Previous Mapping Research Articles

Comparison of characteristics and acute ablation outcome of atrial fibrillation drivers detected using octaray vs. pentaray catheter

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) driver ablation is proposed as treatment strategy beyond pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in persistent AF patients. The CARTOFINDER mapping system (Biosense Webster Inc.) can depict two types of activation patterns, focal and rotational activation, using unipolar potentials during AF. Recently, an 8-spline 48-electrodes mapping catheter (OctaRay) was developed. Purpose To evaluate the characteristics of AF drivers detected by CARTOFINDER using the OctaRay catheter and the acute termination compared to previous mapping catheter (PentaRay). Methods This is a multicenter prospective observational study from 6 hospitals where 47 persistent AF patients underwent initial catheter ablation from April to December 2023. We assessed the frequency and distribution of AF drivers in both atrium identified by CARTOFINDER using the OctaRay catheter before procedure. After PV isolation, additional ablation was performed on high-repetitive activations (focal activation>22 repetitions, rotational activation>17 repetitions) and the rate of acute AF termination was evaluated. Acute AF termination was defined as transition to sinus rhythm or atrial tachycardia (AT). The results were compared to 29 patients in whom the PentaRay catheter was used from September 2022 to March 2023. Results The mean age of OctaRay group was 72.0±8.6 years. The median AF duration was 0.7 years, and the prevalence of long-standing AF was 26%. All clinical characteristics was not significantly different between OctaRay and PentaRay group. Focal activation was more frequently identified in OctaRay group than in PentaRay group (94.1points/patient vs. 36.3points/patient, P<0.01), especially in anterior (P<0.01) and posterior (P<0.01) of right atrium (RA), posterior (P<0.01), roof (P<0.01) and lateral (P<0.01) of left atrium (LA), and PV antrum (P<0.01), respectively. Rotational activation was also more frequently identified in OctaRay group (54.7points/patient vs. 2.6points/patient, P<0.01), especially in anterior (P=0.02) and posterior (P=0.03) of RA, and anterior of LA (P=0.02), respectively. Furthermore, high-repetitive focal activation was more frequently identified in OctaRay group than in PentaRay group (P<0.01). On the other hand, the frequency of high-repetitive rotational activation was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.63) (Figure A). In OctaRay group, high-repetitive focal activation was frequent in anterior of RA (72.3%) and LA appendage (48.9%) (Figure B), and had significantly shorter AF cycle length compared to the entire atrium (156ms vs. 162ms, P<0.01). Ablation for high-repetitive activations after PV isolation resulted in 12.8% acute AF termination in OctaRay group, significantly higher than in PentaRay group (vs. 0%, P=0.04). Conclusion The OctaRay catheter have the potential to detect more frequent and accurate AF drivers than the PentaRay catheter, leading to the improvement of acute AF termination.

Canine Multiple System Degeneration Associated with Sequence Variants in SERAC1

Canine multiple system degeneration (CMSD) is an early onset, progressive movement disorder affecting Kerry Blue Terriers and Chinese Crested dogs. The associated pathologic lesions include degeneration of the cerebellum, caudate nucleus, and substantia nigra. CMSD is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in both dog breeds. Previous linkage mapping localized the CMSD locus to a 15 MB region on canine chromosome 1 (CFA1). Next-generation sequencing was used to generate whole-genome sequences from the DNA of an affected dog from each breed. The resulting sequence reads were aligned to the NCBI canine reference genome (build 3.1). Among the homozygous sequence variants within the CFA1 target region, a nonsense variant in exon 15 of SERAC1 was identified in the affected Kerry Blue Terrier, while in the Chinese Crested dog, a 4 bp deletion in the SERAC1 exon 4 acceptor splice site was found. RT-PCR showed that this deletion resulted in exon 4 skipping. Genotyping of large cohorts of Kerry Blue Terriers and Chinese Crested dogs for the respective breed-specific SERAC1 variants showed complete concordance between genotype and disease phenotype. Genotype–phenotype concordance was also observed in offspring generated by cross breeding between SERAC1-heterozygous Kerry Blue Terrier and Chinese Crested dogs, with only the compound heterozygotes exhibiting the disease phenotype, further confirming the recessive inheritance of CMSD. Variants in human SERAC1 are associated with disorders with a range of ages of disease onset and patterns of clinical signs, but that are all characterized by movement abnormalities similar to those of the dogs with CMSD. Canine CMSD could serve as a valuable model to elucidate the mechanisms underlying SERAC1-deficiency disorders and to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions.

