bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine-Tuning GBS Data with Comparison of Reference and Mock Genome Approaches for Advancing Genomic Selection in Less Studied Farmed Species
Authors: Fischer Daniel , Tapio Miika , Bitz Oliver , Iso-Touru Terhi , Kause Antti , Tapio Ilma
Published: February 2024

Background
Diversifying animal cultivation demands efficient genotyping for enabling genomic selection, but non-model species lack efficient genotyping solutions. The aim of this study was to optimize a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) double-digest RAD-sequencing (ddRAD) pipeline. Bovine data was used to automate the bioinformatic analysis. The application of the optimization was demonstrated on non-model European whitefish data.
Results
DdRAD data generation was designed for a reliable estimation of relatedness and is scalable to up to 384 samples. The GBS sequencing yielded approximately one million reads for each of the around 100 assessed samples. Optimizing various strategies to create a de-novo reference genome for variant calling (mock reference) showed that using three samples outperformed other building strategies with single or very large number of samples. Adjustments to most pipeline tuning parameters had limited impact on high-quality data, except for the identity criterion for merging mock reference genome clusters. For each species, over 15k GBS variants based on the mock reference were obtained and showed comparable results with the ones called using an existing reference genome. Repeatability analysis showed high concordance over replicates, particularly in bovine while in European whitefish data repeatability did not exceed earlier observations.
Conclusions
The proposed cost-effective ddRAD strategy, coupled with an efficient bioinformatics workflow, enables broad adoption of ddRAD GBS across diverse farmed species. While beneficial, a reference genome is not obligatory. The integration of Snakemake streamlines the pipeline usage on computer clusters and supports customization. This user-friendly solution facilitates genotyping for both model and non-model species.
High density mapping of durable and broad-spectrum stripe rust resistance gene Yr30 in wheat
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Xiang Mingjie , Li Huaizhou , Li Xiaoxiao , Mu Keqing , Huang Shuo , Zhang Yibo , Cheng Xiangrui , Yang Shuqing , Yun Xunying , Singh Ravi P. , Bhavani Sridhar , Zeng Qingdong , Wu Jianhui , Kang Zhensheng , Liu Shengjie , Han Dejun
Published: February 2024

Stripe rust is a global fungal disease that is a serious threat to wheat. Durable resistance is the most effective method of control. Yr30, an adult plant resistance (APR) gene with broad-spectrum effectiveness, was located in the putatively pleiotropic locus or QTL that harbors genes Sr2, Lr27, Pm70, Sb3 and Pbc1. Although the locus has been widely deployed worldwide to achieve durable resistance for over a centenary little is known about the genetic relationship and causal genes because of the effects are small and inconstant in different genetic backgrounds and environments. In this study, we identified a residual heterozygous line (RHL), YM91, derived from Yaco"S"/Mingxian169 F5:6 RIL population, where Yr30 was present alone, resistance was identified as dominant and clearly distinguishable. Through selection of heterozygous plants in YM91, a large mapping population was developed. Yr30 was fine-mapped to a 0.52-cM interval between KASP markers AX-109525141 and YM3B-7 corresponding to a physical distance of 610 kb on chromosome 3BS. A candidate gene TraesCS3B03G0028100 encoding tetratricopeptide repeat protein was identified for Yr30 from 30 high-confidence genes within the interval based on the expression level and sequence variation in whole genome RNA-seq data of cultivars with or without Yr30. Six haplotypes (Hap1-6) were identified among 1,215 wheat accessions based on the 660K array and Yr30-haplotype Hap6 conferred equal or higher resistance than the other five haplotypes. These results will accelerate map-based cloning and molecular-assisted selection of Yr30, a likely source of durable resistance.
Recycling food waste to agriculture through hydrothermal carbonization sustains food-energy-water nexus
Authors: Xu Guohua , hao xu , Chen Tong , Shan Yide , Chen Kang , Ling Ning , Ren Lixuan , Qu Hongye , Berge Nicole , Flora Joseph , Goel Ramesh , Liu Lubo , Liu Zhipeng
Published: February 2024

Recycling underutilized resources from food waste (FW) to agriculture through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been proposed to promote a circular economy in food, energy and water nexus. However, most HTC studies on FW have been conducted at laboratory scale, and little is known on efficacy of field application of HTC products from FW, i.e. aqueous product (AP) and solid hydrocharr(HC), to support agriculture production. To address these gaps, an integrated pilot-scale HTC system in this study is established to evaluate the reaction conditions and procedures for the HTC processing of FW. A peak temperature of 180 ℃ at a residence time of 60 minutes with 3 times recirculation of AP are recommended as the condition to achieve effective recovery of nutrients and water resources, and desirable AP and HC properties. Dilution of the raw AP and composting of the fresh HC eliminate potential phytotoxicity. Applying properly diluted AP and the composted HC can significantly improve plant growth and soil nutrient availability with comparable level to commercial fertilizer and soil amendment, respectively, in both greenhouse and field. The HTC treatment yields the most net negative carbon emission among common processing methods of FW and the direct potential profit. The current integrated pilot-scale study demonstrates that the HTC of FW and the agricultural application of its products have promising environmental advantages and economic feasibility.
Crop yield estimation using biophysical variables: A case study of Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, India
Authors: Roy Atrayee , Saxena Rajat , Kumbhar Vidya , Singh T. P. , Deshpande Gauri
Published: February 2024

