Peak Patterns Research Articles

Revealing pest patterns: A comparative spatial distribution analysis of insect threats in Kharif rice across the key agricultural regions in the Eastern India.

This study investigates the spatial distribution and aggregation patterns of major insect pests in Kharif rice fields during the 2023 growing season in Eastern India. The analysis focuses on key pests such as yellow stem borer (YSB), gall midge, green leaf hopper (GLH), and brown planthopper (BPH), as well as rice thrips, caseworm, whorl maggot, Gundhi bug, grasshopper, and leaf folder. Using statistical indices, this study aims to understand pest behavior across Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs) to better inform pest control strategies. The study reveals significant clustering and aggregation patterns among the pests. YSB exhibited variance-mean ratio (VMR) values between 1.14 (40th SMW) and 1.96 (31st SMW), with dispersion parameter (K) values ranging from 0.57 to 21.65, and a peak index of dispersion of 132.66 (43rd SMW). Similarly, gall midge showed VMR values from 6.19 to 10.48, whereas GLH and BPH recorded VMR ranges of 1.19 to 132.10 and 1.01 to 1.50, respectively. These spatial distribution trends were confirmed through values for Iwao's patchiness index and Taylor's power law, indicating strong pest aggregation in specific areas. The results underscore the need for region-specific integrated pest management strategies that take into account pest clustering and environmental factors influencing pest distribution. Although an S-curve pattern of infestation-showing gradual population increases, rapid peaks, and eventual decline-was observed, the primary focus remains spatial patterns, which are critical for optimizing pest management and improving rice crop sustainability in the region. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification and Analysis of Peak Population Migration Patterns in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region Based on Complex Network Theory

Abstract. As a vital economic and population agglomeration area in China, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has attracted considerable attention regarding population migration issues. Population migration not only directly affects the population size and structure of cities within the region but also has profound implications for economic development, social stability, and urban planning. This study extends the analysis to the "Spring Festival Travel Rush" period, using population migration data from January to March in the years 2020 to 2022 as the basis. By employing complex network theory and relevant statistical indicators, the study explores the peak period population migration patterns and their variations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The research firstly identifies significant changes in population migration patterns in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region around 2021 and analyzes the changing patterns. Secondly, network statistical indicators indicate hierarchical population migration patterns based on city tiers. Furthermore, cities with unique migration patterns are identified. Finally, based on an in-depth exploration of population migration patterns and their variations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the study provides suggestions and prospects for future urban planning and development, offering important references for addressing the challenges posed by population migration in the region.

Effect of metalloid element on the microstructural and mechanical properties of AlCoCrCuFeNi high-entropy alloys

ABSTRACT The impact of the metalloid element silicon (Si) addition on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the AlCoCuCrFeNiSix high-entropy alloy system is examined in this paper. The alloys were synthesized using a vacuum arc melting route. X-ray diffraction was used to analyse the current high-entropy alloys’ phase formation to comprehend the alloying process’s behaviour. It is evident from the peak pattern of the X-ray diffraction that the inclusion of Si promotes the growth of body-centred cubic structures. The microhardness and wear resistance were increased by increasing the Si content from 0 to 0.9. Si presence enhances the hardness of the alloys and strengthens the grain boundary. Improved hardness and wear resistance results from the enhanced body-centred cubic-phase formation, which poses a barrier to the dislocation movement and prevents further deformation. Furthermore, the inclusion of Si improved corrosion resistance in potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Excellent compressive strength is possessed by all of the high-entropy alloys with Si addition.

Decomposition and Growth Pathways for Ammonium Nitrate Clusters and Nanoparticles.

