In eastern part of Ethiopia groundnut is very commonly intercropped with sorghum. Even though intercropping of sorghum with groundnut is practiced in the eastern part of Ethiopia the population density at what ratio should not be known. Therefore determining the population ratio is found to be crucial to draw management options. The study was conducted at two locations at Fadis (on station) and Babile (sub- station). Sorghum variety (Teshale) and groundnut (Fetene) were used as planting materials. All agronomic data were collected and analyzed by using GenStat software. Significant different were obtained among the treatments. The research result showed that, there were significance difference for both sorghum and ground nut yield per hectare in the years (2014 and 2015) among treatments. The result over time(in 2014 and 2015) at Fadis and Erer showed that the highest sorghum and groundnut yield per hectare were obtained/harvested from the intra row spacing of 25cmx20cm and 30cmx20cm intercropping sorghum with ground nut system with (1.27 and 1.31) respectively. The highest LER (1.31) and highest GMV (10218.00 ETBr/ha) were obtained from the intercropping of 30cmx20cm (Sorghum & groundnut). Clearly showed that, with intercropping of sorghum and Groundnut, it is possible to produce additional yield of sorghum without significant reduction in groundnut yield. As a result of this, the intra spacing of the main crop (sorghum) 25cm and 30cm and for the subsidiary crop (groundnut) 20cm was recommended for further production in the study areas of eastern Harerghe zone and similar agro-ecologies.

Recognition, decoding and tracking of vortex patterns is of increasing importance in many fields reaching from astronomical observation of distant galaxies to turbulence phenomena in liquids or gases. Currently, coherent light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM) are of particular interest for optical communication, metrology, micro-machining or particle manipulation. One common task is to identify characteristic spiral patterns in pixelated intensity maps at real-world signal-to-noise ratios. Recently, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was applied to the quantitative analysis of spiral interference patterns of OAM beams. Our study considers this approach in more detail. It is demonstrated that specific information can be extracted by combining conformal mapping by polar transform with determining one- or two-dimensional angular frequency spectra either in spatially fixed or scanning mode. Results of proof-of-principle experiments are presented.

The application of non-uniform spiral gratings to control structure, topological parameters and propagation of orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams was studied experimentally with coherent near-infrared light. Adapted digital spiral grating structures were programmed into the phase map of a high-resolution liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCoS-SLM). It is shown that characteristic spatio-spectral anomalies related to Gouy phase shift can be used as pointers to quantify rotational beam properties. Depending on sign and gradient of spatially variable periods of chirped spiral gratings (CSG), variations of rotation angle and angular velocity as a function of propagation distance were measured. Propagation-dependent self-torque is introduced in analogy to known local self-torque phenomena of OAM beams as obtained by the superposition of temporally chirped or phase modulated wavepackets.

The nozzle is the key element of the water jet generator for energy conversion. In order to explore the influence of the nozzle diameter on the pressure characteristics of the supercharged pulsed water jet plenum chamber, a supercharged pulsed water jet pressure acquisition system was established, and the Equations of motion and theoretical pressurization ratio equations of the supercharged pulsed water jet generator were established. The pressurization chamber pressure acquisition experiments under different nozzle diameters were carried out. The research results indicate that there is a critical nozzle diameter. When the nozzle diameter is less than the critical diameter, the pressure in the boost chamber is equal to the product of the driving pressure and boost ratio. As the nozzle changes, there is no significant change in the peak pressure and frequency of the boost chamber; When the nozzle diameter is greater than the critical diameter, there is a non-linear relationship between the boost chamber pressure and the driving pressure. As the nozzle diameter gradually increases, the actual boost ratio gradually decreases, and the peak pressure of the boost chamber further decreases. The nozzle diameter can no longer provide a load for the establishment of fluid pressure in the boost chamber. The research results provide a research basis for further controlling the pressure characteristics of the boost pulse water jet.

Background: Morphological alterations in intracranial pressure pulse waveform (ICPPW) secondary to intracranial hypertension (ICP >20 mmHg) and reduction in intracranial compliance (ICC) are well known indicators of neurological severity. To date, no studies have documented the ICPPW modifications after intracranial hypertension resolution with decompressive craniectomy (DC). The present study aimed to assess the morphological alterations in ICPPW among neurocritical care patients with and without DC, by comparing the variations of ICPPW features according to elevations in mean ICP values. Methods: Patients requiring ICP monitoring because of severe traumatic or spontaneous conditions were included. Mean ICP values were compared with ICPPW features (P2/P1 ratio, TTP and pulse amplitude). Elevation in ICP was produced by means of ultrasound-guided manual internal jugular veins compression. Results were distributed for three groups: intact skull (exclusive burr hole for ICP monitoring), craniotomy/large fractures (group 2) or DC (group 3). Results: 57 patients were analyzed. 21 (36%) presented no skull defects, whereas 15 (26%) had DC. ICP was not significantly different between groups: ±13.59 for intact and ±17.66 mmHg for DC, with ICP induced elevation also similar between groups (p= 0.56). Significant elevation was observed for P2/P1 ratio for groups 1 and 2, whereas reduction was observed in group 3 (elevation of ±0.09 for groups 1 and 2, whereas reduction of 0.03 for group 3, p=0.01). Conclusion: In the present study, intracranial pressure pulse waveform analysis indicated that intracranial compliance was significantly more impaired among decompressive craniectomy patients, although ICPPW indicated DC to be protective for further influences of ICP elevations over the brain. Analysis of ICPPW seems to be an alternative to real time ICC assessment.

Ab initio density functional theory molecular dynamics extensive calculations were used for the first time to evaluate stability conditions for relevant phases of InN. In particular, thermal decomposition of InN with formation of N2 molecules and pressure induced wurtzite – rocksalt solid-solid phase transition were established. The results consistent with available experimental data allowed a critical evaluation of potential and limitations of the proposed simulation method. The ab initio molecular dynamics as an efficient tool for simulations of phase transformations of InN including solid-solid structural transition and thermal decomposition with formation of N2 molecules has been demonstrated. It is of high interest because InN being important component of epitaxial quantum structures has still not been obtained as a bulk single crystal making difficult a determination of its basic physical properties and designing new applications.

In reservoir engineering, one of the main sources of information for the characterization of reservoir and well parameters is well testing. Among the unconventional well testing methodologies, Harmonic Well Testing (HPT) is appealing from an economic standpoint because it could provide well performance and reservoir behavior monitoring without having to interrupt field production. Recorded pressure analysis is performed in the frequency domain by adopting a derivative approach similar to conventional well testing. To this end, pressure and rate data must be decomposed into harmonic components. Test interpretability can be significantly improved if pressure data are detrended prior to interpretation, filtering out non periodic events such as discontinuous production from neighboring wells and flow regime variations which did not respect the designed test periodicity. Therefore, detrending offers the possibility of overcoming the limitation of HPT applicability due to the difficulty of imposing a regularly pulsing rate for the whole test duration (typically lasting several days). This makes HPT attractive for well performance monitoring, especially in gas storage fields. In this paper, the application of different detrending methodologies to synthetic HPT pressure data generated in different reservoir and operational scenarios is presented and discussed. Moreover, a real case application is also presented.

The Eastern Kunlun Fault Zone (EKFZ) is located in a seismic blank area. This study investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics of varied-temperature springs in the EKFZ to understand the relationship between fractures, fluids and earthquakes. It aids in establishing their induction mechanisms and assists in monitoring the earthquake precursors of the EKFZ. In this study, the main elements, trace elements, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and strontium isotopes of 23 varied-temperature springs in the EKFZ were analyzed. The results reveal the source of groundwater recharge, hydrochemical types, mineral saturation, and for a select few springs indicative of geothermal activity, collected geothermal reservoir temperatures. The study also explores the relationship between earthquakes and springs, identifying sensitive chemical indicators. Based on continuous monitoring at Maqu Station, we found that before the occurrence of the Maerkang Ms 6.0 earthquake, the concentration of Cl− rose by 2.9 times, and 46 days before the Gande earthquake (Ms = 4.7), the concentrations of Na+ and SO42− significantly increased. Finally, a conceptual model of the hydrogeochemistry of springs is presented to describe the groundwater circulation in the study area. This research is of great significance for the analysis of fluid geochemistry in this area and for assessing the seismic hazards of the EKFZ.

Clarifying the distribution of temperature and pressure in the wellbore and cavern during hydrogen injection and extraction is crucial for quantitatively assessing cavern stability and wellbore integrity. This paper establishes an integrated flow and heat transfer model for the cavern and wellbore during hydrogen injection and production, analyzing the variations in temperature and pressure in both the wellbore and the cavern. The specific conclusions are as follows. (1) The temperature and pressure parameters of hydrogen and natural gas within the chamber and wellbore were compared. Under identical injection and production conditions, the temperature of hydrogen in the chamber was 10°C higher than that of natural gas, and 16°C higher in the wellbore. The pressure of hydrogen in the chamber was 2.9 MPa greater than that of natural gas, and 2.6 MPa higher in the wellbore. (2) A comparative analysis was conducted on the impact of surrounding rock’s horizontal and numerical distance on temperature during hydrogen and natural gas injection processes. As the distance from the cavity increases, from 5 to 15 meters, the temperature fluctuation in the surrounding rock diminishes progressively, with the temperature effect in the hydrogen storage chamber extending at least 10 meters. (3) The influence of rock thermal conductivity parameters on temperature during the processes of hydrogen injection and natural gas extraction is compared. The better the thermal conductivity, the deeper the thermal effects penetrate the rock layers, with the specific heat capacity having the most significant impact.

Using the example of III-V nitrides crystallizing in a wurtzite structure (GaN, AlN, InN), this review presents the special role of hydrostatic pressure in studying semiconductor properties. Starting with a brief description of high pressure techniques for growing bulk crystals of nitride compounds, we focus on the use of hydrostatic pressure techniques in both experimental and theoretical investigations of special properties of nitride compounds, their alloys and quantum structures. The band gap pressure coefficient is one of the most important parameters in semiconductor physics. Trends in its behavior in nitride structures, together with trends in pressure-induced phase transitions, are discussed in the context of the behavior of other typical semiconductors. Using InN as an example, the pressure-dependent effects typical of very narrow bandgap materials, such as conduction band filling or effective mass behavior, are described. Interesting aspects of bandgap bowing in In-containing nitride alloys, including pressure and clustering effects, are discussed.Hydrostatic pressure also plays an important role in the study of native defects and impurities, as illustrated by the example of nitride compounds and their quantum structures. Experiments and theoretical studies on this topic are reviewed. Special attention is given to hydrostatic pressure and strain effects in short periods nitride superlattices. The explanation of the discrepancies between theory and experiment in the optical emission and its pressure dependence from InN/GaN superlattices led to the well-documented conclusion that InN growth on the GaN substrate is not possible. The built-in electric field present in InGaN/GaN and AlGaN/GaN heterostructures crystallizing in wurtzite lattice can reach several MV/cm, leading to drastic changes in the physical properties of these structures and related devices. It is shown how hydrostatic pressure modifies these effects and helps to understand their origin.

Purpose: To evaluate seasonal variation in intra-ocular pressure (IOP) with and without short tear break-up time (SBUT, BUT ≤ 5 s). Methods: This study enrolled 176 patients who visited one of six eye clinics in Japan for IOP measurement at every season. The mean patient age was 67.9 years, including 79 males. We compared the seasonal variation in IOP (mean ± SD) across spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun-Aug), fall (Sep-Nov), and winter (Dec-Feb). Results: The IOP (mmHg) in winter and summer, respectively, was 12.8 ± 3.7 and 12.8 ± 3.1 for non-glaucoma patients without SBUT (n = 47, P = 0.964), 14.8 ± 3.4 and 13.3 ± 3.4 for non-glaucoma patients with SBUT (n = 57, P < 0.001), 14.3 ± 3.2 and 14.1 ± 3.4 for glaucoma patients without SBUT (n = 36, P = 0.489), and 13.3 ± 3.0 and 11.6 ± 2.9 for glaucoma with SBUT (n = 36, P < 0.001). Seasonal variation was largest across the seasons in the glaucoma with SBUT group, and the magnitude of seasonal variation correlated with BUT (β = 0.228, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Seasonal variation tended to be larger in patients with SBUT than those without SBUT.

With the development of free trade port in Hainan Island, the construction of tourist roads around the island is also in full swing. Under the weather conditions of strong typhoon and rainstorm in Hainan, the highway cutting slope built on the coastal weak sandy terraces has strong sand loss and is easy to be scour by rainfall. MICP green spray irrigation solidification technology is used to strengthen the sandy cutting, and pore water pressure monitoring is carried out on the slope model during MICP solidification and rainfall scour. Combined with the model pore water pressure and flow slip failure pattern, dynamic analysis was carried out. The results show that MICP sprinkler irrigation technology can solidified the surface of the slope model in a short time, and the cementation depth of the model reaches 4cm after three sets of rotation reinforcement. The surface reinforcement effect is good, and the sand samples are closely connected. Under the erosion effect of simulated rainfall intensity, the sand loss of the slope is weakened, and no sand binding damage occurs, and the integrity is enhanced. Due to the cementation between sand grains, most of the rainfall was converted into runoff, and the slope slid after 150s. When the slope began to slip, the leading edge of the slope model lost sand and unloaded, and the failure mode was graded creep slip failure. Finally, the slope was divided into several blocks due to the continuous expansion of cracks after the slope failure. The erosion stability of the sandy slope under heavy rains is optimized and the sand loss is prevented effectively. In this study, a new method of MICP remediation techniques is proposed, which provides a new test basis for the application of MICP technology in practical engineering.