Methodology for selecting potential CO2 sinks in Macaronesia: The case of Gran Canaria

Carbon dioxide (CO2) accounts for 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. One of the several ways to mitigate CO2 emissions is through afforestation, which prevents catastrophic environmental consequences. The mean average emission per tourist in the Canary Islands on their way to the islands is 0.48 Tn. Like most urban cities, the island of Gran Canaria faces the problem of CO2 emissions due to anthropogenic and human activities. Vegetation coverage significantly influences the distribution of temperature. The correlation between Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of Gran Canaria, using satellite images from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2, revealed a strong inverse relationship within all land use types, with an R2 value of 0.39. Land suitability analysis is a prerequisite for optimum utilization of available land resources. This study developed a suitability map for afforestation based on land use land cover, topographic, meteorologic, and socio-economic factors. Eight factors, including distance from settlements, land use, distance from the road, distance from water, elevation, slope, precipitation, and temperature, were employed according to previous studies, expert consultation, and land suitability mapping experience. After the criteria decision and data acquisition, maps of each criterion were created and transformed using the Suitability Modeler of ArcGIS Pro. The current study results show that 87% of the total area is suitable for afforestation and reforestation projects in Gran Canaria. Instead of using reactive methods to lessen the effects, the study recommends a proactive approach to climate adaptation through nature-based solutions. The study is part of an umbrella project of the Canary Islands and Spain in general, which considers the contributions of local and institutional stakeholders at different stages of the project. The next stage will be to design a forest afforestation and reforestation project, considering the kind of tree species needed, the methods required to implement it, and the management guidelines about the initial years of installation and growth of the new trees. The most crucial technical choice is which forest species to choose, as it will determine the success of the reforestation effort. The new revegetated space's ability to sequester carbon dioxide will primarily rely on the productivity of the land used for forest reforestation, the species chosen, and the introduced planting density.

AGN STORM 2. VII. A Frequency-resolved Map of the Accretion Disk in Mrk 817: Simultaneous X-Ray Reverberation and UVOIR Disk Reprocessing Time Lags

X-ray reverberation mapping is a powerful technique for probing the innermost accretion disk, whereas continuum reverberation mapping in the UV, optical, and infrared (UVOIR) reveals reprocessing by the rest of the accretion disk and broad-line region (BLR). We present the time lags of Mrk 817 as a function of temporal frequency measured from 14 months of high-cadence monitoring from Swift and ground-based telescopes, in addition to an XMM-Newton observation, as part of the AGN STORM 2 campaign. The XMM-Newton lags reveal the first detection of a soft lag in this source, consistent with reverberation from the innermost accretion flow. These results mark the first simultaneous measurement of X-ray reverberation and UVOIR disk reprocessing lags—effectively allowing us to map the entire accretion disk surrounding the black hole. Similar to previous continuum reverberation mapping campaigns, the UVOIR time lags arising at low temporal frequencies are longer than those expected from standard disk reprocessing by a factor of 2–3. The lags agree with the anticipated disk reverberation lags when isolating short-timescale variability, namely timescales shorter than the Hβ lag. Modeling the lags requires additional reprocessing constrained at a radius consistent with the BLR size scale inferred from contemporaneous Hβ-lag measurements. When we divide the campaign light curves, the UVOIR lags show substantial variations, with longer lags measured when obscuration from an ionized outflow is greatest. We suggest that, when the obscurer is strongest, reprocessing by the BLR elongates the lags most significantly. As the wind weakens, the lags are dominated by shorter accretion disk lags.