Understanding the formation and decomposition mechanisms of aerosolized ammonium nitrate species will lead to improvements in modeling the thermodynamics and kinetics of aerosol haze formation. Studying the sputtered mass spectra of cation and anion ammonium nitrate clusters can provide insights as to which growth and evaporation pathways are favored in the earliest stages of nucleation and thereby guide the development and use of accurate models for intermolecular forces for these systems. Simulated annealing Monte Carlo optimization followed by density functional theory optimizations can be used reliably to predict minimum-energy structures and interaction energies for the cation and anion clusters observed in mass spectra as well as for neutral nanoparticles. A combination of translational and rotational mag-walking and sawtooth simulated annealing methods was used to find optimum structures of the various heterogeneous clusters identifiable in the mass spectra. Following these optimizations with ωB97X-D3 density functional theory calculations made it possible to rationalize the pattern of peaks in the mass spectra through computation of the binding energies of clusters involved in various growth and dissociation pathways. Testing these calculations against CCSD(T) and MP2 predictions of the structures and binding energies for small clusters demonstrates the accuracy of the chosen model chemistry. For the first time, the peaks corresponding with all detectable species in both the positive and negative ion mass spectra of ammonium nitrate are identified with their corresponding structures. Thermodynamic control of particle growth and decomposition of ions due to loss of ammonia or nitric acid molecules is indicated. Structures and interaction energies for larger (NH4NO3)n nanoparticles are also presented, including the prediction of new particle morphologies with trigonal pyramidal character.

Community characteristics and population dynamics of Osmanthus pubipedicellatus, a rediscovered critically endangered species based on morphological and molecular evidence

AbstractConservation of plant diversity is essential in the current status of rapid biodiversity loss. A critically endangered species of Oleaceae, Osmanthus pubipedicellatus was rediscovered in its type locality after nearly a century based on morphological and molecular evidence, further supplemented by a revised description. Meanwhile, the static life table was established, the survival curve was drawn, and the quantitative analysis of population dynamics was made to evaluate the populations status of O. pubipedicellatus. Additionally, we analyzed the community characteristics to understand its natural habitat. The results showed that O. pubipedicellatus mainly grows in dense forests dominated by plants from Lauraceae and Fagaceae. The static life table, survival curve, and quantitative analysis of population dynamics showed that the population is fluctuating and vulnerable to external disturbance. In general, the population of O. pubipedicellatus was characterized by few individuals, lacking of seedlings and small trees, a single peak pattern of age class distribution and a trend to decline in the future. Consequently, we strongly recommend that more field work and conservation measures should be taken to suppress the decline of the O. pubipedicellatus population.

6567 Novel Indication of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Beyond Weight Loss: Addressing Post-Gastric Bypass Late Dumping Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: G. Arevalo: None. S. Gra Menendez: None. D. Soliman: None. R.J. Galindo: Consulting Fee; Self; Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly & Company, Sanofi, Bayer, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Inc., Abbott Laboratories. Grant Recipient; Self; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2P30DK111024), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K23DK123384). Other; Self; Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly & Company, Dexcom. Background: Late dumping syndrome, characterized by postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PHH), represents a complex clinical challenge in post-bariatric patients. GLP-1 receptor agonists are being explored as an effective therapeutic option. Clinical Case: A 47-year-old overweight (BMI of 29.86 kg/m²) woman, with a medical history of scleroderma and esophageal dysmotility, underwent a gastric sleeve gastrectomy later requiring conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to improve esophageal motility. Eleven months post-bypass, she began experiencing recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia (venous glucose 49-70 mg/dL, n >70 mg/dL) accompanied by sweating, palpitations, drowsiness, and weakness. Initial tests were consistent with postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia: serum insulin (13.5 µIU/mL, n < 3 µIU/mL), and c-peptide (4.1 ng/mL, n < 0.6 ng/mL). The Sigstad score and the Arts dumping severity score were positive for late dumping syndrome with a score of 26 and 14, respectively. During glucagon administration, the patient's blood glucose level increased by up to 50 mg/dL within 10 minutes of administration. Both sulfonylurea screening and insulin antibody tests were negative. Real-time CGM measurements showed patterns of postprandial hyperglycemic peaks, up to 160-180 mg/dL (n <140 mg/dL), approximately 30 to 60 min after meals, followed by rapidly declining glucose (1-2 hours later), resulting in hypoglycemic events as low as 49 mg/dL. Initial management with dietary changes and pharmacological treatment was unsuccessful due to poor medication tolerability of acarbose and diazoxide, and low adherence to the prescribed diet due to her esophageal dysmotility. The CGM patterns and symptom presentation raised suspicion that late dumping syndrome was triggered by rapid hyperglycemic responses after oral ingestions of typical meals, resulting in the desynchronization of hormonal responses (insulin and GLP-1), and post-prandial hypoglycemia. Hence, the consideration for a GLP-1 receptor agonist emerged. A weekly subcutaneous injection of a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide 0.25 mg exhibited marked improvement in her glycemic profile: fewer episodes of postprandial hyperglycemia, and the subsequent descents in blood glucose were less pronounced. The patient demonstrated a favorable response with no severe hypoglycemic episodes reported during a follow-up period of three months. Conclusion: This is the first case to demonstrate semaglutide's efficacy as a standalone treatment for PHH in post-bariatric patients. In this case, semaglutide effectively controlled glycemia and improved the patient's quality of life, presenting a promising therapeutic option for such complex cases. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Experimental study on the cerium oxide nanoparticles doped in diesel fuel improving the cold start performance of diesel engines at high-altitude and low-temperature environments

