Low-frequency Values Research Articles

Feature Extraction and Classification for Remote Sensing Imagery Based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Method

Remote sensing (RS) is the unique way to monitor whole world dynamically. Feature extraction and classification for RS image is an important research direction in this field. Image classification is based on feature extraction, and is also the premise of image processing. However, at present, image classification lacks theoretical basis and is still in the stage of visual observation and empirical interpretation. There are many reasons for poor image classification, e.g. lack of clarity or lack of classification basis. In this article, a new method for RS image feature extraction and classification called the “orthogonal frequency division” (OFD) method is proposed. The method combines filtering and stratification, and the experiments prove that it can effectively classify and extract the features of RS images. The traditional filtering methods regard image contents as a whole signal space, after each filtering, only the high frequency values can be separated in the form of edges, while the low frequency values still remains in the signal space, forming an image which pixel values are doubled. If we want to label a region, we have to superimpose these edges, so we need to do filtering for many times, which is a tedious process. Moreover, the scaling ratio is usually small and fixed, therefore, if the differences among regions are large, multiple filtering must be carried out, otherwise the filtering effect is not obvious. Then, although the image compression effect is achieved, the image will become too small and lose its ability to be recognized. The OFD method only needs to be filtered once, its filter group can classify both low and high frequency values and can increase the differences among regions, so that the image contents form layers, different classification results can be extracted by different thresholds. These classification results can be used as the material of neural network training set, at this point, the classification result regions can be labeled directly. By comparing the classification results with some prevailing image processing methods (such as PCA method or wavelet transform method), the classification effect is superior to the traditional methods in terms of classification accuracy.

Heart rate variability and peripheral nerve conduction velocity in relation to blood lead in newly hired lead workers

ObjectivesPrevious studies relating nervous activity to blood lead (BL) levels have limited relevance, because over time environmental and occupational exposure substantially dropped. We investigated the association of heart rate variability...

Drag reduction mechanisms of a car model at moderate yaw by bi-frequency forcing

We propose a windward bi-frequency control strategy to manipulate experimentally the wake past a yawed car model using pulsed jets. By varying the low frequency value in the actuation, we can provide a complete authority for the manipulation of the mean wake orientation and reduce drag.

Cassava starch graft copolymer as a novel inhibitor for the corrosion of aluminium in HNO3 solution

Cassava starch graft copolymer (CSGC) was prepared by grafting acryl amide (AA) onto cassava starch (CS). The inhibition effect of CSGC on the corrosion of aluminium in HNO3 solution was studied by weight loss, electrochemical techniques, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), contact angle images and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamic simulation were performed to theoretically investigate the adsorption mechanism. CSGC is an effective novel inhibitor, and shows higher inhibition efficiency than either CS or AA. The adsorption of CSGC on aluminium surface obeys Langmuir isotherm. CSGC is a mixed-type inhibitor, while mainly retards the anodic corrosion. EIS consists of a large capacitive loop at high frequencies followed by a small inductive one at middle frequencies and the second capacitive loop at low frequency values, and the impedance strengthens with the concentration of CSGC. SEM and AFM confirms the corrosion of aluminium surface is prominently retarded after adding CSGC to the media. Contact angle image suggests that the inhibited aluminium surface is of hydrophobic nature. XPS provides the evidence of the adsorptive inhibitor of CSGC on aluminium surface. Quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamic simulation can be well theoretically elucidate that CSGC shows higher adsorption and inhibition ability than CS.

Millimeter-Wave Dielectric Properties of Highly Refractive Single Crystals Characterized by Waveguide Cavity Resonance

This paper reports precision measurements of the electromagnetic permittivity of five highly refractive, single-crystal materials, SrTiO3, KTaO3, rutile TiO2, LiTaO3, and LiNbO3, using a single, well-controlled, frequency-scalable procedure over the frequency ranges 25–110 and 140–220 GHz. Real permittivity values were highly consistent for different samples measured across multiple frequency bands. For SrTiO3, KTaO3, and TiO2, real permittivities were more consistent with lower frequency values than typically reported in the millimeter-wave region of the spectrum. Real permittivities of LiTaO3 and LiNbO3 agreed with most reported data. The intrinsic dielectric loss of SrTiO3, KTaO3, and the extraordinary axis of rutile TiO2 was also characterized over the ranges 25–110 and 140–220 GHz, and intrinsic loss per unit frequency was found to be consistent with values measured at other frequencies by dielectric resonators and quasi-optical techniques.