Bladder Responses to Thoracolumbar Epidural Stimulation in Female Urethane-Anesthetized Rats with Graded Contusion Spinal Cord Injuries.

Spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) is a therapeutic option that promotes functional improvements in sensory, motor, and autonomic functions following spinal cord injury (SCI). Previous scES mapping studies targeting the lower urinary tract (LUT) in rats demonstrated functional response variability based upon lumbosacral level, parameters used, extent of injury (spinally intact vs. chronic anatomically complete spinal transections), and sex. In the current study, female rats with clinically relevant graded incomplete T9 contusion injuries were mapped with scES at 60 days post-injury at three spinal levels (T13, L3, L6) with a novel miniature 15-electrode array designed to deliver optimal specificity. The results obtained during bladder fill and void cycles conducted under urethane anesthesia indicate frequency dependent sub-motor threshold effects on LUT function with a single row of electrodes positioned across the full medio-lateral extent of the dorsal cord. The findings of improved storage and emptying, represented by significantly longer inter-contractile intervals with T13 scES and L3 scES and by a significantly increased estimated void efficiency with L6 scES, respectively, are consistent with previous studies using intact and chronic complete transected male and female rats. The data support the efficacy of selective spinal network stimulation to drive functionally relevant networks for storage versus emptying phases of the urinary cycle. The current findings further demonstrate the translational promise of scES for SCI individuals with LUT dysfunctions, regardless of injury severity.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Plant Adaptation Traits Using Nested Association Mapping Population.

This study evaluated 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the nested association mapping (NAM) population from the UK. The population derived from 24 families, where a common parent was "Paragon," one of the UK's spring wheat cultivar standards. All genotypes were tested in two regions of Kazakhstan at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Industry (KRIAPI, Almaty region, Southeast Kazakhstan, 2019-2022 years) and Alexandr Barayev Scientific-Production Center for Grain Farming (SPCGF, Shortandy, Akmola region, Northern Kazakhstan, 2019-2022 years). The studied traits consisted of plant adaptation-related traits, including heading date (HD, days), seed maturation date (SMD, days), plant height (PH, cm), and peduncle length (PL, cm). In addition, the yield per m2 was analyzed in both regions. Based on a field evaluation of the population in northern and southeastern Kazakhstan and using 10,448 polymorphic SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) markers, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) allowed for detecting 74 QTLs in four studied agronomic traits (HD, SMD, PH, and PL). The literature survey suggested that 16 of the 74 QTLs identified in our study had also been detected in previous QTL mapping studies and GWASs for all studied traits. The results will be used for further studies related to the adaptation and productivity of wheat in breeding projects for higher grain productivity.

GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDY OF YIELD-RELATED TRAITS IN A NESTED ASSOCIATION MAPPING POPULATION GROWN IN KAZAKHSTAN

This study evaluated 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population in the UK, consisting of 24 hybrid families. All genotypes were grown in southeastern Kazakhstan (Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Almaty region, 2021-2022) and northern Kazakhstan (Alexandr Barayev Scientific-Production Center for Grain Farming, Akmola region, 2020). The studied traits included six yield-related characteristics: spike length (SL, cm), number of productive spikes per plant (NPS, pcs), number of kernels per spike (NKS, pcs), weight of kernels per spike (WKS, g), thousand kernel weight (TKW, g), and yield per square meter (YM2, g/m2). The significant phenotypic variability among genotypes was observed, which was suitable for the genome-wide association study of yield-related traits. Pearson's index showed positive correlations among most yield-related traits, although a negative correlation was found between NKS and TKW in southeastern, and no correlation was recorded for northern regions. Top-performing RILs, surpassing local checks, were identified for NKS, TKW, and YM2, suggesting their potential for breeding programs. The application of GWAS allowed the identification of 72 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including 36 QTLs in the southeastern region, 16 QTLs in the northern region, and 19 in both locations. Eleven QTLs matched those reported in previous QTL mapping studies and GWAS for studied traits. The results can be used for further studies related to the adaptation and productivity of wheat in breeding projects for higher grain productivity.

