Mapping Analysis Research Articles

Major QTL Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of Branching Number Habits in Cucumis melo

Branching number (BN) is a crucial architectural trait in Cucumis melo. Because of its multiple branch habits, much more labour costs are needed in melon production. However, the genetic mechanism of branching numbers in melon is not clear. Here, a genetic population from multiple branching material S8 (only two branching number in the first node) as the female line and S7 (multiple branching numbers in each node; more than nine branch numbers) as the male parent is used to make a cross F2:3 generation. By performing QTL mapping based on bulked segregate analysis (BSA) after two years, a candidate QTL region of the BN was located on chromosome 3. For further QTL mapping, a genetic linkage map, which contained 16 SSR markers with a total length of 2.27 Mb, was constructed. One major QTL locus bnDQ-2022-3.1 was detected between CmSSR9556 and CmSSR9580, with a LOD threshold of 11.37 and a contribution rate of 49.11% in the spring of 2022 in Daqing City. Then, a consistent QTL bnSY-2022-3.1 was also investigated in Sanya, Hainan Province, in the autumn of 2022, with a LOD threshold of 10.85 and a contribution rate of 45.01%. Nine genes were investigated within the interval of the candidate region located in chromosome 3 between 22,723,436 and 22,807,889 of the melon’s physical position within the 85.45 kb length region. Gene expression analysis showed significant differences between MELO3C019872.2.1, MELO3C030060.2.1, and MELO3C019871.2.1 in different development stages. Gene sequence different analysis revealed a “C”-to-“T” mutation in the 1280 bp site of MELO3C030060.2.1 in parental lines. Heterologous transformation of MELO3C030060.2.1 into cucumber revealed that overexpression of MELO3C030060.2.1 resulted in more and denser branches in cucumber plants, and the growth rate of lateral branches was significantly faster than that of the wild type. Transferring to antisense of MELO3C030060.2.1 had the opposite effect. To sum up, MELO3C030060.2.1 is related to melon branching initial habits. This study could provide a new insight into melon branching habits and provide a theoretical base for melon breeding.

Thickness‐Related Analog Switching in SiOx/Cu/SiOx Memristive Devices for Neuromorphic Applications

This study examines the development of TiN/SiOx/Cu/SiOx/TiN memristive devices for neuromorphic applications using wedge‐type deposition and Monte Carlo simulations. Identifying critical parameters for the desired device characteristics can be challenging with conventional trial‐and‐error methods, which often obscure the effects of varying layer compositions. By employing an off‐center thermal evaporation method, a thickness gradient of SiOx and Cu on a 4 inch wafer is created, facilitating detailed resistance map analysis through semiautomatic measurements. This approach allows for investigating the influence of layer composition and thickness while keeping other process conditions constant. Combining experimental data with simulations provides a precise understanding of layer thickness distribution and its impact on device performance. Optimizing the SiOx layers to be below 12 nm, coupled with a discontinuous Cu layer with a nominal thickness under 0.6 nm, exhibits analog switching properties with an Ron/Roff ratio of >100, suitable for neuromorphic applications, while R × A and power exponent γ analysis show signs of multiple conduction mechanisms. The findings highlight the importance of SiOx and Cu thickness in determining switching behavior, offering insights for developing high‐performance analog switching components for bioinspired computing systems.

Systematic and Bibliometric Review of Neuroeconomics and Neurofinance Research: Current Status, Thematic Trends, and Future Directions

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to provide a systematic and bibliometric overview of neuroeconomics and neurofinance research. The study analyzes 507 articles published in peer‐reviewed journals in the Web of Science (WoS) database spanning from 1994 to February 2024. The research is conducted in two phases; initially, a performance analysis, followed by a science mapping analysis. Through performance analysis, we pinpoint significant authors, notable journals, leading countries, and influential articles within these research fields. With the science mapping, we utilize co‐citation, bibliographic coupling, and co‐word analyses to uncover the thematic and intellectual framework of research in neuroeconomics and neurofinance. Overall, we reveal prominent research themes, including reward, decision‐making under risk, value, game theory, and intertemporal choices. Classical decision‐making theory divides the decision‐making process into three interconnected stages: identifying options, evaluating them, and making a choice. The research themes we revealed through science mapping analysis constitute different aspects of the evaluation stage. Accordingly, our results suggest that neuroeconomics and neurofinance research has mainly concentrated on the evaluation stage (and, to a lesser extent, the choice stage with value theme), while the process of identifying options has been relatively understudied, despite its vital significance in less structured, real‐world situations. Alongside revealing research themes, we ultimately spotlight research directions within neuroeconomics and neurofinance.

