bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex blind: bridging the gap between drug exposure and sex-related gene expression in Danio rerio using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and a literature review to find the missing links in pharmaceutical and environmental toxicology studies
Authors: King Alex C. , Zenker Armin K.
Published: June 2023

The sex of both humans and Danio rerio has previously been shown to affect the way individuals respond to drug exposure. Genes which allow identification of sex in juvenile zebrafish show potential to reveal these confounding variables between sex in toxicological and preclinical trials but the link between these is so far missing. These sex-specific, early expressed genes where expression is not altered by drug exposure must be carefully selected for this purpose. We aimed to discover genes which can be used in pharmaceutical trials and environmental toxicology studies to uncover sex-related variations in gene expression with drug application using the model organism Danio rerio. Previously published early sex determining genes from King et al. were evaluated as well as additional genes selected from our zebrafish Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data which are known from previously published works not to be susceptible to changes in expression with drug exposure. NGS revealed a further ten female-specific genes (vtg1, cyp17a1, cyp19a1a, igf3, ftz-f1, gdf9, foxl2a, Nr0b1, ipo4, lhcgr) and five male related candidate genes (FKBP5, apobb1, hbaa1, dmrt1, spata6) which are also expressed in juvenile zebrafish, 28 days post fertilisation (dpf). Following this, a literature review was performed to classify which of these early-expressed sex specific genes are already known to be affected by drug exposure in order to determine candidate genes to be used in pharmaceutical trials or environmental toxicology testing studies. Discovery of these early sex-determining genes in Danio rerio will allow identification of sex-related responses to drug testing to improve sex-specific healthcare and the medical treatment of human patients.
Chemical Fertilizer Reduction Combined with Biochar Application Ameliorates the Biological Property and Fertilizer Utilization of Pod Pepper
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Yanling , Wei Quanquan , Liu Lingling , Gu Xiaofeng , Gou Jiulan , Wang Ming
Published: June 2023

Biochar is frequently utilized as a helpful amendment to sustain agricultural productivity. However, it remains uncertain whether biochar can effectively replace chemical fertilizers, especially in karst regions. To investigate the effects of co-applying biochar and chemical fertilizer on the biological characteristics and fertilizer uptake of pod peppers, as well as to determine the optimal ratio of biochar to chemical fertilizers, a two-year field experiment was conducted in southwest China. The results showed that, compared to the locally typical chemical fertilizer treatment (CF), the combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer significantly increased the yield of both fresh and dry pod pepper. Chemical fertilizer reduction and biochar application also ameliorated fruit quality, increased nutrient accumulation, and improved fertilizer utilization efficiency. What is more, although the employment of biochar made production costs higher, the reduction in chemical fertilizers and the increase in yield improved economic efficiency, especially in the CF70B treatment (70%CF + biochar). In conclusion, moderate amounts of biochar instead of chemical fertilizers may be a valid nutrient management strategy for pod pepper in the karst mountain areas, which is beneficial for maintaining yield stability, improving quality, and increasing net income.
Agronomic and Physiological Performances of High-Quality Indica Rice under Moderate and High-Nitrogen Conditions in Southern China
Authors: Duan Gangqiang , Wu Jiale , Que Renwei , Zeng Yanhua , Zeng Yongjun , Pan Xiaohua , Xie Xiaobing
Published: June 2023

High-quality (i.e., higher appearance and eating quality) rice (Oryza sativa L.) is being increasingly and widely planted in China with the improvement of people’s living standards and the achievement of rice breeding efforts in recent years. However, the agronomic and physiological performances of high-quality indica rice (HQIR) under different nitrogen (N) application conditions in southern China are little known. Two-year consecutive field experiments were conducted with two HQIR and two ordinary-quality indica rice (OQIR) varieties under moderate and high-N application rates, with yield and yield components, biomass, N uptake, and their related traits, being investigated. We found that grain yields of HQIR were slightly decreased, but grain yields of OQIR were significantly increased by 7.0–9.6% under a high N rate, compared with a moderate N rate within two years. Thereby, OQIR produced a 5.7–14.7% and 18.7–25.6% higher grain yield than HQIR under moderate and high N rates, respectively. The different responses of grain yield to N application rates were mainly due to a decreased grain setting rate in HQIR and increased spikelets m−2 in OQIR under a high N rate. Furthermore, a high N rate significantly reduced pre-anthesis AE (apparent exportation of pre-anthesis stem and leaf blade dry matter) and improved the grain-leaf area ratio, while it did not increase post-anthesis dry matter, compared with a moderate N rate in HQIR, which might result in carbon-metabolic deterioration, an imbalance of the source–sink relationship and, subsequently, a lower supply of carbohydrate in panicle. Our results suggest that a moderate N rate (165 kg N ha−1) is beneficial for the HQIR varieties to balance the maximum grain yield and high quality in southern China.
Bayesian Mixture Copula Estimation and Selection with Applications
Authors: Liu Yujian , Xie Dejun , Yu Siyi
Published: June 2023

