i) treated both cell lines for four weeks, (ii) analyzed a cohort of 17 MDS patients before and on treatment with HMA. Using a previously established sensitive NGS-based method, no RE events were identified. To conclude, we show that although HMA induces the expression of L1-encoded proteins in tumor myeloid cell lines, de novo somatic retrotransposition events do not arise during the long-term treatment of MDS patients and myeloid cell lines with these agents.
Biogas Technology Adoption and Impacts on Rural Household Energy Expenditure in South Ethiopia
Authors: Shallo Lemma , Sime Getachew
Published: August 2023

Despite the fact that there have been a large number of biogas plants built in Ethiopia, to what extent the installed plants have contributed to reducing energy expenditure and increasing income has not been empirically examined. Therefore, this study studied factors that influence adoption of biogas technology and effects on rural household energy expenditure in south Ethiopia. Data were collected from 246 sample households, 123 biogas adopters and 123 non-adopters. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sample households. For data analysis, propensity Score Matching and Binary logistic regression models were used. The logistic regression results showed that access to credit (p < 0.01), access to electronic media (p < 0.05), and farm size influenced the adoption of biogas technology positively and significantly (p < 0.05), whereas distance to water sources influenced negatively and significantly (p < 0.05). The average treatment of the treated unveiled that biogas technology adoption reduces household annual energy expenditure on average by about 461 Ethiopian currency per year compared to the counterpart. Reduced energy expenditure enhanced household annual income by reducing money spent on fuel purchases. This demonstrates that the deployment of biogas technology improves rural households' energy supply and increases their annual income. To promote and raise knowledge of biogas technology and increase rural energy security and income, government energy offices, policymakers, and development partners should capitalize on variables influencing biogas technology uptake.
A Lightweight Trust Based Secure Authentication Mechanism for IoT Devices
Authors: Thakur Aditya , Kumar Prashant , Chaurasia Nisha
Published: August 2023

The Internet of Things, which is in the next phase of communication, is quickly overtaking all other technologies. IoT enables seamless data exchange, interaction, and communication between various physical objects. IoT brings automation and intelligence to a variety of industries and fields, including agriculture, transportation, industry, and health. Improving user efficiency and comfort is the goal of IoT applications. The security of internet-connected devices has recently become more important because of global cyber-attacks. Authentication is one of the most important network security principles, whether for small networks like local servers or large networks like central cloud servers. For IoT applications, several solutions have also been put forth, but they are not at all efficient and as well secure. In this paper, we have proposed a trust-based authentication method, which is not only lightweight but as well is secure. For verification of the security of the protocol AVISPA tool has been used in various modes.
Mechanical Characterization of Innovative 3D-printed Auxetic (NPR) Structures: Role of Considering Anisotropy on Accuracy of Numerical Modelling
Authors: Ashfaq Babar , Hussain G. , Khan Muhammad Bilal , Ilyas Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Owing to being lightweight and offering excellent properties, the auxetic structures characterized by negative Poisson’s ratio are gaining growing interest from academia and industry. In view of the complex nature of these structures, 3D printing owing to offering shape flexibility is gaining increasing attention as a preferred fabrication process. Each cell in these structures consists of multiple ribs printed with different orientations thereby likely to show mechanical anisotropy when loaded. To accurately model their mechanical behavior and thus to reliably assess their performance through numerical modeling, anisotropy should be taken into account. This subject has been merely addressed in numerical modeling of printed auxetic structures, especially for those fabricated through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), a 3D printing technique. The present study, therefore, addresses this subject. The ABS polymer is employed as the experimental material. For numerical modeling, the necessary material constants are determined by following the standard printing and testing practices. A variety of auxetic structures are designed and their mechanical behaviors are studied numerically as well experimentally. The analysis shows that the anisotropic model yields fairly accurate results comparable to the experimental ones, while the isotropic model suffers from an error of 26%. The presented study is the first of its nature and is believed to act as a guideline for accurately assessing the mechanical performance of auxetic structures.
Severeness of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases: A retrospective study from eastern China
Authors: Wang Wen , Xu Yan , Zang Yin-shan , Sun Xiang , Xu Ling-xiao
Published: August 2023

