bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the 3D point cloud semantic segmentation method of fusion semantic edge detection
Authors: Chen Ling , Xu Gang , Fu Nana , Hu Zhifeng , Zheng Shuzhan , Li Xiang
Published: April 2022

With the continuous development of deep learning, semantic segmentation, as the basis of 3D scene understanding, has also been widely used in 3D point clouds. Semantic segmentation based on the point cloud has obvious advantages due to its rich data. Aiming at the problems of unclear segmentation target and unclear edge in point cloud semantic segmentation, a 3D point cloud semantic segmentation algorithm integrating edge detection was proposed. Firstly, complete global semantic features are obtained by the mainstream 3D point cloud semantic segmentation framework. Then, semantic edge detection is used to extract edge semantic features from the point cloud. Finally, the fusion module fuses the semantic features belonging to the same object to make the segmentation target more accurate. In addition, a dual semantic loss function is used to produce semantic segmentation results with better boundaries. Experimental results show that the improved algorithm has better precision than KPConv in S3DIS and ScanNet datasets and better segmentation performance.
An MMC-based cryogenic calorimeter with a massive sodium molybdate crystal absorber for neutrinoless double beta decay searches
Authors: Kim W.T. , Kim S.C. , Sharma B. , Grigorieva V.D. , Jeon J.A. , Kim H.L. , Kim H.J. , Kim S.G. , Kim S.R. , Kim Y.D. , Kim Y.H. , Lee H.J. , Lee M.H. , Lee S.W. , Shlegel V.N. , Seo J.W. , So J.H.
Published: April 2022

Sodium molybdate crystals are excellent scintillating target material that can be used to investigate the neutrinoless double beta decay of 100Mo.
Because this material contains Na nuclei, it could also be used to clarify the contribution of Na in the controversial claim of dark matter observation by the DAMA/LIBRA experiment.
Recent developments have allowed the growth of sodium molybdate crystals of several hundred grams, which makes it possible to build large scale experiments.
Therefore, a cryogenic calorimeter with a crystal of significant mass, which can exploit the excellent energy resolution from thermal signals and particle identification using the scintillation signals,
is highly desired. We have developed a cryogenic calorimeter with a cylindrical sodium molybdate
crystal of 178 g with dimensions of 4 cm (height) × 4 cm (diameter) coupled to a metallic magnetic calorimeter (MMC).
The detector was also equipped with a light detector with a thin Ge absorber to detect scintillation signals.
The detector test measurements showed excellent energy resolution and particle discrimination using dual detection of heat and light signals,
and thus demonstrate that the crystal is a promising tool for searching for rare phenomena events.
Details of the detector development with the massive sodium molybdate crystal are discussed in this paper along with the performance results from test measurements.
Root traits of sugarcane cultivated by monoculture system in three orders of soil
Authors: Kusumawati A , Hanudin E , Purwanto B H , Nurudin M
Published: April 2022

Sugarcane is a valuable crop and has been cultivated in Indonesia in a monoculture system since the Dutch colonial period. Cultivation of sugarcane in monoculture in the long term affects the condition of soil properties. This will affect plant growth, one of which is plant roots. This study aim was to determine the effect of long-term sugarcane monoculture on sugarcane root conditions in three different soil orders. The research was conducted using two factors oversite design, soil order and duration of monoculture system. The observed soil parameters included soil physical and chemical properties such as bulk density, percentage of sand, silt, clay, porosity, pH H2O, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, NH4
+, NO3
-, Available P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, B and Zn. Root parameters observed were root fresh weight, the weight of root dry, root volume, the length of root, root cation exchange capacity and root surface area. The results showed that root volume, root length, root cation exchange capacity and root surface area were significantly impacted by the interaction of the soil order and the duration of monoculture system.
Effect of biochar and rice irrigartion methods on methane gas emissions
Authors: Saputra Aditya Arief , Utami Sri Nuryani Hidayah , Purwanto Benito Heru
Published: April 2022

Environmental problems related to agricultural production, especially rice, namely rice cultivation is the main cause of increasing global warming. The use of biochar types and types of irrigation can affect the rate of methane gas emission. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of the treatment of addition of several types of biochar with a combination of irrigation treatment on the rate of methane gas emissions and investigate the rate of methane gas emissions at the time of collection in each phase of plant growth. The design used was a factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with the first factor was type of biochar: namely bamboo biochar by pyrolysis method, bamboo biochar by open firing method and coconut shellbiochar by open firing method, and the second factor was continuous flooding irrigation, macak-macak (0-0.5 cm water level) condition and intermittent with three replications. Soil sampling was carried out during the maximum tillering phase, the flower primordia phase and the grain filling phase. While gas sampling was carried outfive repetitions at intervals of 3 minutes. The results showed that the treatment of coconut shell biochar by open firing method combination with continuous flooding irrigation had the highest flux value of 11.44 × 10-4 (mg/m2/min) at the time of taking 60 days after planting (dap). The number of tillers can affect the CH4 flux value. The highest determination value is at the number of tillers 60 dap followed by 70 dap that is 57.05% and 28.77%, which means that the number of tillers has a significant effect on the CH4 flux value.
Effect of coffee husk compost to increase peanut yield in inceptisol
Authors: Junedi H , Suryanto S , Syukria H
Published: April 2022