A SPECTRAL METHOD OF LITHOFACIES DIFFERENTIATION WITHIN A HYDROCARBON RESERVIOR UNIT USING SEISMIC AND WELL DATA FROM TOMBOY FIELD NIGER DELTA

Seismic facies analysis is a key component of Seismic interpretation workflow, as much information on depositional process, environment, reservoir architecture and potential can be determined from the seismic data. This enhances the seismic visibility of subtle stratigraphic features, and prediction of new prospects for drilling due to lateral continuity of sand bodies (the hydrocarbon reservoir) deposited within the sedimentary column. This study presents the results of the application of seismic amplitude inversion and spectral decomposition to differentiate lithofacies within a thin-sand reservoir and show their lateral and vertical continuity using amplitude-derived attributes (rock properties) in the interpretation of 3D seismic and well log data from “TOMBOY” field Niger Delta. A thin-sand reservoir was delineated from lithologic log signatures within the interval 11,135.61-11,210.35ft which corresponds to the time window 2.752 - 2.768secs on the seismic data along an arbitrary line drawn to connect the six wells (01-06) in the field. Crossplot of acoustic impedance against density across the reservoir bed showed three compartments interpreted as gas filled sand, oil filled sand and shale. The interpretation was enhanced via spectral analysis by computing frequency maps of acoustic impedance, density and velocity using discrete Fourier transform (DFT) technique at top (2.752sec) of the reservoir in terms of magnitude, phase and frequency. Phase response for the three attributes (acoustic impedance, density and velocity) showed lateral continuity and discontinuity of sand lithofacies at the various well locations which were not evident on their original amplitude time slice, while frequency response showed bed thickness, with low frequency indicating presence of hydrocarbon or sand rich beddings, while high frequency indicates thin shale beddings. It was observed that the top (2.752sec) of the reservoir for wells 02, 05, 01 and 04 showed low frequency values for the three attributes (acoustic impedance, density and velocity) which indicates potential zones for hydrocarbon production and development in the field, while wells 03 and 06 within the same time slice (2.752sec) showed a higher value in acoustic impedance frequency, density frequency and velocity frequency and suggests the presence of thin shale facies at the top (2.752sec) of the thin-sand reservoir. By defining the lateral and vertical continuity of sand facies within the reservoir bed, hydrocarbon fairways were better defined and knowledge of this can be incorporated into drilling decisions for field development. The results gave enhanced structural disposition of the reservoir bed and more insights into the variation of sand lithofacies with depth. Keywords: Lithofacies, Amplitude inversion, Geologic transform, Seismic attributes, Cross plots and Spectral decomposition. DOI : 10.7176/JEES/9-3-14 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Maternal Response of Perinatally Underfed Wistar Virgin Females Exposed to Newborn Rats

Nutrition plays a major role in the survival of the progeny, and its perinatal deficiencies delay physical development and interfere with social and cognitive performance later in life. The effects of early undernutrition on maternal social performance of sensitized adult virgin rats were evaluated. Several maternal and non-maternal responses were measured in virgin female Wistar rats randomly divided into two groups, control and early undernourished, during 19 days of chronic daily exposure to fresh foster pups in home-cage conditions. Underfed females (F0) received different percentages of a balanced diet during gestation. After birth, pups were underfed (F1) by alternating every 12 h between litters two lactating dams, one with ligated nipples. Weaning was at 25 days of age followed by an ad lib diet until postpartum day 90, when sensitized virgins were maternally tested daily for seven successive sessions. Significantly (p < 0.05) low body weight scores in UG F1 virgins of five different ages were observed. The UG F1 females expressed significantly (p < 0.05) lower frequency values in sniffing, licking, retrieving, crouching, and handling shavings, with clear prolonged sniffing, retrieving and handling shaving latencies towards the foster pups compared with CG F1 sensitized females. Self-grooming was not affected, whereas exploration was significantly reduced. Current findings suggest that perinatal undernutrition interfered the organization of a core neuronal circuitry underlying the mother-litter interactions involved in social and cognitive performance of sensitized adult virgins. Furthermore, the behavioral maternal alterations in F1 virgins may possibly generate a risky negative social environment to induce cognitive and/or brain disorders in later generations.