The results of electron-beam processing of Mn-Zn ferrite samples using pulsed and continuous electron beams in the forevacuum pressure range (10 Pa) are presented. We find that continuous electron-beam processing leads to surface structuring of the ferrite, changes in elemental composition on the surface, and electrical property modification. The degree of ferrite parameter changes exhibits a threshold behavior. For surface processing temperatures below 900 °C, changes are barely noticeable, while for temperatures over 1100 °C the surface resistance decreases by more than an order of magnitude. Electron-beam processing with millisecond pulse duration and pulse energy density exceeding 15 J/cm² results in the formation of low zinc content melt islands, while the remaining surface area (outside the islands) elemental content and ferrite properties remain largely unchanged. The thickness of the modified layer depends on the processing mode and can be controlled over the range 0.1–0.5 mm. Because of its low resistance, the modified layer can be utilized to enhance the RF-absorbing properties of the ferrite.

Abstract: Recent years demonstrate the increased attention to radon from two scientific directions. After neglecting radon as earthquake precursors in 1990-th it becomes again the subject of earthquake-forecast papers discussions due to growing networks of the radon monitoring in different countries, especially, the technologies of real-time radon measurements where the gamma-spectrometers become the leader of interest as the sources of 222Rn identification. The second fast developing direction is including the radon in the Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) models as a source of the boundary layer ionization. And here we encounter with second direction which is not connected with the earthquake forecast problems. It is the role of air ionization by radon as a source of the Global Electric Circuit (GEC) modification. In this publication we try to unite all these problems to present more complex view on radon as important element of our environment.

Utilizing NCEP/NCAR monthly reanalysis data alongside precipitation observations from 1936 monitoring stations across China spanning from 1966 to 2022, this study establishes a location index for the thermal low-pressure center situated over the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Temporal variations in the location index and summer (July) precipitation patterns in China were studied. Over the past six decades, thermal low-pressure centers have been predominantly positioned near 90°E and 32.5°N on the plateau, with their distribution extending from east to west rather than from south to north. The longitudinal and latitudinal position indices exhibit contrasting linear trends, with a positive trend observed during the 1970s and early 21st century and a negative trend in subsequent decades. Mutation analysis highlights pronounced weakening mutations occurring in 1981 and 1973, with the longitudinal index transitioning from an inter-annual cycle of approximately 6-8 years, while the latitudinal index displays quasi-cyclic oscillations of 5 and 8 and 12-14 years. Strong negative correlations are evident between the location indices and precipitation along the southeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and in Southern China, contrasting with the positive correlations observed in the central-eastern plateau, northwest China, North China, and the Huang-Huai region. The influence of southerly airflow predominates over much of China east of the plateau, while northwest China experiences convergence between northerly and southerly airflow. Higher location indices correspond to weaker surface cold air masses and strengthened Western Pacific Subtropical and South Asian Highs south of the Yangtze River Basin, resulting in significantly reduced rainfall in the southern Yangtze River region and increased rainfall in northwest China.

Olivine-like NaFePO4 glasses and nanocomposites are promising materials for cathodes in sodium batteries. Our previous study concerned the influence of high pressure on DC electric conductivity of NaFePO4 glasses. This work presents the results of AC measurements of glasses and nanocomposites from pressure treatment. Depending on the temperature range, the electronic conduction mechanism changed from variable range hopping (between Fe2+/Fe3+centers) to phonon-assisted hopping. For DC electric conductivity the portrayal via the classic Mott’s Variable Range Hopping is limited to low temperatures. Spectra of AC conductivity for glasses and pressure-formed nanocomposites fulfill Jonscher’s scaling law with power exponents ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 depending on temperature and the electron hopping mechanism. Due to the decrease in distance between hopping centers, an increase of AC conductivity around 2-3 orders of magnitude was observed after high pressure-high temperature treatment. Up to 200 K temperature dependencies of AC conductivity follow the pattern suggested by Mott's theory. Above that temperature corresponds to phonon-assisted hopping with activation energies EAC≈0.40 eV (for glass: amorphous solid) and EAC≈0.18 eV (for glass + nanocrystallites nanocomposite). Notable that they are considerably lower than values of EDC for DC conductivity. Results obtained show that high-temperature compressing, just below the glass temperature, significantly leads to a stable decrease in distance between hopping centers related to nanocrystallites in a glassy matrix. Consequently, it leads to an essential rise in electric conductivity and volumetric capacity. AC spectra of electronic conductivity are disturbed by the conduction of Na+ mobile ions, which impacts polaron conductivity and can be a limiting factor for conductivity.

Nonlinear compression of narrow-band (Δ ≈ 0.2 cm-1) 20 ns KrF laser pulses in SF6 at 10 atm and CH4 at 50 atm pressure was studied. Both SBS and SRS optically phase conjugated backward reflected radiation was registered with energy reflectivity 10−14% in SF6 and CH4. In SF6 SBS pulses gradually shortened from 10 ns to 2−3 ns with pumping decrease to the SBS threshold ~ 10 mJ, while the SRS pulse had the shortest length of 30−60 ps for the maximal pumping of 120 mJ and broadened near the SRS threshold of ~30 mJ. For the SRS pulse energy ~ 2 mJ peak power 5×107 W was tenfold higher than the pump power. The theoretical model predicted a soliton-like SRS pulse compression to a temporal length of the order of vibrational relaxation time. There was no pulse compression of backward SBS and SRS radiation in CH4, while in the forward direction SRS pulses shortened to 3−4 ns at reduced pumping.

This paper presents a piezoresistive pressure sensor with a shield layer for improved stability. Compared with the conventional piezoresistive pressure sensors, p-type piezoresistors are covered by an n-type shield layer, which is formed by ion implantation. The proposed pressure sensors have been successfully fabricated by bulk micromachining techniques. The impact of electrical field on piezoresistors is studied by simulation. The temperature drift of the pressure sensor has been investigated by both simulation and experimental measurement. Characteristics of developed pressure sensors are tested from -40 C to 125 C. A sensitivity of 0.022 mV/V/KPa and a maximum non-linearity of 0.085% FS are measured for the fabricated sensor in a pressure range of 1 MPa. The temperature coefficients of resistance of shielded piezoresistors are found to be smaller than those of un-shielded ones. It is demonstrated that the shield layer is able to reduce the drift caused by electrical field and ambient temperature variation.

The partial discharge (PD) event in high voltage insulation releases energy, exerts mechanical pressure, and generates elastic waves. Detecting and locating these PD events through short-duration acoustic pulses is well-established, particularly in gas-insulated systems and oil-insulated transformers. However, its full potential remains untapped in solid insulation systems, where the propagation capability of acoustic pulse and the acoustic reflections pose fundamental challenges to the Acoustic Emission (AE) detection technique. This study investigates the influence of reflections and multiple paths on the propagating acoustic pulse in polymeric insulating materials using a finite element method (FEM) in COMSOL. It was observed that the reflections from the boundary influence the propagating pulse's shape, peak magnitude, and arrival time. An analytical MATLAB model further quantifies the impact of multiple propagation paths on the shape, magnitude, and arrival time of the pulse travelling in a cylinder. Additionally, a Perfect Matched Layer (PML) was implemented in the COMSOL model to eliminate reflections from the boundary, and it revealed that the acoustic pulse magnitude decreases with distance following the inverse square law. In essence, the models aid in measuring how reflections contribute to the observed signals, facilitating the precise identification of the source of the PD event in the tested system.

Properties of time domain parameters of the vibration signal have been extensively studied for the fault diagnosis of rolling element bearings (REB). Parameters like kurtosis and Envelope Harmonic-to-Noise Ratio are most widely applied in this field and some important progress has been made. However, since only one-sided information is contained in these parameters respectively, problems still exist in practice when the signals collected are of complicated structure and/or contaminated by strong background noises. A new parameter, named Shock pulse index (SPI), is proposed in this paper. It integrates the mutual advantage of both parameters above and can help effectively identify fault related impulse components under the interference of strong background noises, unrelated harmonic components and random impulses. The SPI optimizes the parameters of Maximum Correlated Kurtosis Deconvolution (MCKD), which is used to filter the signals under consideration. Finally, the interested transient information contained in the filtered signal can be highlighted through demodulation with Teager Energy Operator (TEO). Fault related impulse components can therefore be extracted accurately. Simulations and experiment analyses verify the effectiveness and correctness of the SPI.

This study aimed to investigate the fatigue performance and interfacial strengthening mechanisms of Al6061-to-Cu dissimilar lap joints via electromagnetic pulse welding (EMPW). The load-bearing capacity of the joints at discharge voltages of 14 kV and 16 kV was superior to that of 12 kV. Furthermore, the fatigue life of the 14 kV joints was one order of magnitude higher compared to the 12 kV joints. SEM observation of the fatigue fracture surface revealed the presence of typical "tire-mark" fatigue striations only in the 14 kV joint, indicating higher ductility and the ability to withstand extended plastic deformation. Notably, ultra-fine nanocrystalline Al2Cu phase, amorphous phase, and numerous dislocations hindered EBSD acquisition in the transition zone. Nevertheless, dense low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and refined grains were examined at the bonding interface. This suggests that the high-velocity collision caused severe plastic deformation and led to the formation of substructures. The interfacial strength was attributed not only to the "wave-like" or "inverted hook-like" diffusion layer but also to the presence of refined grains along the interface and nanocrystalline Al2Cu in the transition zone. Furthermore, the hybrid nanocrystalline-amorphous microstructure strengthened the joint by regulating the balance between strength and ductility.

This paper presents a study to accurately evaluate defects in reinforced concrete decks using ultrasonic pulse-echo signals. Two validation specimens were designed and tested where reinforced concrete deck slab specimens included planned voids and defects. A commercial Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo (UPE) device obtains 2-D images of the void/defect locations of the reinforced concrete deck. The UPE is based on the ultrasonic shear-wave test method using dry-point-contact transmitting and receiving transducers and employing a synthetic aperture focusing technique. The authors analyzed the recorded UPE A-scan data to enhance the accuracy of estimating the defects' locations using the synthetic aperture focusing technique imaging method. The analysis benefitted from an advanced denoising approach and defect echo peak extraction based on empirical modal decomposition, Hurst exponent characterization, and Hilbert envelope estimation. While output from conventional UPC devices can only provide qualitative results, the new method provides quantitative information on the anomalies inside the reinforced concrete deck. The developed approach accurately assists with assessing the location and depth of the voids/defects in the reinforced concrete deck slabs.

In Mexico there is a deficit in the production of pine resin, because it depends on natural forests. Therefore, it is necessary to select provenances and phenotypes of potential species such as P. oocarpa. The objective was to determine the difference between provenances and the variation of resin components and quality, as well as the effect of geographic and climatic factors. Resin from five provenances was collected from southern Mexico. The percentage of rosin, turpentine and water was obtained, as well as the acidity and saponification index. P. oocarpa resin had 80.94 % rosin, 7.7 % turpentine and 11.49 % water. The saponification and acidity index was 125.47 and 117.49 mg KOH.g_1, respectively. All variables showed differences (p≤ 0.0001) between provenances. The provenance contributed between 6.44 and 11.71 % to the total variance, the error contributed between 88.29 and 93.56 %. Geographic and climatic variables only had an effect on the percentage of turpentine; the correlation was negative with altitude and longitude, but positive with temperature and precipitation. The results allow defining seed collection sites for resin plantations and orienting the selection for a P. oocarpa improvement program.

Based on PVDF (piezoelectric sensing techniques), this paper attempts to study the propagation law of shock waves in brittle materials during the process of three-wavelength laser irradiation of polysilicon, and discusses the formation mechanism of thermal shock failure. The experimental results show that the vapor pressure effect and the plasma pressure effect in the process of pulsed laser irradiation lead to the splashing of high temperature and high density melt. With the decrease of the laser wavelength, the laser breakdown threshold decreases and the shock wave is weakened. Because of pressure effect of the laser shock, the brittle fracture zone is at the edge of the irradiated area. The surface tension gradient and surface shear wave caused by the surface wave are the result of coherent coupling between optical and thermodynamics. The average propagation velocity of laser shock wave in polysilicon is 8.47×103m/s, and the experiment has reached the conclusion that the laser shock wave pressure peak exponentially distributes attenuation in the polysilicon.

Daily maximum surface air temperature (Tamax) is a crucial factor for understanding complex land surface processes under rapid climate change. Remote detection of Tamax has widely relied on the empirical relationship between air temperature and land surface temperature (LST), a product derived from remote sensing. However, little is known about how such a relationship is affected by the high heterogeneity in landscapes and dynamics in seasonality. This study aims to advance our understanding of the roles of land cover and seasonal variation in the estimation of Tamax using the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) LST product. We developed statistical models to link Tamax and LST in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China for five major land-cover types (i.e., forest, shrub, water, impervious surface, cropland, and grassland) and two seasons (i.e., growing season and non-growing season). Results show that the performance of modeling the Tamax-LST relationship was highly dependent on land cover and seasonal variation. Estimating Tamax over grasslands and water bodies achieved superior performance; while uncertainties were high over forested lands that contained extensive heterogeneity in species types, plant structure, and topography. We further found that all the land-cover specific models developed for the plant non-growing season outperformed the corresponding models developed for the growing season. Discrepancies in model performance mainly occurred in the vegetated areas (forest, cropland, and shrub), suggesting an important role of plant phenology in defining the statistical relationship between Tamax and LST. For impervious surfaces, the challenge of capturing the high spatial heterogeneity in urban settings using the low-resolution MODIS data made Tamax estimation a difficult task, which was especially true in the growing season.

