Values Of Ne Research Articles

Assessment of surface irrigation potential and crop water demand in Daramalo Wereda, southern Ethiopia

AbstractAssessing available water and land resources as well as their potential for surface irrigation use is vital for sustainable agricultural development and planning. Agricultural irrigation also plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and reducing poverty in Ethiopia. However, it is dominated by rain‐fed agriculture, with rainfall distribution and intensity vary spatially and temporally. Enhancing agricultural water management and irrigation has the potential to increase agricultural productivity. The objective of the study was to evaluate surface water potential and the irrigation water demand of Zage River sub‐watershed, which were estimated using hydrological model of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and CROPWAT8.0 software, respectively. Slope, soil type, drainage densities, land use/cover, and river proximity were the factors utilized to determine irrigation land suitability. A weighted overlay was completed, with 17.32% of irrigable lands found to be highly suitable, 41.29% moderately suitable, 37.61% marginally suitable, and 3.78% not suitable. The SWAT model result gave very good model performance indicator values of NE = 0.773 and R2 = 0.872 for calibration and NE = 0.771 & R2 = 0.945 for validation. The SWAT model result showed a total of 33.248 million m3 of surface runoff generated annually. Compared with irrigation water demand of 21.068 million m3, this suggests the watershed has high surface water potential for surface irrigation for selected crop types of the watershed. The findings of this research are relevant to improving local water management policies and practices and enable stakeholders to make decisions that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainable agricultural practices and help ensure the food security of local farmers.

Genetic diversity evaluation of Luculia yunnanensis, a vulnerable species endemic to Yunnan, Southwestern China based on morphological traits and EST-SSR markers.

Luculia yunnanensis is a vulnerable species endemic to Yunnan Province, Southwestern China, which has high ornamental value. Its wild population has not been fully protected and utilized for a long time, which is not conducive to the long-term stable development of this species. Genetic diversity assessment is the basis and prerequisite for the conservation of rare species. In this study, 21 phenotypic traits and 17 highly polymorphic EST-SSR markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic structure of 164 individuals from six L. yunnanensis populations. The coefficient of variation of 21 phenotypic traits ranged from 11.76% to 52.58% (mean=21.72%), and the coefficient of variation of 18 traits was less than 30%. The average values of Ne, I, Ho and He were 1.710, 0.619, 0.384, and 0.352, respectively. The genetic diversity of LLO (Ho = 0.476 and He = 0.426) and LCM (Ho = 0.424 and He = 0.381) populations in Lushui County was highest. The GDX populations (Ho = 0.335 and He = 0.269) isolated by Gaoligong Mountain had the lowest genetic diversity. The AMOVA results showed that 13.04% of the genetic variation was among populations and 86.96% was within populations. The average phenotypic differentiation coefficient of phenotypic traits among populations was 18.69%. The results of phenotypic and genetic variation analysis were consistent, indicating that the most of variation exists within population. Genetic structure, UPGMA clustering and PCA analysis results showed that the populations of L. yunnanensis had obvious geographical divisions, and the populations distributed in the southern region and distributed in the northern region of the Nujiang River clustered into one group respectively. Combining the results of phenotypic and molecular markers, we recommend that give priority to the protection of LLO, LCM and GDX population, in order to ensure the sustainable utilization of L. yunnanensis germplasm resources.

Design of tensile-strained GeSn/SiGeSn structure for low threshold mid-infrared laser application

The plasticity of GeSn alloy energy band has promoted the development of silicon-based photoelectric integration and optical interconnection. A tensile-strained GeSn/SiGeSn double heterostructure laser wrapped with Si3N4 stress liner is designed and characterized theoretically. The triaxial tensile strain is introduced into the GeSn/SiGeSn heterostructure laser by the Si3N4 linear stressor. The lower threshold current density and higher optical gain of the GeSn/SiGeSn laser can be achieved by tuning the band structure and carrier distribution in the active region with tensile strain and Sn compositions. Compared with the relaxed device, the value of ne ,Γ/ne ,total for the Ge0.90Sn0.10/Si0.315Ge0.499Sn0.186 heterostructure laser wrapped with 300 nm Si3N4 linear stressor is increased to 30.6% at n e,total of 1018 cm−3, the laser λ can be extended to 3.44 μm, and the J th is reduced from 206 to 59 A/cm2.