The use of compost as an ameliorant has been shown to improve soil quality and increase crop yields. One of the organic materials that can be used as compost is coffee husk. Besides being able to increase the quality and yield of the plant, the rest of the coffee husk will also pollute the environment if it is not utilized. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of coffee husk compost application on Inceptisol and peanut yield. The field experiment was done on an Inceptisol, from March to December 2020. The experiment used a randomized block design with 6 treatments of coffee husk compost with various doses and 4 replications, namely without compost, 10 Mgha-1, 15 Mgha-1, 20 Mgha-1, 25 Mgha-1, and 30 Mgha-1. The results showed that the application of 20 Mgha-1 coffee husk compost was the best treatment in optimizing decreasing soil compaction, bulk density, and increasing porosity, while 15 Mgha-1coffee husk compost was the best treatment in increasing peanut yield.
Mathematical Model for Rice (Oryza Sativa) Growth Analysis Under Green Fertilizer of Biogas Slurry
Authors: Hidayat F.U. , Ngadisih  , Karyadi J.N.W. , Tirtalistyani R. , Ismail M.H. , Mawandha H.G
Published: April 2022

The purposes of this study were to observe and measure the growth of rice plants against the application of biogas slurry fertilizer, to calculate the growth rate of rice plants with an appropriate mathematical model, and to recommend a dose of biogas slurry fertilizer for rice cultivation. This study was conducted in an experimental field using plant pots with 5 treatments of applying biogas slurry, namely without treatment/control (K), 60 Mg/ha of liquid slurry (C1), 30 Mg/ha of liquid slurry (C2), 60 Mg/ha of solid slurry (P1), and 30 Mg/ha of solid slurry (P2). Each treatment was repeated 2 times with each plant pot filled with 3 rice plants. The pots were set in randomized complete block design. The growth parameters observed were the number of leaves, plant height, number of tillers, crown weight, and plant root weight. Observations were made for 120 days. The analysis used in this study used one-way ANOVA analysis, linear regression and logistic equation for plant growth rates. The results showed that the P1 treatment had the best growth response. The coefficient value of plant growth rate (μ) on the number of leaves treatment parameters K, C1, C2, P1, and P2 were -0.044; -0.047; -0.0567; -0.0613; and -0.0547, respectively. Then, the plant height parameters were -0.0448; -0.0474; -0.0448; -0.0421; and -0.0458, respectively. The number of tillers in a row were -0.0408; -0.0405; -0.0432; -0.0447; and -0.0448, respectively. The ANOVA test showed that the application of biogas slurry fertilizer was significant (sign < 0.05) on plant growth rate, while it had no significant effect on wet and dry weight of shoots and plant roots (sign > 0.05). Logistic equation was excellent to describe rice growth under biogas slurry fertilizer. The dose of slurry biogas fertilizer that provides the most contact for plants was 60 Mg/ha.
The effect of competency and orientation toward agripreneurship performance on semi-organic shallot farmers: A case study of Selopamioro Village, Imogiri, Bantul District, Indonesia
Authors: Waqingah S , Irham  , Mulyo J H
Published: April 2022

The growth of semi-organic shallot farming in Bantul Regency is increasing due to the support of various development programs that are expected to optimize the ability of natural resources as well as building farmer competencies and orientations in order to create independent farmers as agripreneurs. The objectives of the research is to examine the effect of competency and orientation toward agripreneurship performance on semi-organic shallot farmers. This research was conducted purposively in Selopamioro Village as one of the centers for semi-organic shallot development in Bantul Regency. Data were collected through interviews, observations and literature review then analyzed using PLS-SEM. The research showed that the farmers count more on technical and managerial skills than on entrepreneurial orientation. It is found that competency has a positive influence toward agripreneurship performance, which means that the higher the level of competency, the better the agripreneurship performance will be.
The Use of Biopesticide to Control of Thrips palmi on potato Plant of Sorik Merapi Mountain, Madina, North Sumatera
Authors: Siregar A Z , Tulus  , Yunilas  , Nisa S C A
Published: April 2022

Potato is one type of horticultural crop has high economic value after rice, corn and sago. This study aimed to compare the concentration of tabacco leaf extract, neem leaf and betel leaf in controlling T. palmi and their effect on potato plant growth. The research was conducted in August-September 2021 at the Happy Poktan agricultural land in Hutanamale Village, Sorik Mas District, Mandailing Natal. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with treatment with tabacco leaf extract concentration (A0=0%, A1=10%, A2=20%, A3=30%); papaya leaf extract (A4=10%, A5=20%, A6=30%) and betel leaf extract (A7=10%; A8=20%, A9=30%). The results showed that tabacco leaf extract greatly affected mortality and plant damage, followed by papaya leaf extract and had no significant effect when using betel leaf extract. The effective concentration to control T. palmi was a concentration A3 of tabacco leaf extract which caused 84.23% mortality compared to A1 (74%) and A2 (71.46%), respectively. The highest concentration of 50% was able to cause mortality of 93.15% with the lowest damage of 51.49% used the betel leaves. When the use of papaya extract affected the mortality of T.palmi (A6=85.12%), while the lowest at A4 (72.85%) and A5 (70.18%).
The Effect of Adding Wood Chips on The Decomposition of Sludge from Seafood Processing Wastewater Treatment System
Authors: Vo D N K , Tokuoka M , Phan N T , Tran V Q
Published: April 2022