Potential for Events Similar to the Deadly West Salt Creek Landslide, Grand Mesa Area, Colorado

ABSTRACT The deadly West Salt Creek Landslide of 2014, one of the largest landslides to occur in the United States in historical time, was surprising in its suddenness and length of runout. Its source area, the edge of Grand Mesa in western Colorado, was potentially the source of other similar landslides in the past, based on previous mapping in the region. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the potential for similar events by detailed mapping of several canyons flanking West Salt Creek, using aerial imagery and age-dating techniques not available to previous mappers. We conclude that, while the West Salt Creek Landslide has the potential to reactivate in a similar manner to the 2014 movement, the potential for a similar event in the flanking canyons is low. Mapping and semi-quantitative geomorphic methods suggest that the deposits present in several canyons on either side of West Salt Creek are glacial or stream deposits, with one canyon containing debris-flow deposits. Our interpretations are based on the morphology of deposits in the canyons, the presence of specific landform features, measurements of mobility index and longitudinal profiles, and comparison with regional analogs. Furthermore, other mass movements in the region that are of similar magnitude had either slower movement or much shorter runout. The large block at the head of West Salt Creek and the earlier block that shattered and mobilized in 2014 are also unique features locally, distinguishing this setting from others, but also indicating the potential for a future similar event.

Nasal filling guided by high frequency ultrasound: Reducing risks.

Given the significant increase in the quantity of cosmetic procedures utilizing hyaluronic acid fillers, including in the nasal region, the initial evaluation of patients using high frequency ultrasound becomes a crucial instrument in evaluating and handling nonsurgical rhinoplasty. The aim of this article is to introduce an assessment methodology for nasal filling guided by high frequency ultrasound. A prospective and single-center study was conducted with 12 Latin American patients. The patients underwent nasal filling with hyaluronic acid following high power ultrasound mapping. In the evaluation of the GAIS scale, all patients reported improvement with the treatment. No infections, nodules, ischemia, or other relevant adverse effects were noted. Real-time ultrasound-guided filler techniques have been developed to reduce the risk of vascular compromise, confirming the distribution pattern of blood vessels. It's also crucial to visualize the cannula at the same moment as the vessels, even if the previous vascular mapping was performed. Therefore, the utilization of high frequency ultrasound can act as a pivotal tool in augmenting procedure safety.

A coupled cartographic approach between bioclimatology and vegetation formations of Mexico

Aims: The task of classifying and naming Mexican vegetation types has been undertaken by previous botanists, ecologists, and mapping agencies. However, discrepancies remain due to the lack of criteria and joint efforts from a geographical and botanical perspective. We aim to unravel the complex interactions between climate and vegetation in Mexico using climatic data and advanced mapping techniques, display in maps the transition from land cover to vegetation maps and couple geobotanical and bioclimatological approaches to provide a sound, unified system for identifying Mexican bioclimatic physiognomic patterns. Methods: Bioclimatic mapping was developed from the Digital Climatic Atlas of Mexico data source. In addition, land cover and vegetation data were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico regrouped as described by the Standardized Hierarchical Vegetation Classification. These data were analysed via standard map crossing technics using geographic information systems. Results and conclusions: The results revealed five ombrotypes and five thermotypes, leading to the identification of 13 different bioclimatic classes, which, when combined with physiognomic types, led us to recognize 11 forests, 3 shrublands and 3 herbaceous formations (at a scale of 1:4,000,000). The core outcome is a detailed bioclimatic/physiognomic vegetation map including forests, shrublands and areas dominated by Herbaceous/Non-Vascular formations. The map highlights the critical importance of harmonising methodologies to ensure comprehensive and accurate insights into Mexico’s bioclimatic diversity. Taxonomic reference: Villaseñor et al. (2005). Syntaxonomic reference: Velázquez et al. (2021). Abbreviations: INEGI = Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía; SECLAVEMEX = Standardized Hierarchical Vegetation Classification; WBCS = Worldwide Bioclimatic Classification System.