Study of heart rate variability in benign prostatic hyperplasia - A hospital-based study

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major disease affecting middle-aged and elderly male. BPH is the result of unregulated proliferation of connective tissue, smooth muscle, and glandular epithelium within the prostatic zone resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms. The exact etiopathogenesis of BPH remains ambiguous, but there is increasing evidence that sympathetic overactivity appears to have an important role in the pathogenesis of BPH. Undoubtedly, the constellations of cellular, pathologic processes that give rise to symptoms of BPH are far complex than we currently realize. Only by unraveling these complexities, we will be able to successfully design alternative strategies to treat and prevent the adverse impact of BPH. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the role of autonomic nervous system in the pathogenesis of BPH. Materials and Methods: After taking clearance from the ethical committee, a total of 42 male patients who were diagnosed clinically and ultrasonologically as cases of BPH were included in the study after applying appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were scored for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The basal recording of electrocardiogram in lead II was done for 5 min. The Polyrite D was used for heart rate variability by frequency domain method. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated for low frequency (LF) versus IPSS and LF versus prostate size. Results: LF component was found significantly high in BPH patients. R value for LF versus IPSS was 0.9558 showing an increase in a sympathetic component with increase in IPSS which is statistically significant (P < 0.001). Patients with higher LF value had more lower urinary tract symptoms. R value for LF versus prostate size was 0.9421 which is also statistically significant (P < 0.001). This means if there is increase in the prostate size sympathetic activity also increased. Conclusion: This study was done with an aim to recommend methods of primordial prevention and our study shows greater sympathetic activity in BPH patients. Hence, we suggest yogic interventions such as meditation for primordial prevention.

Conductivity Tensor Imaging of In Vivo Human Brain and Experimental Validation Using Giant Vesicle Suspension.

Human brain mapping of low-frequency electrical conductivity tensors can realize patient-specific volume conductor models for neuroimaging and electrical stimulation. We report experimental validation and in vivo human experiments of a new electrodeless conductivity tensor imaging (CTI) method. From CTI imaging of a giant vesicle suspension using a 9.4-T MRI scanner, the relative error in the reconstructed conductivity tensor image was found to be less than 1.7% compared with the measured value using an impedance analyzer. In vivo human brain imaging experiments of five subjects were followed using a 3-T clinical MRI scanner. With the spatial resolution of 1.87 mm, the white matter conductivity showed considerably more position dependency compared with the gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The anisotropy ratio of the white matter was in the range of 1.96-3.25 with a mean value of 2.43, whereas that of the gray matter was in the range of 1.12-1.19 with a mean value of 1.16. The three diagonal components of the reconstructed conductivity tensors were from 0.08 to 0.27 S/m for the white matter, from 0.20 to 0.30 S/m for the gray matter, and from 1.55 to 1.82 S/m for the CSF. The reconstructed conductivity tensor images exhibited significant inter-subject variabilities in terms of frequency and position dependencies. The high-frequency and low-frequency conductivity values can quantify the total and extracellular water contents, respectively, at every pixel. Their difference can quantify the intracellular water content at every pixel. The CTI method can separately quantify the contributions of ion concentrations and mobility to the conductivity tensor.

Estimation of the Rashba Strength from Second Harmonic Generation in 2D and 3D Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites

The Rashba effect (RE), caused by concurrent spin–orbit coupling and structural inversion asymmetry (SIA), has been invoked to explain outstanding optoelectronic properties of hybrid organic inorganic perovskites (HOIPs). The SIA in HOIPs also manifests itself in second harmonic generation (SHG). Here, we establish a quantitative relation between the RE strength and the low-frequency SHG value in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) HOIPs using a newly developed effective-mass model. The calculated SHG, which exhibits one- and two-photon resonances between the valence and conduction bands, approaches a finite value at low frequencies. Using the measured SHG values in literature, the estimated RE strength is 10–3 eV A for 3D CH3NH3PbI3 and 4 × 10–2 eV A for 2D (C4H9NH3)2PbI4. Our results facilitate a simple and reliable determination of the RE strengths of 2D and 3D HOIPs and help quantify the impact of RE on various properties in HOIPs.

Value of Assessing Autonomic Nervous Function by Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate Turbulence in Hypertensive Patients.