CeO2 nanoparticles are effective fuel additives that enhance fuel spray, atomization, and combustion characteristics due to their high catalytic activity and excellent thermal properties. When added to fuel, CeO2 nanoparticles significantly improve in-cylinder combustion, and engine performance, and reduce pollutant emissions under normal engine operating conditions. Diesel engines encounter persistent challenges during cold starts at low temperatures and high altitudes. However, there is limited research on the effects of CeO2 nanoparticles on ignition and combustion at low temperatures and cold start performance. This study aims to evaluate the impact of CeO2 nanoparticles doping in diesel fuel on the cold start performance of diesel engines in high-altitude and low-temperature environments. Diesel fuel doped with CeO2 nanoparticles at various concentrations was prepared using magnetic stirring and ultrasonication. The cold start performance of the test engine was assessed in an environmental chamber. This work investigated and evaluated the improvements of CeO2 nanoparticles on cold start performance from three perspectives: general low-temperature conditions, high-altitude environments, and extreme low-temperature scenarios with diethyl ether premixing. Experimental results indicate that incorporating CeO2 nanoparticles expanded the critical temperature required for a successful cold start from 0 °C to −5 °C. At high altitudes, the addition of CeO2 nanoparticles effectively increased the proportion of efficient combustion, evidenced by single peak and parent peak patterns during cold starts. CeO2 nanoparticles facilitated the transition from low-temperature to high-temperature reactions, promoting fuel ignition during the first injection cycle and reducing speed fluctuations during cold starts with diethyl ether premixing at −40 °C. Furthermore, adding CeO2 nanoparticles prevented detonation and rapid pressure surges during cold starts. Overall, doping diesel fuel with CeO2 nanoparticles proves to be an effective method for enhancing cold start performance in diesel engines. This study offers a novel approach for improving diesel engine cold start performance in high-altitude and low-temperature conditions.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity Evaluation of CuO NPs and B-CuO NPs obtained from Livistona chinensis leaf extract.

Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit fascinating size-dependent chemical and physical characteristics that make them useful for a variety of applications. The present paper reports the green synthesis of CuO NPs and B-doped CuO NPs (B-CuO NPs) from Livistona chinensis leaf extract. Not much work has been reported on the use of the plant extract for the fabrication of NPs, particularly those of Cu and its doped counterparts. Various spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the synthesized NPs. In the FT-IR spectra, peaks obtained at 504 cm-1 to 600 cm-1 were due to Cu-O vibrations. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) spectra confirmed the CuO NPs' composition and B's presence inside the NPs. The peak pattern in X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum confirmed the crystalline and monoclinic phases of the NPs. The average crystalline size of CuO NPs and B-CuO NPs was 19.56 nm and 17.30 nm respectively. The CuO and B-CuO NPs were tested against three Gram-positive bacterial strains namely Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus and three Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Salmonella abony, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through Agar well diffusion method and it was found that CuO NPs showed higher activity than B-CuO NPs.