Many studies utilize sensors to measure foot plantar pressure and analyze gait patterns, often focusing on assessing weight-bearing symmetry or asymmetry compared to control groups. However, a critical question arises: does the selection of the control group significantly impact study outcomes? Does chronic low back pain affect foot plantar pressure measurements? This experimental study involved 23 participants, including healthy individuals and those without foot disorders but with chronic low back pain. Dynamic foot pressure measurements were conducted using the Ortopiezometr, and data were analyzed using the "Steps" program. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised completely healthy individuals, while Group 2 consisted of individuals without foot problems but with moderate chronic low back pain. The findings highlight a prevalence of energy release in the forefoot sensors compared to the hindfoot for both the right and left legs in most cases. Even among healthy volunteers, achieving perfect symmetry in the maximum values on the sensors for the right and left feet was a challenge. Results showed no statistically significant differences in energy released on specific sensors or duration of gait phases between the groups. Essentially, this suggests that foot pressure patterns are comparable between healthy individuals and those with low back pain. The use of sensor-equipped inserts for pedobarographic examinations indicates that, in cases of degenerative changes in the lumbar and sacral spine without accompanying acute pain, gait patterns resemble those of the healthy population.

Sepsis still remains one of the most difficult conditions to diagnose as it presents unspecific clinical signs and symptoms, which makes early detection crucial. Our study aimed to enhance the accuracy of sepsis diagnosis by integrating multimodal monitoring technologies with traditional diagnostic methods. The research involved 121 newborns, comprising 39 cases of late-onset sepsis, 35 cases of early-onset sepsis, and 47 control subjects. Biosignals including pulse oximetry (PO), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and skin temperature (ST) were continuously monitored and an algorithm was developed using Python for identifying early signs of sepsis. The model demonstrated the ability to detect sepsis 6 to 48 hours in advance with an accuracy rate of 87.67% ± 7.42%. Sensitivity and specificity were recorded at 76% and 90%, respectively, with NIRS and ST having the most significant impact on predictive accuracy. Despite the promising results, limitations such as sample size, data variability, and potential biases were noted. The findings highlight the critical role of non-invasive biosensing methods in conjunction with traditional biomarkers and cultures, offering a robust framework for early sepsis detection and improved neonatal care. Further studies are recommended to validate these results across diverse clinical settings.

Salmonella Typhimurium is a typical Gram-Negative bacterium associated with food-borne illness threatening public health. This pathogen is reported to have caused millions of infections and thousands of hospitalizations yearly in the United States alone. Salmonella Typhimurium has a sophisticated array of virulent factors, including its flagella, which contributes significantly to its pathogenicity. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, has attracted the interest of many researchers recently because of its antimicrobial properties. With the growing interest in exploring CBD’s antimicrobial properties, we, in this study, have delved into unravelling how prolonged exposure of Salmonella Typhimurium to CBD influences the expression of the flgA gene. We hypothesized that the exposure of Salmonella Typhimurium to CBD may result in flgA upregulation, causing the bacteria to withstand various stresses and potentially enhance its survival rates and pathogenicity. We have employed several assays, such as mRNA expression, motility assays, pH induction assays, nutrient starvation interventions, and biofilm analysis, to explore the influence of CBD on the pathophysiology of Salmonella Typhimurium. Our findings reveal that CBD-resistant strains exhibit enhanced resilience to extreme pH levels and motility and survive poorly under nutrient starvation, with more robust biofilm formation compared to the susceptible strains. The results contribute to the broader comprehension of CBD resistance mechanisms in bacteria. This work provides insight into the potential therapeutic interventions for controlling CBD-resistant bacterial infections. This study also underscores the essence of exploring novel alternative antimicrobial agents to tackle the ever-persistence of bacterial antibiotic resistance.

The main objective of this work is to investigate the temporal variation of PM10 concentrations within the urban area of Athens during the years 2001-2015. For this purpose, the time series of the particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10μm (PM10) is recorded for a 15-year period (2001-2015) in two different monitoring stations located in the urban area of Athens. The results show a totally different behavior of PM10 concentrations between the Athens city center and the suburban areas. It seems that in the city center the main sources of PM10 are traffic and heating systems especially during the cold period of the year. Furthermore, in the city center a significant seasonal variation was found with high concentrations during the cold period of the year and lower concentrations during the warm period of the year. Moreover, it was found that during the weekends, there is a decrease in PM10 concentrations probably due to the fact that majority of people do not use their vehicles. Finally, for both locations a significant temporal decreasing trend of the mean annual PM10 concentrations was found which indicates that during the last years, there have been improvements towards a better air quality.

The electronic properties of calcium intercalated graphite (CaC6) as a function of pressure are revisited using density functional theory (DFT). The electronic band structures of CaC6, like many other layered superconducting materials, display cosine-shaped bands at or near the Fermi level (FL). Such bands encompass bonding/antibonding information with a strong connection to superconducting properties. Using an hexagonal cell representation for CaC6, construction of a double supercell in the c-direction effects six-folding in reciprocal space of the full cosine function, explicitly revealing the bonding/antibonding relationship divide at the cosine midpoint. Similarly, folding of the Fermi surface (FS) reveals physical phenomena relevant to electronic topological transitions (ETT) with application of pressure. For CaC6, the peak value for the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, occurs at about 7.5 GPa, near to the observed pressure of the calculated ETT. At this pressure, the radius of the nearly spherical Ca 4s-orbital FS coincides with three times the distance from the G centre point to the Brillouin zone (BZ) boundary of the 2c supercell (which is equal to half the identically defined distance for the primitive rhombohedral BZ). In addition, the ETT coincides with alignment of the non-bonding (inflection) point of the cosine band (the point at which the sign of the cosine amplitude modulation is reversed) with the FL. At other calculated pressure conditions, the Ca 4s-orbital FS undergoes topological changes that correspond and can be correlated to experimentally determined changes in Tc. The ETT is a key mechanism that circumscribes the known significant drop in Tc for CaC6 as a function of increasing pressure.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is usually asymptomatic until rupture, which is associated with extremely high mortality. Consequently, early detection of AAAs is of paramount importance in reducing mortality; however, most AAAs are detected by medical imaging incidentally. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of machine learning-based pulse wave (PW) analysis for the early detection of AAAs using a database of in silico PWs. PWs in the large systemic arteries were simulated using one-dimensional blood flow modelling. A database of in silico PWs representative of subjects (aged 55, 65 and 75 years) with different AAA sizes was created by varying the AAA-related parameters with major impacts on PWs – identified by parameter sensitivity analysis – in an existing database of in silico PWs representative of subjects without AAA. Then, a machine learning architecture for early detection of AAAs was proposed, which was trained and tested using the new in silico PW database. The parameter sensitivity analysis revealed that the AAA maximum diameter and stiffness of the large systemic arteries were the dominant AAA-related biophysical properties that significantly influence the PW. The simulated PW indexes extracted from the database showed that the PW was not only influenced by the presence of an AAA but was also significantly affected by multiple cardiovascular parameters that compromised the detection of AAAs by using individual PW indexes. Alternatively, the trained machine learning model performed well in classifying normal and AAA conditions using digital photoplethysmogram PWs from the database. These findings suggest that machine learning-based PW analysis is a promising approach for AAA screening using PW signals acquired by wearable devices.

Background: Several kinds of research say that adjuvant blood glucose and blood pressure are usual, but an efficient solution for medical application count remains. This review analyzes the pandemic blood pressure and blood glucose to identify the publications which tell about the clinical practices and research gaps in systematic research.Methods: A study guides to identify the research of Blood Pressure (BP) and Blood Glucose. In order to analyze the recent innovations and research on BP and Blood glucose, the relevant publications and literature from journals were identified.Results: Co-morbidity of BP and Blood glucose is reported as very high. The commonness of blood pressure is thrice as high in type I diabetes patients and almost two times higher in type II diabetes patients when compared to others without Diabetes. The pervasiveness of getting depression is more in the female when compared with men. A detailed study about the linkage of BP and blood glucose tells that the relationship between them is not exactly clear.Limitations: Nearly all reviews providing the linkage of BP and blood glucose are with some limitations and they are not providing any clear conclusion.Conclusions: Present research tells that people having high blood glucose will have a greater chance of getting high blood pressure. More research is needed to state the linkage between BP, blood glucose, and the growth of diabetes mellitus issues and to provide support for managing Diabetes.

Numerous varieties of Capsicum annuum L. with multiple valuable traits, such as adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress factors, can be found in south-east Romania, well known for vegetable cultivation and an important area of biodiversity conservation. To obtain useful information toward a sustainable agriculture, management and conservation of local pepper varieties, we analyzed the genetic diversity and we did deep molecular characterization using Whole Genome Resequencing (WGS) for variant/mutation detection. The pepper varieties used in the present study were registered by VRDS in the ISTIS catalog between 1974 and 2019 and maintained in conservative selection, however, no studies have been published yet using WGS analysis in order to characterize this specific germplasm. The genome sequences, annotation and alignments provided in this study offer essential resources for genomic research as well as for future breeding efforts using the C. annuum local varieties.

Abstract: Background: Non-invasive acquistion of beat-to-beat pulse transit time (PTT) via piezoelectric/piezocapacitive sensors (PES/PCS) may expand perioperative hemodynamic monitoring. This study evaluated the ability for PTT via PES/PCS to correlate with systolic, diastolic, and mean invasive blood pressure (SBPIBP, DBPIBP, and MAPIBP) and to detect SBPIBP fluctuations. Methods: PES/PCS and IBP measurements were performed in 20 patients undergoing abdominal, urological, and cardiac surgery. A Pearson’s correlation analysis (r) between 1/PTT and IBP was performed. The predictive ability of 1/PTT with changes in SBPIBP was determined by area under the curve (reported as AUC, sensitivity, specificity). Results: Significant correlations between 1/PTT and SBPIBP were found for PES (r=0.64) and PCS (r=0.55) (p<0.01), as well as MAPIBP/DBPIBP for PES (r=0.6/0.55) and PCS (r=0.5/0.45) (p<0.05). A 7% decrease in 1/PTTPES predicted a 30% SBPIBP decrease(0.82, 0.76, 0.76), while a 5.6% increase predicted a 30% SBPIBP increase (0.75, 0.7, 0.68). A 6.6% decrease in 1/PTTPCS detected a 30% SBPIBP decrease (0.81, 0.72, 0.8), while a 4.8% 1/PTTPCS increase detected a 30% SBPIBP increase (0.73, 0.64, 0.68). Conclusions: Non-invasive beat-to-beat PTT via PES/PCS demonstrated significant correlations with IBP and detected significant changes in SBPIBP. Thus PES/PCS as a novel sensor technology may augment intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring during major surgery.

Abstract Octreotide is the first synthetic peptide hormone, consisted of eight amino acids, that mimics the activity of somatostatin, a natural hormone in the body. During the past decades, advanced instrumentation and crystallographic software established X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) as a valuable tool for extracting structural information of biological macromolecules. The latter was demonstrated by the successful structural determination of octreotide at a remarkably high d-spacing resolution (1.87 Å) (PDB code: 6vc1). This study focuses on the response of octreotide to different humidity levels and temperatures, with a particular focus on the stability of the polycrystalline sample. XRPD measurements were accomplished employing an Anton Paar MHC-trans humidity-temperature chamber installed within a laboratory X’Pert Pro diffractometer (Malvern Panalytical). The chamber is employed to control and maintain precise humidity and temperature levels of samples during XRPD data collection. Pawley analysis of the collected data sets revealed that the octreotide polycrystalline sample is remarkably stable and no structural transitions were observed. The compound retains its orthorhombic symmetry (space group: P212121, a = 18.57744(4) Å, b = 30.17338(6) Å, c = 39.70590(9) Å, d~ 2.35 Å). However, a characteristic structural evolution in terms of lattice parameters and volume of the unit-cell is reported mainly upon controlled relative humidity variation. In addition, an improvement of signal-to-noise ratio in the XRPD data under a cycle of dehydration/rehydration is reported. These results underline the importance of considering the impact of environmental factors, as humidity and temperature, in the context of structure-based drug design, thereby contributing to the development of more effective and stable pharmaceutical products.

The microbial communities are closely related to the overall health and quality of soil, but studies on microbial ecology in apple-pear orchard soils are limited. In the current study, 28 soil samples were collected from three apple-pear orchards in northeastern China, and the composition and structure of fungal and bacterial communities were investigated by high-throughput sequencing. Molecular ecological network showed that the keystone taxa of bacterial communities were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Acidobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Chloroflexi, and the keystone taxa of fungal communities was Ascomycota. Mantel tests showed that soil texture and pH were important factors shaping soil bacterial and fungal communities, and soil water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) were also closely related to soil bacterial communities. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and variation partition analysis (VPA) analysis revealed that geographic distance, soil texture, pH, and other soil properties could explain 10.55%, 13.5%, and 19.03% of the overall variation of bacterial communities, and they explained 11.61%, 13.03%, and 20.26% of the overall variation of fungal communities, respectively. The key stone taxa of bacterial and fungal communities in apple-pear orchard soils and their strong correlation with soil properties could provide useful clues toward sustainable management of orchards.