Mixture copulas are popular and essential tools for studying complex dependencies among variables. However, selecting the correct mixture models often involves repeated testing and estimations using criteria such as AIC, which could require effort and time. In this paper, we propose a method that would enable us to select and estimate the correct mixture copulas simultaneously. This is accomplished by first overfitting the model and then conducting the Bayesian estimations. We verify the correctness of our approach by numerical simulations. Finally, the real data analysis is performed by studying the dependencies among three major financial markets.
Haemosporidian Parasites of White-Breasted Waterhens (Amaurornis phoenicurus), with a Report and Molecular Characterization of Haemoproteus gallinulae in Thailand
Authors: Prompiram Phirom , Poltep Kanaporn , Chaisilp Nattarun , Chakritbudsabong Warunya , Buamas Supakit , Rungarunlert Sasitorn
Published: June 2023

Haemosporidian parasites are vector-borne parasites infecting terrestrial vertebrates as well as avian species, such as the White-breasted Waterhen, a Gruiformes waterbird found in lowlands near wetlands and distributed throughout Thailand. However, information regarding haemosporidia infection in this species is lacking. To establish regional information, 17 blood samples were collected from White-breasted Waterhens. Four haemoparasite lineages were identified in six blood samples: Haemoproteus gallinulae, Plasmodium collidatum, Plasmodium elongatum, and an unidentified Plasmodium species. H. gallinulae was characterized with morphological features in White-breasted Waterhens for the first time; the morphological characteristics were consistent with previous descriptions. H. gallinulae was more closely related to Haemoproteus species of Passeriformes birds than to those of Gruiformes birds. The Plasmodium parasites infecting these White-breasted Waterhens previously caused severe avian malaria in other host species. The unidentified Plasmodium species had rarely been documented, although it was reported in the Culex vector and was possibly associated with specialist parasites either as host or habitat. Our findings reveal multiple haemosporidian species reflecting the role of this avian host as a carrier of haemosporidians. This study offers species records and molecular materials that may provide critical information for further targeted research into these haemosporidia.
The Development of Cutaneous Lesions in Tropically Adapted Beef Cattle Is Associated with Hypersensitive Immune Response to Buffalo Fly Antigens
Authors: Naseem Muhammad Noman , Raza Ali , Kamran Muhammad , Allavena Rachel , Constantinoiu Constantin , McGowan Michael , Turni Conny , Tabor Ala E. , James Peter
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the role of cattle immune responses in the pathogenesis of buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) (BF) lesions. Brangus steers phenotyped for lesion development were divided into three groups: high lesion susceptibility (HL), low lesion susceptibility (LL) and no lesions (NL), based on lesion severity scores. Each steer was injected intradermally with different concentrations of BF, Onchocerca gibsoni (Og), and Musca domestica (Md) antigens. At 1 h post-injection, wheal areas at BF injection sites were found to be significantly larger in HL than NL cattle, but there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) found between either the HL or NL cattle and LL cattle. At 24, 48, and 72 h post-injection, the skinfold thickness response to both BF and Md antigens was significantly greater in the HL group than the NL group. However, skin thickness was significantly greater for the BF antigens than the Md antigens (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences found between the LL and NL animals in response to the BF antigens at any time, and no significant differences were determined between any of the lesion groups in response to the Og antigens. Histological examination of skin sections taken from the BF antigen injection sites in HL cattle at 72 h post-injection revealed necrosis of the epidermis and superficial dermis, along with severe eosinophilic inflammation. This study suggests that differences in the hypersensitivity to BF antigens underlie differences amongst the cattle in their susceptibility to the development of BF lesions, and breeding for immune-related biomarkers may assist in selecting more BF lesion-resistant cattle.
An Analysis of DNA Sequence Polymorphism in the Swamp Buffalo Toll-like Receptor (TLR2) Gene
Authors: Kenchaiwong Wootichai , Pongthaisong Pongphol , Kananit Srinuan , Duangjinda Monchai , Boonkum Wuttigrai
Published: June 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane proteins important for directing immune responses. Their primary role is to recognize pathogens based on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) characteristics. TLR2 is categorized as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that is important for the recognition of pathogens. Nucleotide variation in the coding region determines the conformation of the TLR protein, affecting its protein domain efficiency. This study aimed to identify SNPs in the coding region of TLR2 to enhance available genetic tools for improving health and production in swamp buffalo. A total of 50 buffaloes were randomly sampled from the northeastern part of Thailand for genomic DNA extraction and sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were aligned and compared with cattle and river buffalo based on the database. The results showed, there were 29 SNP locations in swamp buffalo and 14 different locations in both cattle and buffaloes. Haplotype analysis revealed that 27 haplotypes occurred. Swamp buffalo were identified from 13 SNPs based on biallelic analysis, which found eight synonymous and five nonsynonymous SNPs. Nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.16, indicating genetic diversity. Genetic diversity (haplotype diversity; HD) was high at 0.99 ± 0.04. This indicates a high probability that the two sample haplotypes are different. The π and HD values are important indicators of the genetic diversity of the swamp buffalo population. In summary, the Thai swamp buffalo population detected a polymorphism of the coding region of the TRL2 gene. Therefore, further, in-depth study of the relationship between these genes in the immune system and disease resistance should be recommended.
Effects of Supplementation with an Herbal Mixture on the Antioxidant Capacity of Milk
Authors: Stobiecka Magdalena , Król Jolanta , Brodziak Aneta , Klebaniuk Renata , Kowalczuk-Vasilev Edyta
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of a standardized herbal mixture to the feed ration for Holstein-Friesian cows on the antioxidant capacity of milk. The study was carried out on a farm specialized in breeding dairy cattle. The exact study involved 30 cows in lactation III, which were in the first phase of lactation at the beginning of the experiment (15 cows—control group; 15 cows—experimental group). The nutrition supplied to the cows was based on the TMR (total mixed ration) system, with roughage and concentrate fodder used as the basis of the feed ration. The addition of a standardized blend of dried herbs, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), was the experimental factor. Powdered herbs were administered as a component of the concentrate fodder at the dose of 3% DM ration/day/head. Milk samples were collected four times during the experiment (term 0 after the colostrum period and then after lactation weeks 2, 4, and 6). The following parameters were determined in the milk: the basic chemical composition, i.e., the content of total protein, fat, lactose, and casein; somatic cell count; content of selected whey proteins (α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, BSA); and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E). Additionally, the milk antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH) was determined and the degree of antioxidant protection (DAP) was calculated. It was shown that the milk from cows receiving the herbal blend-supplemented fodder had a higher content of casein, compared to the control group. The herbal supplementation contributed to a significant increase in the content of bioactive compounds, i.e., selected whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin) and lipophilic vitamins (A, E). The milk was also characterized by significantly higher antioxidant potential (regardless of the measurement method) and a higher degree of antioxidant protection (DAP).
Analysis of the Progressive Collapse Resistance Mechanism of an RC Frame Structure with an L-Shaped Plane
Authors: Dai Yifei , Qin Lei
Published: June 2023