Migration and transformation mechanisms of iron and manganese during river infiltration affected by the changes in riverbed sediment thickness

Riverbed scouring and siltation, affected by variations in river flow and sediment concentration, can cause changes in the sediment thickness, leading to the complex feedback between riverbed permeability and nutrient–reactive transport processes. Currently, the migration and transformation of iron and manganese under changed riverbed sediment thickness have not been taken into account. Based on indoor one-dimensional soil column simulation experiments, along with in-situ monitoring, Rhizon pore water sampling, and 16 s rRNA high-throughput sequencing technologies, this study revealed the migration and transformation patterns of iron and manganese in the river infiltration zone and their contribution rates under different sediment thickness conditions. The results demonstrated that as the riverbed sediment thickness increased, the river infiltration rate and sediment permeability coefficient demonstrated a significant decrease over time. For instance, a 5 cm sediment thickness can decrease the sediment permeability coefficient by 30 % within 32 d of infiltration, expand the disconnection zone to 25 cm, narrow the oxidation–reduction zone, and cause the iron and manganese reduction zone to evolve from a single peak to a double peak pattern. Additionally, as the sediment thickness increased, the contribution of organic matter bound iron-manganese oxidation and iron-manganese oxide reduction to Mn2+ and Fe2+ concentrations in sediment pore water decreased, while the contribution of adsorption and complexation-precipitation increased. This study holds great significance for ensuring the safety of drinking water supply and promoting the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources.

Predicting traffic intensity in the urban area of Madrid: Integrating route network topology into a machine-learning model

In addition to temporal effects, spatial effects must be considered in models of traffic intensity. Temporal effects (temporal autocorrelation) and spatial proximity shape observed traffic intensity, with repetitive patterns of peak and trough hours on weekdays and simultaneous peaks in traffic intensity picked up by traffic sensors along roadways of similar capacity. In this article we explore the ability of a neural network (NN) model to replicate both patterns, with the explicit inclusion of the route network’s characteristics. Combining information on optimal routes between different origins and destinations in the Madrid metropolitan area with the localization of traffic sensors, we estimate the route use intensities that mimic the observed traffic patterns as those that can most accurately reproduce the traffic-intensity values recorded by the sensors throughout the urban area. We conclude that this modeling approach can in fact mimic the distribution of the main origins and destinations of displacements in the metropolitan area of Madrid, reproducing the spatial and temporal patterns observed in traffic intensity. In addition, we conduct an analysis of anomalies to test an eventual application of the proposed method to determine the effects on the traffic system of critical events, such as the implementation of the Madrid Central Low Emission Zone.

Influences of climate change on carbon and water fluxes of the ecosystem in the Qinling Mountains of China

Climate change is one of the foremost challenges confronting the contemporary world. Carbon and water cycles and their interconnections of ecosystems are playing a pivotal role in assessing the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. The Qinling Mountains of China represent a focal area for research on global climate change and regional adaptation strategies. Based on historical and CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) future climatic data, the Biome-BGC model, which was sufficiently optimized with the Biome-BGC-PEST package, was used to simulate the historical and future trends of GPP (Gross primary productivity), ET (Evapotranspiration), and WUE (Ecosystem water use efficiency) in the Qinling Mountains, so as to elucidate the dynamics and spatiotemporal variations of carbon and water fluxes amidst climate change. The results showed that the GPP, ET, and WUE of the Qinling Mountains heterogeneously distributed in space, due to the dramatic disparities in carbon and water fluxes among different vegetation types in the Qinling Mountains. Among the various vegetation types, evergreen needle-leaved forest had the highest annual mean value of WUE. In the historical period of 1979-2018, deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest annual mean value of GPP and ET, while evergreen needle-leaved forest would dominate in the future (2021-2100). For the annual GPP and ET flux variations, different vegetation cover types followed varying peak patterns in the Qinling Mountains. Deciduous broad-leaved forest, evergreen needle-leaved forest, and shrub meadow showed ’single-peak’ pattern annually, whereas the crop area displayed ’double-peak’ pattern due to the different growing seasons of crops. There also were temporal variations for the carbon and water fluxes within the same vegetation type. Future projections suggested a continuous increase in GPP and ET fluxes, underscoring the consistent role of the Qinling Mountains in water resource conservation and carbon sink amid evolving climatic conditions.