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants associated with the severity of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients suffering from rheumatic diseases (RD) in light of the comprehensive recalibration of China's epidemic prevention and control policy, instituted on December 7, 2022.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 301 RD patients who were infected with COVID-19 between December 7, 2022, and February 7, 2023. The collected clinical data were thoroughly scrutinized and the contributory factors to pulmonary inflammation in patients diagnosed with RD-COVID-19 were identified through χ2 testing and logistic regression analysis.
Results
The study found that gender, particularly male, along with the type of RD manifesting as systemic autoimmune conditions (SAC) and the co-occurrence of comorbidities (namely cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, interstitial lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) function as independent risk factors for pulmonary inflammation in RD-COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, patients who had received the third dosage of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine, as well as those administered with methotrexate and leflunomide, exhibited a diminished risk of lung inflammation.
Conclusion
The study concluded that male SAC-COVID-19 patients with concurrent comorbidities were at a heightened risk of severe illness, whereas anti-rheumatic treatment did not escalate the severity. An enhanced vaccination protocol, on the other hand, was found to significantly curtail the incidence of lung inflammation.
WHOIS Data Redaction and its Impact on Unsolicited Emails: A Field Experiment
Authors: Sattler Tobias
Published: August 2023

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) mandates the disclosure of certain information for registered domain names. However, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) curtails what information can be publicly accessible, including personally identifiable information (PII). It has been suggested that public disclosure of registration data leads to email spam, but no systematic study of this effect has been conducted. This study fills this gap by empirically assessing the impact of public PII disclosure on spam email volume. Over a year-long field experiment, we registered 66 domain names with disclosed and undisclosed PII and analyzed incoming unsolicited email advertising. Our results revealed that domains with publicly disclosed contact information received a mean of 19.7 spam emails per domain, more than quadrupling the mean of 4.2 for domains with undisclosed information. This significant increase in spam emails linked to public PII disclosure indicates a clear negative impact. ICANN stakeholders should consider these findings, recognizing the potential privacy implications and spam risks of disclosing domain contact information.
Emergence of nodal Bogoliubov quasiparticles across the transition from the pseudogap metal to the d-wave superconductor
Authors: Sachdev Subir , Christos Maine
Published: August 2023

We model the pseudogap state of the hole- and electron-doped cuprates as a metal with hole and/or electron pocket Fermi surfaces. In the absence of long-range antiferromagnetism, such Fermi surfaces violate the Luttinger requirement of enclosing the same area as free electrons at the same density. Using the Ancilla theory of such a pseudogap state, we describe the onset of conventional d-wave superconductivity by the condensation of a charge e Higgs boson transforming as a fundamental under the emergent SU(2) gauge symmetry of a background π-flux spin liquid. In all cases, we find that the d-wave superconductor has gapless Bogoliubov quasiparticles at 4 nodal points on the Brillouin zone diagonals with significant velocity anisotropy, just as in the BCS state. This includes the case of the electron-doped pseudogap metal with only electron pockets centered at wavevectors (π, 0), (0,π), and an electronic gap along the zone diagonals. Remarkably, in this case too, gapless nodal Bogoliubov quasiparticles emerge within the gap at 4 points along the zone diagonals upon the onset of superconductivity.
Marriage, Taliban Rule, Norms and Women’s Empowerment in Afghanistan
Authors: Gitter Seth R. , Larocque Grace , Akinloye Motunrayo
Published: August 2023