This study evaluates the effect of various wood chips on the sludge decomposition process. Sludge from Surimi processing wastewater treatment system (AS) of Danifood factory in Danang city was mixed with local wood chips as bulking agents (BA) including Khaya senegalensis (D), Acasia (A) and sawdust (S). The weight ratio of AS/BA added to each aerobic model was 1:1, 1.5:1 and 2:1 for K, A and S, respectively. The results showed that variations of temperature and pH were suitable for aerobic biochemical process. K and S model reached 50 °C in three days and remained stably for next four days, whereas A reached 50 °C after ten days and remained stably for six days. The value of seed germination index from decomposed sludge was more than 80% for K and A whereas 48 - 60 % for S. It is necessary to consider the type or composition of sawdust when utilize it as a BA. In addition, the TOC and T-N of AS after decomposition met Vietnamese standard for organic fertilizer quality, so they could be used to supply nutrients to plants. This study is an important basis for the BAs selection to conduct experiments aim at AS recovery.
Experimental study of single-translated field-reversed configuration in KMAX
Authors: LIAO Hui , HU Chaoqi , LI Yilin , REN Baoming , SUN Xuan
Published: April 2022

For collisional merging field-reversed configurations (FRCs), it is desired to have both FRCs tuned to be approximately the same, as well as to optimize each FRC to have high temperature and high translation speed so as to retain most of the equilibrium flux after traveling a distance to the middle plane for merging. The present study reports the experimental study of a single-translated FRC in the KMAX-FRC device with various diagnostics, including a triple probe, a bolometer, several magnetic probe arrays, and a novel 2D internal magnetic probe array. According to the measurements conducted in the present study, a maximum toroidal magnetic field equal to ∼1/3 of the external magnetic field inside the FRC separatrix radius is observed, and the typical parameters of a single-translated FRC near the device’s mid-plane are n
e ∼ (2–4)×1019 m−3, T
e ∼ 8 eV, T
i ∼ 5 eV, r
s ∼ 0.2 m, l
s ∼ 0.6 m and ϕ
p(RR) ∼ 0.2 mWb. The 2D magnetic topology measurement revealed, for the first time, the time evolution of the overall internal magnetic fields of a single-translated FRC, and an optimized operation regime is given in the paper.
Argon plume transition from a hollow swell to a diffuse swell with increasing amplitude of a trapezoidal voltage
Authors: CHEN Junyu , ZHANG Furong , JIA Pengying , ZHAO Na , WU Kaiyue , WU Jiacun , RAN Junxia , PANG Xuexia , LI Xuechen
Published: April 2022

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets can generate a remote plasma plume, which usually presents a conical or cylindrical morphology. Despite a few morphologies being observed, efforts should be made to obtain more plume structures because streamer dynamics may be revealed from them. For this purpose, an argon plasma plume excited by a trapezoidal voltage is investigated, which presents two kinds of swells (a hollow swell and a diffuse swell) with increasing voltage amplitude (V
p). The results indicate that there are two positive discharges (Dp1 and Dp2) and one negative discharge (Dn) per voltage cycle for both of the swells. With increasing V
p, the inception voltage and discharge intensity increase for every positive discharge, while they decrease for the negative discharge. Fast photography reveals that the positive streamer (Dp2) leaves different tracks in the two swells, which are curved in the hollow swell and randomly branched in the diffuse swell. The different tracks of Dp2 are explained with the consideration of applied field strength and residual positive ions of Dp1. The existence of residual positive ions is finally verified from optical emission spectra.
l-Tryptophan-starved cultivation enhances S-allyl-l-cysteine synthesis in various food-related microorganisms
Authors: Mizutani Taku , Hara Ryotaro , Takeuchi Michiki , Yamagishi Kazuo , Hirao Yoshinori , Mori Kenichi , Hibi Makoto , Ueda Makoto , Ogawa Jun
Published: April 2022

S-Allyl-l-cysteine (SAC) has received much interest due to its beneficial effects on human health. To satisfy the increasing demand for SAC, this study aims to develop a valuable culturing method for microbial screening synthesizing SAC from readily available materials. Although tryptophan synthase is a promising enzyme for SAC synthesis, its expression in microorganisms is strictly regulated by environmental l-tryptophan. Thus, we constructed a semisynthetic medium lacking l-tryptophan using casamino acids. This medium successfully enhanced the SAC-synthesizing activity of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris NBRC 100676. In addition, microorganisms with high SAC-synthesizing activity were screened by the same medium. Food-related Klebsiella pneumoniae K-15 and Pantoea agglomerans P-3 were found to have a significantly increased SAC-synthesizing activity. The SAC-producing process established in this study is shorter in duration than the conventional garlic aging method. Furthermore, this study proposes a promising alternative strategy for producing food-grade SAC by microorganisms.
Chronic kidney disease, survival and graft-versus-host-disease-free/relapse-free survival in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Pelletier Karyne , Côté Gabrielle , Madsen Kayla , Chen Shiyi , Kim S Joseph , Chan Christopher T , Mattsson Jonas , Pasic Ivan , Kitchlu Abhijat
Published: April 2022

Background

Advances in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have increased patient survival, although substantial treatment-related toxicity remains, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). We assessed the association between CKD and survival and transplant-specific outcomes in HSCT recipients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all 408 adult patients with allogenic HSCT at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Canada, 2015–18). We used logistic regression to identify risk factors for CKD at 1 year post-transplant. Associations between CKD at 1 year and overall survival, relapse-free survival, graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD)-free/relapse-free survival, relapse and transplant-related mortality were examined using extended time-varying Cox models. In a sensitivity analysis, we restricted the cohort to survivors at 1 year, using standard Cox proportional hazard models to examine associations between CKD and overall survival, relapse-free survival and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival, and Fine and Gray's competing risk models to determine associations between CKD and relapse/transplant-related mortality.