Influence of drying chamber, energy consumption, and quality characterization of corn with graphene far infrared dryer

This study used a graphene far infrared dryer to experimentally evaluate the two varieties of corn (ZD88 and RP909) at three varying temperatures (35, 45, and 55 °C) to analyze the drying process. The experimental finding showed that ZD88 observed a minimum energy consumption of 2.93 kWh at 55 °C. The ZD88 at 35 °C did not show any effect on the structure on the surface of the corn grains with a higher RC of 43.85%. The RP909 showed the starch granules formed an amorphous granular structure on the surface with a lower RC of 37.45% at 55 °C. The color parameter values showed an L* and b* decrease, while the a* values increased. ZD88 and RP909 observed an A-type peak pattern crystal structure. Therefore, this innovative graphene far infrared drying system could be a promising solution to enhance food industrial applications and improve corn characteristics.

Identification by HSQC and quantification by qHNMR innovate pharmaceutical amino acid analysis

This study introduces a new NMR-based methodology for identification (ID) and quantification (purity, strength) assays of widely used amino acids. A detailed analysis of four amino acids and their available salts was performed with both a high-field (600 MHz) and a benchtop (60 MHz) NMR instrument. To assess sensitivity constraints, samples for 1H NMR analysis were initially prepared using only 10 mg of analyte and 1 mg of maleic acid (MA) as an internal calibrant (IC) and secondary chemical shift reference. The characteristic dispersion of the peak patterns indicating the presence or absence of a counterion (mostly chloride) was conserved at both high and low-field strength instruments, showing that the underlying NMR spectroscopic parameters, i.e., chemical shifts and coupling constants, are independent of the magnetic field strength. However, as the verbal descriptions of 1H NMR spectra are challenging in the context of reference materials and pharmaceutical monographs, an alternative method for the identification (ID) of amino acids is proposed that uses 13C NMR patterns from multiplicity-edited HSQC (ed-HSQC), which are both compound-specific and straightforward to document. For ed-HSQC measurements, the sample amount was increased to 30 mg of the analyte and several acquisition parameters were tested, including t1 increments used in the pulse program, number of scans, and repetition time. Excellent congruence with deviations <0.1 ppm was achieved for the 13C chemical shifts from 1D 13C NMR spectra (150 MHz) vs. those extracted from ed-HSQC (15 MHz traces). Finally, all samples of amino acid candidate reference materials were quantified by 1H qNMR (abs-qHNMR) at both 600 and 60 MHz. At high field, both IC and relative quantitations were performed, however, with the low-field instrument, only the IC method was used. The results showed that the analyzed reference material candidates were generally highly pure compounds. To achieve adequately low levels of uncertainty for such high-purity materials, the sample amounts were increased to 100 mg of analytes and 10 mg of the IC and replicates were analyzed for selected amino acids.

X-ray Characterizations of Exfoliated MoS2 Produced by Microwave-Assisted Liquid-Phase Exfoliation.

An X-ray analysis of exfoliated MoS2, produced by means of microwave-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) from bulk powder in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) or acetonitrile (ACN) + 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvents, has revealed distinct structural differences between the bulk powder and the microwave-exfoliated samples. Specifically, we performed X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements to identify the elements of our exfoliated sample deposited on a Si substrate by drop-casting, as well as their chemical state and its structural crystalline phase. In the exfoliated sample, the peaks pattern only partially resemble the theoretical Miller indices for MoS2. In contrast, the bulk powder's spectrum shows the characteristic peaks of the 2H polytype of MoS2, but with some broadening. Notable is the retention of partial crystallinity in the post-exfoliation phases, specifically in the normal-to-plane orientation, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of microwave-assisted techniques in producing 2D MoS2 and attaining desirable properties for the material. XPS measurements confirm the success of the exfoliation procedure and that the exfoliated sample retains its original structure. The exfoliation process has been optimized to maintain the structural integrity of MoS2 while enhancing its surface area and electrochemical performance, thereby making it a promising material for advanced electronic and optoelectronic applications ranging from energy storage to sensing devices under ambient conditions.