Bibliometric Analysis of Adaptive Behavior Research: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Children with Disabilities

Introduction: Adaptive behavior refers to the collection of skills and behaviors that individuals use to function independently in their daily lives, it encompasses the ability to meet personal needs and deal with the natural and social demands of one's environment. This includes a wide range of skills, such as communication, self-care, socialization, and practical skills needed to navigate one's environment. This is useful in providing references to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) initiatives, especially to improve access to quality education for children with disabilities. Objective: This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of research on adaptive behavior for children with disabilities from 2014 to 2024. It focuses on identifying patterns, trends, and gaps in the literature to understand the evolution and current state of the field. Theorical Framework: Adaptive behavior is often categorized into different domains, reflecting the various areas of functioning that are essential for independent living and social integration. The three primary domains of adaptive behavior commonly recognized in the literature are conceptual, practical and social domain. Method: The study employs advanced bibliometric techniques, including keyword co-occurrence and citation analysis, to explore the interconnectedness of topics and to forecast future directions in research. It underscores the critical need for reliable and inclusive assessment tools, comprehensive multi-informant evaluations, and interventions that can be integrated into educational settings to support the independence and social integration of children with disabilities. Results and Discussion: The findings of the study through article co-occurrence mapping analysis, four clusters representing adaptive behavior were identified, that is red cluster (psychological and social dimensions), green cluster (developmental and cognitive aspects of disability), blue cluster (adaptive functioning and behavioral outcomes) and yellow cluster (behavioral and diagnostic) portrays an interconnected landscape of research topics, where psychological, developmental, behavioral, and diagnostic themes converge, reflecting the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of research in disabilities. Research Implications: This study contributes practical implications, improving interventions, informing policies, and enhancing community understanding and support for individuals with varying needs in adaptive behavior. This holistic impact underscores the importance of such research in driving both theoretical and practical advancements in the field. Originality/Value: The exploration of adaptive behavior in children with disabilities has emerged as a critical area of study, integrating multifaceted approaches from diagnosis to intervention. The comprehensive review presented in this article not only captures the varied dimensions of adaptive behavior but also underscores the intricate interplay between intellectual, developmental, and social facets of disabilities in children.

The Use of Eye-Tracking to Explore the Relationship Between Consumers’ Gaze Behaviour and Their Choice Process

Eye-tracking technology can assist researchers in understanding motivational decision-making and choice processes by analysing consumers’ gaze behaviour. Previous studies showed that attention is related to decision, as the preferred stimulus is generally the most observed and the last visited before a decision is made. In this work, the relationship between gaze behaviour and decision-making was explored using eye-tracking technology. Images of six wardrobes incorporating different sustainable design strategies were presented to 57 subjects, who were tasked with selecting the wardrobe they intended to keep the longest. The amount of time spent looking was higher when it was the chosen version. Detailed analyses of gaze plots and heat maps derived from eye-tracking records were employed to identify different patterns of gaze behaviour during the selection process. These patterns included alternating attention between a few versions or comparing them against a reference, allowing the identification of stimuli that initially piqued interest but were ultimately not chosen, as well as potential doubts in the decision-making process. These findings suggest that doubts that arise before making a selection warrant further investigation. By identifying stimuli that attract attention but are not chosen, this study provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour and decision-making processes.