#1487 Preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping as a predictor of arteriovenous fistula survival: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background and Aims The morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis (HD) patients is directly related to the vascular access (VA) type. The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the VA of choice. When compared to the use of catheter, the use of AVF encompasses a lower infectious complications rate and a higher survival rate. The use of catheter has been independently associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially during the first year of treatment. It is essential that HD programs maintain a high incidence and prevalence of AVF as a VA. For that reason, a multidisciplinary management is mandatory, with the collaboration of nephrologists, vascular surgeons, radiologists, and nurses. All patients who have an indication of AVF should have a prior ultrasound vascular mapping performed by the nephrologist to determine the most appropriate type of AVF. According to guidelines, there are several factors that increase the risk of AVF failure including advanced age, history of smoking, diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease, among others. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the benefits of performing a preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping in terms of AVF survival. The secondary objective is to associate some risk factors to a higher rate of AVF failure. Method We conducted a prospective cohort study between January 2020 and December 2023. The viability of AVF was compared between AVF resulting from a preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping and those AVF without previous mapping. A multivariate analysis was performed with the entire population to determine the factors related to AVF survival. Results This study analyzed a total of 136 AVF, both native and prosthetic. Our population included 106 patients, mostly men (69.79%), with a median age of 68 years old (IR: 56-76), and history of smoking in a 39.10%, of diabetes in a 42.43%, and of peripheral vascular disease in a 17.54%. A preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping was previously performed in 107 AVF (78.7%). A total of 93 AVF were functional (68.4%). Regarding the analyzed risk factors of AVF failure (including advanced age and history of smoking, diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease, and elbow/wrist AVF), we observed that advanced age and elbow AVF were related to higher survival of the AVF (p = 0.048 and p = 0.01 respectively). In the multivariate analysis we observed that advanced age and elbow AVF were independent predictors of AVF survival (p = 0.038 and p = 0.001, respectively). When comparing the cohorts, in the AVFs were the preoperative vascular ultrasound was performed, 78 AVF were functional (72.9%). In the AVFs were no mapping was performed, 15 AVF were functional (51.7%). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). This implies a 21.2% increase in the probability of AVF survival when performing our AVF mapping. Conclusions The performance of a preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping by the nephrologist in our population has been associated to a significant increase in AVF survival. For that reason, we consider that it is an indispensable tool for the creation and monitoring of VA. When analyzing risk factors classically associated to AVF failure, we found that advanced age and elbow AVF were independent predictors of higher AVF survival. Other risk factors, such as history of diabetes mellitus, smoking, and peripheral arterial disease, were not significantly related to AVF failure in our population.