A precise estimation of the yield is crucial to maintain well-functioning food security at every tier. It also ensures the income of the producers dependent on the recurrent economic practice of crop insurance. The yield estimation methods used earlier were cost-ineffective and ominous. To overcome it, a semi-physical approach was applied with the help of satellite data to estimate the yield of major crops grown in the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. Data from Sentinel 2B has been stacked throughout the Rabi season at equal intervals and classified using supervised training sets for the study area. MOD11A2 Version 6, an eight-day composite image of Rabi season, was compiled to analyze the mean night and daytime land surface temperature that depicts the status of temperature stress. The net Primary Product (NPP) of the crops was evaluated with the assistance of a semi-physical model. The accuracy of the result was assessed with the help of the ground truth points. Grain yield results were compared with the average yield statistics that showed Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) deviation of 0.38 for wheat, 0.15 for maize, and 0.19 for both gram and mustard. In conclusion, the semi-physical approach of crop yield estimation meets the accuracy requirements, is feasible, and can be used for various crops. In addition, it is convenient and inexpensive.
Klinefelter syndrome with 48, XXYY karyotype accompanied by diabetic keto-acidosis: a case report and literatures review
Authors: Sun# Ruqiong , Zhou# Xiaoying , Hu Tingting , Zhu Fangying , Xu Fenjuan
Published: February 2024

Klinefelter syndroms(48,XXYY) syndromes are rare sex chromosome aneuploidy disorders characterized by the presence of more extra X and Y chromosomes in males. However, 48,XXYY are less studied, possibly due to its rarity. The incidence of 48,XXYY is estimated at 1:18,000–40,000 male births. While this sex chromosome aneuploidy is associated with multifarious of complex metabolic derangements, physical, psychological and psychosocial features, the clinical description of Klinefelter syndrome 48,XXYY over time has evolved to develop a greater understanding of this complex disorder. This paper reports a case of Klinefelter syndrome with chromosome karyotype 48, XXYY and abnormal glucose metabolism, which was admitted to hospital due to acute complications of diabetic ketoacidosis. Meanwhile, Our aim was to review known evidence about 48,XXYY. And what is known about the prevalence of diabetes in men with klinefelter syndroms, potential mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic phenotype.
Risk prediction of excessive gestational weight gain based on a nomogram model
Authors: He Linyan , Zhou Xihong , Tang Jiajun , Yao Min , Peng Li , Liu Sai
Published: February 2024

Background
Excessive gestational weight gain is a global public health problem with serious and long-term effects on maternal and offspring health. Early identification of at-risk groups and interventions is crucial for controlling weight gain and reducing the incidence of excessive gestational weight gain. Currently, tools for predicting the risk of excessive gestational weight gain are lacking in China. This study aimed to develop a risk-prediction model and screening tool for the early identification of at-risk groups.
Methods
Convenience sampling was used to select 306 pregnant women who underwent regular obstetric checkups at a tertiary-level hospital in China between January and March 2023. Logistic regression analysis was used to construct the risk-prediction model. The goodness of fit of the model was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the predictive performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. R4.3.1 software was used to create a nomogram.
Results
The prevalence of excessive gestational weight gain was 49.53%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that prepregnancy overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 2.662), obesity (OR = 3.851), and primiparity (OR = 5. 134); eating in front of a screen (OR = 5.588); consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts, and western fast food (> 5 times per week) (OR = 6.733); and pregnancy body image (OR = 1.031) were risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain. Protective motivation to manage pregnancy body mass (OR = 0.979) and duration of moderate-intensity physical activity (OR = 0.234) were protective factors against excessive gestational weight gain. The area under the ROC curve of the model was 0.885, with a maximum Youden index of 0.617, optimal threshold of 0.404, sensitivity of 83.96%, and specificity of 77.78%. The model validation results showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 83.33%, 77.27%, and 80.43%, respectively.
Conclusion
The risk-prediction model developed in this study proved to be effective, providing a valuable basis for early identification and precise intervention in individuals at risk of excessive gestational weight gain.
Recruitment and Retention Challenges in Opioid Use Disorder Studies: Insights and Strategies from a Pilot Digital Monitoring Study
Authors: Pan Yuhan , Humphries Kayleigh , McIntosh Laura , Bouchard Traci , Chavez Laura , Fried Martin , Hall Orman , Bonny Andrea , Zhu Motao
Published: February 2024