Fungi inhabiting deep subseafloor sediments have been shown to possess anaerobic methane (CH₄) production capabilities under atmospheric conditions. However, their ability to produce CH₄ under in situ conditions with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) remains unclear. Here, Schizophyllum commune 20R-7-F01, isolated from ~ 2 km below the seafloor, was cultured in Seawater Medium (SM) in culture bottles fitted with sterile syringes for pressure equilibration. Subsequently, these culture bottles were transferred into 1-liter stainless steel pressure vessels at 30 °C for 5 days to simulate in situ HHP and anaerobic environments. Our comprehensive analysis of bioactivity, biomass, transcriptomics revealed that S. commune not only survived but significantly enhanced CH₄ production, reaching approximately 2.5 times higher levels under 35 MPa HHP compared to 0.1 MPa standard atmospheric pressure. Pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, methylation, hydrolase activity, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity were notably activated under HHP. Specifically, key genes involved in fungal anaerobic CH₄ synthesis, including methyltransferase mct1 and dehalogenase dh3, were upregulated 7.9- and 12.5-fold, respectively, under HHP. Enhanced CH₄ production under HHP was primarily attributed to oxidative stress induced by pressure, supported by intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels and comparative treatments with cadmium chloride and hydrogen peroxide. These findings suggest that fungi persisting in deep-sea sediments over millions of years have the potential to significantly contribute to global CH₄ flux.

Due to environmental concerns, natural refrigerants and their use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems are receiving more attention from manufacturers, end users and the scientific community. The study of heat transfer and pressure drop is essential for accurate design and more energy efficient cycles using natural refrigerants. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the latest outcomes related to heat transfer and pressure drop correlations for ammonia, propane, isobutane and propylene and to investigate the current state of the art in terms of operating conditions. Available data on the existing correlations of heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop for natural refrigerants have been collected through a systematic search. Whenever possible, validity intervals are given for each correlation and the error is quantified. It is the intention of the authors that this could be a valuable support for researchers and an aid to design, with particular reference to heat pumps. A procedure based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was adopted, and the Scopus database was used to query the relevant literature. A total of 135 publications qualified for inclusion in the survey; 34 articles report experimental investigations for not usual geometric conditions. Of the 101 selected papers related to usual geometric conditions, N = 50 deal only with HTC, N = 16 deal only with pressure drop and the remainder (N = 35) analyse both HTC and pressure drop. Among the 85 HTC papers (N = 53) deal with the evaporating condition, N = 30 with condensation and only N = 2 with the heat transfer correlations under both conditions. Most of the 101 articles concern propane and isobutane. The high temperatures are less widely investigated.

Background: This study stands as a pioneer in the histological evaluation of the biological behavior of a novel implant design featuring decompressive cervical blades. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the healing outcome in cortical regions at where decompressive protocols were adopted using implants equipped with blades. Materials and methods: Blades with varying diameters were integrated into the coronal portion of the implant to prepare the cortical region of rabbit tibiae. The blade diameters differed from the implant collar by the following amounts: control group (0 µm), +50 µm, and +200 µm. Results: No marginal bone loss was detected. Instead, all implants exhibited new bone formation in the coronal region. Complete closure was observed in the CG-0 group, as well as in the TG-50 and TG-200 groups, despite the presence of marginal gaps without primary bone contact at installation. In the apical region, most implants breached the cortical layer. Nevertheless, new bone formation in this region completely closed the osteotomy, effectively isolating the internal environment of the tibia from the external. Conclusions: The use of a blade attached to the implant body enabled precise preparation of the cortical layer, allowing for controlled decompression in the targeted area. This technique resulted in optimal osseointegration with no loss of marginal bone, and complete restoration of marginal gaps ranging from 0 µm to 200 µm.

An analysis of the physical and chemical phenomena accompanying the electrical discharges was carried out, principal factors inactivating microorganisms is studied. Characteristic factors of an electric discharge in cavitation mode providing a synergistic effect when disinfecting water with a discharge and chemical reagents are identified in order of importance. As a result of the integral action of cavitation, the inactivation of bacteria is intensified both due to the emergence of chem-ically active particles and due to local shock waves, acoustic currents and ultraviolet radiation in the area of cavitating bubbles. The similarity of cavitation processes in water systems implemented by underwater electric discharges and with the ultrasound has been experimentally proved. The main advantage of electric discharge cavitation in comparison with ultrasonic one is the wide band of ultrasonic frequencies of radiation inherent in electric discharge, high intensity and power of cav-itation processes, and, accordingly, the possibility of a significant increase in the volume of the disinfected liquid. The study enable better understanding and prediction of the effects that occur during a high-voltage underwater electrical discharge and have a bactericidal effect.

We investigate the production of an isolated attosecond pulse (IAP) via the phase-matching gating of high-harmonic generation by intense laser pulses. Our study is based on the integration of the propagation equation for the fundamental and generated fields with nonlinear polarisation found via the numerical solution of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation. We study the XUV energy as a function of the propagation distance (or the medium density) and find that the onset of the IAP production corresponds to the change from linear to quadratic dependence of this energy on the propagation distance (or density). Finally, we show that the upper limit of the fundamental pulse duration for which the IAP generation is feasible is defined by the temporal spreading of the fundamental pulse during the propagation. This nonlinear spreading is defined by the difference of the group velocities for the neutral and photoionised medium.

Background: This research presents the use of photoplethsmography combined with Traditional Tibetan Pulse reading for the estimation of the three energies of a person: Activity, Transformation and Stability. The growing interest to revive traditional finger pulse reading attests of the need to find alternative ways to approach complex multi-source diseases as well as individualised diagnostic wearable or portable cost effective systems. Method: Our work is presented in two studies. The first study presents the development of the technique of photoplethsmography to classify the three energies. The second study presents a validation of this methodology on mental stress and relaxation. Results: Energies classification achieved a sensitivity above 85% and specificity above 72%. Mental stress and relaxation could be significantly discriminated from baseline condition. Harmonic analysis gave further insights into the dynamic of the pulse wave under stress/relaxation. Conclusion: The photoplethsmogram contains information pertaining to the mental and physiological state of a person as interpreted with the Eastern energies concepts. The implication of this work points towards a holistic understanding and impact of human activities, health and its environment.

This article discusses the results of a series of experiments on pulse ultrasonic cure monitoring of carbon fiber reinforced plastics applied to the pultrusion process. The aim of this study is to validate the hypothesis that pulse ultrasonic cure monitoring can be applied a) for profiles having small cross sections such as 7x0.5 mm and b) within the environment of the pultrusion process. Ultrasonic transducers are adhesively bonded to the pultrusion tool as actuators and sensors. The time-of-flight and the amplitude of an ultrasonic wave are analyzed to deduce the current curing state of the epoxy matrix. The experimental results show that ultrasonic cure monitoring is indeed applicable even to very thin cross sections. However, significant challenges can be reported when the techniques are used during the pultrusion process.

Atmospheric pressure Microplasma is a simple, cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly procedure, which is superior to the traditional nanomaterials synthesis techniques. It generates high yields and allows for a controlled growth rate and morphology of nanomaterials. The silver (Ag) nanomaterials, with their unique physical and chemical properties, exhibit outstanding antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Similarly, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials, known for their low toxicity and relatively lower cost, find wide applications in wound repair, bone healing, and antibacterial and anticancer applications. The use of core-shell nanomaterials in certain situations where some nanoparticles can cause serious harm to host tissues or organs is a testament to their potential. A benign material is coated over the core to reduce toxicity in these cases. This review compares the numerous configurations of microplasma systems used for synthesizing nanomaterials and their use in producing Ag, ZnO, and their core-shell (Ag-ZnO) nanomaterials for biomedical applications. The summary also includes the effect of control parameters, including cathode diameter, gas flow rate, precursor concentration, voltage, and current, on the nanomaterial's characteristics and applications. In addition, it provides a research gap in the synthesis of Ag, ZnO, and core shall nanomaterials by this technique, as well as the development and limitations of this technique and the use of these nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Flexible wearable pressure sensors offer numerous benefits, including superior sensing capabilities, a lightweight and compact design, and exceptional conformal properties, making them highly sought after in various applications including medical monitoring, human-computer interaction, and electronic skin. Because of their excellent characteristics, such as simple fabrication, low power consumption, and short response time, capacitive pressure sensors have received widespread attention. As a flexible polymer material, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in the preparation of dielectric layers for capacitive pressure sensors. The Young's modulus of the flexible polymer can be effectively decreased through the synergistic application of sacrificial template and laser ablation techniques, thereby improving the functionality of capacitive pressure sensors. In this study, a novel sensor was developed through a series of processes including sacrificial template method using NaCl microparticles, CO₂ laser ablation, and sandwiching a porous PDMS dielectric layer between two flexible electrodes to create a capacitive pressure sensor. The sensor demonstrates a sensitivity of 0.694 kPa-1 within the pressure range of 0-1 kPa, and can effectively detect pressures ranging from 3 Pa to 200 kPa. The sensor demonstrates stability for up to 500 cycles, with a rapid response time of 96ms and a recovery time of 118ms, coupled with a low hysteresis of 6.8%. Furthermore, our testing indicates that the sensor possesses limitless potential for use in detecting human physiological activities and signaling emergencies.

Background: A Morel–Lavallée lesion (MLL) is a traumatic, internal closed degloving injury that results from shearing of subcutaneous tissue away from underlying fascia, usually associated with high-velocity trauma. Case presentation: A 52-year-old man was transported to hospital for further follow-up of a superficial femoral artery injury. Examination on admission showed bruising seen around the left thigh. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the left thigh revealed hematoma with extravasation from a branch of the left superficial femoral artery, but no apparent aneurysms or femoral fractures. The patient was treated with compression bandages and discharged on hospital day 6. He left hospital able to walk unaided. He subsequently complained of left thigh pain with swelling and visited the hospital several times. He was treated at another outpatient clinic and was diagnosed with MLL. Single-use disposable portable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied for about 2 months, achieving a stable wound site. Conclusion: We encountered a case of MLL successfully treated with single-use portable NPWT. This report presents the case of a patient with isolated MLL without fracture in the left thigh, in which the diagnosis was missed on initial admission. Finally, the patient received minor interventions including drainage along with tissue debridement and portable NPWT. We reviewed the relevant literature and summarize the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies for MLL. Emergency physicians require an increased understanding of MLL to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

This study simulated the effects of direct predatory pressure, indirect predatory pressure, and conspecific injury signals on the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) to determine changes in the activity of immune defense enzymes (lysozyme, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) and antioxidant stress enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde). Samples of sea cucumber juveniles were collected at 3 hours, 12 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours post-predatory stress, and six enzymes related to immune defense and antioxidant stress were selected for activity assays, namely lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicated that under direct predatory pressure, the activity of catalase in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 3 hours (P < 0.05), while the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase were significantly lower at 72 hours (P < 0.05). Under indirect predatory pressure, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 hours (P < 0.05), the activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher at 72 and 96 hours (P < 0.05), catalase was significantly lower at 72 hours, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 72 hours (P < 0.05). Under the influence of conspecific injury signals, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 hours (P < 0.05), and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 96 hours (P < 0.05). The sea cucumber enhanced its antioxidant capacity 3 hours after facing the predator, while its immune defense mechanism was suppressed at 72 hours. When facing indirect predatory pressure, the sea cucumber may have made immune and antioxidant preparations for the arrival of unknown risks. The experimental results show that predatory pressure has a significant impact on the immune and antioxidant functions of sea cucumbers, which may be related to the physiological state and environmental adaptability of the sea cucumber. This study provides a new perspective for understanding how sea cucumbers cope with predatory pressure in the natural environment and offers theoretical support for the cultivation management of sea cucumbers.

In current transportation hubs, it is a common phenomenon that passengers travel with necessary wheeled-luggage or suitcases. Due to the fact that most luggage occupies certain space within dense passenger crowds with giant mass inertia, its abnormal motions, such as drifting, frequently trig unavoidable local disturbances and turbulence in surrounding pedestrian flows, further increasing security risk. While, current researches primarily concentrate on examining the impact of luggage on crowd evacuation efficiency through scenario-based experiments and analyzing the spatial characteristics of crowd distribution in surveillance videos. There still lacks of the dynamic disturbance mechanisms and crowd stability associated with the combined motion of passengers and luggage. Therefore, this study considers the luggage-laden passenger as a deformable particle, the resulting disturbance on surrounding non-luggage passengers is analyzed and quantified into a nonlinear pressure term. Subsequently, the disturbance propagation model of passenger-luggage is developed by adapting the classical Aw-Rascle traffic flow model with incorporation of the pressure term. Simulation experiments of disturbances caused by luggage drifting and retrograding validate that the proposed propagation model aligns with real-world situations in transportation hubs. Quantitively, when luggage-laden passenger drifted left, the disturbing force of left side crowd can reach a peak of 238N in the passenger density of 3.0 p/m2, and the maximum difference between the left and right sides disturbing force can reach 153N. Furthermore, it is recommended that the proposed model can be applied to crowd flow analysis and risk assessment.