Purpose To explore the relationship between blood pressure control and autonomic nervous function assessing by heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) in hypertensive patients. Methods A total of 120 consecutive hypertensive patients and 80 nonhypertensive patients (N-HP group) were enrolled in this study. The hypertensive patients were divided into controlled blood pressure and uncontrolled blood pressure groups according to their blood pressure on admission. All subjects underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring. This study compared HRV and HRT in nonhypertensive and hypertensive patients and hypertensive patients with controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure. HRV parameters include square root of mean of the sum of squares of successive NN interval differences (rMSSD), number of successive NN intervals differing by > 50ms divided by the total number of successive NN intervals (pNN50), very low frequency (VLF) at frequency between 0.0033 and 0.04 Hz, low frequency (LF) at frequency between 0.04 and 0.15 Hz, and high frequency (HF) at frequency between 0.15 and 0.4 Hz. Turbulence slope (TS) belongs to HRT parameters. Results TS, rMSSD, pNN50, VLF, LF, and HF values were significantly lower in the HP group than in the N-HP group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that reduced TS, rMSSD, pNN50, LF, and HF values were risk factors of hypertension. TS, rMSSD, pNN50, VLF, LF, and HF values were significantly lower in hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure than in hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that reduced TS, rMSSD, pNN50, VLF, LF, and HF values were risk factors for uncontrolled blood pressure. Conclusions This study indicates impaired autonomic nervous function in hypertensive patients, especially in hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure despite guideline recommended antihypertensive medications.

Drainage network characteristics of the Ghaghghar River Basin (GRB), Son Valley, India

ABSTRACTThe present study helps to understand the relation between the different morphometric parameters to delineate the drainage characteristics of the Ghaghghar River Basin (GRB), Son Valley, India. Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) data were used to prepare the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Aspect, Drainage, and Slope maps by using ArcGIS 10 software. The Ghaghghar River is third-order stream that exhibits dendritic to sub-dendritic pattern. The trails drainage patterns are also observed in some areas of the basin which may be due to the effect of regional tectonics. The mean bifurcation ratio is 5.1 showing normal basin which is somehow controlled by structural disturbances. High bifurcation ratio (>10) determines that the region is subjected to strong structural control on the drainage. Drainage density (0.36) shows very coarse drainage texture also having positive correlation with stream frequency. The elongation ratio is 0.64 along with circulatory ratio (0.6) shows elongated nature of the basin. The low values of drainage density and stream frequency imply that surface run-off is not quickly removed from the basin, making it susceptible to flooding and gully have very little effect on the extent to which the surface has been lowered by agents of denudation.

Heart Rate Variability and Cardiovascular Reflex Tests for Assessment of Autonomic Functions in Preeclampsia.

Alterations in the autonomic cardiovascular control have been implicated to play an important etiologic role in preeclampsia. The present study was designed to evaluate autonomic functions in preeclamptic pregnant women and compare the values with normotensive pregnant and healthy nonpregnant controls. Assessment of autonomic functions was done by cardiovascular reflex tests and by analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Cardiovascular reflex tests included deep breathing test (DBT) and lying to standing test (LST). HRV was analyzed in both time and frequency domain for quantifying the tone of autonomic nervous system to the heart. The time domain measures included standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and square root of mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD). In the frequency domain we measured total power (TP), high frequency (HF) power, low frequency (LF) power, and LF/HF ratio. Cardiovascular reflex tests showed a significant parasympathetic deficit in preeclamptic women. Among parameters of HRV, preeclamptic group had lower values of SDNN, RMSSD, TP, HF, and LF (ms2) and higher value of LF in normalised units along with high LF/HF ratio compared to normotensive pregnant and nonpregnant controls. Furthermore, normotensive pregnant women had lower values of SDNN, TP, and LF component in both absolute power and normalised units compared to nonpregnant females. The results confirm that normal pregnancy is associated with autonomic disturbances which get exaggerated in the state of preeclampsia.