Background. Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects millions in the United States. Emerging technologies like home motion sensors offer the potential for relapse prediction. The study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of such technology in OUD patients.
Methods. Participants were recruited through local OUD treatment centers in Columbus, Ohio. The study involved installing passive monitoring sensors in participants' homes and required participants to wear a Fitbit and complete daily surveys. The target was to enroll 25 patients, with incentives provided for participation.
Results. Out of 170 evaluated records, 50 met the inclusion criteria, and only 14 consented to participate, with four completing the study. Main recruitment challenges included housing instability, privacy concerns, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Most participants were willing to use sensor devices, especially in less private home areas.
Conclusions. The study faced significant barriers in recruiting and retaining participants, highlighting the complexities of OUD research. Despite methodological adaptations like virtual follow-ups, the retention rate remained low. This suggests the need for more flexible, patient-centric approaches in future research, particularly for populations experiencing instability or distrust. The study underscores the potential of technology in treatment but emphasizes the importance of building trust and understanding within target communities.
Seed-assisted Formation of Robust Anode Catalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis with Industrial-Scaled Current Density
Authors: Sun Licheng , Li Zhiheng , Lin Gaoxin , Wang Linqin , Lee Husileng , Du Jian , Tang Tang , Ding Guoheng , Ren Rong , Li Wenlong , Cao Xing , Ding Shiwen , Ye Wentao , Yang Wenxing
Published: February 2024

Alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for green hydrogen production from water electrolysis but encounters great challenges when operated at industrial-required ampere-scaled current densities, such as insufficient mass transfer, reduced catalytic activity, and limited lifetimes. Here we developed a one-step seed-assisted heterogeneous nucleation (HN) method (25 °C, 24 h) for producing a nickel iron-based electrocatalyst (CAPist-L1) for robust OER at ≥ 1000 mA cm-2. Based on the insoluble nanoparticles in the HN system (generated from the solubility difference of salts in water and organic solvents), a dense interlayer was formed and anchored the catalyst layer tightly on the substrate, ensuring stable long-term durability of over 14000 h (> 20 months) in 1 M KOH at 1000 mA cm-2. When applying CAPist-L1 as the anode catalyst in practical anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEM-WE), it delivered high activity of 7350 mA cm-2 at 2.0 V and good stability at 1000 mA cm-2 for 1500 h at 80 °C. The low cost and simplicity characteristics make the HN strategy a valuable approach for developing stable OER catalysts for the industrialization of AEM-WE.
Discrimination of Chinese Huzhu Qingke Liquor by using Ultra-Violet Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Zhao Yuxia , Zhang Shizhi , Ma Cunhua , Yin Bo , Du Yiping , Zhang Mingjin
Published: February 2024

Qingke liquor, a renowned Tibetan alcoholic beverage derived from hull-less highland barley exclusively cultivated in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, has witnessed a surge in sales. However, the issue of adulteration has emerged as a pressing concern demanding immediate attention. The research focuses on the rapid identification methods of 'Huzhu' brand Qingke liquor, a geographical indications protection product, using UV spectroscopy. Two approaches are proposed: principal component analysis-support vector machine (PCA-SVM) and multi-model partial least squares-discriminant analysis (MPLS-DA). Three categories of liquors are considered: Chinese 'Huzhu' Qingke Liquors (CHQL), Other Brand Qingke Liquors (OBQL), and Non-Qingke-Based Liquors (NQBL). SVM is performed using two principal components to solve the binary classification problem, while PLS1 algorithm is used for each column of the dummy variable Y in MPLS-DA to integrate prediction results from submodels. Both PCA-SVM and MPLS-DA successfully build discrimination models for CHQL. PCA-SVM distinguishes CHQL from OBQL and NQBL but cannot differentiate between OBQL and NQBL. In contrast, MPLS-DA correctly identifies all three classes of samples. These results demonstrate that the proposed method can serve as a simple and rapid identification approach for CHQL, with MPLS-DA exhibiting superior sample recognition capabilities.
Successful treatment of pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis with PD-1 inhibitor-based regimen: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gao Qi , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Feifei , Jia Junli , Cao Li , Yu Qingfeng , Zhang Dandan , Zhao Wugan , Ma Jie
Published: February 2024

Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis (PLG) is a rare and aggressively progressive tumor characterized by atypical clinical manifestations and pathological features. This condition is notably susceptible to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. The absence of standardized treatment regimens has led to various recommendations in the literature, predominantly favoring, Rituximab-based regimens. However, the prognosis for these patients has been consistently poor, with a median survival time of only 14 months. Recently, we encountered a case of PLG exhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 and P53 expression. We administered a programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor-based regimen. Remarkably, the patient had an overall survival (OS) of 40 months as of the most recent follow-up, without disease progression. This case stands as a notable observation, particularly, because the utilization of a PD-1 inhibitor-based regimen has not been previously reported for PLG treatment. We hope this case could contribute significantly to enhancing physicians' comprehension of PLG and provide new potential treatment strategy.
Sulfide and oxygen control microbial community structure and function in high-temperature filamentous biofilms
Authors: Inskeep William , Jay Zackary , McKay Luke , Dlakic Mensur
Published: February 2024