The Upper Hunter Valley is a major coal mining area containing approximately 40% of the currently identified total coal reserves in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Due to the ongoing increase of mining activities, PM10 (air-borne particle with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometres) pollution has become a major air quality concern in local communities. This paper summarises the spatial and temporal variability modes of PM10 pollution in the region, based on long-term multi-site monitoring data and the application of the rotated principal component analysis (RPCA) and wavelet analysis techniques. RPCA identified two distinct air quality clusters/subregions in the valley, one in the west/northwest, the other in the southeast. Wavelet analysis revealed the annual cycle to be most persistent temporal mode of PM10 variability in both subregions, with intermittent signals observed at time scales of around 120, 30~90 and under 30 days. How these variation modes are related to the effects of local PM10 emissions and the influence of meteorology at different time scales deserves further attention in future work. The findings will be used in air quality reporting and forecasting in NSW. The methodology and results can also be useful for air quality research in similar regions elsewhere.

Two distinct isolates of the facultative parasite, Tetrahymena rostrata were compared, identifying and utilising markers that are useful for studying clonal variation within the species. The mitochondrial genomes and several nuclear genes were determined using Illumina short read sequencing. The two T. rostrata isolates had similar morphology and were pathogenic for Deroceras reticulatum slugs. The linear mitogenomes had the gene content and organisation typical of the Tetrahymena genus, comprising 8 tRNA genes, 6 ribosomal RNA genes and 45 protein coding sequences (CDS), twenty-two of which had known function. The two isolates had nucleotide identity within common nuclear markers encoded within the histone H3 and H4 and small subunit ribosomal RNA genes and differed by only 2-4 nucleotides in a region of the characterised actin genes. Variation was observed in several mitochondrial genes and was used to determine intraspecies variation and may reflect the natural history of T. rostrata from different hosts or the geographic origins of the isolates.

Abstract: Background: epileptic encephalopathies (EE) are characterized by severe drug-resistant seizures, early-onset, and unfavorable developmental outcome. We describe a cohort of pediatric patients with EE who underwent intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse therapy to examine its efficacy/tolerability. Methods: This is a retrospective study from 2020 to 2023. Inclusion criteria were: ≤18 years at the time of IVMP pulse therapy and at least 6 months of follow-up. Efficacy and outcome, defined as seizure reduction >50% (responder rate), were evaluated at 6 and 9 months of therapy, and 6 months after therapy suspension; quality of Life (QoL) was also assessed. Variables predicting positive post-IVMP outcomes were identified using statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-one patients were included. The responding rate was 85.7% at 6 and 9 months of therapy, and 80.9% at 6 months after therapy suspension. Genetic etiology and encephalopathy related to status epilepticus during NREM sleep (ESES) were predictive of efficacy (p=0.0475). The fourth month of therapy was the minimum time point to establish the effectiveness of the treatment. All patients showed improvements in QoL, EEG tracing and postural-motor development. No relevant adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Our study confirms the efficacy and tolerability of pulse IVMP treatment in pediatric patients with EE, especially with genetic etiology and ESES. The fourth month of therapy was the minimum time point to establish its effectiveness. QoL, EEG and postural-motor development also showed improvement.

Understanding morphological and genetic diversity of forest trees is essential to facilitate their conservation, sustainable management and genetic improvement for addressing the economic and environmental demands and challenges. We have examined variation in morphometric seed and pod traits and seed germination of multipurpose and widely distributed forest tree Albizia lebbek (Indian siris) from 12 provenances covering the species’ range in northern India and its relationships with bioclimatic factors. Highly significant inter-provenance variation was observed in seed size (seed length (SL), seed width (SW), SW/SL, SL×SW), seed mass (1000 seed weight), pod size (pod length (PL), pod width (PW), PW/PL), seed germination, number of seeds per pod, and insect infected seeds (IIS). The provenance effect contributed a major portion to the total phenotypic variance. Morphometric variation in all traits except for IIS was not clinal related to longitude, latitude, altitude or rainfall. There was an indication of the presence of ecotypic variation. IIS showed clinal variation with significant negative correlation with latitude. Most seed size and pod size traits showed positive correlations with several temperature bioclimatic factors and negative correlations with several precipitation bioclimatic factors. Our results have significance for genetic improvement, population genetics and genomics studies and conservation and sustainable management of A. lebbek genetic resources.

Negative corona discharges occur widely in high voltage transmission lines and charged aircraft, which can cause strong electromagnetic interference. Negative corona discharge is typically performed simultaneously at multiple discharge points. In this study, the current and its EM radiation characteristics of single-needle and multi-needle negative corona discharge in different conditions were tested. The current and electromagnetic radiation characteristics of the two discharge structures were compared. The dipole radiation model was established to analyze the EM radiation characteristics of the negative corona discharge.The results show that, It is only when the voltage reaches a certain threshold that the current and electromagnetic radiation fields of the multi-needle discharge structure will be superimposed and their amplitudes will increase significantly. The frequency of electromagnetic radiation signal does not change with the number of needles, cathode geometry and applied voltage, but only depends on ambient pressure. It provides a basis for detecting corona discharge sources under different conditions.

In the paper is described the control electronics for an industrial pneumatic – hydraulic system based on a low-cost PLC. The developed system is a hydraulic pulse system and it generates series of high pressure hydraulic pulses (max. 200 bar). We describe requirements, an overall concept of the embedded control system, user interface, security features and network connectivity. In the description of the software solution we describe implementation of hierarchical ordered program threads (multithreaded program) and main control state machine. At the conclusion, we describe the calibration method of the system and calibration curves and we present the schematic diagram and a photo of a functional prototype of the system.

Environmental estrogen pollution and estrogen effects on the female reproduction system are well-recognized scientifically. Among the estrogens, 17 β-estradiol is a priority in environmental estrogen pollution, and it is also a major contributor to estrogen which regulates the female reproduction system. 17 β-estradiol is carcinogen and has a tumor promotion effect relating to breast cancer, lung cancer and others. It also affects the psychological well-being such as depression, fatigue and others. Thus, a simple method of detection of 17 β-estradiol will be important for both environmental estrogen pollution and women’s health care. This study demonstrates a simple-use, cost effective 17 β-estradiol biosensor system which can be used for both environment and women’s health care applications. The bio-recognition mechanism is based on the influence of the redox couple, K₃Fe (CN) ₆/K₄Fe (CN) ₆ by the interaction between 17 β-estradiol antigen and its α-receptor (ER- α; α-estrogen antibody). The transduction mechanism is an electrochemical analytical technique, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The levels of 17 β-estradiol antigen studied was between 2.25 pg/mL to 2,250 pg/mL, Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), tap water from the Cleveland regional water district, and simulate urine were used as the test media covering the potential application areas for 17 β-estradiol detection. An interference study by testosterone which has a similar chemical structure and molecular weight as those of 17 β-estradiol was carried out, and this 17 β-estradiol biosensor showed excellent specificity without any interference by similar chemicals.

Membrane-based sensors (MePSs) exhibit remarkable precision and sensitivity in detecting pressure changes. MePSs are commonly used to monitor catalytic reactions in solution, generating gas products crucial for signal amplification in bioassays. They also allow catalyst quantification by indirectly measuring the pressure generated by the gaseous products. This is particularly interesting to detect enzymes in biofluids associated with disease onset. To enhance the performance of a MePS, various structural factors influence membrane flexibility and response time, ultimately dictating the device's pressure sensitivity. In this study, we fabricated MePSs using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and investigated how structural modifications affect the Young's modulus (E) and residual stress (σ0) of the membranes. These modifications have a direct impact on the sensors' sensitivity to pressure variations, observed as a function of the volume of the chamber (Σ) or of the mechanical properties of the membrane itself (S). MePSs exhibiting the highest sensitivities were then employed to detect catalyst quantities inducing the dismutation of hydrogen peroxide, producing dioxygen as gaseous product. As a result, catalase enzyme was successfully detected using these optimized MePSs, achieving a remarkable sensitivity of (22.7 ± 1.2) µm/nM and a limit of detection (LoD) of 396 pM.

Background: Smad4, a critical tumor suppressor gene, plays a significant role in pancreatic biology and tumorigenesis. Genetic background and sex are known to influence phenotypic outcomes, but their impact on pancreatic weight in Smad4-deficient mice remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of Smad4 deficiency on pancreatic weight in F1 mice from diverse Collaborative Cross (CC) lines, focusing on the influence of genetic background and sex. Methods: F1 mice were generated by crossbreeding female CC mice with C57BL/6J-Smad4tm1Mak males. Genotyping confirmed the presence of Smad4 knockout alleles. Mice were housed under standard conditions, euthanized at 80 weeks, and their pancreatic weights were measured, adjusted for body weight, and analyzed for effects of Smad4 deficiency, sex, and genetic background. Results: The overall population of F1 mice showed a slight but non-significant increase in adjusted pancreatic weights in heterozygous knockout mice compared to wild-type mice. Sex-specific analysis revealed no significant difference in males but a significant increase in adjusted pancreatic weights in heterozygous knockout females. Genetic background analysis showed that lines CC018 and CC025 substantially increased adjusted pancreatic weights in heterozygous knockout mice. In contrast, other lines showed no significant difference or varied non-significant changes. The interplay between genetic background and sex further influenced these outcomes. Conclusion: Smad4 deficiency affects pancreatic weight in a manner significantly modulated by genetic background and sex. This study highlights the necessity of considering these factors in genetic research and therapeutic development, demonstrating the value of the Collaborative cross-mouse population in dissecting complex genetic interactions.

In the realm of high-pressure vessel simulation, conventional finite element method (FEM) approaches, as per ASME standards, may inadequately predict the behavior of flat surfaces under elevated temperatures. This study challenges the efficacy of shell-type mesh modeling for high-temperature flat plates, demonstrating that the thermal conditions within such high-pressure vessels can induce thermal instability and buckling, not accounted for by traditional FEM methods recommended by ASME. Through comprehensive analytical investigations, we reveal that traditional shell-type meshing techniques, while suitable for certain applications, fail to capture the intricate thermal stresses and deformation patterns inherent in high-temperature flat plate configurations. Our analysis delineates distinct stability regimes governed by key design parameters—including plate thickness, operating temperature, and geometric dimensions—profoundly impacting the structural integrity of heating plates under thermal loading. By elucidating these stability boundaries, this research provides engineers with critical insights necessary for optimizing the design and performance of high-temperature equipment. This includes the design of high-pressure vessels with flat surfaces for heating materials, flanges in high-temperature environments, and fins in heat exchangers across various industries such as oil and gas, pyrolysis, and power plants. The findings presented herein serve as a valuable reference for engineers seeking to comprehend and mitigate instability phenomena in solid mechanics, offering practical guidance for developing robust and reliable high-temperature structures in demanding industrial environments.

Stream chemistry effectively integrates watershed ecosystem processes on both spatial and temporal scales. Streams of coastal areas integrate a more homogeneous, flat topography wherein there can be interactions between the stream and the body of water into which it drains, especially where tidal fluxes occur. The present study assessed water quality of Thompson Bayou, which comes to the campus of the University of West Florida in a wetland after flowing through 4 km of commercial and private property with associated impacts on water quality. Sampling was carried out for one year at eight discrete sites along Thompson Bayou from the UWF campus to the Escambia River. We used a portable field meter to measure temperature, pH, dissolved O2 (DO), and specific conductivity (SC). Except for temperature, all variables exhibited a spatial pattern of significant variation with distance, with consistent increases in DO and SC as the stream approached the river. These variables also exhibited a temporal pattern of significant seasonal variation, including—and especially—temperature. Data suggest that spatial and temporal patterns of water quality of Thompson Bayou are determined by (1) processing of water by the wetland, (2) interactions of the stream channel with upland forest stands, and (3) the tidal hydrology of the Escambia River.

(1) Background: The aim of this investigation is to determine the effect of archwires’ deflection on the temperature transitions driving the austenite to martensite transformation (and vice versa) and the force released by NiTi and CuNiTi orthodontic wires. (2) Methods: Round cross-section archwires have been investigated. The calorimetric approach has been used for measuring transition temperatures occurring in the unstressed (e.g. undeflected) state of the wires. Static Thermo-mechanical analysis in a temperature controlled wet environment has been performed in the range of temperature between 5°C and 55°C for measuring temperature transitions occurring in highly deflected archwires in conjunction with the force released by these wires. (3) Results: Plateau forces investigated in Part I and those reported in the literature describes the wire’s behaviour only at deflection levels close to the end point of the force plateau extension detected at 37°C. Upon heating or cooling, the austenite finish (Af) transition temperature and the martensite start (Ms) temperature largely depends on the deflection level for both NiTi and CuNiTi. (4) Conclusions: The plateau force levels at 37°C, broadly reported in the literature, only represent the lower boundary force that a superelastic wire releases at 37°C above its elastic limit. For both NiTi and CuNiTi, plateau force levels at 37°C can be predicted by the static TMA profile matching the end point of the force plateau extension. Transition temperatures in largely deflected wires are significantly higher than those determined through the calorimetric approach.