Assessing the Water Quality and Its Influence on the Chlorophyll-a Concentration in the Karnaphuli River Estuary

The Karnaphuli river, essential for the economy and biodiversity of Bangladesh, faces increasing threat due to the proximity of industries, necessitating regular water quality monitoring to safeguard both environmental and economic interests. Hence, this study investigates the nutrient distribution and physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and electric conductivity) in relation to the chlorophyll a dynamics in the Karnaphuli river estuary during the monsoon season for evaluating water quality in the river estuary, stretching about 42 kilometres. Surface and deep-water samples have been collected from five different stations. Nutrients, chlorophyll concentration, and dissolved oxygen have been evaluated using a Continuous Flow Autoanalyzer, spectrophotometer, and DO kit, respectively, while electric conductivity, temperature, turbidity, and pH have been measured using a CTD tool. Spatial mapping and correlation analysis have been conducted as well. Temperature and pH values didn’t show much fluctuation within the sampling stations falling within the range of 29°C-31°C and 6.5-7.5, respectively. Positive correlation of pH with ammonia at surface water (r=92) indicates that the effluents of ammonia plants are the primary source of pH in river water. TSP plant effluent has been shown to cause turbidity, evident from the positive correlation between phosphate and turbidity both at surface and deep water (r=91). Increase in turbidity (562.1 NTU) resulted in a decrease in dissolved oxygen (3 mg/L), which poses a serious threat to the survival of aquatic life, including fish, in the river downstream. Decreased water quality at river downstream is evident by comparatively low chlorophyll presence of 1.5 μg/L. However, the shallow coastal region in the study area is indicative of a healthy aquatic ecosystem evident by the presence of high productivity indicated by high chlorophyll concentration of 8.9 μg/L, which is due to comparatively low levels of turbidity and also the water condition there met the standard DO for fisheries (>5mg/L). The findings underscore the critical importance of regular water quality monitoring in the Karnaphuli river to safeguard both the environment and economy of Bangladesh, urging collective action to mitigate the escalating threats posed by industrial activities and ensure the long-term sustainability of the river ecosystem. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 91-104

Epistasis between genetic variations on MdMYB109 and MdHXK1 exerts a large effect on sugar content in apple fruit.

Many quantitative traits are controlled by multiple genetic variations with minor effects, making it challenging to resolve the underlying genetic network and to apply functional markers in breeding. Affected by up to a hundred quantitative trait loci (QTLs), fruit-soluble sugar content is one of the most complex quantitative traits in apple (Malus sp.). Here, QTLs for apple fruit sucrose and fructose content were identified via QTL mapping and bulked-segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) using a population derived from a 'Jonathan' × 'Golden Delicious' cross. Allelic variations and non-allelic interactions were validated in the candidate genes within these defined QTL regions. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (SNP -326 C/T, SNP -705 A/G, and SNP -706 G/T) in the MdMYB109 promoter region affected the binding ability of the repressive transcription factor MdWRKY33, leading to increased MdMYB109 expression. MdMYB109 bound directly to the promoter of the sucrose transporter gene MdSUT2.2 and activated its expression, raising fruit sucrose content. A SNP (SNP1060 A/G) in the hexokinase gene MdHXK1 affected the phosphorylation of the transcription factor MdbHLH3, and phosphorylated MdbHLH3 interacted with MdMYB109 to co-activate MdSUT2.2 expression and increase fruit sucrose content. Adding the joint effects of the genotype combinations at the SNP markers based on the SNPs in MdMYB109 and MdHXK1 increased the prediction accuracy of a genomics-assisted prediction (GAP) model for total soluble solid content from 0.3758 to 0.5531. These results uncovered functional variations in MdMYB109 and MdHXK1 regulating apple fruit sucrose content. The updated GAP model with improved predictability can be used efficiently in apple breeding.

Geospatial mapping and entropy-based analysis for groundwater evaluation with estimation of potential health risks due to nitrate and fluoride exposure.

Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater, but its quality is often compromised by various physiochemical factors. In the Mid-Gangetic Plains, there is a concerning escalation in the degradation of groundwater quality due to anthropogenic interventions. However, there remains a paucity of comprehensive knowledge concerning groundwater quality and the associated health hazards it poses. In response to this gap, the current study focuses on Nalanda district (Bihar), where 78 groundwater samples were collected across district in the month of May 2022 and their various water quality parameters were quantified as per standard methods. The adequacy of groundwater for human use was assessed using an entropy-based water quality index (EWQI), which also evaluated the potential human health risk stemming from nitrate and fluoride contamination. Furthermore, an empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) driven geostatistical approach was utilized to predict water quality parameters at ungauged sites. The analysis of results disclosed that the ionic dominance in groundwater followed the sequence as cations Ca2+ > Mg2+, and anions HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > NO3- > F- > PO43-. The concentration of NO3- and F- exceeded the permissible BIS levels by 11.5% and 6.5% of the samples respectively. The analysis of EBK models suggested K-Bessel as the best-fit model for pH, Mg2+, TH, F-, NO3-, and SO42- spatial interpolation while exponential EBK model for EC, Cl-, and PO43- and whittle EBK model for TDS, Ca2+, and HCO3- spatial interpolation. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that elevated TDS and EC levels, coupled with correlations between NO3-, SO42-, and Cl-, suggest anthropogenic influences. The EWQI of the groundwater samples ranged from 36.28 to 180.80. The analysis of EWQI values revealed predominantly fair to good groundwater quality across the study area, suitable for drinking purposes. The hazard quotients for NO3- and F- indicate that non-carcinogenic health risks are more significant with nitrate pollution. The combined health impact was assessed using total hazard index (HI), ranging from 0.20 to 3.29 for children, 0.19 to 3.05 for males, and 0.17 to 2.70 for females. The cumulative probability distribution revealed total hazard index (HI) > 1 in 41.56%, 34.62%, and 28.21% of samples for children, males, and females. The HI analysis indicated a substantially higher risk for children compared to adults within the study area. This study offers a novel combination of entropy-based water quality assessment and geostatistical EBK modeling to evaluate groundwater quality and health risks in ungauged areas. The findings provide valuable insights for improved groundwater management and health risk mitigation.

Eco Breakthroughs: Sustainable Materials Transforming the Future of Our Planet

Interest in the sustainable materials sector is growing and accelerated. These materials are designed to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and be recyclable or biodegradable, making them highly attractive to both academia and industry. Constantly updating on innovations in this field is essential to speed up the transition to a circular economy and significantly reduce environmental impact. The paper analyzes the current status and future trends of the scientific literature for seven sustainability-related materials categories, such as sustainable materials, green materials, biomaterials, eco-friendly materials, alternative materials, material recycling and material recovery from complex products, and sustainable applied materials. Next, it assesses the impacts, benefits, and challenges associated with sustainable materials from the scientific literature according to six research fields (impact on the environment, performance and durability, economic efficiency, health and safety, social sustainability, and implementation and use). Furthermore, the paper outlines recent advances in sustainable material design, including biomimicry, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and sustainable composite materials. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis of 545 studies on sustainable materials published between 1999 and 2023 was conducted based on eight criteria, namely trend, source, author, country, keywords, thematic, co-citation, and content. The findings show that the sustainability-related materials categories have a particular distribution among the domains. Also, the thematic map analysis outlines that biopolymers, nanocellulose, and biocomposites are critical research areas for developing sustainable materials.

Discovery of Novel Inhibitors Against Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae MurF Enzyme using Phamracophore Modeling and QSAR Analysis

Main aim of the current study was to discover novel inhibitors against Streptococcus pneumoniae MurF enzyme using analogue based drug design. Pharmacophore mapping and 3D-QSAR analysis was performed on some previously synthesized and evaluated sulfonamide derivatives which are known to be potent inhibitors of penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae MurF receptor. 3D-QSAR study based on the principle of alignment of pharmacophoric features was performed on the same set of inhibitors using the PHASE module of Schrodinger suite. A five point pharmacophore, ADHRR, with one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor, one hydrophobic group and two aromatic rings yielded a statistically significant 3D-QSAR model with 0.96 as R2 value for three PLS components and good predictive correlation coefficients of Q2 = 0.8084, F = 140.6 and Pearson-R = 0.9157 for the test set with nine compounds. Thus, indicating good predictive power of the pharmacophore based 3D-QSAR model.