High-temperature microbial communities contain early evolved archaea and bacteria growing under low levels of oxygen and thus may hold important clues regarding mechanisms of oxygen respiration relevant to the evolutionary history of Earth. Conch and Octopus Springs in Yellowstone National Park, WY (YNP) are highly similar alkaline-chloride springs that provide natural laboratories to identify changes in microbial community composition and metabolism due to differences in dissolved oxygen and sulfide. Replicate metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, microscopic and geochemical analyses were conducted in these two contrasting, high-temperature (82–84 oC) filamentous biofilm communities to understand the role of oxygen, sulfur and arsenic in microbial energy conservation and community composition. Highly related populations of Aquificota (Thermocrinis), with average nucleotide identity (ANI) greater than 97%, were abundant in both communities, as well as a deeply rooted bacterium (Caldipriscus) of the Pyropristinus lineage, and Pyrobaculum (Thermoproteota). Genomic sequence of replicate metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) of these three phylotypes showed that each possess a different mechanism for metabolic shifts due to concentrations of oxygen and sulfide. The high expression of high-affinity bd ubiquinol and CydAA’ oxygen reductases in sulfidic environments revealed the importance of oxygen respiration under conditions often considered anaerobic. Higher oxygen concentrations in Octopus Spring resulted in a greater diversity of microbial populations with lower-affinity Type 1 heme Cu oxidases (HCOs). The fact that members of several early evolved thermophilic lineages express high levels of high-affinity oxygen reductases under suboxic (< 1 µM dissolved O2) conditions suggests that these proteins have played a major role in the early evolution of microbial life, where similar low-oxygen conditions were nevertheless sufficient for exergonic redox coupling.
Rescue and identification of recombinant Porcine Circovirus Type 3
Authors: Zhang Baoge , Cai Jinshuang , Zhu Chenguang , Deng Ping , Ji Qicai , Chao Lumen , Li Yufeng
Published: February 2024

PCV3 is prevalent and causes many forms of swine diseases worldwide. To date, PCV3 isolation has been unsuccessful. Therefore, obtaining PCV3 and studying its biological traits are urgently needed. In the present study, recombinant PCV3 (rPCV3) was successfully generated, and it’s biologically characterization was performed. The genome sequence of PCV3 was optimized, cloned and inserted into the pBluescript SK vector. PK-15 cells transfected with the recombinant plasmid were serially passaged and characterized. The obtained rPCV3 was purified through sucrose density gradient centrifugation and ion exchange chromatography and observed via Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Absolute qPCR was used to determine PCV3 viral load. PK-15 cells were treated with nocodazole to determine the relationship between rPCV3 proliferation and mitosis. Especially, PK-15 cell infected with rPCV3 was compared with that infected with PCV3 positive tissues (wPCV3). Specific fluorescence in the nuclei, brownish-red puncta on cell monolayers, and target bands in NC membrane were observed in transfected PK-15 cells. TEM showed that the particle diameter of rPCV3 was approximately 20 nm. rPCV3 was continuously passaged for up to 25 passages with a progressive decrease in viral load. Nocodazole experiments demonstrated that rPCV3 proliferation was dependent on cell mitosis. Cytoplasmic fluorescence was observed whether the cells were infected with rPCV3 or wPCV3; importantly, copy numbers decreased in a time-dependent manner. Our study is the first to observe PCV3 particles via TEM. We revealed that both rPCV3 and wPCV3 cannot enter the PK-15 cell nucleus, which may explain why virus isolation was unsuccessful in these cells.
Aqueous-phase chloramine production as a missing chain in atmospheric chlorine chemistry
Authors: Jiang Jingkun , Chen Yijing , Xia Men , Zhang Jinghui , Yan Chao , Cai Runlong , Zheng Guangjie , Li Yuyang , Guo Junchen , An Zhaojin , Li Yiran , Tsiligiannis Epameinondas , Wu Cheng , Qu Qipeng , Feng Boyang , Hua Chenjie , Wang Zongcheng , Wang Shuxiao , Liu Yongchun , Cao Lina , Worsnop Douglas , He Kebin , Hallquist Mattias , Kulmala Markku , Wang Tao
Published: February 2024

Chlorine radical (Cl·) profoundly impacts atmospheric oxidation capacity, and therefore climate change and air pollution. Chloramines, especially trichloramine (NCl3), is a potentially important Cl· source, while their formation mechanism remains elusive. Here, we present evidence of aerosol aqueous-phase production of chloramines with observations in Beijing and develop a comprehensive box model which incorporates ~40 aerosol aqueous reactions initiated by Cl2 and NH3 and multiple phase transfer processes. The model can well reproduce the diurnal variation of NCl3. We show that this atmospheric production of chloramines could be ubiquitous globally with the co-existence of aerosol water, Cl2, and NH3, while NCl3 formation is mainly influenced by Cl2 and relative humidity as NH3 is typically in great excess. The contribution of chloramines (mostly NCl3) to Cl· production is much higher in clean periods (up to 85%) than polluted periods (~5%) in Beijing, and in clean environments (e.g., ~64% in Canada) than polluted areas (e.g., ~1% in India). Therefore, chloramines can play an increasingly important role in a cleaner future and may partially offset the on-going efforts on air pollution mitigation. The missing representation of chloramines in current models could significantly underestimate the climate, health and ecological impacts of Cl·.
Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound (LITUS) exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating inflammatory responses via the Piezo1-Dkk3/Ca 2+ /PI3K-Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Shuang , Gu Lulu , Liu Qian , Bao Banghe , Jin Qiaofeng , Ma Yannan , Zhou Siyi , Li Beibei , Xu Li , Guo Guangqi , Xue Letian , Lv Ruyue , Sun Peng
Published: February 2024