Results

The prevalence of CKD at 1 year was 19% (46 patients) with median follow-up of 23 months. Multivariable regression identified age at transplant [adjusted OR (aOR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.05–1.14; P < 0.0001), female gender (aOR 2.83, 95% CI = 1.34–5.97; P = 0.006) and acute kidney injury during the first 100 days (aOR 3.86, 95% CI = 1.70–8.73; P = 0.001) as risk factors for CKD at 1 year. Patients with CKD at 1 year had significantly poorer overall survival than those without CKD, when adjusted for relevant covariates [adjusted HR (aHR) 1.93, 95% CI = 1.02–3.66; P = 0.04 in the time-varying Cox model, and aHR 2.06, 95% CI = 1.04–4.07; P = 0.04 using the standard Cox model]. CKD at 1 year was also associated with worse GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (aHR 1.65, 95% CI = 1.04–2.61; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

CKD adversely affects the long-term prognosis for allogeneic HSCT recipients, with increased mortality risk and worse GVHD-free/relapse-free survival.
Intestinal Ultrasound for Differentiating Fibrotic or Inflammatory Stenosis in Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Chenjing , Jiang Wenyu , Wang Lu , Mao Xiaqiong , Ye Ziping , Zhang Hongjie
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Intestinal ultrasound [IUS] has been increasingly reported to distinguish inflammatory or fibrotic intestinal stenosis in Crohn’s disease [CD] patients. However, the diagnostic value is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic role of different modes of IUS parameters.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to August 2021. Regarding effect sizes, weighted mean differences [WMDs] or standardised mean differences [SMDs] were used. We pooled data using a random-effects or fixed-effects model according to heterogeneity. The diagnostic accuracy of IUS for distinguishing fibrosis was pooled.

Results

A total of 19 studies were retained for qualitative analysis, and 14 were included in the meta-analysis [with 511 total subjects and 635 bowel segments]. In patients with fibrotic stenosis, the pooled WMDs for bowel wall thickness were 1.30 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-1.91) thicker than in patients with inflammatory stenosis, and the pooled SMDs for strain value and strain ratio were 0.80 [95% CI: 0.41-1.20] and 1.08 [95% CI: 0.55-1.60] harder than in patients with inflammatory stenosis, respectively. The percentage of maximal enhancement of fibrotic stenosis was lower than that of inflammatory stenosis [WMD -10.03; 95% CI: -17.91- -2.16]. The diagnostic accuracy of IUS was not performed because only a few studies provided relevant diagnostic indicators, and these studies used different modes and parameters.

Conclusions

IUS currently is inaccurate to differentiate fibrotic or inflammatory stenosis in CD patients, and more studies assessing the significance of each parameter and its cut-off value in different modes of IUS are needed to be conducted in the future.
An overview of gene regulation in bacteria by small RNAs derived from mRNA 3′ ends
Authors: Ponath Falk , Hör Jens , Vogel Jörg
Published: April 2022

Over the past two decades, small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) that regulate mRNAs by short base pairing have gone from a curiosity to a major class of post-transcriptional regulators in bacteria. They are integral to many stress responses and regulatory circuits, affecting almost all aspects of bacterial life. Following pioneering sRNA searches in the early 2000s, the field quickly focused on conserved sRNA genes in the intergenic regions of bacterial chromosomes. Yet, it soon emerged that there might be another rich source of bacterial sRNAs—processed 3′ end fragments of mRNAs. Several such 3′ end-derived sRNAs have now been characterized, often revealing unexpected, conserved functions in diverse cellular processes. Here, we review our current knowledge of these 3′ end-derived sRNAs—their biogenesis through ribonucleases, their molecular mechanisms, their interactions with RNA-binding proteins such as Hfq or ProQ and their functional scope, which ranges from acting as specialized regulators of single metabolic genes to constituting entire noncoding arms in global stress responses. Recent global RNA interactome studies suggest that the importance of functional 3′ end-derived sRNAs has been vastly underestimated and that this type of cross-regulation between genes at the mRNA level is more pervasive in bacteria than currently appreciated.
Source parameters inversion of the global large earthquakes using 3-D SEM Green's functions: strain Green's function calculation and validation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hao Jinlai , Deng Wenze , Ji Chen , Zhang Chuhan
Published: April 2022