Systematic Evaluation of Recent Research on the Shroud of Turin

ABSTRACT This study critically reviews four decades of academic research on the Shroud of Turin, a highly debated archaeological artifact. Employing advanced epistemological methods such as argument mapping and Bayesian analysis, the study systematically evaluates the two leading hypotheses: the medieval creation of the Shroud and its authenticity as the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth. This examination suggests a warrant for the proponents’ belief in the authenticity hypothesis. It highlights the vitality and complexity of the controversy surrounding the dating and image formation process of the Shroud of Turin.

A Comparative Analysis of Hotspots in Semiotics Theory Research in China and Abroad: A Knowledge Mapping Analysis Based on CiteSpace

Based on literature data with "semiotics theory" as the research topic from the CNKI and WOS databases, this study employs CiteSpace software to conduct a comparative analysis of the relevant research on semiotics theory in China and abroad from 2000 to 2022. The results show that: Domestic and international research on semiotics theory exhibit a multi-centered development trend, gradually forming distinctive and complementary schools of semiotics theory. China's and abroad research focuses differently, with foreign research focusing more on applying semiotics theory in social sciences, educational research, language fields, and biological sciences. In contrast, domestic research tends to focus on introducing and studying foreign semiotics theories, with linguistics being an important research area. Both domestic and international research on semiotics theory have expanded the scope of theoretical research, forming widely applicable categories of semiotics. Hotspots in foreign research include "student";"model"; "future"; "evolution"; "information"; "framework"; "discourse"; and "construction", while hotspots in domestic research include "semiotics", "Peirce", "pragmatism", "Lotman", and "symbols". The development process of domestic and international research on semiotics theory has some differences, with each stage exhibiting different research characteristics. However, both have developed from theoretical to applied research, phenomenon to essence law research, and single-mode to multi-mode research. Domestic researchers should strengthen communication and cooperation with international counterparts, build a research community for semiotics theory, deepen research connotations, and provide more case studies as paradigms; timely summarize the current status and development patterns of domestic research on semiotics theory, and gradually form a Chinese school of semiotics with international influence.

Travel patterns and factors explaining green space use for outdoor learning among school and preschool children

Purpose This study aims to examine travel patterns and factors that explain children’s use of green space for outdoor learning. This knowledge will be valuable for urban planners and policymakers to plan, design, develop and maintain green spaces that consider children’s interests. Design/methodology/approach The analysis consists of three steps. First, this paper performed a mapping analysis to explain the accessibility and services of green spaces in supporting children’s education. Second, using data from a survey distributed to school teachers, this paper explored factors affecting trip frequency, travel distance and walking when visiting green spaces. Third, this paper interviewed teachers and conducted observations and conversations with children to gain additional insights. Findings The quantitative analyses found that size, path network linkages, path length, use for nature observation, play features, path density, walking and biking may influence children’s preference for using green spaces. This study identified five factors (playing, socialising, exploring, biodiversity and accessibility) that drive children to visit green spaces. Originality/value There is limited knowledge of the links between green space and children’s travel patterns and factors explaining the use of green spaces. To the ebst of the authors’ knowledge, this study seems to be the first attempt to introduce a mix of methods containing mapping, qualitative and quantitative analyses to explain children’s use towards green spaces.

Semantic Classification of Phraseological Units

This study explores the semantic classification of phraseological units and its significance in language learning and teaching. Phraseological units, including idioms, enrich linguistic expression by conveying figurative, metaphoric, symbolic, and ironical meanings. However, their complexity poses challenges for learners due to the disconnect between literal and figurative interpretations. By categorizing idioms into semantic groups, such as figurative or symbolic, this research simplifies their understanding and usage, enabling learners to enhance their linguistic and cultural competence. The study integrates linguistic theories, corpus linguistics, and practical teaching techniques, such as conceptual mapping and comparative analysis, to examine idioms’ structural and cultural nuances. Findings highlight the importance of semantic classification in improving comprehension, retention, and cross-cultural communication. Recommendations for future idiom pedagogy emphasize the integration of innovative methods and cross-linguistic comparisons to address learners' evolving needs.