Morphometric assessment and sub-watershed prioritization of Khari River basin in semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India

Watershed management is very crucial for arid and semi-arid regions dealing with limited availability of water resource. Morphometric assessment and prioritization studies provide basic criterion for effective local level watershed planning and natural resource management. The present study is an attempt to analyze morphometric characters of the Khari River basin and prioritize the sub-watersheds on the basis of ground water potentialities indicated by morphometric parameters using GIS approach. Khari River is semi-arid ephemeral; it is a tributary of Banas River, an important river of central Rajasthan (India). The basin has been subdivided in five sub-watersheds namely SW1 to SW5. Linear, areal, and relief parameters are calculated for Khari basin as well as for each sub-watershed. Morphometric parameters that are related to groundwater potentialities are ranked and compound factor values are calculated for each sub-watershed and priority is allotted based on these values. First priority is given to the least value of compound factor that indicate most deficit ground water condition. Overall results illustrate that Khari is a sixth-order stream and covers 6205 km2 area. Dendritic pattern is observed in Khari and in all the five sub-watersheds that indicate homogenous nature of underlain material and less structural control in the topography. Presence of low bifurcation ratio, low drainage density, and low drainage frequency values are favorable parameters of good permeability, infiltration in the basin, further gentle slope, coarse drainage texture, moderate to low relief, and elongated shape—all these parameters indicate good groundwater potentialities in major portions of the basin. Prioritization results show that the sub-watershed SW4 is at first priority with most deficit groundwater potential in comparison to other sub-watersheds and require water conservation measures. Sub-watershed SW4 has high values in linear parameters and low value in shape parameters that specify for poor groundwater potential, less permeability and high runoff, etc. Sub-watershed SW5 on contrary has indicated highest ground water potential in comparison to other sub-watersheds of the basin. The study provide local drainage morphometric information and preliminary prioritization for better water resource management in semi-arid region to achieve water self-sufficiency and sustainability at basin level.

Dynamic Analysis of Satellites Used for Side-Airbag System

Satellites are mechanical components that make the interface between the outside environment and the Electronic Central Unit (ECU). The Electronic Central Unit receives signals from the satellites it interconnects with environment. The signals are given, after a collision, by capacitor-type accelerometers. The multiple caps of the condenser are connected to a seismic mass and elastic element, thus achieving a vibrating mechanical system with a single degree of freedom. The deceleration produced during the collision generates displacements of the movable armatures of the capacitor, proportional to the value of this decay. This analogy signal is modulated and transmitted to the ECU. For correct processing of the accelerator signal, the bearer’s frequency must be not allowed. For these reasons, a dynamic analysis of the accelerometer support satellite is performed. Dynamic analysis involves a finite element mesh for the use of the Modal Analysis Method in order to determine the resonance frequencies. In this paper we will analyze the influence of the different geometric types of finite elements, which, combined with the effects given by the nature of the component materials and the disagreement of the satellite, will lead to the requirements imposed in the limitations of the low resonance frequency values.

T-Type Multilevel Converter Topologies: A Comprehensive Review

Renewable energy systems integration prefers DC–AC converters of high efficiency, low harmonic injection and small size. Multilevel converter (MLC) is preferred compared to two-level converter thanks to its low harmonic injection, even at low switching frequency values, and accepting high power as well as voltage levels. Among reduced switching devices count MLCs is the T-type topology. This article introduces a review of the different advanced topologies of T-type MLC in comparison with the conventional neutral point clamped converters. The operation of each topology, the design consideration and the performance in low-voltage applications such as AC drive systems, grid-tie integration of renewable energy and power train drive applications are discussed. In addition, the design considerations using enhanced semiconductor switches are elaborated. Different studies regarding MLCs—like common-mode voltage elimination or reduction, open-switch fault diagnosis, open- as well as short-circuit fault tolerance, and DC link capacitor voltage balancing for T-type topologies—are illustrated. Finally, recommendations for future work research directions are highlighted.

Heart rate variability changes and its association with the development of severe retinopathy of prematurity

To evaluate differences in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity. Heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of ANS activity was calculated in two groups of premature infants: (1) a treatment group of infants who developed type 1 ROP and underwent treatment and (2) a control group of infants who did not develop ROP more severe than stage 1 and who were matched to the treatment group in terms of age, weight, and similar risk factors, including similar frequency of intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and sepsis. HRV was analyzed during the first 5days of life, within 5days of initial ROP examination, and within 5days of ROP treatment for the treatment group or, for controls, on the day of last electrocardiogram data prior to discharge. Calculations were performed for the high frequency, low frequency, and low frequency-high frequency values of the HRV components for all infants. Between the initial ophthalmologic evaluation and the final evaluation, there was a tendency for reduction in both the low- and high-frequency components of the HRV indices in the treatment group, whereas there was a tendency for an increase in both components of the HRV indices in the control group. The difference in the rate of change of the high frequency between groups was statistically significant (P=0.021). Disruption in ANS activity may play an important role in the development and severity of ROP.