Background
Post-cardiac arrest brain injury (PCABI) contributes to unfavorable outcomes following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) significantly, with effective therapeutic interventions for PCABI remain elusive. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound (LITUS) has exhibited neuroprotective effects in various disease models, yet the precise mechanisms underlying these effects have not been fully elucidated. Consequently, the therapeutic potential of ultrasound stimuli in PCABI and the underlying mechanisms necessitate further exploration.
Methods
In vivo, a murine model of cardiac arrest (CA) was established and subjected to LITUS. Neurological function was assessed through behavioral tests and neurofunctional scoring. Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate brain injury, while proteomic analysis was utilized to identify potential target proteins and pathways. Cells involved in pharmacological interventions or gene knockdown were subjected to oxygen/glucose deprivation/reoxygenation to mimic ischemia-reperfusion conditions in the brain. Protein-protein interactions were confirmed through co-immunoprecipitation. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) influx was quantified using live-cell calcium imaging and flow cytometry. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to evaluate the expression of targeted genes. The expression of related proteins was detected through immunofluorescence and Western blotting assays.
Results
LITUS administration significantly improves 24-hour survival rates, promotes neurological function recovery, attenuates brain injury, and activates neurons in mice subjected to CPR. In vitro experiments revealed that ultrasound (US) mediates Ca2+ influx via the synergistic action of Piezo1 and Dkk3, thereby suppressing inflammatory responses, augmenting cell vitality, and promoting neuronal activation. These findings strongly indicate that the neuroprotective effects of LITUS may be mediated via the Piezo1-Dkk3/Ca2+/PI3K-Akt3 pathway.
Conclusions
This study firstly elucidates the neuroprotective effects of LITUS on PCABI and clarifies the potential mechanism. We posit that this study broadens the evidence base supporting future research into the application of LITUS in clinical PCABI patients.
Phylogeography of Allium macrostemon: south-north divergence reveals a natural geographic isolation boundary in the Qinling Mountains-Huaihe River Line in China
Authors: Jiang chunxue , Shi tian , Mo zhongmei , Zhao cai
Published: February 2024

Background
There are many physical and geographic boundaries in China, but there are few studies on the natural geographical isolation boundary of the Qinling Mountains-Huaihe River Line (QHL) using molecular ecological evidence. The purpose of this study was to explore the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and possible origins of Allium macrostemon and to verify whether the QHL played a role in the structure of A. macrostemon populations.
Results
Analysis of chloroplast DNA and nuclear ITS molecular markers showed a very high level of genetic differentiation among populations (FST > 0.25). ombined with chloroplast DNA and nuclear ITS data, A. macrostemon populations could be grouped into northern and southern flora, with the southern flora further divided into southwestern and central-southeastern flora. The results of niche simulation show that the distribution area of A. macrostemon will reach the maximum in the future.
Conclusion
The data points to a geographic barrier that has been maintaining the regional separation of A. macrostemon. The QHL, which has been found to be a north-south dividing line in phylogeography and population genetic structure and promotes physical geographic isolation, has played an important role in this process. This study can provide a scientific theoretical basis for the conservation, development, and utilization of A. macrostemon resources. Further, it can provide a reference for the systematic geographic pattern of large-scale spatial distribution of plants in China and enrich our understanding of the evolutionary history of plant species diversity in East Asia.
Deflation schemes for the generalized nonlinear eigenvalue problem
Authors: de Carvalho Wellington Tatagiba , Sales Renan Costa , Dumont Ney Augusto
Published: February 2024

Deflation is an artifice to remove from a search subspace of interest already evaluated eigenpairs. It is a necessary step in solving structure vibration or even the complete simulation of time-dependent problems with a large number of degrees of freedom, which in our particular case is in the frame of a generalized modal analysis related to high-order nonlinear eigenvalue problems. We start with the linear algebra outline of the complex symmetric, nonlinear eigenvalue problem for structures submitted to viscous damping. However, we soon evolve to a more general development for complex, nonsymmetric, general matrices that may be expressed as closed-form analytical functions or as a power series of the eigenvalues -- as long as the matrices are simultaneously diagonalizable. After a short literature review of deflation techniques for linear and some restricted nonlinear cases, we propose a few families of deflation schemes applicable to problems that may not have mechanical meaning, thus in terms of sheer linear algebra. We show that a general deflation scheme works as penalty functions accrued to the original problem to prevent already obtained results from being re-evaluated. We illustratively assess the issues of combining the proposed deflation schemes with a generalized, inverse-free Krylov subspace iteration technique, as applied to nonlinear symmetric problems generated randomly. The numerical application to more general, nonsymmetric eigenvalue problems is also presented.
Support programmes for caregivers of children with cerebral palsy: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Khoza Silindile B , Chetty Verusia , Chetty Levin
Published: February 2024