The Taliban have devastated the rights of women in Afghanistan by limiting their ability to participate in society, potentially causing permanent harm to women’s autonomy within their own marriages. We posit that women married during the Taliban rule may see reduced autonomy based on changes in gender norms from Taliban policy. We estimate the effect of being married during various levels of Taliban rule in 2002, 2009, and 2012 on outcomes in 2015. We use variation in the Taliban’s control in a province at the time of marriage to estimate the effects of norms at the time of a marriage on outcomes measured in 2015. We find that women’s decision-making power was higher in 2015 for those who married when their province was not under Taliban control, but surprisingly, their experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) also increased, suggesting that intrahousehold conflicts potentially increased from regime changes. We link these results to a previous literature that suggests that retaliatory IPV may occur as women gain more power and lower their fertility, with the finding that when the Taliban lost control, fertility fell substantially. These results suggest potential policies that address the long-term negative impacts of the Taliban rule on women’s autonomy should the regime lose power again, with special attention given to potential increases in IPV.
Screening of Resistance Alleles to PVY in Turkish Potato Clones and Exploring the Reactions to Recombinant PVY
Authors: Topkaya Serife , Karan Yasin Bedrettin
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the resistance of commercially cultivated potato varieties and advanced potato breeding lines in Turkey to Potato Virus Y (PVY) using Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS). Additionally, the study examined the reactions of these varieties and breeding lines to recombinant PVY races. The presence of Rysto and Ryadg extreme resistance genes was determined using the YES 3-3A, YES3-3B, RYSC4, and RYSC3 SCAR markers. To assess the responses of potato breeding lines to various PVY races, mechanical inoculation was conducted on potato breeding lines as well as Nicotiana glutinosa plants. The MAS technique was employed to examine the resistance to PVY in commonly cultivated potato varieties and potential breeding lines. The MAS process revealed that all tested varieties and candidate breeding lines exhibited positive results exclusively when assessed using the YES3-3B primer for the identification of the Rysto resistance allele. Certain cultivars and candidate breeding lines exhibited positive effects when subjected to the YES3A primer, whereas no results were observed when the RYSC3 and RYSC4 primers were employed. The mechanical inoculation process involved the utilization of two distinct recombinant races, namely S9-10 (PVYNTN) and B1 (PVYN-Wi) isolates. These races were identified through PCR studies that focused on protein regions. The purpose of the greenhouse-based mechanical inoculation studies was to investigate the symptoms induced by two distinct races in various candidate breeding lines. The plants that were inoculated with PVYNwi exhibited symptoms such as yellowing, mild mosaic, and deformities. The emergence of mosaic symptoms was initially observed in plants that were infected with PVYNTN. Subsequently, a drying phenomenon was observed in the lower leaves of these plants. The findings of this study indicated that the breeding lines possessed the Rysto resistance gene. However, this particular allele did not effectively differentiate resistant individuals when subjected to mechanical inoculations.
Overlap chronic GVHD is associated with adverse survival outcomes compared to classic chronic GVHD
Authors: Kean Leslie , Gorfinkel Lev , Raghunandan Sharmila , Watkins Benjamin , Hebert Kyle , Neuberg Donna , Bratrude Brandi , Betz Kayla , Yu Alison , Choi Sung Won , Davis Jeffrey , Duncan Christine , Giller Roger , Grimley Michael , Harris Andrew , Jacobsohn David , Lalefar Nahal , Farhadfar Nosha , Pulsipher Michael , Shenoy Shalini , Petrovic Aleksandra , Schultz Kirk , Yanik Greg , Blazar Bruce , HOran John , Langston Amelia , Qayed Muna
Published: August 2023

Background
Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) is divided into two subtypes: classic (absence of acute GVHD features) and overlap cGVHD (‘ocGVHD’), in which both chronic and acute GVHD clinical features are present simultaneously. While worse outcomes with ocGVHD have been reported, there are few recent analyses.
Methods
We performed a secondary analysis of data from the ABA2 trial, in which detailed GVHD data were collected prospectively and systematically adjudicated. Analyses included cumulative incidence of classic versus ocGVHD, their specific organ manifestations, global disease severity scores, non-relapse mortality (NRM), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in these two cGVHD subtypes.
Results
The 1-year cumulative incidence, organ involvement, and global severity of classic and ocGVHD were similar between ABA2 patients receiving CNI/MTX + placebo and CNI/MTX + abatacept; thus, cohorts were combined for ocGVHD evaluation. This analysis identified ocGVHD as having significantly higher severity at presentation and at maximum global severity compared to classic cGVHD. OS and DFS were significantly lower for ocGVHD versus classic cGVHD.
Conclusion
ocGVHD is associated with increased cGVHD severity scores, both at presentation and at maximum disease severity. OcGVHD was also associated with decreased OS and DFS compared to classic cGVHD, underscoring the high risks with this cGVHD subtype.
A Study on the Geo-Environmental and Social Impacts of Koottickal and Kokkayar Landslides
Authors: krishnan Jiji , Jacob Susan , Stanly Sneha , Nelson Sam , Philip Sara , Joshi Mebin , Mathew Niniya , Nair Vishnu R , Benoy Ann Raichel , Antony Deepu Cyriac
Published: August 2023