Fuel property modeling by high-speed gas chromatography coupled with partial least squares data analysis

Partial least squares (PLS) regression is a valuable chemometric tool for property prediction when coupled with gas chromatography (GC). Since the separation run time and stationary phase selection are crucial for effective PLS modeling, we study these GC parameters on the prediction of viscosity, density and hydrogen content for 50 aerospace fuels. Due to the diversity of compounds in the fuels (primarily alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics), we explore both polar and non-polar stationary phase columns. The robustness for the PLS models was evaluated by their normalized root mean square error of cross-validation (NRMSECV). PLS models built for viscosity across 1-min, 3-min, 7-min, and 10-min time window (TW) high-speed GC separations produced nearly the same NRMSECV with the polar column data with an average (standard deviation) of 4.41 % (0.34 %) versus the non-polar column data of 4.69 % (0.15 %). In contrast, while the NRMSECV of density modeling with the polar column data varied more than the viscosity models, averaging 7.54 % (0.67 %), the non-polar column data produced a significantly higher average NRMSECV of 10.06 % (0.35 %). Similarly, for hydrogen content, the NRMSECV with the polar column data averaged 9.50 % (0.87 %), which was significantly lower than the NRMSECV with the non-polar column data averaging 12.10 % (0.88 %). We also investigated the impact of smoothing the GC data on the corresponding PLS models. By applying varying degrees of smoothing, we can effectively obtain similar chromatographic peak patterns in a shorter TW. For example, a 10-min smoothed chromatogram appears like the 1-min separation with no smoothing but resulted in nearly the same NRMSECV. Overall, the fast separation with a 1-min TW produced robust PLS models for viscosity with either stationary phase column, whereas for density and hydrogen content the polar stationary phase column produced superior PLS models, thus with proper stationary phase selection, a fast separation run time could be readily applied with optimal PLS property modeling results.

Charge reconstruction from simultaneous Fe coordination and P/O co-doping in g-C3N4 for efficient photo-reductive recovery of uranium(VI)

The risk of radionuclide leakage always threats ecological security and human health, making the recovery of uranium from nuclear wastewater a meaningful and urgent issue. However, the low-cost and efficient capture of uranium remains a challenge at present. In this study, a homemade photocatalyst of iron coordinated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) co-doped with phosphorus and oxygen (OPFCN), which was facilely synthesized through a novel one-step thermal polymerization method, exhibited superior photoelectric efficiency and photocatalytic activity towards the photo-reductive capture of uranium(VI). The simultaneous Fe coordination and P/O co-doping in framework of g-C3N4 played a synergistic effect in charge reconstruction, in which electrons migration driven by coordinated Fe and lone electron pairs delocalization from doped P/O enormously increased electron density and enhanced charge transfer, thus effectively promoting the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The specific surface area, pore volume and average pore size of OPFCN reached 70.2 m2·g−1, 0.157 cm3·g−1 and 7.78 nm, respectively, exhibiting a trend increasingly beneficial for photocatalytic adsorption and mass transfer with successive introduction of Fe, P and O into original g-C3N4. With the simultaneous introduction of Fe, P and O, the optical absorption edge underwent a significant redshift and fluorescence emission intensity dropped by 75 % compared to that of CN, demonstrating the enhanced visible light capturing ability and significantly inhibited recombination of photogenerated charge carriers in OPFCN. As a result, a uranium capture rate of over 98 % was achieved with catalyst dosage of only 5:1 at pH 5 with OPFCN, demonstrating its competitive photo-reductive activity towards uranium(VI) uptake compared with previously reported g-C3N4-based photocatalysts. Meanwhile, OPFCN exhibited remarkable reusability and stability with even over 65 % uranium recovery rate and almost unchanged peak patterns in XRD and FT-IR in fifth reuse recycle. Additionally, it was demonstrated that e− and O2•− were the direct active species to realize the photoreduction of uranium(VI) over OPFCN, in which e− played the dominant role. The modification method of simultaneous Fe coordination and P/O co-doping would be expected to effectively promote the utilization of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts towards photo-reductive recovery of uranium(VI) from radioactive wastewater.