The distribution of global tidal marshes from Earth observation data

AbstractAimTidal marsh ecosystems are heavily impacted by human activities, highlighting a pressing need to address gaps in our knowledge of their distribution. To better understand the global distribution and changes in tidal marsh extent, and identify opportunities for their conservation and restoration, it is critical to develop a spatial knowledge base of their global occurrence. Here, we develop a globally consistent tidal marsh distribution map for the year 2020 at 10‐m resolution.LocationGlobal.Time period2020.Major taxa studiedTidal marshes.MethodsTo map the location of the world's tidal marshes at 10‐m resolution, we applied a random forest classification model to Earth observation data from the year 2020. We trained the classification model with a reference dataset developed to support distribution mapping of coastal ecosystems, and predicted the spatial distribution of tidal marshes between 60° N and 60° S. We validated the tidal marsh map using standard accuracy assessment methods, with our final map having an overall accuracy score of 0.85.ResultsWe estimate the global extent of tidal marshes in 2020 to be 52,880 km2 (95% CI: 32,030 to 59,780 km2) distributed across 120 countries and territories. Tidal marsh distribution is centred in temperate and Arctic regions, with nearly half of the global extent of tidal marshes occurring in the temperate Northern Atlantic (45%) region. At the national scale, over a third of the global extent (18,510 km2; CI: 11,200–20,900) occurs within the USA.Main conclusionsOur analysis provides the most detailed spatial data on global tidal marsh distribution to date and shows that tidal marshes occur in more countries and across a greater proportion of the world's coastline than previous mapping studies. Our map fills a major knowledge gap regarding the distribution of the world's coastal ecosystems and provides the baseline needed for measuring changes in tidal marsh extent and estimating their value in terms of ecosystem services.

An aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, GhALDH7B4_A06, positively regulates fiber strength in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

High fiber strength (FS) premium cotton has significant market demand. Consequently, enhancing FS is a major objective in breeding quality cotton. However, there is a notable lack of known functionally applicable genes that can be targeted for breeding. To address this issue, our study used specific length-amplified fragment sequencing combined with bulk segregant analysis to study FS trait in an F2 population. Subsequently, we integrated these results with previous quantitative trait locus mapping results regarding fiber quality, which used simple sequence repeat markers in F2, F2:3, and recombinant inbred line populations. We identified a stable quantitative trait locus qFSA06 associated with FS located on chromosome A06 (90.74-90.83 Mb). Within this interval, we cloned a gene, GhALDH7B4_A06, which harbored a critical mutation site in coding sequences that is distinct in the two parents of the tested cotton line. In the paternal parent Ji228, the gene is normal and referred to as GhALDH7B4_A06O; however, there is a nonsense mutation in the maternal parent Ji567 that results in premature termination of protein translation, and this gene is designated as truncated GhALDH7B4_A06S. Validation using recombinant inbred lines and gene expression analysis revealed that this mutation site is correlated with cotton FS. Virus-induced gene silencing of GhALDH7B4 in cotton caused significant decreases in FS and fiber micronaire. Conversely, GhALDH7B4_A06O overexpression in Arabidopsis boosted cell wall component contents in the stem. The findings of our study provide a candidate gene for improving cotton fiber quality through molecular breeding.

Hα Time Delays of Active Galactic Nuclei from the Zwicky Transient Facility Broadband Photometry

In our previous work on broadband photometric reverberation mapping (PRM), we proposed the interpolated cross-correlation function (ICCF)-Cut process to obtain the time lags of the Hα emission line from two broadband lightcurves via subtracting the continuum emission from the line band. Extending the work, we enlarge our sample to the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) database. We adopt two criteria to select 123 type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with sufficient variability and smooth light curves from 3537 AGNs at z < 0.09 with more than 100 epoch observations in the g and r bands from the ZTF database. We calculate the Hα time lags for 23 of them that have previous spectroscopic reverberation mapping (SRM) results using the ICCF-Cut, Just Another Vehicle for Estimating Lags In Nuclei (JAVELIN), and χ 2 methods. Our obtained Hα time lags are slightly larger than the Hβ time lags, which is consistent with the previous SRM results and the theoretical model of the AGN broad-line region. The comparisons between the SRM and PRM lag distributions and between the subtracted emission line light curves indicate that after selecting AGNs with the two criteria, combining the ICCF-Cut, JAVELIN, and χ 2 methods provides an efficient way to get the reliable Hα lags from the broadband PRM. Such techniques can be used to estimate the black hole masses of a large sample of AGNs in large multiepoch photometric sky surveys such as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time and the survey from the Wide Field Survey Telescope in the near future.