Many countries allocate significant resources and labour to mitigate natural hazards, particularly landslides, due to their potential for casualties, property damage, and loss of life worldwide. Over the years, geotechnical and environmental investigations have been conducted to gain a better understanding of landslides. Heavy rain on October 16th, 2021, triggered a devastating landslide in Kerala. Thirteen people were killed, and significant damage was caused by the landslides in Koottickal (Kottayam) and Kokkayar (Idukki). Two separate landslides were reported in Plappalli and Kavali, destroying three shops and three houses. In addition, two footbridges and five bridges were structurally damaged. The study explores the geo-environmental and social characteristics of this catastrophic event due to the heavy rainfall and infiltration around highly fragile and vulnerable geographical surroundings. An environmental Study of the Koottickal and Kokkayar landslide examined the adverse effects on the environment, focusing on the sediment transport that destroyed flora and contamination of water resources that resulted in water pollution. As a result of analysing primary and secondary data, the effects of the landslide have been identified to some extent. Social impacts of the Koottickal landslide have been discussed considering the future development of Koottickal and Kokkayar village as a tourist destination, maintaining the diversity of flora and fauna, and conserving the water source, the perennial river Manimala, which keeps the village a fertile land. Geotechnical and environmental characteristics of the soil are examined in the study. It aims to contribute to a better understanding of landslide dynamics, help formulate effective mitigation strategies, and promote sustainable development practices in landslide-prone areas.
Weight loss outcomes are generally worse for dogs and cats with class II obesity, defined as >40% overweight
Authors: Broome Harriet Ash Oliver , Woods-Lee Georgiana Rowan Theadora , Flanagan John , Biourge Vincent , German Alexander James
Published: August 2023

In pet dogs and cats, adiposity is usually estimated clinically using a 9-point body condition score (BCS), with BCS 9 equating to 40% overweight. Animals that are > 40% overweight are not depicted, but it is unclear both how prevalent they are and whether being > 40% overweight affects weight loss outcomes. Records of dogs and cats attending a specialist obesity care clinic, where adiposity is instead determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, were reviewed. Animals were assigned to two classes (class I ≤ 40% overweight: 118/398 [40%] dogs and 68/116 [59%] cats; class II, > 40% overweight: 180/398 [60%] dogs and 48/116 [41%] cats) and weight loss outcomes assessed. Compared with class I, fewer class II obesity dogs completed weight management (P < 0.001), rate of weight loss was slower (P = 0.012) and lean tissue loss was greater (P < 0.001). Cats with class II obesity lost more weight (P = 0.048) albeit over a longer period (P = 0.043), and also lost more lean tissue (P = 0.004) than cats in class I. Approximately half the pets presenting to a specialist clinic were > 40% overweight and are, therefore, not well depicted using the current 9-point BCS. Weight loss outcomes are generally worse for animals with class II obesity than those with class I obesity.
Simulation of crop production and nitrogen uptake of rice under nitrogen management using the CERES-Rice model
Authors: Tari D.B. , Amiri Ebrahim , Bazkiaee P.A. , Araji H.A.
Published: August 2023

To investigate CERES-Rice model, a field experiment was conducted from 2012 to 2015 at the Rice Research Institute - Deputy of Mazandaran, Iran (Amol) to evaluate the CERES-Rice model. The experiment was designed and implemented as a factorial design based on a randomized completely block design with three replications. In the model calibration, nitrogen amounts were evaluated at four rates (40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha− 1), and nitrogen splitting was evaluated at four levels. For model validation in 2014 and 2015, nitrogen rates were evaluated at three levels (60, 120, and 180 kg ha− 1), and nitrogen splitting was evaluated at four levels. Plant traits such as LAImax, grain yield, biomass, grain N content, and total plant N content were evaluated for model calibration and validation. The results showed that LAImax simulations performed well under calibration and validation conditions (R2 = 0.92 − 0.63, RMSEn = 19.2–23.8%, RMSE = 0.92 − 0.7), and a relatively acceptable level of accuracy was achieved for biomass in calibration and validation conditions (R2 = 0.9 − 0.76, RMSEn = 6.2–12.8%, RMSE = 831–1499 kg ha− 1). In calibration and validation, R2 values (0.9 − 0.83), RMSE (464 − 225 kg/ha), and RMSEn (7-3.4%) were obtained in simulations of grain yield. The model was evaluated based on R2 (0.55–0.83), RMSE (7.5–13.4 kg ha− 1), and RMSEn (6.2–14.3%) to determine its optimal accuracy in estimating the total nitrogen content of grains and plants. The results indicate that the CERES-Rice model was reliable enough for simulating grain yield and plant nitrogen content.
Mitochondrial COI and CTY B base study on genetic diversity of starling in Sargodha, Pakistan
Authors: Asif Iqra , Naseem Asif , Tahir Hira , Munir Asad , Ashraf Sana
Published: August 2023