Peak patterns and drivers of city-level daily CO2 emissions in China

Cities are the primary carbon emitters in China and play a critical role in achieving national and regional emission-reduction targets. However, because existing CO2 emission datasets are mostly limited to national and provincial levels and have significant time lags, there are few studies on urban emission patterns and drivers below the annual level. In this study, utilizing near-real-time daily CO2 emission data from Carbon Monitor Cities-China, we analyzed the seasonality and peak patterns of city-level emissions and conducted a decomposition of emission drivers by sector based on sociometric and natural factors. Our results indicated that most cities in China exhibited seasonal emissions, with peak emissions occurring during winter. However, heavily industrialized cities tend to produce high year-round emissions. The residential and power sectors are crucial for reducing emissions in winter-peaked cities, whereas the industrial and power sectors are the primary energy consumers in non-winter-peaked cities. The results of the decomposition analysis show that the emission structure of the service industry and the impact of temperature on power generation are the primary drivers of CO2 emissions during winter. The above analysis offers recommendations for developing emission-reduction policies for various types of cities. Service-based cities should concentrate their efforts on reducing emissions from tertiary industries, whereas energy-dependent cities should continue to focus on controlling emissions from secondary industries such as industry and power. In addition, both service-based and energy-dependent cities must address the significant impact of heating demands on emissions.

The Impact of Trehalose Dimycolate on the Clinical Course of Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale The clinical implications of trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate (TDM) in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease have not been studied. Objective To examine the presence of TDM in clinical isolates obtained from patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease (PD) and its impact on disease severity and treatment outcomes. Methods We analyzed clinical isolates from patients diagnosed with MAC-PD at Seoul National University Hospital between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. The lipids were extracted from clinical isolates obtained at the time of diagnosis using mass spectrometry. Mass peaks between 300 and 3,500 m/z were obtained, and the peak patterns of the total lipids were analyzed. Results TDMs were identified in clinical isolates from 176 out of 343 patients. Cavities were more prevalent in patients with TDM-negative isolates (19.8%) than in patients with TDM-positive isolates (10.2%) (P=0.015). The time to antibiotic treatment was shorter in patients with TDM-negative isolates (4 months, interquartile range [IQR] 2-10) than in patients with TDM-positive isolates (7 months, IQR 3-16, P=0.032). Patients with TDM-negative isolates had a significantly lower proportion of culture conversions (P=0.012). TDM was associated with higher likelihood of culture conversion (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.29; P=0.035). Conclusions TDM-negative isolates were linked to a higher occurrence of cavities, earlier initiation of treatment, and worse treatment outcome in MAC-PD patients.

Ionospheric Virtual Height (h′F2) Response and its Vertical Ion Drifts Characteristics at an Equatorial Station