Influence of faults on late-stage migration of methane-rich gas in a major unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation: Montney Formation, western Canada

Faults are thought to act as barriers or conduits for intraformational hydrocarbon migration within unconventional low-permeability hydrocarbon accumulations. However, well-documented studies substantiating this phenomenon at the regional-scale are scarce. Here, we use an extensive molecular and isotopic dataset for produced-gas samples (n = 562) from the Montney unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation of northeast British Columbia to show that regional-scale secondary migration of methane-rich gas was significantly influenced by the distribution and orientation of faults. Cross-plots using iC4/nC4, δ13C ethane and δ13C propane exhibit single coherent distributions, suggesting that the C2+ components of most of these gases share interrelated histories of generation, maturation and primary migration. Conversely, cross-plots using gas dryness and δ13C methane against other selected gas parameters demonstrate geographic differentiation, with samples from the southeastern part of the study area generally exhibiting elevated molecular concentration and isotopic enrichment of methane compared to the samples from the northwestern part of the study area. The compositional and isotopic enrichment of methane in the southeastern samples signify significant late-stage secondary migration of highly mature methane-rich gas from deeper zones to shallower zones, and mixing with in-situ hydrocarbon fluids of lower thermal maturity. Previous structural mapping documents the presence of numerous subsurface thrust-faults related to the Cordilleran orogeny in the northwestern area, while these features are entirely absent in the southeastern area. Consequently, we conclude that thrust-faults, with accompanying clay-rich gouges, formed effective en-echelon barriers to the late-stage secondary migration of methane-rich gas in the northwestern area and prevented substantial mixing of hydrocarbon fluids.

Basic Morphology and Morphometry of Lake Danao in Ormoc City, Leyte, the Philippines

Information on the morphology and morphometrics of Lake Danao – an integral part of the Lake Danao Natural Park in Ormoc City, Leyte, the Philippines – is incomplete and obsolete, which necessitates validation and updating. To address this gap, GIS, ground truthing, and bathymetric surveys using modern methods and technology alongside classical computing approaches were conducted in July 2022 to verify the accuracy and provide supplementary information to the lake’s existing basic morphometrics compiled from various sources. The results revealed a maximum length of 2,962 m, a maximum width of 825 m, and a shoreline length of 8.23 km. The relative depth (6.43%) and basin permanence index (6.83) demonstrated the lake’s extensive depth (maximum = 85.8 m). Using the frustum volume formula, Lake Danao is estimated to hold a maximum of ~ 56,214,143.56 m3 of water. The calculated surface area is 1,398,300 m2, 5.4% smaller than the previously published area of 1,480,000 m2 by NAMRIA in 1956. Additional studies are needed to confirm if this discrepancy is due to limitations in previous mapping techniques or indicative of actual area shrinkage. Local authorities can use these findings to update Lake Danao’s basic morphology and morphometrics information and conduct further research. However, cautious application of the results is necessary when drafting conservation and management strategies for the sustainable development of the protected area.

Geolocation data incorporation in Mapbox for comprehensive mapping of tourism areas on Lombok Island

Lombok Island is one of the islands that has many tourist areas. With so many tourist areas spread to various regions on the island of Lombok, an accurate and comprehensive tourist area mapping system is needed. The problem faced is that the existing mapping is still constrained regarding accuracy and data persistence. The solution offered in this research is the incorporation of geolocation data on the Mapbox platform to improve the accuracy and detail of data in mapping tourism areas on the island of Lombok. In this research, there are several stages carried out starting from data collection to testing. This research results in a tourist area mapping information system that applies geolocation data incorporation on Mapbox. The test results show an increase in accuracy of 8% from the previous mapping and a usability test score of 81 which means that the system developed is acceptable or feasible by users.

Harnessing the predicted maize pan-interactome for putative gene function prediction and prioritization of candidate genes for important traits.