Precisely constraining the source parameters of large earthquakes is one of the primary objectives of seismology. However, the quality of the results relies on the quality of synthetic earth response. Although earth structure is laterally heterogeneous, particularly at shallow depth, most earthquake source studies at the global scale rely on the Green's functions calculated with radially symmetric (1-D) earth structure. To avoid the impact of inaccurate Green's functions, these conventional source studies use a limited set of seismic phases, such as long-period seismic waves, broad-band P and S waves in teleseismic distances (30° < ∆ < 90°), and strong ground motion records at close-fault stations. The enriched information embedded in the broad-band seismograms recorded by global and regional networks is largely ignored, limiting the spatiotemporal resolution. Here we calculate 3-D strain Green's functions at 30 GSN stations for source regions of 9 selected global earthquakes and one earthquake-prone area (California), with frequency up to 67 mHz (15 s), using SPECFEM3D_GLOBE and the reciprocity theorem. The 3-D SEM mesh model is composed of mantle model S40RTS, crustal model CRUST2.0 and surface topography ETOPO2. We surround each target event with grids in horizontal spacing of 5 km and vertical spacing of 2.0–3.0 km, allowing us to investigate not only the main shock but also the background seismicity. In total, the response at over 210 000 source points is calculated in simulation. The number of earthquakes, including different focal mechanisms, centroid depth range and tectonic background, could further increase without additional computational cost if they were properly selected to avoid overloading individual CPUs. The storage requirement can be reduced by two orders of magnitude if the output strain Green's functions are stored for periods over 15 s. We quantitatively evaluate the quality of these 3-D synthetic seismograms, which are frequency and phase dependent, for each source region using nearby aftershocks, before using them to constrain the focal mechanisms and slip distribution. Case studies show that using a 3-D earth model significantly improves the waveform similarity, agreement in amplitude and arrival time of seismic phases with the observations. The limitations of current 3-D models are still notable, dependent on seismic phases and frequency range. The 3-D synthetic seismograms cannot well match the high frequency (>40 mHz) S wave and (>20 mHz) Rayleigh wave yet. Though the mean time-shifts are close to zero, the standard deviations are notable. Careful calibration using the records of nearby better located earthquakes is still recommended to take full advantage of better waveform similarity due to the use of 3-D models. Our results indicate that it is now feasible to systematically study global large earthquakes using full 3-D earth response in a global scale.
Fitness Cost of Sequential Selection with Deltamethrin inAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Gonzalez-Santillan Francisco J , Contreras-Perera Yamili , Davila-Barboza Jesus A , Juache-Villagrana Alan E , Gutierrez-Rodriguez Selene M , Ponce-Garcia Gustavo , Lopez-Monroy Beatriz , Rodriguez-Sanchez Iram P , Lenhart Audrey E , Mackenzie-Impoinvil Lucy , Flores Adriana E
Published: April 2022

In Mexico, Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary dengue vector, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. The continued use of synthetic pyrethroids has led to the development of resistance in target populations, which has diminished the effectiveness of vector control programs. Resistance has been associated with disadvantages that affect the biological parameters of resistant mosquitoes compared to susceptible ones. In the present study, the disadvantages were evaluated by parameters related to survival and reproduction (‘fitness cost’) after selection with deltamethrin for five generations. The parameters analyzed were the length of the development cycle, sex ratio, survival, longevity, fecundity, egg viability, preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition periods, and growth parameters. In the deltamethrin-selected strain, there was a decrease in the development cycle duration, the percentage of pupae, the oviposition period, and eggs viability. Although mean daily fecundity was not affected after the selection process, this, together with the decrease in the survival and fecundity levels by specific age, significantly affected the gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (Ro), and intrinsic growth rate (rm) of the group selected for five generations with deltamethrin compared to the group without selection. Identifying the ‘cost’ of resistance in biological fitness represents an advantage if it is desired to limit the spread of resistant populations since the fitness cost is the less likely that resistant individuals will spread in the population. This represents an important factor to consider in designing integrated vector management programs.
Evidence for a high-zISW signal from supervoids in the distribution of eBOSS quasars
Authors: Kovács A , Beck R , Smith A , Rácz G , Csabai I , Szapudi I
Published: April 2022

The late-time integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) imprint of $R\gtrsim 100~h^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}$ superstructures is sourced by evolving large-scale potentials due to a dominant dark energy component in the ΛCDM model. The aspect that makes the ISW effect distinctly interesting is the repeated observation of stronger-than-expected imprints from supervoids at z ≲ 0.9. Here we analyse the un-probed key redshift range 0.8 < z < 2.2 where the ISW signal is expected to fade in ΛCDM, due to a weakening dark energy component, and eventually become consistent with zero in the matter dominated epoch. On the contrary, alternative cosmological models, proposed to explain the excess low-z ISW signals, predicted a sign-change in the ISW effect at z ≈ 1.5 due to the possible growth of large-scale potentials that is absent in the standard model. To discriminate, we estimated the high-z ΛCDM ISW signal using the Millennium XXL mock catalogue, and compared it to our measurements from about 800 supervoids identified in the eBOSS DR16 quasar catalogue. At 0.8 < z < 1.2, we found an excess ISW signal with AISW ≈ 3.6 ± 2.1 amplitude. The signal is then consistent with the ΛCDM expectation (AISW = 1) at 1.2 < z < 1.5 where the standard and alternative models predict similar amplitudes. Most interestingly, we also observed an opposite-sign ISW signal at 1.5 < z < 2.2 that is in 2.7σ tension with the ΛCDM prediction. Taken at face value, these recurring hints for ISW anomalies suggest an alternative growth rate of structure in low-density environments at $\sim 100~h^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}$ scales.
Do reverberation-measured Hβ quasars provide a useful test of cosmology?
Authors: Khadka Narayan , Martínez-Aldama Mary Loli , Zajaček Michal , Czerny Bożena , Ratra Bharat
Published: April 2022