The Ionospheric virtual heights (h’F2) obtained from the DPS-4.2 Version of the GIRO’s site, as a computing parameter for vertical E × B ion drifts in this present study using the international quiet days (IQDs) is engaged. Vertical ion drifts () computed from virtual heights was studied over Ilorin (lat. 8.31°N, long. 4.34°E, dip lat. 2.95o) during a solar minimum (SM), a station situated at the equatorial dip. The hourly averages of vertical ion drifts, were computed from 10-international quiet days (IQDs) hourly h’F2 averages for the four seasonal months adopted. Seasonally, was having same behavourial patterns of pre-noon and post-noon peaks, but in h’F2, it had noontime, post-sunset and pre-sunrise peaks occurred in all seasons. The pre-noon peaks magnitudes are 6.8, 14.4 and 15.0 m/s in June Solsticial, Equinoctial and December Solsticial respectively; and its post-noon peaks magnitudes are 0.8, 7.4 and 7.9 m/s in December and June Solsticials, and Equinoctial seasons respectively. The h’F2 noontime peaks magnitudes are (321–410) km, post-sunset peaks magnitudes are (253–329) km and pre-sunrise peaks magnitudes are (228–318) km in all seasons. Also, depicted pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) night peaks in all seasons. The PRE peaks magnitudes are [(-4.0)–(-13.4)] m/s at 2000 LT, [(-4.9)–(-9.3)] m/s between 2200 LT and 2300 LT in all seasons. Similar phenomenal observations occurred in the h’F2 and annual patterns plots. In general, the h’F2 and magnitudes were greatest in Solsticial seasons and least in Equinoctial season. The h’F2 and stable and continual descent indicates generally that the electrons briskly drifting away from the equator triggered by solar ionization in the equatorial region. As well, seasonal peaks occurred in general are assumed to be controlled by the enhanced vertical E × B ion drifts upsurge, which adapts with former aftermaths at some stations in the West African sector during closely related solar activity

Validation and Implementation of Long Mononucleotide Repeat Testing for the Detection of Microsatellite Instability: A Single Institution Experience

Introduction: Microsatellites are short, repetitive portions of DNA that are error prone during replication; several mismatch repair proteins recognize and repair these errors. Deficient MMR (dMMR) results in microsatellite instability (MSI), a well-recognized carcinogenic pathway. In Lynch syndrome (LS), germline mutations in MMR genes predispose to colorectal (CRC) and endometrial carcinoma (EC), among others. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as pembrolizumab, are approved to treat dMMR or MSI-high (MSI-H) cancers regardless of tumor type. Therefore, sensitive and specific methods to detect MSI are of critical importance to patient care. Multiple methods are used to detect MSI status, including immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MMR proteins and molecular assays. The Detroit Medical Center utilizes both IHC and PCR-based assays to maximize MSI detection sensitivity. We attempted validation of a new fluorescent PCR-based assay for MSI tumor testing which compares allelic profiles of microsatellite markers from matching normal and tumor samples. The assay utilizes four traditional MSI markers in addition to four long mononucleotide repeat (LMR) markers. LMR markers produce more pronounced fragment length changes, and thus may improve detection of MSI. Methods: Our validation set included 46 carcinoma patient samples with prior PCR-based MSI and MMR IHC testing. These included MSI-high, MSI-low (MSI-L), and microsatellite stable (MSS) cases. DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue and amplified. Stutter peak patterns were analyzed, comparing allele sizes and stutter patterns. All cases were reviewed by two directors, with any discrepancies discussed and reviewed to achieve consensus. MSS samples showed identical stutter patterns between tumor and normal pairs. MSI-L samples had a single discrepant marker, whereas MSI-H samples had 2 or more discrepant markers. The results of the LMR assay were compared with the original PCR-based MSI and IHC results to determine test concordance. Results: 42 cases were successfully amplified and included in our results. Fourteen cases were classified as MSI-H by consensus, with a range of 3 to 8 unstable markers out of 8 total markers. IHC results for the MSI-H cases were available in 13/14 cases; thirteen were classified as abnormal. Notably, in one EC MSI-H case, a normal IHC result was reported. Three cases were classified as MSI-L. All were CRC samples, and 2 of 3 were also designated MSI-L using the traditional PCR MSI assay. The remaining MSI-L case was formerly interpreted as MSS. The IHC results for the MSI-L cases were all available and reported as normal. The remaining cases were designated as MSS. IHC results were normal in all but one EC case. Conclusions: Our study validated the LMR MSI Analysis System for detection of MSI; it is now used in clinical practice in our molecular laboratory at DMC, and challenging real-world cases from our assay rollout will be presented graphically. Our validation results demonstrate high concordance (42/42 cases) between the LMR and traditional MSI panels, highlighting the reliability of LMR markers. IHC and PCR results were largely concordant, with occasional discrepancies revealing the importance of a combination approach for MSI detection.