This article raise a topic of critical examination of polypropylene, a key polymeric material, and its extensive application within the automotive industry, particularly focusing on the manufacturing of brake fluid reservoirs. The study aims to enhance the understanding of polypropylene's behavior under mechanical stresses through a series of laboratory destruction tests and numerical simulations, emphasizing the Finite Element Method (FEM). A novel aspect of this research is the introduction of the PEAK parameter, a groundbreaking approach designed to assess the material's resilience against varying states of strain, known as triaxiality. This parameter facilitates the identification of critical areas prone to crack initiation, thereby enabling the optimization of component design with a minimized safety margin, which is crucial for cost-effective production. The methodology involves conducting burst tests to locate crack initiation sites, followed by FEM simulations to determine the PEAK threshold value for the Sabic 83MF10 polypropylene material. The study successfully validates the predictive capability of the PEAK parameter, demonstrating a high correlation between simulated results and actual laboratory tests. This validation underscores the potential of the PEAK parameter as a predictive tool for enhancing the reliability and safety of polypropylene automotive components. The research presented in this article contributes significantly to the field of material science and engineering by providing a deeper insight into the mechanical behavior of polypropylene and introducing an effective tool for predicting crack initiation in automotive components. The findings hold promise for advancing the design and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry, with potential applications extending to other sectors.

In the coded pulse scanning light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system, the number of laser pulses used at a given measurement point changes depending on the modulation and the method of spreading used in optical code-division multiple access (OCDMA). The number of laser pulses determines the pulse width, output power, and duration of the pulse transmission of a measurement point. These parameters determine the maximum measurement distance of the laser and the number of measurement points that can be employed per second. In this paper, we evaluate the performance and characteristics of combinations of modulation and spreading technology that can be used for OCDMA, and study optimal combinations according to varying operating environments.

The ends of linear chromosomes of most eukaryotes consist of protein-bound DNA arrays called telomeres, which play essential roles in protecting genome integrity. Despite general evolutionary conservation in function, telomeric DNA is known to drastically vary in length and sequence between different eukaryotic lineages. Bryophytes are a group of early diverging land plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. This group of ancient land plants recently emerged as a new model for important discoveries in genomics and evolutionary biology, as well as for understanding plant adaptations to a terrestrial lifestyle. We measured telomere length in different ecotypes of model Bryophyte species, including Physcomitrium patens, Marchantia polymorpha, Ceratodon purpureus, and in Sphagnum isolates. Our data indicate that all analyzed moss and liverwort genotypes have relatively short telomeres. Furthermore, all analyzed ecotypes and isolates of model mosses and liverworts display evidence of substantial natural variation in telomere length. Interestingly, telomere length also differs between male and female strains of the dioecious liverwort M. polymorpha and dioecious moss C. purpureus. Given that Bryophytes are extraordinarily well-adapted to different ecological niches from polar to tropical environments, our data will contribute to understanding the impact of natural telomere length variation on evolutionary adaptations in this ancient land plant lineage.

Wet coffee processing methods will produce wastewater containing organic matter. The high content of organic matter can be utilized as biogas through the anaerobic process. Anaerobic digesters construction can affect removal process of wastewater pollution and biogas quantity. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of digester construction between conventional digester, CSTR and UASB producing biogas from coffee wastewater. The conventional digester worked without temperature control system as control, a UASB digester, and CSTR digester worked with temperature control system. Biomass volume was about 5 L with 35 days incubation time. Temperature and pH for UASB and CSTR were set within the range 30 – 35^oC and pH 6.0 – 8.0. Based on the feeding variations, UASB has a stable performance with 83.57 ml/day of average biogas production. It has also highest remediation efficiency of COD, BOD and C/N with 85.00±0.34 %, 84.40%± 5.66 and 97.78± 0.57.

Consumer rhythm-monitoring devices, such as the Apple Watch, are becoming more readily available. Irregular pulses can be detected using an optical sensor built into the wearable device. The Apple Watch (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) is a class II medical device with pulse rate and electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring capabilities. Here we report a case in which an arrhythmia that was conventionally perceived but undiagnosed was identified as atrial fibrillation by self-acquisition of ECG data using an Apple Watch.

Based on the sensitive sum frequency generation cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating (SFG-XFROG) measurement setup, besides the pulse broadening, blue shift, red shift and obvious pulse acceleration, we observed the soliton evolution when the low energy soliton pulse with wavelength of 1555nm transmit through the Si photonic crystal waveguide. The measurements were nicely matched with the simulation results, which are achieved with an optimized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) modeling. The effects of various parameters of the silicon photonic crystal waveguides and the incident pulses on the pulse transmission were also analyzed, including the nonlinear effects and dispersion such as the self-phase modulation (SPM), self-steepening (SS) and intra-pulse Raman scattering(IRS). The results help us understand further the ultra-fast nonlinear dynamics of soliton in silicon-based waveguides, and even open a novel way for soliton-based functional elements in CMOS-compatible platforms.

In present work an opportunity of nearly single-cycle THz pulse generation in aperiodically poled lithium niobate (APPLN) crystal is studied. A radiating antenna model is used to simulate the THz generation from chirped APPLN crystal pumped by a sequence of femtosecond laser pulses with chirped delays m (m = 1, 2, 3 …) between adjacent pulses. It is shown that by appropriative choosing m it is possible to obtain temporally overlap of all THz pulses generated from positive (or negative) domains. It results in the formation of a nearly single-cycle THz pulse, if the chirp rate of domain length  in the crystal is sufficiently large. In opposite case, a few cycle THz pulses are generated with the number of the cycles depending on . The closed form expression for THz pulse form is obtained. The peak THz electric field strength of 0.3 MV/cm is predicted for APPLN crystal pumped by the sequence of laser pulses with peak intensity of the separate pulse in the sequence about 20 GW/cm2. By focusing the THz beam and by increasing the pump power the field strength can reach values of an order of few MV/cm.

For paramagnetic and elastic materials in the presence of quasi-static magnetic field, there is correspondingly quasi-static magnetic pressure, in contrast to the radiational electromagnetic pressure associated with electromagnetic momentum density. A thermodynamic pressure demagnetization is demonstrated. For the elastic dielectrics in the presence of quasi-static electrical field, its dual effect can be easily obtained by variable transformation.

A novel method has been developed based on the amplitude data of the EM waves measured by Digisondes to calculate and investigate the relative ionospheric absorption changes. The effect of 13 solar flares (> C4.8) that occurred between 06:00 and 16:30 UT from 04 to 10 September 2017 have been studied at three European Digisonde stations (Juliusruh (54.63° N, 13.37° E), Průhonice (49.98° N, 14.55° E) and San Vito (40.6° N, 17.8° E)). Present study compares the results of the amplitude method with the absorption changes measured by the Finnish Riometer Network and determined by the NOAA D-RAP model during the same events. The X-class flares caused 1.5–2.5 dB attenuation at 30–32.5 MHz based on riometer data, while the absorption changes were between 10 and 15 dB in the 2.5–4.5 MHz frequency range according to the amplitude data. The impact caused by the energetic particles after the solar flares are clearly seen in the riometer data, while it can be observed only at Juliusruh (~55°) at some certain cases among the Digisonde stations. Comparing the results of the amplitude method with the D-RAP model it seems evident that the observed values exceed the values given by the model both at 2.5 MHz and at 4 MHz almost always during the investigated period. According to the comparison between the riometer data with the D-RAP, the model underestimates the values obtained from the riometers during the X-class solar flares, while it overestimates the caused impact during the particle events.

Objectives: To assess the short-term impact of a single global stretching session on plantar pressures and lumbar range of motion (RoM) over one week in sedentary university students. Design: A randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups. Participants: Sixty-four university students were randomly assigned to a stretching group or control group. The stretching group received a single session of global stretching and the control group remained seated for the same length of time as the stretching session. Main outcome measures: Lumbar RoM and plantar pressures were assessed before, immediately after, 48 hours after, and 7 days after intervention. Results: Group-by-time interaction was significant for lumbar lateral flexion (p = 0.044), right maximal pressure (p = 0.003), left maximal pressure (p = 0.008), right mean pressure (p = 0.025), left mean pressure (p = 0.002), and maximal pressure minus mean pressure in right foot (p = 0.007). The model with plantar pressures showed a significant difference for group-by-time interaction (p = 0.010).Conclusion: Global stretching seems to counteract the ill-effects of prolonged sitting up to seven days with respect to plantar pressure in standing without improving lumbar ROM

Alternative splicing (AS) is a gene regulatory mechanism modulating gene expression in multiple ways. AS is prevalent in all eukaryotes including plants. AS generates two or more mRNAs from the precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) to regulate transcriptome complexity and proteome diversity. Advances in next-generation sequencing, omics technology and bioinformatics tools, and computational methods provide new opportunities to quantify and visualize AS-based quantitative trait variation associated with plant growth, development, reproduction, and stress tolerance. Domestication, polyploidization and environmental perturbation may evolve novel splicing variants associated with agronomically beneficial traits. To date, pre-mRNAs from many genes are spliced into multiple transcripts that cause phenotypic variation for complex traits, both in model plant Arabidopsis and field crops. Cataloguing and exploiting such variation may provide new paths to enhance climate resilience, resource-use efficiency, productivity, and nutritional quality of staple food crops. This review provides insights into AS variation alongside gene expression analysis to select for novel phenotypic diversity for use in breeding programs. AS contributes to heterosis, enhances plant symbiosis (mycorrhiza and rhizobium), and provides a mechanistic link between the core clock genes and diverse environmental clues.

Variability in traits forming the Leaf Economics Spectrum (LES) among and within crop species play a key role in governing agroecosystem processes. However, studies evaluating the extent, causes, and consequences of within-species variation in LES traits for some of the world’s most common crops remain limited. We quantified variation in nine leaf traits measured across 90 vines of five wine grape (Vitis vinifera) varieties at two ontogenetic stages. Grape traits covary along an intraspecific LES, in patterns similar to those documented in wild plants. Across varieties, high rates of photosynthesis (A), and leaf nitrogen (N) concentrations, are coupled with low leaf mass per area (LMA), while the opposite suite of traits defines the “resource conserving end” of this intraspecific LES in grape. Variety identity predicted of leaf physiological (A) and morphological traits (i.e., leaf area and leaf mass), while leaf chemical traits and LMA were best explained by ontogenetic stage. All varieties expressed greater resource conserving trait syndromes (i.e., higher LMA, lower N, lower Amass) later in the growing season. Traits related to leaf hydraulics, including instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE), were unrelated to LES and other resource capture traits, and were better explained by spatial location. Our results highlight the relative contributions of genetic vs. phenotypic factors in structuring this variation and point to a key role of domestication in governing trait relationships in the world’s crops.

Seasonal oscillations in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in the Earth’s atmosphere stronger in northern latitudes are assumed to show that terrestrial photosynthesis exceeds respiration in summer reducing the pCO2, but increasing in winter when respiration exceeds photosynthesis. We disagree, proposing that variations in the temperature of the surface mixing zone of seawater also regulate the atmospheric pCO2, thermodynamically. We show that carbonate (CO32-) concentrations will therefore increase in summer with CaCO3 (calcite or aragonite) becoming less soluble, so calcium and carbonate ions are predicted to aggregate more while CO2 concentration falls in warmer seawater, thermodynamically favoring lower atmospheric pCO2. In winter, these physical processes are reversed, redissolving suspended calcite thus increasing carbonate alkalinity; carbonate concentration lessens as bicarbonate and soluble CO2 increase, raising the pCO2 in air. Our numerical computation shows that thermal fluctuations in equilibria favor absorption from air of more than one mole of CO2 per square meter in summer, coinciding with calcite formation maximizing in warmer water, potentially augmenting limestone reefs if there is a trend for increasing temperature . Another assumption we challenge is that upwelling from deeper water is the sole cause of increases in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and alkalinity in surface waters, particularly in the southern hemisphere. Instead, calcite dissolution is favored as water temperature falls near the surface. It is well established that the seasonal summer decline in atmospheric CO2 coincides in fertile seawater with higher rates of biotic calcification and acidity, allowing increased CO2 capture by photosynthesis. However, its reversal in winter is proposed to be also a result of the cyclic dissolution of calcite as temperature falls, facilitated by biogenic respiration now exceeding photosynthesis; this can mutually provide the CO2 needed to convert carbonate ion alkalinity from calcite dissolution with bicarbonate increasing. Physical reasons why this oscillation is more obvious in the northern hemisphere include greater seasonal variations in water temperature (ca. 7.1 oC) being almost twice that in the cooler southern hemisphere (ca. 4.7 oC) and the greater depth of the surface mixing zone of seawater in the southern oceans. Evidence from 13CO2 fluxes between surface seawater and air is also assessed to test this hypothesis but questions remain regarding the regional rates of inorganic precipitation and dissolution of CaCO3 in the mixing zone. In summary, rapid biogenic calcification is favored by summer photosynthesis, but slower abiogenic calcification is more likely in warmer water.

This paper employs the Finite Element Method (FEM) to simulate and analyze the effects of corrosion defect parameters on the stress and failure pressure of pipelines. It investigates how the boundary conditions of the pipeline model influence stress and examines the sensitivity of failure pressure to corrosion defect parameters. A nonlinear regression equation has been developed from a dataset obtained through simulation experiments to predict the failure pressure of corroded pipelines. To validate the effects of corrosion defect parameters on failure pressure, a hydrostatic test platform for an API 5L X65 pipeline with corrosion defects was established to measure stress levels and failure pressures across varying corrosion defects. The study reveals that failure pressure is negatively correlated with corrosion length and depth, while positively correlated with corrosion width. Among these parameters, corrosion depth exerts a more significant influence on the pipeline's failure pressure than corrosion length and width. Within the range of corrosion defect parameters examined, the maximum deviation of the prediction equation's results from the simulation results is 8.71%, with an average deviation of 5.81%. The standard deviation of the fitted residuals is 0.01837. Additionally, the maximum deviation between the predicted results and experimental measurements is 8.39%, with an average deviation of 7.77%. The strong agreement between the predicted results from the equation and the actual measured data underscores the effectiveness of the nonlinear regression equation.