We use 118 Hβ quasar (QSO) observations in the redshift range 0.0023 ≤ z ≤ 0.89 to simultaneously constrain cosmological model parameters and QSO 2-parameter radius-luminosity (R–L) relation parameters in six different cosmological models. We find that the R–L relation parameters for these QSOs are independent of the assumed cosmology so these QSOs seem to be standardizable through the R–L relation (although there is a complication that might render this untrue). Cosmological constraints obtained using these QSOs are weak, more favour currently decelerated cosmological expansion, and typically are in ∼2σ tension with those obtained from a joint analysis of baryon acoustic oscillation and Hubble parameter measurements. Extending the R–L relation to a 3-parameter one to try to correct for the accretion rate effect does not result in a reduction of the cosmological constraints discrepancy nor does it result in the hoped-for significant reduction of the intrinsic scatter of the R–L relation.
Array element coupling in radio interferometry I: a semi-analytic approach
Authors: Josaitis Alec T , Ewall-Wice Aaron , Fagnoni Nicolas , de Lera Acedo Eloy
Published: April 2022

We derive a general formalism for interferometric visibilities, which considers first-order antenna–antenna coupling and assumes steady-state, incident radiation. We simulate such coupling features for non-polarized skies on a compact, redundantly spaced array and present a phenomenological analysis of the coupling features. Contrary to previous studies, we find mutual coupling features manifest themselves at non-zero fringe rates. We compare power-spectrum results for both coupled and non-coupled (noiseless, simulated) data and find coupling effects to be highly dependent on local sidereal time (LST), baseline length, and baseline orientation. For all LSTs, lengths, and orientations, coupling features appear at delays which are outside the foreground ‘wedge’, which has been studied extensively and contains non-coupled astrophysical foreground features. Further, we find that first-order coupling effects threaten our ability to average data from baselines with identical length and orientation. Two filtering strategies are proposed which may mitigate such coupling systematics. The semi-analytic coupling model herein presented may be used to study mutual coupling systematics as a function of LST, baseline length, and baseline orientation. Such a model is not only helpful to the field of 21cm cosmology, but any study involving interferometric measurements, where coupling effects at the level of at least 1 part in 104 could corrupt the scientific result. Our model may be used to mitigate coupling systematics in existing radio interferometers and to design future arrays where the configuration of array elements inherently mitigates coupling effects at desired LSTs and angular resolutions.
New calibrations for estimating the N/O ratio in H ii regions
Authors: Florido Estrella , Zurita Almudena , Pérez-Montero Enrique
Published: April 2022

We use a sample of 536 H ii regions located in nearby spirals, with a homogeneous determination of their Te-based abundances, to obtain new empirical calibrations of the N2O2, N2S2, O3N2, and N2 strong-line indices to estimate the nitrogen-to-oxygen abundance ratio when auroral lines are not detected. All indices are strongly correlated with the Te-based log (N/O) for our H ii region sample, even more strongly than with 12 + log (O/H). N2O2 is the most strongly correlated index, and the best fit to the log (N/O)–N2O2 relation is obtained with a second-order polynomial. The derived relation has a low dispersion (rms < 0.09 dex), being valid in the range −1.74 < N2O2 < 0.62 (or −1.81 < log (N/O) < −0.13). We have compared our calibration with previous ones and have discussed the differences between them in terms of the nature of the objects used as calibrators.
Origin of supermassive black holes in massive metal-poor protoclusters
Authors: Schleicher D R G , Reinoso B , Latif M , Klessen R S , Vergara M Z C , Das A , Alister P , Díaz V B , Solar P A
Published: April 2022

While large numbers of supermassive black holes have been detected at z > 6, their origin is still essentially unclear. Numerical simulations have shown that the conditions for the classical direct collapse scenario are very restrictive and fragmentation is very difficult to be avoided. We thus consider here a more general case of a dense massive protostar cluster at low metallicity (≲10−3 Z⊙) embedded in gas. We estimate the mass of the central massive object, formed via collisions and gas accretion, considering the extreme cases of a logarithmically flat and a Salpeter-type initial mass function. Objects with masses of at least 104 M⊙ could be formed for inefficient radiative feedback, whereas ∼103 M⊙ objects could be formed when the accretion time is limited via feedback. These masses will vary depending on the environment and could be considerably larger, particularly due to the continuous infall of gas into the cloud. As a result, one may form intermediate mass black holes of ∼104 M⊙ or more. Upcoming observations with the James Webb Space Telescope and other observatories may help us to detect such massive black holes and their environment, thereby shedding additional light on such a formation channel.
Explaining the differences in massive star models from various simulations
Authors: Agrawal Poojan , Szécsi Dorottya , Stevenson Simon , Eldridge Jan J , Hurley Jarrod
Published: April 2022