Starling (sturnus roseus) is a migratory bird of Pakistan. In the last three decades, there has been a significant decrease in the number of migration including sturnus roseusfrom Siberia. Its survival is now endangered in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to analyse COI gene to generate barcode data on starling in Pakistan. The reason behind the selection is that there were no molecular base data on Rosy starling on CYTB gene.The present study have been also focused on the generation of molecular data for CYTB gene of starling to make easier the study of genetic diversity within specie.Feather samples of 15 starling were collected from different areas of district Sargodha.To carry out the identification by using the nucleotide sequence analysis genomic DNA was extracted from feather follical by Russel and Sambrook method.DNA sequence analysis of CYTB ,COI gene were performed to identify the species.The similarity index from BOLD and BLAST were used to confirm species identity. The species were identified as sturnus roseus. The maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis were performed to find the phylogenetic relationship by using MEGA X and Bioedit software. The results of this study indicate that molecular method play a vital role for the identificaion of species.Molecuelar approach also estimate the nucleic divergence with in a species.Futher study of barcode is needed in resolving the identification issue of starling in Pakistan. The genetic strategy is excellent shorthand for building a Starling database in Pakistan. In order to improve diversification of starling in Pakistan. This result will be first ever data to be submitted on CYTB gene of Rosy starling in NCBI BLAST. It will be helpful to improve genetic diversity of starling regarding conservation and management program.
Structural change and inequality in a general equilibrium model of a transition economy
Authors: Tyrowicz Joanna , Makarski Krzysztof , Lutynski Jan
Published: August 2023

The paper studies the evolution of wealth inequality in a transition country. We build an overlapping generations model which features heterogeneous workers and exogenous changes: (i) TFP growth along the path of macroeconomic convergence, (ii) a structural change shifting employment from manufacturing to services and increasing educational attainment, and (iii) gains in longevity. Using this model, we quantify the role of demographics and the structural change in the evolution of wealth inequality in Poland as of 1990. We show that structural change per se lowers wealth inequality, at least initially, thus a rise in wealth inequality due to growing longevity is lower in an economy undergoing a structural change. We provide an evaluation of a policy-relevant redistribution instrument.
JEL Codes: L16, E20, D63
Core-Shell Structure Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate Particles with Different Acrylonitrile Contents Improved Toughness of Poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) Resins
Authors: Liu Mengen , Tang Qianyi , Liu Bai-jun , ZHANG Ming-yao
Published: August 2023

Herein, core-shell structured grafted copolymer particles of poly(butyl acrylate) grafted polystyrene acrylonitrile (ASA) with different contents of acrylonitrile (AN) were prepared by emulsion graft polymerization. ASA resins were then obtained by melt blending of ASA graft copolymers with SAN (w/w, AN/St, 25/75) resins. This paper investigates the effect of acrylonitrile content in ASA graft copolymers on the mechanical properties of ASA resins. The particle size distribution, composition of ASA, cross-section morphology, and compatibility of the material were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results revealed the highest notched impact strength of ASA resin reaching up to 277.49 J/m at AN content of grafted SAN of 21%, equivalent to an 80% increase when compared to 25% AN content. The lap shear adhesion tests revealed excellent interfacial adhesion between the ASA particles and SAN matrix owing to the difference in AN. This significantly enhanced the toughness of the ASA resin. Additionally, the ASA particles displayed the widest particle size distribution. The synergistic toughening of small and large rubber particles also enhanced the impact resistance of ASA resin to a certain extent. Therefore, the excellent interfacial adhesion between ASA graft copolymer and SAN matrix and the synergistic toughening of large rubber particles together promote the toughness of ASA resin.
Hydrological Analysis of Stream Flow Characteristics of Huluka River, Abbay Basin
Authors: Bayana Darara Dabtara , Chalchisa Adisu Fikire
Published: August 2023