In order to improve the progressive collapse resistance of an RC frame structure with an L-shaped plane under local component failure, X-tension reinforcement and steel trusses are applied to the progressive collapse resistance design. In this paper, the finite element software MIDAS Gen v2.1 is used to establish the RC frame structure with 6-story X-type tension strengthening and the RC frame structure with a steel truss at the top. Nonlinear dynamic analysis and a comparison of the two structures after local structural failure are carried out. The results show that both X-tension reinforcement and steel trusses can improve the integrity of the RC frame structure with an L-shaped plane and reduce the risk of progressive collapse in the event of single-column failure, but the steel trusses have the best effect. After component failure, adding a steel truss to the top layer can transfer the load above the failure column to other columns and reduce some beam resistance, providing a more effective alternative load transfer path for the structure.
Towards Performance-Based Design of Masonry Buildings: Literature Review
Authors: Zeng Bowen , Li Yong
Published: June 2023

Masonry is among the most widely used construction materials around the world. Contemporary masonry buildings are primarily designed to comply with prescriptive building code regulations. In recent decades, performance-based design (PBD) has gained increasing attention and achieved significant success in critical structures or infrastructure systems. Instead of being the first mover, the masonry research and practice community can be a faster follower in response to the design paradigm shift towards PBD for masonry buildings. A reliable performance assessment of masonry buildings is of paramount importance in the PBD framework. To facilitate this, this paper presents an up-to-date comprehensive literature review of experimental and analytical studies with emphasis on their contributions to advancement towards performance assessment of masonry buildings. This review categorized available works into two sub-topics: (1) traditional unreinforced masonry and (2) modern reinforced masonry. In each sub-topic, studies focusing on the structural behaviors of masonry at the component-level (i.e., masonry wall) are discussed first, followed by the building system-level-related studies. Through this literature review, the current state of the art and remaining research gaps are identified to provide guidance for future research needs and to pave the way for implementing PBD in the masonry industry.
Multi-Objective Analysis of Visual, Thermal, and Energy Performance in Coordination with the Outdoor Thermal Environment of Productive Façades of Residential Communities in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yuyan , Zhang Xi , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Hao , Xiong Bo , Shi Xuepeng
Published: June 2023

Population growth and urban expansion have led to increased demand for buildings. Optimizing the building façade design, using integrated photovoltaic (PV) shading and vertical farming (VF) can reduce building energy consumption while ensuring a partial food supply. However, the importance and prevalence of productive façades have not received significant attention. Furthermore, few studies have focused on the impact of productive façades on both indoor and outdoor environmental qualities. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of integrating productive façades with residential façades in high-density cities. A typical community in Guangzhou, China was investigated. Thermal comfort, light comfort, electricity production, and crop yield were considered, and the optimal façade configuration was chosen from the established 146-model library. The integrated module can effectively improve the indoor lighting and thermal comfort of residential buildings. The module also mitigates the outdoor thermal environment to a certain extent, meeting 6.3–10.3% and 7.6–9.6% of the annual electricity and vegetable demands, respectively, in residential communities. This study can guide other densely populated cities with subtropical climates to advance the research and construction of productive façades, improving occupant comfort, reducing energy consumption, and mitigating food security and urban climate change issues.
Tumor Markers and Their Prognostic Value in Sinonasal ITAC/Non-ITAC
Authors: Veuger Julius , Kuipers Nona C. , Willems Stefan M. , Halmos Gyorgy B.
Published: June 2023