The recent assembly and annotation of the 26 maize nested association mapping population founder inbreds have enabled large-scale pan-genomic comparative studies. These studies have expanded our understanding of agronomically important traits by integrating pan-transcriptomic data with trait-specific gene candidates from previous association mapping results. In contrast to the availability of pan-transcriptomic data, obtaining reliable protein-protein interaction (PPI) data has remained a challenge due to its high cost and complexity. We generated predicted PPI networks for each of the 26 genomes using the established STRING database. The individual genome-interactomes were then integrated to generate core- and pan-interactomes. We deployed the PPI clustering algorithm ClusterONE to identify numerous PPI clusters that were functionally annotated using gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment, demonstrating a diverse range of enriched GO terms across different clusters. Additional cluster annotations were generated by integrating gene coexpression data and gene description annotations, providing additional useful information. We show that the functionally annotated PPI clusters establish a useful framework for protein function prediction and prioritization of candidate genes of interest. Our study not only provides a comprehensive resource of predicted PPI networks for 26 maize genomes but also offers annotated interactome clusters for predicting protein functions and prioritizing gene candidates. The source code for the Python implementation of the analysis workflow and a standalone web application for accessing the analysis results are available at https://github.com/eporetsky/PanPPI.

Geological history of the Atira Mons large shield volcano, Beta Regio, Venus.

Atira Mons is a large (∼300,000 km2) low-relief (1.8 km) shield volcano, with individual flows extending up to ∼700 km from the central caldera. It is located about 3000 km NW from the major plume center Beta Regio. Detailed mapping of the flows (at 1:500,000 scale, 10x more detailed than previous mapping) has identified fifty-three flow units which are grouped into eleven packages. Flow units are distinguished based on radar brightness, topography, morphology, continuity, structural modification, and sources, while flow packages group flows with clear stratigraphic relationship affinity.Cross-cutting relationships indicate a complex and multi-episodic eruption history with provisional identification of six mapped stages. The most voluminous flows are concentrated in the early stages, while the younger pulses, with a few exceptions, are shorter and less voluminous. A central caldera hosts the youngest volcanism with flows breaching its eastern side. Multiple stages of caldera collapse are indicated.The volume of the volcano is estimated using various methods and yields values range from ∼47,000 to ∼270,000 km3. The larger estimates are consistent with that of the magma volume of Large Igneous Provinces (LIP) on Earth. An appropriate terrestrial analogue is the Benham Rise Oceanic LIP in the western margin of the Philippine Sea, and particularly the Apolaki Caldera, which is the world's largest known basaltic caldera with a diameter of ∼150 km.

Genomewide marker estimates of the level of dominance in maize heterosis

AbstractHeterosis is the superiority of an F1 hybrid over its parents, and overdominance and dominance are the two main hypotheses for the genetic basis of heterosis. Our objectives were to determine if genomewide marker effects accurately reflect the level of dominance at quantitative trait loci (QTL) and assess the distribution of per‐marker estimates of the level of dominance in maize (Zea mays L.). We simulated different levels of dominance at QTL that were in coupling, repulsion, and random linkage phases. Genomewide marker effects from ridge regression‐best linear unbiased prediction led to accurate estimates of the level of dominance when all linkages were in coupling phase, but repulsion and random linkage phases led to an upward bias. We then estimated levels of dominance from genomewide marker effects in a reciprocal testcross experiment with 1642 hybrids genotyped with 4805 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, and in a legacy Design III experiment with 351 backcross progenies (subjected to three generations of random mating to dissipate linkages) genotyped with 160 simple sequence repeats. In both experiments, the level of dominance was higher for yield than for moisture. For each trait, some loci showed little or no dominance, others showed partial to complete dominance, and others showed overdominance. A high level of dominance was typically due to a small difference between homozygote values. Overall, the results were consistent with previous QTL mapping results indicating that heterosis in maize is due to varying levels of dominance rather than a prevalent level of dominance.