A thorough assessment of the magnitude and regularity of a river's low flow is necessary for planning and designing water resource projects. The catastrophic consequences of water scarcity have made it increasingly clear that low flow conditions are perilous. Another critical skill is the ability to anticipate low flow at any specific riverbank. The severity of low flows is affected by the way the terrain regulates water storage and release throughout time, which in turn is impacted by the climate. Huluka River is one of the main tributaries of the Abay River Basin, Ethiopia, which has significant ecological and economic value to the city of Ambo Town. Serious questions concerning the sufficiency of upcoming water withdrawals from this River, both in terms of quantity and quality, have been brought up by the rapid population increase of Ambo Town. However, knowledge of the magnitude and frequency of river runoff is necessary for both present-day and future water resource planning. This paper concentrate on the characteristics of Huluka River flow using stream flow record from 1995 to 2016. In addition, Hydrological index computations, such as FDC and fundamental discharge indices, determined the methodologies for flow characterization. In the areas of stream flow analysis and categorization, the zero-flow index was employed. Based on this index, the classification of stream flow was established. The study's findings demonstrate that the Huluka River has behavior of perennial stream and good ground water contribution to surface flow due to its high BFI value and low ZFI. The value provided for ZFI and BFI were 0.004% and 67%, respectively. The findings of this study offer important insights for water resource management.
Forward simulation of unfavorable geological bodies and analysis of waveform characteristics based on time domain finite difference method
Authors: Shuai You , Yang Renshu , Yang Liyun , Yun Duan , Xiangyu Liu , Chenglong Xiao , Xiang Zhang , Dongze Li
Published: August 2023

Since there are few advanced detection studies on rock-breaking sources of shaft boring machines, this study establishes a forward evolution model of bad geological bodies based on the time-domain finite difference method(FDTD), and analyzes the waveform characteristics of seismic records by improving the time-frequency analysis method of HHT, and use wavelet variation for result verification, the applicability of this method to seismic signal analysis is verified. Research showed that the energy intensity of the direct wave is much greater than the energy intensity of the reflected wave, the main energy of the direct wave is concentrated between 0 ~ 90Hz, the main energy of the reflected wave is concentrated between 0 ~ 110Hz, and the overall energy of the cave in the bad geological body is the largest
Comparison of methods to identify and characterize Post-COVID syndrome using electronic health records and questionnaires
Authors: Bos Isabelle , Bosman Lisa , Hoek Rinske , Waarden Willemijn , Berends Matthijs S. , Homburg Maarten , Hartman Tim Olde , Muris Jean , Peters Lilian , Knottnerus Bart , Hek Karin , Verheij Robert
Published: August 2023

Background: Some of those infected with coronavirus suffer from post-COVID syndrome (PCS). However, an uniform definition of PCS is lacking, causing uncertainty about the prevalence and nature of this syndrome. We aim to improve understanding by operationalizing different definitions of PCS in different data sources and describing features and clinical subtypes.
Methods: We use different methods and data sources. First, a cohort with electronic health records (EHR) from general practices (GPs) and GP out-of-hours-services combined with sociodemographic data for n≈1.000.000 individuals. Second, questionnaires among n=276 individuals who had been infected with coronavirus. Using both data sources, we operationalized definitions of PCS to calculate frequency and characteristics. In a subgroup of the EHR data we conducted community detection analyses to explore possible clinical subtypes of PCS.
Results: The frequency of PCS ranged from 15-33%, depending on the method and data source. Across all methods and definitions, the mean age of individuals with PCS was around 53 years and they were more often female. There were small sex differences in the type of symptoms and overall symptoms were persistent for 6 months. Exploratory network analysis revealed three possible clinical subtypes.
Discussion: We showed that frequency rates of post-COVID syndrome differ between methods and data sources, but characteristics of the affected individuals are quite stable. Overall, PCS is a heterogeneous syndrome affecting a significant group of individuals who need adequate care. Future studies should focus on care trajectories and qualitative measures such as experiences and quality of life of individuals living with PCS.