One of the rare tumor entities present in the nose and paranasal sinuses is sinonasal (non-) intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC/non-ITAC). Currently, surgery with postoperative radiotherapy is the cornerstone of the treatment of these tumors. Systemic treatment is usually applied in a palliative setting. The prognosis of these tumors is very diverse. Biomarkers that may have prognostic value in these rare malignancies could help clinicians in decision-making. A systematic search of the literature was performed using the PubMed database. All studies investigating the prognostic significance of biomarkers in paranasal sinus ITAC/non-ITAC were retrieved. The findings were categorized within the hallmarks of cancer, to gain an understanding of the functions of possible prognostic biomarkers in the development of ITAC/non-ITAC. There were twenty-one studies reporting on twenty-one possible biomarkers included in the review. The expression of Mucin antigen sialosyl-Tn, C-erbB-2 oncoprotein, TIMP3 methylation, TP53, VEGF, ANXA2, MUC1 and the mucinous histological subtype were found to have a significant negative effect on survival. None of the biomarkers were found to have a positive effect on prognosis. The hallmarks ‘activating invasion and metastasis’ and ‘sustaining proliferative signaling’ seem to play the largest role in sinonasal (non-)ITAC. It could be concluded that there are multiple biomarkers foreboding a negative prognosis for ITAC/non-ITAC patients.
The Self-Supporting NiMn-LDHs/rGO/NF Composite Electrode Showing Much Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Jia , Lian Yongfu
Published: June 2023

The poor conductivity and instability of layered dihydroxides (LDHs) limit their widespread application in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, the composite electrode of NiMn-LDHs, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nickel foam (NF), i.e., NiMn-LDHs/rGO/NF, was prepared by a hydrothermal method. When subjected to oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic performance in a solution of 1 M KOH, the NiMn-LDHs/rGO/NF composite catalyst exhibited an overpotential of only 140 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 49 mV dec−1, which is not only better than the comparing RuO2/NF catalyst, but also better than most of the Mn-based and the Ni–Fe-containing bimetallic OER catalysts reported in the literature. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is ascribed to the efficient integration of ultrathin NiMn-LDH sheets, thin-layered rGO and NF, contributing significantly to the decrease in charge transfer resistance and the increase in electrochemically active surface area. Moreover, NF plays a role of current collector and a role of rigid support for the NiMn-LDHs/rGO composite, contributing extra conductivity and stability to the NiMn-LDHs/rGO/NF composite electrode.
The Impact of O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) Promoter Methylation on the Outcomes of Patients with Leiomyosarcoma Treated with Dacarbazine
Authors: Cannella Lucia , Della Monica Rosa , Marretta Antonella Lucia , Iervolino Domenico , Vincenzi Bruno , De Chiara Anna Rosaria , Clemente Ottavia , Buonaiuto Michela , Barretta Maria Luisa , Di Mauro Annabella , Di Marzo Massimiliano , Guida Michele , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Chiariotti Lorenzo , Tafuto Salvatore
Published: June 2023

Dacarbazine is an important drug in the therapeutic landscape of leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Alkylating agents are subjected to resistance mechanisms based on anti-apoptotic pathways and repair mechanisms, including the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). In this retrospective study, the methylation status of the MGMT promoter in histological tumor samples from patients with LMS, dacarbazine-based regimens-treated, was measured and correlated with clinical outcomes aimed at optimizing the use of dacarbazine in soft tissue sarcomas. The patients with unmethylated MGMT had better outcomes than those with methylated MGMT. Patients without MGMT methylation had better Progression Free Survival (PFS) when aged ≥62 years compared to those aged <62 years, while PFS of patients with methylated MGMT was less favorable independently of age (p = 0.0054). The patients without a methylated MGMT gene had higher Disease control rate (DCR). These results are not in agreement with the role of the methylated MGMT gene in other tumors, and with this study, we demonstrated the correlation between methylated MGMT and poor prognosis; despite that, sample smallness, heterogeneity of LMS and of treatment history could be selection bias. Predictive markers of response to chemotherapies in sarcomas remain an unmet need.
The Biologist’s Guide to the Glucocorticoid Receptor’s Structure
Authors: Deploey Nick , Van Moortel Laura , Rogatsky Inez , Peelman Frank , De Bosscher Karolien
Published: June 2023

The glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a glucocorticoid (GC)-responsive transcription factor. GR can halt inflammation and kill off cancer cells, thus explaining the widespread use of glucocorticoids in the clinic. However, side effects and therapy resistance limit GR’s therapeutic potential, emphasizing the importance of resolving all of GR’s context-specific action mechanisms. Fortunately, the understanding of GR structure, conformation, and stoichiometry in the different GR-controlled biological pathways is now gradually increasing. This information will be crucial to close knowledge gaps on GR function. In this review, we focus on the various domains and mechanisms of action of GR, all from a structural perspective.
The Interplay Effects between Feed-Gas Composition and Bias Plasma Condition during Active-Screen Plasma Nitrocarburizing with a Solid Carbon Source
Authors: Jafarpour Saeed M. , Pipa Andrei V. , Puth Alexander , Dalke Anke , Röpcke Jürgen , van Helden Jean-Pierre H. , Biermann Horst
Published: June 2023

Recent technological development of utilizing an active screen made of solid carbon for plasma-assisted thermochemical diffusion treatments opens up new possibilities for control over the in situ generated treatment environment to guarantee reproducible treatment conditions and material responses. Until now, the investigations of active-screen plasma nitrocarburizing (ASPNC) using an active screen manufactured from solid carbon focused on the influence of a single treatment parameter variation on the material response. In this systematic study, experiments were conducted to vary the H2-N2 feed-gas composition while varying the bias plasma power. The experiments served to better understand a simultaneous variation in the mentioned parameters on the resulting treatment environment and material response during ASPNC of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel. Therefore, nitriding and carburizing effects in the expanded austenite layer can be obtained. It is shown that an increased nitriding effect, i.e., nitrogen diffusion depth and content, was achieved in case of biased conditions and for H2-N2 feed-gas compositions with higher N2 amounts. On the contrary, an increased carburizing effect, i.e., carbon diffusion depth and content, was achieved in nonbiased conditions, independent from the H2-N2 feed-gas composition.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerization of Carvone: A Promising Approach for Antimicrobial Coatings
Authors: Masood Asad , Ahmed Naeem , Shahid Fatima , Mohd Razip Wee M. F. , Patra Anuttam , Siow Kim S.
Published: June 2023

Medical devices are often vulnerable to colonization by nosocomial pathogens (bacteria), leading to infections. Traditional sterilization methods may not always be effective, and as a result, alternative options are being explored to prevent microbial contamination. Recently, scientists are emphasizing using plant-derived essential oils that possess inherent antibacterial properties to produce antimicrobial coatings using plasma polymerization technology carried out at atmospheric pressure (AP). This approach shows promise compared to other coating strategies that need several processing steps, including a high-vacuum system, and are laborious, such as the immobilization of antimicrobial materials on precoated layers in the low-pressure plasma polymerization approach. The present study demonstrates the potential of AP plasma polymerization for producing thin films with excellent antibacterial properties and surface characteristics. The resulting coatings are stable, smooth, and have high wettability, making them ideal for repelling bacteria. The calculated zeta potential and deposition rate for the films are also favorable. These AP plasma-polymerized thin films created from carvone show a reduction rate of more than 90% for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Our computational docking studies also reveal strong binding interactions between the original carvone monomer and both bacteria. The study suggests that these AP plasma-produced coatings have great potential as antibacterial coatings for biomedical devices.
Collective Relaxation Processes in Nonchiral Nematics
Authors: Yadav Neelam , Panarin Yuri P. , Jiang Wanhe , Mehl Georg H. , Vij Jagdish K.
Published: June 2023

Nematic–nematic transitions in a highly polar nematic compound are studied, in thick cells in which the molecules are aligned parallel to the substrates but perpendicular to the applied electric field, using dielectric spectroscopy in the frequency range 1 Hz to 10 MHz over a wide temperature range. The studied compound displays three nematic phases under cooling from the isotropic phase: ubiquitous nematic N; high polarizability NX; and ferroelectric nematic NF. Two collective processes were observed. The dielectric strength and relaxation frequency of one of the processes P2 showed a dependence on the thickness of the cell. The process P1 is the amplitude mode, while the process P2 is the phason mode.
Mammalian Roadkill in a Semi-Arid Region of Brazil: Species, Landscape Patterns, Seasonality, and Hotspots
Authors: Santos Raul , Shimabukuro Ayko , Taili Itainara , Muriel Roberto , Lupinetti-Cunha Artur , Freitas Simone Rodrigues , Calabuig Cecilia
Published: June 2023