Resting-State Activity of Prefrontal-Striatal Circuits in Internet Gaming Disorder: Changes With Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Predictors of Treatment Response.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is effective for the treatment of Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, the mechanisms by which CBT improves IGD-related clinical symptoms remain unknown. This study aimed to discover the therapeutic mechanism of CBT in IGD subjects using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Twenty-six IGD subjects and 30 matched healthy controls (HCs) received rsfMRI scan and clinical assessments; 20 IGD subjects completed CBT and then were scanned again. The amplitude of low-frequency (ALFF) values and the functional connectivity (FC) between the IGD group and the HC group were compared at baseline, as well as the ALFF values and FC before and after the CBT in the IGD group. Prior to treatment, the IGD group exhibited significantly increased ALFF values in the bilateral putamen, the right medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA), the left postcentral gyrus, and the left anterior cingulate (ACC) compared with the HC group. The HC group showed significantly increased FC values between the left medial OFC and the putamen compared with the IGD group, the FC values of IGD group were negatively associated with the BIS-11 scores before treatment. After the CBT, the weekly gaming time was significantly shorter, and the CIAS and BIS-II scores were significantly lower. The ALFF values in the IGD subjects significantly decreased in the left superior OFC and the left putamen, and the FC between them significantly increased after the CBT. The degree of the FC changes (ΔFC/Pre−FC) was positively correlated with the scale of the CIAS scores changes (ΔCIAS/Pre−CIAS) in the IGD subjects. CBT could regulate the abnormal low-frequency fluctuations in prefrontal-striatal regions in IGD subjects and could improve IGD-related symptoms. Resting-state alternations in prefrontal-striatal regions may reveal the therapeutic mechanism of CBT in IGD subjects.

Genome-wide variability and selection signatures in Italian island cattle breeds.

In the present study, a sample of 88 animals belonging to four local (Modicana, Sarda, Sardo-Bruna and Sardo-Modicana) and one cosmopolitan (Italian Brown Swiss) cattle breeds were genotyped with a medium density SNP beadchip and compared to investigate their genetic diversity and the existence of selection signatures. A total of 43012 SNPs distributed across all 29 autosomal chromosomes were retained after data quality control. Basic population statistics, Wright fixation index and runs of homozygosity (ROH) analyses confirmed that the Italian Brown Swiss genome was shaped mainly by selection, as underlined by the low values of heterozygosity and minor allele frequency. As expected, local cattle exhibited a large within-breed genetic heterogeneity. The FST comparison revealing the largest number of significant SNPs was Sardo-Bruna vs. Sardo-Modicana, whereas the smallest was observed for Italian Brown Swiss vs. Sardo-Modicana. Modicana exhibited the largest number of detected ROHs, whereas the smallest was observed for Sardo-Modicana. Signatures of selection were detected in genomic regions that harbor genes involved in milk production traits for Italian Brown Swiss and fitness traits for local breeds. According to the results of multi-dimensional scaling and the admixture analysis the Sardo-Bruna is more similar to the Sarda than to the Italian Brown Swiss breed. Moreover, the Sardo-Modicana is genetically closer to the Modicana than to the Sarda breed. Results of the present work confirm the usefulness of single nucleotide polymorphisms in deciphering the genetic architecture of livestock breeds.

Resting-state functional changes in the precuneus within first-episode drug-naive patients with MDD.

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading psychiatric disorder that has a lack of biomarkers for a diagnosis.PurposeThe objective of this study was to examine the structural and functional change in the precuneus within first-episode drug naive patients with MDD.MethodsThirty-two first episode drug-naive patients with MDD and thirty healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study; the structural MRI and fMRI data were collected using the 3.0 T Trio Siemens System. All the patients were interviewed using the HAMD-17.ResultsThe difference between gray matter volume within the two groups was not observed. Results indicated that the low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF) and regional homogeneity values of the precuneus within first-episode drug-naive patients with MDD were lower than the HCs. In addition, the fALFF value of the MDD was negatively and statistically significantly correlated with the HAMD-17 total score (P<0.05).ConclusionThe current study found abnormal activity of the precuneus at resting state in first-episode drug-naive patients with MDD, indicating that activity within the precuneus may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of MDD.