The paper will analyze the pressures and vulnerabilities of the consolidated city from two perspectives: technical and social. Some design and pragmatic experiences conducted by the author in his teaching and research experience first at the Department of Urbanism of TUDelft in the Netherlands and currently at the PDTA Department of La Sapienza University of Rome will be introduced and analyzed. In the first research activity, whose case study is Rotterdam, all urban vulnerabilities related to climate change will be analyzed while in the second one, conducted in Viterbo, the vulnerability related to the hull of social inclusion, poor accessibility and psycho-social stress that plague our established cities will be treated. The two areas of study, different in size and spatial governance tools, are comparable because they allow deciphering the city's risks through lines of intervention that could serve as best practices and serve the urban planning disciplinary update also allowing to define a reflection on morphology and fabrics and on the shape of the city itself. Both teaching and research activities in which the author is involved allow the topic of urban vulnerability to be addressed with a broad exploratory scope that, in the final stage, hypothesizes design intervention on the neighborhood scale, identified as the most appropriate to provide plausible climate and social adaptation and mitigation responses.

Pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) has received significant attention for capturing surface pressure in recent years. One major source of uncertainty in PSP measurements, temperature dependency, stems from the fundamental photophysical process that allows PSP to extract pressure information. The motion-capturing PSP method, which involves two luminophores, is introduced as a method to reduce the measurement uncertainty due to temperature dependency. A theoretical model for the pressure uncertainty due to temperature dependency is proposed and demonstrated using a static pressure measurement with an applied temperature gradient. The experimental validation of the proposed model shows that the motion-capturing PSP method reduces the temperature dependency by 37.7% compared to the conventional PSP method. The proposed model also proves that a PSP with zero temperature dependency is theoretically possible.

Heat exchangers play a vital role in numerous sectors like power generation and automotive manufacturing. Enhancing the energy efficiency of these exchangers stands as a significant hurdle. Utilizing nanofluids emerges as an optimal solution to augment heat transfer rates, leveraging their superior thermal conductivity while addressing economic constraints linked with traditional heat exchanger technologies. The motivation for this study is to consider the comprehensive synergistic features of MWCNTs, SiO₂, and hybrid MWCNTs–SiO₂ EG-based nanofluids in plate heat exchangers. This was achieved by simulating a plate heat exchanger using CFD (Fluent and Gambit softwares) considering the comparison of two SiO₂, MWCNTs, and their hybrid forms at different mass concentrations. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method was employed to model turbulent flows, and the nanoparticles were compared in both single-phase and two-phase states, with their properties derived from experimental studies. Moreover, Nusselt number, convective heat transfer coefficient, and pressure drop variations were computed at different Reynolds numbers. The findings indicated an increase in the Nusselt number with the incorporation of the hybrid nanofluid, achieving a maximum enhancement of 11.19% in comparison to EG at a Reynolds number of 240 and a concentration of 0.86 wt.%. Noticeably, the pressure drop remained negligible at lower Reynolds numbers, exhibiting marginal variations up to 0.3% at higher Reynolds numbers. At a concentration of 0.86 wt.% and a Reynolds number of 480, the introduction of MWCNTs, hybrid, and SiO₂ nano-additives resulted in respective increases in the heat transfer coefficient by 21.02%, 10.76%, and 2.16% and corresponding alterations in pressure drop of 0.11%, 0.04%, and 0.02%.

Background Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health concern worldwide, including in Pakistan. Cardiovascular problems linked with T2DM have a significant impact on people and society. The study's goal is to investigate the relationship between Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular complications such as ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. Methods: This study was carried out on 260 subjects, divided into control D1: Diabetics without cardiovascular issues. D2: Diabetics with heart disease. D3: Diabetics with stroke. D4: Diabetics with both heart disease and stroke. Anthropometric parameters (age, BMI) and risk factors (smoking, diabetes duration, hypertension) were assessed in all groups. Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL, HDL, VLDL, creatinine, BSF, and HbA1c were measured. Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism was determined using PCR-RFLP. Results: Hypertension, BMI, and dyslipidemia, defined as elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and VLDL, as well as uncontrolled hyperglycemia (elevated fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin) in T2DM, were linked to vascular complications such as IHD and stroke. Hypertension was prevalent in 75.4% of the population, with greater rates among the elderly. Stage 2 hypertension was more prevalent in all age groups. Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism was discovered, with genotypes 3/3, 4/4, 2/3, and 3/4 being the most prevalent. Genotype 3/4 was more common in diabetics who had IHD/stroke or both problems, whereas genotype 2/3 was linked to DM and stroke. Conclusion: It is concluded that BMI, hypertension, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia are linked with cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes. Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism is associated with cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients by affecting the lipid profile.

Energy-related greenhouse gas emissions dominate the carbon footprints of most product systems, and petroleum is one of the main types of energy sources. This is consumed as a variety of refined products – most notably diesel, petrol (gasoline) and jet fuel (kerosene). Refined product carbon footprints are of great importance to regulators, policymakers and environmental decision-makers. For instance, they are at the heart of legislation such as the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive or the United States’ Renewable Fuels Standard. This study identified 14 datasets that report footprints for the same system, European petroleum refining. For the main refined products – diesel, petrol and jet fuel – footprints vary by at least a factor of three. For minor products, the variation is even greater. Five different organs of the European Commission have estimated refining footprints: for main products these are relatively harmonic; for minor products much less so. The footprint variation is due mainly to differing approaches to refinery modelling, especially regarding the rationale and methods applied to assign shares of the total burden from the petroleum refinery operation to the individual products. Given the economic/social importance of refined products, a better harmony of their footprints would be valuable to their users.

In our previous papers, we demonstrated that inflammation and aging are the common roots of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In both diseases, there is an inhibition of the mitochondria. In cancer, the alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) is associated with cell proliferation; acidic pHi causes apoptosis in AD. This difference is because cancer feeds on chemically neutral glucose, while neurons feed on acidic lactic acid. Increased uptake of lactic acid is responsible for acidic pH and cell death. Similarly, to AD, inflammation is responsible for metabolic shifts in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In AD, there is hyperosmolarity responsible for increased lactic secretion by glial cells. Increased lactic secretion will cause neo-angiogenesis and neural cell death. Drugs increasing hyperosmolarity (Polyethylene Glycol) cause neo-angiogenesis and drusen-like structures in rodents. The link between AMD and inflammation is reinforced by the fact that treatments aiming at restoring mitochondrial activity, such as lipoic acid and/or methylene blue, have been experimentally shown to be effective in each set of diseases. The role of osmolarity has been demonstrated in the pathologies of the anterior segment of the eye, such as dry eye, corneal ulceration, cataracts, and glaucoma. The role of increased osmolarity in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been largely overlooked. We herein suggest that metabolic shift, inflammation, and hyperosmolarity are key players in the pathogenesis of AMD.

High pressure crystallization technique has been successfully used to prepare an elusive form II of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Mefenamic acid. Single crystal of form II was grown at 0.3 GPa from an 4:1 methanol/ ethanol mixture as a solvent using Diamond Anvil Cell. Comparison of crystal structures show that the efficient packing of MA molecules in Form II results from the structural flexibility of MA acid molecules. Compression studies performed on the single crystal of form I resulted in 14 % decrease of unit cell volume up to 2.5 GPa. No phase transition was observed up to this pressure. A reconstructive phase transition is required to induce conformational changes in the structure, which is confirmed by crystallization at high pressure results.

In diabetic foot injury prevention, no studies relate physical activity with the inflammatory response of the plantar tissues, evaluated by thermography and pressure distribution. These measurements are easy to be implemented in diabetic foot follow-up. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the plantar skin response, evaluated with thermography, after physical activity in healthy or diabetic patients, is a foot ulcer prognostic tool and to asses if there is a correlation between exercise intensity, plantar pressure and plantar thermographic response. A systematic review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) format in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, with no year limit during the second quarter of 2024. A total of 14 studies have been included in this review. The use of infrared thermography for early inflammatory tissue detection, plantar pressures and the monitoring of controlled physical activity, make possible to monitor changes that allow the identification of patients at risk of developing foot ulcers.

Previous research has indicated that ultra-high pressure (UHP) technology is useful in speeding up the extraction process of cold brew (CB) coffee. However, the impact of different degrees of roasting on UHP CB coffee is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of three different degrees of roasting (light, medium, and dark) on the physicochemical and flavor characteristics of UHP CB coffee. The results of this study showed that most physicochemical characteristics of UHP coffee were similar to those of conventional CB coffee, regardless of the degree of roasting. However, the majority of physicochemical characteristics, non-volatile components, and sensory evaluation significantly increased with an increase in roasting degree. The HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis showed that most volatile components, such as pyrazines, furans (except furfural), esters, pyrrole, pyridine, and most aldehydes, increased from light to dark roasting, and this was significantly evident in CB coffee compared with UHP. The content of volatile components in UHP coffee was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in CB coffee at the same degree of roasting, especially with dark roasting. The combination of orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the distance between coffee samples at different degrees of roasting under CB coffee was greater than that under UHP coffee. However, the distance between these two extraction methods at medium roasting was evidently closer than that at light and dark roasting. Moreover, 15 representative differential compounds, such as were Hazelnut pyrazine, linalool, butane-2,3-dione, 3- methylbutanal found by the calculation of odor-active values (OAVs) indicating the main contributing compounds to odor. Overall, the effect of roasting degrees on UHP coffee was less than that on CB coffee, which was consistent with the results of physicochemical characteristics, volatile components, and sensory evaluation.

Background/Objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) is a non-invasive marker of atherosclerosis. Low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake and vitamin D deficiency are potential cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary intake and status of omega-3 PUFA and vitamin D in pre-dialysis and hemodialysis patients and to examine the link of dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) and fish consumption with blood pressure and C-IMT in CKD patients. Methods: All 77 selected patients (36 pre-dialysis, 41 on hemodialysis) underwent standardized clinical, nutritional, and laboratory assessments. Repeated 24-hour recalls were performed to assess dietary intake. The fatty acid profile was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Results: Inadequate vitamin D intake and vitamin D status were found in 95% of patients. PUFAs profiles did not differ between hemodialysis and pre-dialysis participants. Dietary intake of ALA was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0.007), C-IMT (p=0.002), serum CRP (p=0.044), iPTH (p=0.01) and 25(OH)D3 (p=0.006). ALA intake of more than 0.23 g/daily was associated with lower SBP (p=0.001), serum 25(OH)D3 (p=0.004), and C-IMT (p=0.002). Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between dietary ALA intake and C-IMT in CKD. The results of this study could emphasize the significant role of the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and inadequate omega-3 PUFA intake and status considering CVD health in CKD patients.

Controlling injection parameters is paramount when it comes to producing high-quality green parts using powder injection molding. This work combines experimental and numerical approaches to study the impact of injection parameters on mold in-cavity pressure and on the overall quality of green parts produced by low-pressure powder injection molding. The properties of two low-viscosity feedstocks (formulated from a water-atomized stainless-steel powder and wax-based binder system) were measured and implemented in an Autodesk Moldflow numerical model to quantify the molding pressures, which were finally validated using experimental real-scale injections. The results confirmed that an increase in mold temperature, an increase in feedstock temperature, and a decrease in solid loading decrease the mold in-cavity pressure, which was correlated with the feedstock viscosity. As a key result, real-scale injections confirmed that a minimum flow rate was required to avoid atypical high in-cavity pressure leading in several visual defects such as weld lines, flow marks, cracks, sinks, and incomplete filling. Due to differences in its thermal transfer properties, this flow rate threshold value decreases as the feedstock solid loading increases. For injection speeds higher than this value, the injection pressure measured experimentally was linearly correlated with the injection flow rate.

Abstract: Coal bed methane (CBM) reservoirs are complex systems whose properties differ from those of conventional reservoirs. Coal seams are dual-porosity systems that comprise the porosities of the matrix and cleat system. Gas in the coal seams can be stored as free gas in the cleat system and as adsorbed gas in the porous medium. The flow mechanisms of the natural gas through the formation include desorption, diffusion, and Darcy’s flow regimes. The permeability of CBM reservoirs is more sensitive to pressure variations than conventional gas reservoirs. To study the flow behavior of CBM reservoirs it is mandatory to use a model that considers their unique characteristics. The objective of this study was to propose a physical and mathematical model of production performance for horizontal wells in CBM reservoirs whose permeability is dependent on pressure. A solution for the model was obtained by applying Pedrosa´s transformation, perturbation theory, Laplace transformation, the point source method, and Sthefest´s algorithm. The solution to this problem was validated with previous work thoroughly. The type curves of the model were built and the pressure transient behavior of the model was analyzed and discussed. The effects of several parameters on pressure behavior were also discussed.