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) accounts for a large proportion of childhood disability. The severity of the disability in children with CP necessitates a caregiver. Long-term care for a child with cerebral palsy has detrimental health consequences for the caregiver due to its complex nature. Support programmes for caregivers of children with CP have been recommended as a strategy to assist caregivers to cope, and to mitigate challenges they face while fulfilling their role.
Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines will be adopted as a methodological framework for this scoping review. The following databases will be searched from inception onwards: PubMed; Medline; Cochrane Library; and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed journal papers will be included if they are written in English; involve caregivers of children with CP; describe support programmes for caregivers of children with CP; and measure the overall quality of life of the caregivers following intervention. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies will be included in order to consider different ways of measuring the effects (physical, psychological and social wellbeing) of support programmes on caregivers of children with CP. Two reviewers will screen all citations and full-text articles. Data abstracted will be organized into themes and sub-themes and summarized, and the results will be reported using a narrative synthesis. The study’s methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using a mixed methods appraisal tool.
Discussion: The evidence gathered from the selected studies will be discussed in relation to the research questions using a narrative to identify and explore emerging themes. The review will provide a baseline of evidence on support programmes for caregivers of children with CP. It will highlight strengths, weaknesses, gaps and recommendations from existing support programmes in order to contribute to the design of a holistic support package for caregivers of children with CP.
GPS/BDS signal analysis and precise orbit determination of the inclined geosynchronous orbit satellite LT4A
Authors: Zhang Zhenghao , Yang Peng , Wang Zhenxing , Huang Yong , Cao Jianfeng , Chen Yanling , Cheng Zhien , Dong Wenli , Hu Xiaogong
Published: February 2024

The LT4A satellite is the world's first IGSO satellite capable of receiving GPS and BDS signals. It is also the world's first SAR satellite in high orbit. Based on the received GNSS data, the data availability and measurement quality were first analyzed, and then the accuracy of the 30-h and 72-h arc length orbit determination results were verified using the orbit overlap method and the laser ranging verification method. According to the data analysis, the onboard receiver of the LT4A satellite can receive an average of 3.9 GPS satellites and 4.0 BDS satellites in a single epoch. The PDOPs of GPS observations, BDS observations, and combined GPS + BDS observations are 21.66, 25.96, and 15.81, and the number of epochs with more than four satellites is 32.6%, 37.6%, and 98.5% of the total epochs. The cycle slip ratios of the GPS and BDS observations are 6.3% and 28.9%, the pseudo-range noise is 1.75 m and 0.95 m, the carrier phase noise is 0.46 mm and 0.35 mm, and the average CNR are 44.6 dB-Hz and 46.9 dB-Hz, respectively. When only GPS observations, only BDS observations, and combined GPS + BDS observations are used, the average RMS of the overlapping results for the 30-h arcs is 4.091 m, 4.319 m, and 2.274 m, and the laser range verification results are 0.994 m, 0.978 m, and 0.277 m. The average RMS of the overlapping results for the 72-h arcs is 3.242 m, 3.199 m, and 1.807 m, and the laser ranging verification results are 0.527 m, 0.687 m, and 0.356 m. The onboard real-time orbit was used for observations to determine the orbit, resulting in a 95.4% improvement in the RMS of the original real-time orbit.
Multiple Tuned CNTs by Rare Earth Oxides for High Efficiency Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Gao Han , Qin Long , Tao Shifei , Xiong Ziming , Wu Fan , Lei Ming
Published: February 2024

Optimizing high dielectric constant materials is a promising strategy for manufacturing efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing materials, which aims to fully exploit the performance advantages of micro-nano materials and overcome the adverse effects at low scales. This requires reasonable and meticulous component optimization. The low-cost and environmentally friendly fillers possess significant advantages. In this work, two specifications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are selected as the research objects. A simple solvothermal method is used to compound rare earth oxides (REO). Finally, CNTs/REO composites are prepared. The effects of different particle sizes on the electromagnetic wave absorption properties of the system are studied in detail from the microscopic morphology. Improve the interface effect and impedance matching in the system. When the filling amount is 30 wt.%, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) can reach -69.94 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is widened from 3.00 GHz to 5.20 GHz. The huge performance span is attributed to the optimization of REO nanoparticles in the regulation of CNTs from morphology structure to electromagnetic parameters. The interfacial polarization, dielectric polarization and dipole relaxation are improved significantly. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance makes CNTs/REO have great application prospects in electronic devices. In addition, radar reflective interface (RCS) simulation provides theoretical support for the practical application of CNTs/REO composites.
Hyaluronic acid as a pulpotomy material in primary molars: an up to 30 months retrospective study
Authors: Sezgin Batın Ilgıt , Sezgin Gökce Cicek Ildes , Koyuncu Özge , Mentes Ali
Published: February 2024

Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term clinical and radiographic success of our previous randomized clinical trial (RCT) and to compare the success of hyaluronic acid (HA), with the widely used formocresol (FC) and ferric sulphate (FS) agents.
Materials and methods This retrospective study is the extension of the 1-year survey of our RCT that had compared the effectiveness of a HA pulpotomy over FC and FS pulpotomies and included clinical and radiographic evaluations with a follow-up period of over 24 months for 44 children who applied to our clinic between May 2019 and September 2019. Long-term clinical and radiographic data were obtained from the periodic files of our department, wherein each tooth's file was examined to identify any clinical and radiographic findings. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests were used to evaluate the data. Statistical significance was considered as p<0.05.
Results The clinical and radiographic success rates of the HA, FC, and FS groups were not statistically different at >24 months (p=0.163 and p=0.977, respectively). None of the teeth in the HA group showed any clinical findings at >24 months.
Conclusions HA pulpotomies exhibited comparable success rates to FC and FS materials spanning over 24 months examinations. Further long-term follow-up human studies are needed to better understand the effect of HA on the dental pulp of human primary molars.
Clinical relevance Because of convenient accessibility and applicability of HA, it may be recommended as a promising alternative medicament for pulpotomy treatments of primary molars.
A pulsar-like swing in the polarisation position angle of a nearby fast radio burst
Authors: Mckinven Ryan , Bhardwaj Mohit , Eftekhari Tarraneh , Kilpatrick Charles , Kirichenko Aida , Pal Arpan , Cook Amanda , Gaensler Bryan , Giri Utkarsh , Kaspi Victoria , Michilli Daniele , Nimmo Kenzie , Pearlman Aaron , Pleunis Ziggy , Sand Ketan , Stairs Ingrid , Andersen Bridget , Andrew Shion , Bandura Kevin , Brar Charanjot , Cassanelli Tomas , Chatterjee Shami , Curtin Alice , Dong Fengqiu Adam , Eadie Gwendolyn , Fonseca Emmanuel , Ibik Adaeze , Kaczmarek Jane , Kharel Bikash , Lazda Mattias , Leung Calvin , Li Dongzi , Main Robert , Masui Kiyoshi , Mena-Parra Juan , Ng Cherry , Pandhi Ayush , Patil Swarali , Prochaska Jason , Rafiei-Ravandi Masoud , Scholz Paul , Shah Vishwangi , Shin Kaitlyn , Smith Kendrick
Published: February 2024

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) last for milliseconds and arrive at Earth from cosmological distances. While their origin(s) and emission mechanism(s) are presently unknown, their signals bear similarities with the much less luminous radio emission generated by pulsars within our Galaxy and several lines of evidence point toward neutron star origins. For pulsars, the linear polarisation position angle (PA) often exhibits evolution over the pulse phase that is interpreted within a geometric framework known as the rotating vector model (RVM). Here, we report on a fast radio burst, FRB 20221022A, detected by the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) and localized to a nearby host galaxy (∼ 65 Mpc), MCG+14-02-011. This one-off FRB displays a ∼ 130 degree rotation of its PA over its ∼ 2.5 ms burst duration, closely resembling the “S”-shaped PA evolution commonly seen from pulsars and some radio magnetars. The PA evolution disfavours emission models involving shocks far from the source and instead suggests magnetospheric origins for this source which places the emission region close to the FRB central engine, echoing similar conclusions drawn from tempo-polarimetric studies of some repeating sources. This FRB’s PA evolution is remarkably well-described by the RVM and, although we cannot determine the inclination and magnetic obliquity due to the unknown period/duty cycle of the source, we can dismiss extremely short-period pulsars (e.g., recycled millisecond pulsars) as potential progenitors. RVM-fitting appears to favour a source occupying a unique position in the period/duty cycle phase space that implies tight opening angles for the beamed emission, significantly reducing burst energy requirements of the source.
A multimodal neural signature of face processing in autism within the fusiform gyrus
Authors: Floris Dorothea , Llera Alberto , Zabihi Mariam , Jones Emily , Mason Luke , Haartsen Rianne , Holz Nathalie , Mei Ting , Elleaume Camille , Vieira Bruno Hebling , Pretzsch Charlotte , Forde Natalie , Baumeister Sarah , Dell’Acqua Flavio , Durston Sarah , Banaschewski Tobias , Ecker Christine , Holt Rosemary , Baron-Cohen Simon , Bougeron Thomas , Charman Tony , Loth Eva , Murphy Declan , Buitelaar Jan , Beckmann Christian , group EU-AIMS LEAP , Langer Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Differences in face processing are commonly reported in case/control studies of autism. Their neural correlates have been explored extensively across single neuroimaging modalities within key regions of the face processing network, such as the fusiform gyrus (FFG). Nonetheless, it is poorly understood how different variation(s) in brain anatomy and function combine to impact face processing and social functioning. Extracting the shared information across different modalities is essential to derive a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying autism. Here, we leveraged a large multimodal sample to study the cross-modal signature of face processing within the FFG across four imaging modalities (structural MRI, resting-state fMRI [rs-fMRI], task-fMRI and EEG) in 204 individuals aged 7-30years comprising both autistic and non-autistic individuals (NAI). Combining two methodological innovations – normative modeling and linked independent component analysis – we integrated individual-level deviations across modalities to assess the efficacy of multimodal components in differentiating autistic from NAI and informing autism-associated social functioning. Autistic individuals differed significantly in a multimodal component, driven by bilateral rs-fMRI, bilateral structure, right task-fMRI, and left EEG loadings involving face-selective and retinotopic FFG regions. Multimodal components outperformed unimodal ones in differentiating autistic from NAI. Within the autism group, there was a significant multivariate association between multimodal components and a set of cognitive and clinical features associated with social functioning but not non-social features. These findings underscore the importance of elucidating individual-level, integrated neural associations of core social functioning in autism, offering potential for refined stratification and the identification of mechanistic and prognostic biomarkers.
Study of MHD over Reiner-Philippoff fluid flow past slandering sheet with homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions
Authors: Warraich Sanaullah
Published: February 2024