The Role of the Subtropical Jet Stream in Dry Season Severe Caribbean Rainstorms: Climatology & Composite Analyses

Abstract Although high-impact heavy rainfall events in the Caribbean are typically associated with tropical cyclones (TCs) during the wet season, significant heavy rainfall events can also occur during the Caribbean dry season, absent of TCs. Dry season severe Caribbean rainstorms (CRs) can produce rainfall totals that surpass climatological dry season monthly mean rainfall, ranging from 25-200 mm, by >3 sigma over a relatively short duration (2–16 days), resulting in infrastructure- and life-threatening flooding and mudslides. This paper introduces a 35-year (1983–2017) dry season severe CR climatology derived from the PERSIANN-CDR precipitation dataset, revealing that dry season severe CRs occur, on average, eight times per year with some interannual variability and exhibit a seasonality that includes relative maxima in November/December and April/May as well as a relative minimum in February. Self-organizing map (SOM) analyses are applied to detect subtropical jet stream (STJ) flow patterns governing events in this climatology which include an upper-level trough reaching the Caribbean (Trough cases, 23% of all events), a frontal boundary extending into the Caribbean attendant to an extratropical cyclone (EC) at midlatitudes (EC Front cases, 54% of all events), or a potential vorticity stream (PVS) forming near the Caribbean (PVS cases, 7% of all events). In these events, extratropical forcing, occasionally combined with orographic forcing, can promote intense, organized, and widespread deep, moist convection that produces heavy rainfall. The remaining events do not have a discernable extratropical connection and are not considered to be influenced by the STJ (16% of events).

Alterations in surface-based amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations primary open-angle glaucoma link to neurotransmitter profiling and visual impairment severity.

The study aimed to examine alterations in surface-based amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and to investigate their relationships with visual function and molecular profiling. A total of 70 POAG patients and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent rs-fMRI scans. The differences between POAG and HCs groups were compared by two-sample t-test. Spearman's correlation analyses assessed the relationship between ALFF/fALFF values and ophthalmic parameters. Spatial correlation analysis of the patients-control difference map with brain imaging data further explores underlying neurobiological mechanisms. POAG patients displayed altered brain activity compared to HCs, including decreased ALFF/fALFF in the visual network and increased in the frontoparietal and default mode networks. They exhibited reduced fALFF in the somatomotor network and increased ALFF in the dorsal and ventral attention networks. These changes are linked to neurotransmitter systems, with fALFF particularly associated with the dopamine system. Moreover, the altered ALFF/fALFF in brain regions related to vision and attention - the occipital lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, paracentral lobule, and frontal lobe correlated with ophthalmic examination parameters. Surface-based ALFF/fALFF in POAG decreased in visual processing regions and increased in brain regions related to cognitive control, working memory, and attention. These changes were linked to neurotransmitter distributions important for emotional stability and mental health, potentially informing treatment approaches for POAG patients.

3D variability analysis reveals a hidden conformational change controlling ammonia transport in human asparagine synthetase

Advances in X-ray crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) offer the promise of elucidating functionally relevant conformational changes that are not easily studied by other biophysical methods. Here we show that 3D variability analysis (3DVA) of the cryo-EM map for wild-type (WT) human asparagine synthetase (ASNS) identifies a functional role for the Arg-142 side chain and test this hypothesis experimentally by characterizing the R142I variant in which Arg-142 is replaced by isoleucine. Support for Arg-142 playing a role in the intramolecular translocation of ammonia between the active site of the enzyme is provided by the glutamine-dependent synthetase activity of the R142 variant relative to WT ASNS, and MD simulations provide a possible molecular mechanism for these findings. Combining 3DVA with MD simulations is a generally applicable approach to generate testable hypotheses of how conformational changes in buried side chains might regulate function in enzymes.