Roadkill is one of the principal causes of the loss of biodiversity around the world. The effects of roads on mammals are still poorly understood in regions with a semi-arid climate, where many knowledge gaps persist. The present study provides an inventory of the mammalian species affected on highways in northeastern Brazil, as well as identifying roadkill hotspots and contributing to the understanding of how seasonality and the landscape may influence the roadkill patterns of wild mammals. A total of 6192.52 km of road were sampled in 53 field surveys conducted between 2013 and 2017. Landsat 8 satellite images and data from the MapBiomas platform were used to classify land use and cover for analysis. Buffers of 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km were created around the study roads to identify the landscape variables associated with roadkill events. Ripley’s 2D K-Statistics and the 2D HotSpot test were used to identify roadkill aggregations and hotspots; GLMMs were generated for the landscape variables and evaluated using the Akaike Information Criterion. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to investigate the potential effects of seasonality. A total of 527 wild animal carcasses were recorded as a result of vehicular collision. The species with the highest roadkill records were Cerdocyon thous, Euphractus sexcinctus, and Procyon cancrivorus, while two species—Leopardus emiliae and Herpailurus yagouaroundi—are considered to be under threat of extinction. For mammals in general, the best GLMM indicated an increase in roadkills with increasing density of local vegetation areas, and a decrease as urban areas increased. The model also found that the mammals were less impacted in the vicinity of a protected area. In the specific case of C. thous, the roadkill rate was lower when urban infrastructure was more common than dense vegetation; the rate increased as areas of dense vegetation increased. In the case of P. cancrivorus and E. sexcinctus, the best models of roadkill patterns included an area of exposed soil and sparse vegetation, respectively. Roadkill rates were higher in the rainy season for all the mammals, with the exception of C. thous. These results reflect the ecological characteristics of the species with the highest roadkill rates. The findings of the present study raise concerns with regard to the impact of highways on the populations of C. thous, as well as the region’s most threatened species. They also indicate the potential functionality of the local protected area, as well as identifying roadkill hotspots, which will support the development of effective mitigation measures.
A Study on the Perception of African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Conservation by School Children in Africa and England (UK)
Authors: Thompson Katie E. , Esteban Genoveva F.
Published: June 2023

Environmental education (EE) applications can support wildlife conservation practices by improving school children’s understanding of environmental issues, including endangered species conservation, such as the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana). This study aimed to identify and assess school children’s perceptions of elephant conservation in three schools: South Africa, Kenya, and England. Questionnaires were completed by students at one school per location, with the age range of 10–16 (n = 364). The responses were then analysed independently and collectively using descriptive statistics (n = 364). School children feared elephants where elephants were native. The importance of elephants was not acknowledged by students in South Africa and England and included a lack of awareness of how elephants benefit other species. There was an unclear understanding of the threats to elephants. Collectively, a wildlife guide as a career choice was not highly valued. The results of this study have reflected key narratives of elephant conservation from selected countries; Kenya leading in anti-poaching and anti-trade campaigns, anti-poaching campaigns by various NGOs in the U.K., and elephant management around expanding populations in South Africa, which have given significant insights into areas of improvement for environmental education practices to support wildlife conservation globally. Furthermore, this new research has identified and compared school children’s awareness of elephant conservation on a greater spatial scale than what is currently understood, compounding the importance of understanding effective wildlife conservation in education.
Multiple Myeloma: Case of a “Moving” Sternal Wire
Authors: Choo Yun Song , Ooi Melissa Gaik-Ming , Wang Shi , Hallinan James Thomas Patrick Decourcy
Published: June 2023

Multiple myeloma generally occurs in older adults, with the clonal proliferation of plasma cells and accumulation of monoclonal protein resulting in a broad range of clinical manifestations and complications, including hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia, and bone destruction (termed CRAB features). A 64-year-old man with no history of malignancy presented with an enlarging precordial lump occurring three years post-sternotomy for uneventful coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Initial investigations showed anaemia and impaired renal function. Multimodal imaging performed for further evaluation showcases the radio-pathological features which can be encountered in haematological malignancy. Subsequent percutaneous biopsy confirmed an underlying plasma cell neoplasm, and a diagnosis of multiple myeloma was achieved. The prompt resolution of the lesions upon the initiation of treatment highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Statistical Analysis of Plasma Dynamics in Gyrokinetic Simulations of Stellarator Turbulence
Authors: Papadopoulos Aristeides D. , Anderson Johan , Kim Eun-jin , Mavridis Michail , Isliker Heinz
Published: June 2023

A geometrical method for assessing stochastic processes in plasma turbulence is investigated in this study. The thermodynamic length methodology allows using a Riemannian metric on the phase space; thus, distances between thermodynamic states can be computed. It constitutes a geometric methodology to understand stochastic processes involved in, e.g., order–disorder transitions, where a sudden increase in distance is expected. We consider gyrokinetic simulations of ion-temperature-gradient (ITG)-mode-driven turbulence in the core region of the stellarator W7-X with realistic quasi-isodynamic topologies. In gyrokinetic plasma turbulence simulations, avalanches, e.g., of heat and particles, are often found, and in this work, a novel method for detection is investigated. This new method combines the singular spectrum analysis algorithm with a hierarchical clustering method such that the time series is decomposed into two parts: useful physical information and noise. The informative component of the time series is used for the calculation of the Hurst exponent, the information length, and the dynamic time. Based on these measures, the physical properties of the time series are revealed.
Combined Gaussian Mixture Model and Pathfinder Algorithm for Data Clustering
Authors: Huang Huajuan , Liao Zepeng , Wei Xiuxi , Zhou Yongquan
Published: June 2023