The evolution of massive stars is the basis of several astrophysical investigations, from predicting gravitational-wave event rates to studying star formation and stellar populations in clusters. However, uncertainties in massive star evolution present a significant challenge when accounting for these models’ behaviour in stellar population studies. In this work, we present a comparison between five published sets of stellar models from the BPASS (Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis), BoOST (Bonn Optimized Stellar Tracks), Geneva, MIST (MESA Isochrones and Stellar Tracks), and PARSEC (PAdova and TRieste Stellar Evolution Code) simulations at near-solar metallicity. The different sets of stellar models have been computed using slightly different physical inputs in terms of mass-loss rates and internal mixing properties. Moreover, these models also employ various pragmatic methods to overcome the numerical difficulties that arise due to the presence of density inversions in the outer layers of stars more massive than 40 M⊙. These density inversions result from the combination of inefficient convection in the low-density envelopes of massive stars and the excess of radiative luminosity to the Eddington luminosity. We find that the ionizing radiation released by the stellar populations can change by up to 18 per cent, the maximum radial expansion of a star can differ between 100 and 1600 R⊙, and the mass of the stellar remnant can vary up to 20 M⊙ between the five sets of simulations. We conclude that any attempts to explain observations that rely on the use of models of stars more massive than 40 M⊙ should be made with caution.
Spectroscopic analysis of VVV CL001 cluster with MUSE
Authors: Olivares Carvajal J , Zoccali M , Rojas-Arriagada A , Contreras Ramos R , Gran F , Valenti E , Minniti J H
Published: April 2022

Like most spiral galaxies, the Milky Way contains a population of blue, metal-poor globular clusters and another of red, metal-rich ones. Most of the latter belong to the bulge, and therefore they are poorly studied compared to the blue (halo) ones because they suffer higher extinction and larger contamination from field stars. These intrinsic difficulties, together with a lack of low-mass bulge globular clusters, are reasons to believe that their census is not complete yet. Indeed, a few new clusters have been confirmed in the last few years. One of them is VVV CL001, the subject of the present study. We present a new spectroscopic analysis of the recently confirmed globular cluster VVV CL001, made by means of MUSE@VLT integral field data. Individual spectra were extracted for stars in the VVV CL001 field. Radial velocities were derived by cross-correlation with synthetic templates. Coupled with proper motions from the VVV (VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea) survey, these data allow us to select 55 potential cluster members, for which we derive metallicities using the public code The Cannon. The mean radial velocity of the cluster is Vhelio = −324.9 ± 0.8 km s−1, as estimated from 55 cluster members. This high velocity, together with a low metallicity [Fe/H] = −2.04 ± 0.02 dex, suggests that VVV CL001 could be a very old cluster. The estimated distance is d = 8.23 ± 0.46 kpc, placing the cluster in the Galactic bulge. Furthermore, both its current position and the orbital parameters suggest that VVV CL001 is most probably a bulge globular cluster.
Study of the equatorial ionosphere using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at sub-GHz frequencies
Authors: Mangla Sarvesh , Datta Abhirup
Published: April 2022

Radio interferometers, which are designed to observe astrophysical objects in the universe, can also be used to study the Earth’s ionosphere. Radio interferometers like the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) detect variations in ionospheric total electron content (TEC) on a much wider spatial scale at a relatively higher sensitivity than traditional ionospheric probes like the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The hybrid configuration of the GMRT (compact core and extended arms) and its geographical location make this interferometer an excellent candidate to explore the sensitive regions between the northern crest of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) and the magnetic equator. For this work, a bright radio source, 3C 68.2, is observed from post-midnight to post-sunrise (∼ 9 h) to study the ionospheric activities at solar-minima. This study presents data reduction and processing techniques to measure differential TEC ($\delta \rm {TEC}$) between the set of antennas with an accuracy of 1 × 10−3 TECU. Furthermore, using these $\delta \rm {TEC}$ measurements, we have demonstrated techniques to compute the TEC gradient over the full array and micro-scale variation in 2D TEC gradient surface. These variations are well equipped to probe ionospheric plasma, especially during the night-time. Our study, for the first time, reports the capability of the GMRT to detect ionospheric activities. Our result validates, compared to previous studies with VLA, LOFAR, and MWA, the ionosphere over the GMRT is more active, which is expected due to its location near the magnetic equator.
ariadne: measuring accurate and precise stellar parameters through SED fitting
Authors: Vines Jose I , Jenkins James S
Published: April 2022

Accurately measuring stellar parameters is a key goal to increase our understanding of the observable Universe. However, current methods are limited by many factors, in particular, the biases and physical assumptions that are the basis for the underlying evolutionary or atmospheric models, those that these methods rely upon. Here, we introduce our code spectrAl eneRgy dIstribution bAyesian moDel averagiNg fittEr (ariadne), which tackles this problem by using Bayesian Model Averaging to incorporate the information from all stellar models to arrive at accurate and precise values. This code uses spectral energy distribution fitting methods, combined with precise Gaia distances, to measure the temperature, log g, [Fe/H], AV, and radius of a star. When compared with interferometrically measured radii ariadne produces values in excellent agreement across a wide range of stellar parameters, with a mean fractional difference of only 0.001 ± 0.070. We currently incorporate six different models, and in some cases we find significant offsets between them, reaching differences of up to 550 K and 0.6 R⊙ in temperature and radius, respectively. For example, such offsets in stellar radius would give rise to a difference in planetary radius of 60 per cent, negating homogeneity when combining results from different models. We also find a trend for stars smaller than 0.4–0.5 R⊙, which shows more work needs to be done to better model these stars, even though the overall extent is within the uncertainties of the interferometric measurements. We advocate for the use of ariadne to provide improved bulk parameters of nearby A to M dwarfs for future studies.
Influence of concomitant methotrexate use on the clinical effectiveness, retention, and safety of abatacept in biologic-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis:Post-hocsubgroup analysis of the ORIGAMI study
Authors: Azuma Takanori , Misaki Kenta , Kusaoi Makio , Suzuki Yoko , Higa Shinji , Kumon Yoshitaka , Yoshitama Tamami , Naniwa Taio , Yamada Shinsuke , Okano Tadashi , Takeuchi Kimihiko , Ikeda Kei , Higami Kenshi , Inoo Masayuki , Sawada Tetsuji , Kang Chonte , Hayashi Masatoshi , Nagaya Yuko , Hagiwara Takafumi , Shono Eisuke , Himeno Shinkichi , Tanaka Eiichi , Inoue Eisuke , Yoshizawa Yuri , Kadode Michiaki , Yamanaka Hisashi , Harigai Masayoshi
Published: April 2022