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of diffusion and thermal loading due to pulsed laser heating on a thermoelastic solid with voids in the context of the model of three-phase-lag. The non-dimensional governing equations are formulated and then the exact expressions for the temperature field, the displacement components, the stress components, the concentration field and the change in the volume fraction field are obtained using the normal mode technique. The material is an isotropic, homogeneous elastic half-space and heated by a non-Gaussian laser beam with pulse duration of ps. The magnesium crystal element is used as an application to compare the predictions induced by diffusion and laser pulse on poro-thermoelastic medium of the model of three-phase-lag with those for the theory of Green–Naghdi of type III. The results obtained for thermal changes are verified by comparison with two theories of thermoelasticity, namely the model of three-phase lag (3PHL) and the Green and Nagdi type III theory. Plot the expressions to examine the effect of the laser pulse at two different values of time and the effect void parameter. This study also yields some interesting special cases.

Breeding for low hydrogen cyanide (HCN) varieties is a major objective of programmes targeting boiled cassava food product. To enhance breeding for low HCN, knowledge on genetic variation and trait heritability is essential. In this study, 64 cassava clones established across four locations and evaluated for HCN using three HCN assessment methods; 1 to 9 scale, 0 ppm to 800 ppm scale and a quantitative assay based on spectrophotometer readings (HCN_Spec). Data were also collected on the weather variables precipitation, relative humidity, and temperature. Significant differences were observed among clones (P &lt; 0.001) and locations (p &lt; 0.001). There were also significant (p &lt; 0. 001) clone by environment interactions. Locations Arua and Serere posted higher HCN scores among clones and were associated with significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) mean daily temperature (K) and lower relative humidity (%) across 12-hour and 18-hour intervals. Within locations HCN broad sense heritability estimates ranged 0.22 – 0.64 while combined location heritability estimates ranged 0.14 to 0.32. Relationships between the methods were positive and strong (R2 = 0.75 – 0.92). It is expected that the information herein will accelerate efforts towards breeding for low HCN cassava varieties.

One of the biggest challenges in characterizing 2-D image topographies is finding a low-dimensional parameter set that can succinctly describe, not so much image patterns themselves, but the nature of these patterns. The 2-D Cluster Variation Method (CVM), introduced by Kikuchi in 1951, can characterize very local image pattern distributions using configuration variables, identifying nearest-neighbor, next-nearest-neighbor, and triplet configurations. Using the 2-D CVM, we can characterize 2-D topographies using just two parameters; the activation enthalpy and the interaction enthalpy. Initial investigations with two different representative topographies (``scale-free-like'' and ``rich club-like'') produce interesting results when brought to a CVM free energy minimum. Additional phase space investigations, where one of these two parameters has been set to zero, identify useful parameter ranges. Careful comparison of the analytically-predicted configuration variables versus those obtained when performing computational free energy minimization on a 2-D grid show that the computational results differ significantly from the analytic solution. The 2-D CVM can potentially function as a secondary free energy minimization within the hidden layer of a neural network, providing a basis for extending node activations over time and allowing temporal correlation of patterns.

Genome sequencing is enabling precision medicine—tailoring treatment to the unique constellation of variants in an individual’s genome. The impact of recurrent pathogenic variants is often understood, leaving a long tail of rare genetic variants that are uncharacterized. The problem of uncharacterized rare variation is especially acute when it occurs in genes of known clinical importance with functionally consequent frequent variants and associated mechanisms. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) in these genes are discovered at a rate that outpaces current ability to classify them using databases of previous cases, experimental evaluation, and computational predictors. Clinicians are thus left without guidance about the significance of variants that may have actionable consequences. Computational prediction of the impact of rare genetic variation is increasingly becoming an important capability. In this paper, we review the technical and ethical challenges of interpreting the function of rare variants in two settings: inborn errors of metabolism in newborns, and pharmacogenomics. We propose a framework for a genomic learning healthcare system with an initial focus on early-onset treatable disease in newborns and actionable pharmacogenomics. We argue that (1) a genomic learning healthcare system must allow for continuous collection and assessment of rare variants, (2) emerging machine learning methods will enable algorithms to predict the clinical impact of rare variants on protein function, and (3) ethical considerations must inform the construction and deployment of all rare-variation triage strategies, particularly with respect to health disparities arising from unbalanced ancestry representation.

High systolic blood pressure and increased blood pressure variability after the onset of ischemic stroke are associated with poor clinical outcomes. One of the key determinants of blood pressure is arteriolar size, determined by vascular smooth muscle tone and vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor substances that are released by the endothelium. The aim of this study is to outline alterations in vasomotor function in isolated peripheral arteries following ischemic stroke. The reactivity of thoracic aortic segments from male C57BL/6 mice to dilators and constrictors was quantified using wire myography. Acetylcholine induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired after ischemic stroke (LogIC50 Sham=-7.499, LogIC50 Stroke=-7.350, P=0.0132, n= 19, 31 respectively). Vasodilatory responses to SNP were identical in isolated aortas in sham and stroke groups. Phenylephrine induced vasoconstriction was impaired in aortas isolated from stroke animals in comparison to sham counterparts (Sham LogEC50= -6.652 vs Stroke LogEC50=-6.475, P< 0.001). Our study demonstrates that 24 hours post-ischemic stroke, peripheral vascular responses are impaired in remote arteries. Aortas from stroke animals exhibited reduced vasoconstrictor and endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses, while endothelium-independent vasodilatory responses were preserved. Since both vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor responses of peripheral arteries are impaired following ischemic stroke, our findings might explain increased blood pressure variability following ischemic stroke.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the validity of three alternative methods compared to the gold standard 24-h urine collection for estimating dietary sodium intake, a modifiable risk factor for hypertension, among middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. These included spot urine collection (using Kawasaki, Tanaka, and INTERSALT equations), 24-h dietary recall, and food frequency questionnaire responses, compared against 24-h urine collection in a subset of 65 participants (aged 50–75 years, 58.5 % women, 61.6 % hypertensive) from the DePEC-Nutrition trial. The validity of the methods was assessed using bias, Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. Among the alternative methods, spot urine collection using the Kawasaki equation showed the strongest correlation (SCC 0.238; ICC 0.119, 95 % CI -0.079 to 0.323) but it exhibited a significant bias (1414 mg/day, p-value < 0.001) relative to 24-h urine collection. Conversely, dietary surveys had a smaller bias but wider limits of agreement. These findings underscore the complexities of accurately estimating dietary sodium intake using spot urine collection or dietary surveys in this specific population, suggesting that a combination or refinement of existing methodologies might improve accuracy. Further research with larger samples is necessary to develop more reliable methods for assessing sodium intake in this high-risk group.

Headache is considered to be one of the most common causes of medical treatment and evaluation worldwide in both acute and outpatient settings. It is the most common neurological symptom seen worldwide affecting all genders, ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic levels. It’s impact is noted in educational decline in school-aged children and decreased productivity through sick leave in adults. Its overall burden is well documented in well-resourced countries but limited data is seen low resourced countries. While many underlying causes bring about secondary headaches, primary headaches and more specifically migraines have been more widely explored. Migraines have a distinct criterion that is inclusive of one day duration (4 hours to 7 days, unilateral distribution, nausea and vomiting and disability as a few examples. However, migraines can vary and proper documentation through a migraine diary can help to guide treatment. Management of migraines can vary. Lifestyle modification is a key factor in the overall prevention and reduction of triggers in migraines. In addition to this, pharmacotherapy can be given in a tier-based approach based on overall severity and frequency of the migraine. Interventions have progressed from botox injection and have seen the advent of new medications such as nasal sprays to novel formulations of pre-existing drug formulations. Nonetheless, there is great room for further studies of headaches and migraines. Research specifically in low-resource countries can prove to beneficial.

This study investigates the impact of narrow-band terahertz pulses on the ferroelectric order parameter in Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 films on various substrates. The 375 nm thick BST film on an MgO (001) substrate exhibits enhanced THz-induced second harmonic generation when excited by THz pulses with a central frequency of 1.6 THz, due to the resonant excitation of the soft phonon mode. Conversely, the BST film on a Si (001) substrate shows no enhancement, due to its polycrystalline state. The 800 nm thick BST film on an MgO (111) substrate demonstrates maximum of second harmonic generation signal when excited by THz pulses at 1.8 THz, that is also very close to it`s soft mode frequency (1.9 THz). Notably, the frequency spectrum of the BST/MgO (111) film reveals peaks at both the fundamental and doubled frequencies, highlighting the quadratic dependence of SHG intensity on the THz pulse's electric field strength.

To overcome the temperature effect of NaI(Tl) detectors for energy spectrometry without additional hardware, a new correction method was put forward based on pulse deconvolution, trapezoidal shaping and amplitude correction, named DTSAC. To verify this method, actual pulses from a NaI(Tl)-PMT detector were measured at different temperatures from -20℃ to 50℃. Pulse processing and spectrum synthesis showed that the position drift of the 662 keV peak was less than 3 keV, and the corresponding resolution at 662 keV of the sum spectra ranges from 6.9% to 10.60% with trapezoidal width set as 1000 ns to 100 ns. The DTSAC method corrects temperature effect by pulse processing, and need no reference peak, reference spectrum and additional circuits. The method solves the problem of correction of pulse shape and pulse amplitude at the same time, and can be used even at high counting rate.

This text deals with exploring random solutions for generalized nonlinear variational inequality problems. Using the Fan-KKM theorem and Aumann's measurable selection theorem, we are able to prove the existence and uniqueness of random solution sets under the conditions of monotonicity and convexity. Additionally, we use Minty's lemma to demonstrate the compactness and convexity of the random solution sets.

Suboptimal nutrition is a leading cause of cardiometabolic disease and mortality. Biological sex is a variable that can play a role in individual response to nutritional factors and may modulate the impact of nutrition on disease. This narrative review explores the intricate interplay between sex, nutrition, and health outcomes, and the consequent importance of considering sex in nutrition research, dietary recommendations, and disease management. We examine the impact of sex on how various dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet, macronutrient content and quality, Western diet, and energy restriction associate with or affect metabolic health and disease risk. Understanding how sex influences the response to the diet can inform precision nutrition interventions and approaches for disease prevention and management.

SOX proteins are transcription factors which play a role in regulating the development of pro-genitor cells and tissue differentiation. Twenty members are known, clustered in eight groups named A to H, and sharing a common DNA-binding domain called the HMG (high-mobility-group) box. Eleven of the SOX genes have been associated with genetic disorders so far, covering a broad spectrum of developmental diseases. SOX4 is a single-exon gene and belongs to the SOXC group together with SOX11 and SOX12. SOX4 variants were recently described to cause a highly penetrant but heterogeneous disorder, with a phenotypic spectrum ranging from mild developmental delay and learning difficulties to intellectual disability with congenital anomalies. Nineteen pathogenic variants were reported to date, generally de novo, heterozygous, and inactivating, either stop-gain or missense, the latter ones primarily targeting the HMG domain. Further, a bi-allelic variant was reported in a single consanguineous family. Copy number variants, leading to whole gene deletion or duplication, are rare and not clearly associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Many open questions remain, regarding the definition of variants of unknown significance, a possible role of missense variants outside the HMG domain, genotype-phenotype correlation, the range of phenotypic spectrum and modifying factors, and treatment options.

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) aims to identify the genetic factors that determine inter-individual differences in response to drug treatment maximizing efficacy while decreasing the risk of adverse events. Estimating the prevalence of PGx variants involved in drug response, is a critical preparatory step for large-scale implementation of a personalized medicine program in a target population. Here, we profiled pharmacogenetic variation in fourteen clinically relevant genes in a representative sample set of 1,577 unrelated sequenced Sardinians -- an ancient island population that well accounts for genetic variation in Europe as a whole and, at the same time are enriched in genetic variants that are very rare elsewhere. To this end, we used PGxPOP, a PGx allele caller based on the guidelines created by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), to identify the main phenotypes associated with the PGx alleles most represented in Sardinians. We estimate that 99.43% of Sardinian individuals may potentially respond atypically to at least one drug, that on average each individual is expected to have an abnormal response to about 17 drugs, and that for 27 drugs the fraction of the population at risk of atypical responses to therapy is more than 40%. Finally, we highlighted 174 pharmacogenetic variants for which the minor allele frequency is at least 10% higher among Sardinians as compared to other European populations, a fact that may contribute to substantial interpopulation variability in drug response phenotypes. This study provides baseline information for further large-scale pharmacogenomic investigations in the Sardinian population and underlines the importance of the PGx characterization of diverse than European populations as Sardinians.

In this paper we analyse spatial variation in Japanese dialectal lexicon by assembling a set of methodologies using theories in variationist linguistics and GIScience, and tools used in historical GIS. Based on historical dialect atlas data, we calculate a linguistic distance matrix across survey localities. The linguistic variation expressed through this distance is contrasted with several measurements, based on spatial distance, utilised to estimate language contact potential across Japan, historically and at present. Further, administrative boundaries are tested for their separation effect. Measuring aggregate association within linguistic variation can contrast previous notions of dialect area formation by detecting continua. Depending on local geographies in spatial subsets, great circle distance, travel distance and travel times explain a similar proportion of the variance in linguistic distance despite the limitations of the latter two. While they explain the majority, two further measurements estimating contact have lower explanatory power: least cost paths modelling contact before the industrial revolution, based on DEM and seafaring, and a linguistic influence index based on settlement hierarchy. Historical domain boundaries and present day prefecture boundaries are found to have a statistically significant effect on dialectal variation. However, the interplay of boundaries and distance is yet to be identified. We claim that a similar methodology can address spatial variation in other digital humanities, given a similar spatial and attribute granularity.