Data clustering is one of the most influential branches of machine learning and data analysis, and Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) are frequently adopted in data clustering due to their ease of implementation. However, there are certain limitations to this approach that need to be acknowledged. GMMs need to determine the cluster numbers manually, and they may fail to extract the information within the dataset during initialization. To address these issues, a new clustering algorithm called PFA-GMM has been proposed. PFA-GMM is based on GMMs and the Pathfinder algorithm (PFA), and it aims to overcome the shortcomings of GMMs. The algorithm automatically determines the optimal number of clusters based on the dataset. Subsequently, PFA-GMM considers the clustering problem as a global optimization problem for getting trapped in local convergence during initialization. Finally, we conducted a comparative study of our proposed clustering algorithm against other well-known clustering algorithms using both synthetic and real-world datasets. The results of our experiments indicate that PFA-GMM outperformed the competing approaches.
Increasing Extractable Work in Small Qubit Landscapes
Authors: Akhouri Unnati , Shandera Sarah , Yesmurzayeva Gaukhar
Published: June 2023

An interesting class of physical systems, including those associated with life, demonstrates the ability to hold thermalization at bay and perpetuate states of high free-energy compared to a local environment. In this work we study quantum systems with no external sources or sinks for energy, heat, work, or entropy that allow for high free-energy subsystems to form and persist. We initialize systems of qubits in mixed, uncorrelated states and evolve them subject to a conservation law. We find that four qubits make up the minimal system for which these restricted dynamics and initial conditions allow an increase in extractable work for a subsystem. On landscapes of eight co-evolving qubits, interacting in randomly selected subsystems at each step, we demonstrate that restricted connectivity and an inhomogeneous distribution of initial temperatures both lead to landscapes with longer intervals of increasing extractable work for individual qubits. We demonstrate the role of correlations that develop on the landscape in enabling a positive change in extractable work.
Multi-Focus Image Fusion for Full-Field Optical Angiography
Authors: Jie Yuchan , Li Xiaosong , Wang Mingyi , Tan Haishu
Published: June 2023

Full-field optical angiography (FFOA) has considerable potential for clinical applications in the prevention and diagnosis of various diseases. However, owing to the limited depth of focus attainable using optical lenses, only information about blood flow in the plane within the depth of field can be acquired using existing FFOA imaging techniques, resulting in partially unclear images. To produce fully focused FFOA images, an FFOA image fusion method based on the nonsubsampled contourlet transform and contrast spatial frequency is proposed. Firstly, an imaging system is constructed, and the FFOA images are acquired by intensity-fluctuation modulation effect. Secondly, we decompose the source images into low-pass and bandpass images by performing nonsubsampled contourlet transform. A sparse representation-based rule is introduced to fuse the lowpass images to effectively retain the useful energy information. Meanwhile, a contrast spatial frequency rule is proposed to fuse bandpass images, which considers the neighborhood correlation and gradient relationships of pixels. Finally, the fully focused image is produced by reconstruction. The proposed method significantly expands the range of focus of optical angiography and can be effectively extended to public multi-focused datasets. Experimental results confirm that the proposed method outperformed some state-of-the-art methods in both qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
Exergy Analysis and Off-Design Modeling of a Solar-Driven Supercritical CO2 Recompression Brayton Cycle
Authors: Battisti Felipe G. , Klein Carlos F. , Escobar Rodrigo A. , Cardemil José M.
Published: June 2023

The latest generation of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems uses supercritical carbon dioxide (s-CO2) as the working fluid in a high-performance recompression Brayton cycle (RcBC), whose off-design performance under different environmental conditions has yet to be fully explored. This study presents a model developed using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and System Advisor Model (SAM) to evaluate the operation of two solar-driven s-CO2 RcBCs over a year, considering meteorological conditions in northern Chile. Under design conditions, the power plant outputs a net power of 25 MW with a first-law efficiency of 48.3%. An exergy analysis reveals that the high-temperature recuperator contributes the most to the exergy destruction under nominal conditions. However, the yearly simulation shows that the gas cooler’s exergy destruction increases at high ambient temperatures, as does the turbine’s during off-design operation. The proposed cycle widens the operational range, offering a higher flexibility and synergistic turndown strategy by throttling the mass flow. The proposed cycle’s seasonal first-law efficiency of 39% outweighs the literature cycle’s 29%. When coupled to a thermal energy storage system, the proposed cycle’s capacity factor could reach 93.45%, compared to the value 76.45% reported for the cycle configuration taken from the literature.
Improved Testing Method Using the Multi-Transformers Synthetic Circuit to Verify Capacitive Charging Current Switching Capability of High-Voltage Circuit Breakers
Authors: Kim Yun-Seong , Choi Jong-Hyuk , Patil Rahul S. , Park Min-Won
Published: June 2023