Objectives

We performed post-hoc analyses of the ORIGAMI study to investigate whether concomitant methotrexate (MTX) influences the clinical outcomes of abatacept in biologic-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Enrolled patients (n = 325) were divided into two groups according to whether abatacept was prescribed without (MTX−) or with (MTX+) concomitant MTX. We compared the changes in Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Disease Activity Score-28 with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and Japanese Health Assessment Questionnaire (J-HAQ) through to 52 weeks of treatment, the abatacept retention rate, and safety.

Results

At Week 52, the mean SDAI (8.9 vs. 8.8), DAS28-CRP (2.6 vs. 2.6), and J-HAQ (0.92 vs. 0.91) scores were comparable in the MTX− (n = 129) and MTX+ (n = 150) groups. Multivariable logistic regression revealed no significant association between MTX use and SDAI (low disease activity) or J-HAQ (minimum clinically important difference). The abatacept retention rates, estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, were 73.2% and 66.7% in the MTX− and MTX+ groups, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 47.5% (of 139) and 52.2% (of 159) of patients in the MTX− and MTX+ groups, respectively.

Conclusion

The effectiveness and safety of abatacept appeared comparable with or without concomitant MTX in this real-world clinical setting.
Iron Availability within the Leaf Vasculature Determines the Magnitude of Iron Deficiency Responses in Source and Sink Tissues inArabidopsis
Authors: Nguyen Nga T , Khan Mather A , Castro–Guerrero Norma A , Chia Ju-Chen , Vatamaniuk Olena K , Mari Stephane , Jurisson Silvia S , Mendoza-Cozatl David G
Published: April 2022

Iron (Fe) uptake and translocation in plants are fine-tuned by complex mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana, local regulation of Fe homeostasis at the root level has been extensively studied and is better understood than the systemic shoot-to-root regulation. While the root system is solely a sink tissue that depends on photosynthates translocated from source tissues, the shoot system is a more complex tissue, where sink and source tissues occur synchronously. In this study, and to gain better insight into the Fe deficiency responses in leaves, we overexpressed Zinc/Iron-regulated transporter-like Protein (ZIP5), an Fe/Zn transporter, in phloem-loading cells (proSUC2::AtZIP5) and determined the timing of Fe deficiency responses in sink (young leaves and roots) and source tissues (leaves). Transgenic lines overexpressing ZIP5 in companion cells displayed increased sensitivity to Fe deficiency in root growth assays. Moreover, young leaves and roots (sink tissues) displayed either delayed or dampened transcriptional responses to Fe deficiency compared to wild-type (WT) plants. We also took advantage of the Arabidopsis mutant nas4x-1 to explore Fe transcriptional responses in the opposite scenario, where Fe is retained in the vasculature but in an unavailable and precipitated form. In contrast to proSUC2::AtZIP5 plants, nas4x-1 young leaves and roots displayed a robust and constitutive Fe deficiency response, while mature leaves showed a delayed and dampened Fe deficiency response compared to WT plants. Altogether, our data provide evidence suggesting that Fe sensing within leaves can also occur locally in a leaf-specific manner.
Rare Palisading Variant of Dermatofibroma
Authors: Pun Stacey , Cassarino David
Published: April 2022

Dermatofibromas (DFs) are benign lesions that typically present as firm papules or nodules on the legs of young- to middle-aged adults. DFs are histologically characterized by a dermal proliferation of spindled fibrohistiocytic cells forming intersecting fascicles and showing collagen entrapment. The palisading variant of DF was first described in 1986 and often presents as a dome-shaped nodule on the digits. Histologically, palisading DFs demonstrate central areas of nuclear palisading in parallel rows resembling Verocay bodies, with more typical areas of DF located peripherally. We report a case of a 33-year-old Hispanic woman who presented with a history of an asymptomatic, slow-growing lesion on her left arm present since her teenage years. Physical examination revealed a solitary, firm brown-to-white 5-mm papule on the left upper arm. A biopsy was performed and revealed a proliferation of spindle cells palisading around areas of hyalinized collagen. The many histologic variants of DF can sometimes create diagnostic confusion. Previously described cases of palisading DFs in the literature showed palisading resembling Verocay bodies and thus raising concern for a schwannoma or other neoplasm that display a “rippled” pattern. Our case is unique in that the architecture of the palisading areas instead resembled a necrobiotic granulomatous process such as granuloma annulare or a rheumatoid nodule at low power.