Investigating the Triple Code Model in numerical cognition using stereotactic electroencephalography.

The ability to conceptualize numerical quantities is an essential human trait. According to the "Triple Code Model" in numerical cognition, distinct neural substrates encode the processing of visual, auditory, and non-symbolic numerical representations. While our contemporary understanding of human number cognition has benefited greatly from advances in clinical imaging, limited studies have investigated the intracranial electrophysiological correlates of number processing. In this study, 13 subjects undergoing stereotactic electroencephalography for epilepsy participated in a number recognition task. Drawing upon postulates of the Triple Code Model, we presented subjects with numerical stimuli varying in representation type (symbolic vs. non-symbolic) and mode of stimuli delivery (visual vs. auditory). Time-frequency spectrograms were dimensionally reduced with principal component analysis and passed into a linear support vector machine classification algorithm to identify regions associated with number perception compared to inter-trial periods. Across representation formats, the highest classification accuracy was observed in the bilateral parietal lobes. Auditory (spoken and beeps) and visual (Arabic) number formats preferentially engaged the superior temporal cortices and the frontoparietal regions, respectively. The left parietal cortex was found to have the highest classification for number dots. Notably, the putamen exhibited robust classification accuracies in response to numerical stimuli. Analyses of spectral feature maps revealed that non-gamma frequency, below 30 Hz, had greater-than-chance classification value and could be potentially used to characterize format specific number representations. Taken together, our findings obtained from intracranial recordings provide further support and expand on the Triple Code Model for numerical cognition.

RNA tertiary structure and conformational dynamics revealed by BASH MaP.

The functional effects of an RNA can arise from complex three-dimensional folds known as tertiary structures. However, predicting the tertiary structure of an RNA and whether an RNA adopts distinct tertiary conformations remains challenging. To address this, we developed BASH MaP, a single-molecule dimethyl sulfate (DMS) footprinting method and DAGGER, a computational pipeline, to identify alternative tertiary structures adopted by different molecules of RNA. BASH MaP utilizes potassium borohydride to reveal the chemical accessibility of the N7 position of guanosine, a key mediator of tertiary structures. We used BASH MaP to identify diverse conformational states and dynamics of RNA G-quadruplexes, an important RNA tertiary motif, in vitro and in cells. BASH MaP and DAGGER analysis of the fluorogenic aptamer Spinach reveals that it adopts alternative tertiary conformations which determine its fluorescence states. BASH MaP thus provides an approach for structural analysis of RNA by revealing previously undetectable tertiary structures.

The Race Against Time for the Enhancement of African National Strategic Plans in the Neuroblastoma Research Heterogeneity

The valuation of neuroblastoma research heterogeneity at African country level is unspecified. Therefore, the study assesses the heterogeneity of neuroblastoma research in 54 African countries and develops recommendations for national cancer-control plans. Metadata of peer-reviewed scientific publications allied to African neuroblastoma research were retrieved from the Web of Science™ Core Collection Database for bibliometric analysis. Comprehensive science mapping analysis and statistical analyses were performed with bibliometric online platform2 and GraphPad Prism v. 10.2.3. This study revealed that African countries focused the neuroblastoma research publications mainly on the sustainable development goal of good health and well-being. The dominating research area in Africa is oncology followed by pharmacology. Only 26 of 54 African countries were accountable for total neuroblastoma research in Africa, with South Africa and Egypt contributing 61% of the whole continent’s neuroblastoma research. Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, and Nigeria are the five most active African countries, and they are funded by different funding agencies internationally and domestically. The collected analysed data of this study draws special attention to heterogeneity and enduring upward correlating trajectory of Africa’s neuroblastoma publication numbers, their citations, acquired funds, and countries’ cooperation. Furthermore, this heterogeneity finding flags the necessity of developing a comprehensive strategic plan and implementation to cultivate neuroblastoma research as a fundamental part of each African country’s national cancer control plans.