To perform a capacitive current switching test (CCT) at AC extra-high-voltage (EHV) and above level, this paper proposes a new multi-transformer synthetic circuit (MTSC) test method that replaces the general synthetic test method using capacitor banks. An MTSC method has a simpler circuit structure compared to other synthetic testing methods and has higher equivalence (especially recovery voltage and TRV) and validity. Using this method, CCTs for circuit breakers (CBs) of the AC 420 kV voltage class were performed as a field test using the IEC 62271-100 standard. To verify that the test method was valid, test results were analyzed and compared with the requirements of a standard. Consequently, the MTSC method completely covered the requirements of the standard.
Testing Resilience Aspects of Operation Options for Offshore Wind Farms beyond the End-of-Life
Authors: Köpke Corinna , Mielniczek Jennifer , Stolz Alexander
Published: June 2023

An anticipated challenge for the offshore wind industry is the legally standardized decommissioning of offshore wind infrastructure after the expiration of the respective approval period. To meet the energy and climate targets set by, e.g., the German Federal Government, this challenge must be mastered in the context of sustainability. Potential concepts are (i) the deconstruction of offshore infrastructure without replacement, (ii) the continued operation of the plants, (iii) partially or even completely replacing them with newer, modernized plants (re-powering). Re-powering could also be a combination of existing infrastructures with other innovative technologies, such as hydrogen. In this work, the three concepts are analyzed along with their risks and additional factors, such as feasibility, cost-effectiveness, predictability of technological progress, and, planning security, are discussed. A quantitative risk and resilience analysis is conceptually demonstrated for the specific risk of extreme weather and wave conditions caused by climate change. Synthetic wave height data are generated and the corresponding load changes are applied to example offshore wind farms. The three end-of-life options are compared using resilience indicators that serve as exemplary measures for the energy output, which serves as the key performance indicator.
Mapping and Identifying Candidate Genes Enabling Cadmium Accumulation in Brassica napus Revealed by Combined BSA-Seq and RNA-Seq Analysis
Authors: Wang Huadong , Liu Jiajia , Huang Juan , Xiao Qing , Hayward Alice , Li Fuyan , Gong Yingying , Liu Qian , Ma Miao , Fu Donghui , Xiao Meili
Published: June 2023

Rapeseed has the ability to absorb cadmium in the roots and transfer it to aboveground organs, making it a potential species for remediating soil cadmium (Cd) pollution. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in rapeseed are still unclear. In this study, a ‘cadmium-enriched’ parent, ‘P1’, with high cadmium transport and accumulation in the shoot (cadmium root: shoot transfer ratio of 153.75%), and a low-cadmium-accumulation parent, ‘P2’, (with a cadmium transfer ratio of 48.72%) were assessed for Cd concentration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). An F2 genetic population was constructed by crossing ‘P1’ with ‘P2’ to map QTL intervals and underlying genes associated with cadmium enrichment. Fifty extremely cadmium-enriched F2 individuals and fifty extremely low-accumulation F2 individuals were selected based on cadmium content and cadmium transfer ratio and used for bulk segregant analysis (BSA) in combination with whole genome resequencing. This generated a total of 3,660,999 SNPs and 787,034 InDels between these two segregated phenotypic groups. Based on the delta SNP index (the difference in SNP frequency between the two bulked pools), nine candidate Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from five chromosomes were identified, and four intervals were validated. RNA sequencing of ‘P1’ and ‘P2’ in response to cadmium was also performed and identified 3502 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ‘P1’ and ‘P2’ under Cd treatment. Finally, 32 candidate DEGs were identified within 9 significant mapping intervals, including genes encoding a glutathione S-transferase (GST), a molecular chaperone (DnaJ), and a phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), among others. These genes are strong candidates for playing an active role in helping rapeseed cope with cadmium stress. Therefore, this study not only sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of Cd accumulation in rapeseed but could also be useful for rapeseed breeding programs targeting this trait.
UV-DDB as a General Sensor of DNA Damage in Chromatin: Multifaceted Approaches to Assess Its Direct Role in Base Excision Repair
Authors: Raja Sripriya J. , Van Houten Bennett
Published: June 2023

Base excision repair (BER) is a cellular process that removes damaged bases arising from exogenous and endogenous sources including reactive oxygen species, alkylation agents, and ionizing radiation. BER is mediated by the actions of multiple proteins which work in a highly concerted manner to resolve DNA damage efficiently to prevent toxic repair intermediates. During the initiation of BER, the damaged base is removed by one of 11 mammalian DNA glycosylases, resulting in abasic sites. Many DNA glycosylases are product-inhibited by binding to the abasic site more avidly than the damaged base. Traditionally, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1, APE1, was believed to help turn over the glycosylases to undergo multiple rounds of damaged base removal. However, in a series of papers from our laboratory, we have demonstrated that UV-damaged DNA binding protein (UV-DDB) stimulates the glycosylase activities of human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1), MUTY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH), alkyladenine glycosylase/N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase (AAG/MPG), and single-strand selective monofunctional glycosylase (SMUG1), between three- and five-fold. Moreover, we have shown that UV-DDB can assist chromatin decompaction, facilitating access of OGG1 to 8-oxoguanine damage in telomeres. This review summarizes the biochemistry, single-molecule, and cell biology approaches that our group used to directly demonstrate the essential role of UV-DDB in BER.