Study of chemical reaction along with magnetic effect is significant in industrial process now a days. Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) over Reiner-Philippoff (R-P) fluid flow passing through a stretching sheet and variable thickness with homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions is investigated in this article. With similarity transformations, partial differential equations are modified into dimensionless system of ordinary differential equations. Numerical results are obtained by the shooting technique along with the R-K method by using computational software MATLAB. The physical analysis of appropriate parameters in the velocity and concentration profiles is discussed in detail and shown graphically. It is summarized with critical observations that the inclining values of the wall thickness parameter cause the reduction in velocity and homogeneous reactions. At the same time, contrary behaviour is observed for heterogeneous reactions. The effect of MHD is noted to resist the velocity and concentration profiles for homogeneous reactions. However, the opposite behaviour is noted for heterogeneous reactions.
Haploidentical vs Mismatched Unrelated Donor Transplants with Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide-based GVHD Prophylaxis
Authors: Modi Dipenkumar , Kim Seongho , Shatta Maya , Deol Abhinav , Kin Andrew , Ayash Lois , Ratanatharathorn Voravit , Uberti Joseph
Published: February 2024

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTcy) as a GVHD prevention strategy has provided encouraging results in haploidentical and mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) transplants. We sought to determine overall survival and GVHD-free relapse-free survival (GRFS) between haploidentical and MMUD using PTcy-contaning GVHD prophylaxis. We retrospectively compared outcomes of 144 adult patients who underwent either haploidentical or MMUD transplants using peripheral blood stem cells, and PTcy, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate for GVHD prophylaxis. Between January 2013 and December 2021, 89 patients received haploidentical and 55 received MMUD transplants. Among MMUD, 87% (n=48) were 7/8 HLA-matched and 13% (n=7) were 6/8 HLA-matched. Median age of the population was 62.5 years, 24% (n=35) were African American, 73% (n=105) had AML, and 20% (n=29) received myeloablative conditioning regimen. Median time to neutrophil engraftment was prolonged in the haploidentical group (18 vs 15 days, p<0.001), while platelet engraftment was similar (23 vs 21 days, p=0.15). Using propensity score-based covariate adjustment, no difference in overall survival and GRFS was noted between both groups. Our study demonstrated that transplant outcomes did not differ between haploidentical and MMUD when PTcy was used for GVHD prophylaxis. In the absence of HLA-matched donors, haploidentical and MMUD appear to provide equivalent outcomes.
Invasion Domino Effects in the Tropical Forest Plants
Authors: Sarkar Sibam , Deb Panna
Published: February 2024

Invasive plants disrupt ecosystems by influencing species interactions, aiding co-invader integration, and worsening competition for native plants. Successful forest invasive species management relies on grasping these interaction patterns at the community level. This study aims to assess the community attributes of invasive plants in tropical forests of Northeast India, examining their dominance in various habitats and elucidating their species-specific effects on associated co-invaders and non-invasive groups. Dominant invaders identified based on density were tested for their presence or absence effects on the proportions of co-invading species, non-invasive species, and overall plant diversity. The present investigation recorded 101 invasive plant species mostly of neotropical origin, comprising of grasses, sedges, forbs, shrubs, trees, and vines. The findings revealed a substantial decrease in overall species diversity in the presence of dominant invasive species, further demonstrating a significant negative association with the non-invasive group and a notable positive association with the co-invasive group. These findings offer valuable insights by specifying the dominance and outcompeting nature of exotic invaders which will be very helpful for devising effective management plans to counter biotic invasion in the biodiversity rich tropical forested landscapes.
Sketching the spatial disparities in heatwave trends by changing atmospheric teleconnections in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Zhang Tuantuan , Cai Fenying , Liu Caihong , Gerten Dieter , Yang Song , Li Kaiwen , Kurths Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Pronounced spatial disparities in heatwave trends are bound up with a diversity of atmospheric signals with complicated variations, but assessing their relationships quantitatively remains a challenging problem. Here, using a network-searching approach to identify the strengths of heatwave-related atmospheric teleconnections (AT) with ERA5 reanalysis data, we quantify the close links between heatwave and AT in the Northern Hemisphere. This way, approximately half of the interannual variability of heatwaves are explained and nearly 80% of the zonally asymmetric trend signs (attenuation vs. enhancement) are estimated correctly by the AT changes in the mid-latitudes. We also uncover that the likelihood of extremely hot summers has increased sharply by a factor of 4.5 after 2000 over areas with enhanced AT, but remained almost unchanged over the areas with attenuated AT. Furthermore, reproducing eastern European heatwave trends among various models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 largely depends on the simulated Eurasian AT changes, highlighting the potential significant impact of AT shifts on the simulation and projection of heatwaves.