Influence of pulse laser energy on the Nickel plasma characteristics that produced in laser-induced plasma system

تُستخدم تقنية قياس طيف الانبعاث البصري ( OES) لتحليل البلازما المتولدة من هدف (النيكل) المضاء باستخدام ليزر Q- Switched (Nd: YAG) بطاقات مختلفة في الهواء. تم استخدام طريقة التوسيع Boltzmann-Plot و Stark لحساب معاملات البلازما بما في ذلك كثافة الإلكترون (ne) ودرجة حرارة الإلكترون (Te) وتردد البلازما (fp) وطول ديباي (λD). يتضح أن قيم (ne) و (Te) و (λD) و (fp) تزداد بزيادة طاقة الليزر مع قيم درجة حرارة الإلكترون المحسوبة التي تتراوح بين (0.934 - 1.479) الكترون - فولت.

Spatial confinement offered by a blocker on the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of Ti plasma

Spatial confinement effects offered by a blocker on the laser-induced plasma parameters of titanium (Ti) are evaluated using the Optical Emission Spectroscopy technique. Nd:YAG (1064 nm, 10 ns) laser is used as an irradiation source. To observe the spatial confinement effects, an Al blocker at different distances of 4, 6, and 8 mm from the target is placed along the plume path. All the measurements are performed under the Ar environment at different pressures. It is observed that with increasing laser irradiance plasma parameters such as excitation temperature (Te) and electron number density (ne) increase, whereas it is vice versa true for increasing blocker distances. Without the blocker, the maximum values of Te and ne are about 7000 K and 1.4 × 1018 cm−3, respectively, at an Ar pressure of 50 Torr. A significant increase in emission intensity along with Te ≈ 9810 K and ne ≈ 2.2 × 1018 cm−3 is achieved in the presence of blocker. The results show that spatial confinement is responsible for the enhancement of Te and ne, which is attributed to the increased collisional frequency of plasma species after compression by shockwaves. The ablation pressure and shock pressure are also analytically evaluated and vary from 0.15 to 0.25 GPa and from 0.1 to 0.2 GPa, respectively, with increasing laser irradiance. With increasing blocker distances from 4 to 8 mm, the work done by reflected shockwaves to compress the plume varies from 0.02 to 0.002 mJ.

Biotoxicity and repellency of Vitex negundo (L.) oil nanoemulsion towards Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) on stored rice

Rhyzopertha dominica F. (lesser grain borer) is an important primary pest of stored rice that causes substantial economic loss. This pest developed resistance to a wide range of hazardous chemical pesticides due to its great degree of adaptability. This study proposed to prepare Vitex negundo oil nanoemulsion (VNO NE) to improve its efficacy against this target pest. Vitex negundo oil (VNO) contains key compounds such as Aromandendrene, ?-caryophyllene, Squalene, 3-octen-5-yne,2,7-dimethyl-,(E)-,5-(1-isopropenyl-4,5-dimethylbicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-5-yl)-3-methyl-2-pentenol acetate, Farnesyl bromide, 4-terpineol and Elemol. VNO NEs were prepared using a high-speed homogenizer from which nanoemulsion having 5% VNO mixed at a 1:2 (w/w) ratio with tween80 was found to be optimum considering different characterization parameters. The mean zeta potential, polydispersity index and hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoemulsion were -3.4 mV, 0.263 and 166.62 nm respectively. For contact toxicity lethal dose 50 (LD50) value of VNO NE was 0.517 ?L cm-2 against R. dominica which was 46.03% less, compared to bulk VNO. LD50 value of VNO NE for fumigant toxicity against R. dominica was 245.38 ?L L-1 which was 32.05% less than that of crude oil. The highest repellency increased by 30.14% than VNO, when treated with VNO NE in R. dominica. Significant inhibition of glutathione transferase enzyme was also detected in insects treated with VNO NE than VNO and control. These results indicated that VNO NE is an effective novel pesticide that can be recommended for the management of R. dominica in stored rice.

Improvement in Pharmacological Activity of Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa (Schef. Boerl)) Seed Extracts in Nanoemulsion Dosage Form: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa) seed has various phytochemical compounds and low pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This research aimed to study nanoemulsion preparations of Mahkota Dewa seed (NE-BMD) for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The nanoemulsion was prepared using an ultrasonication probe and followed by selecting two formulations, F7 and F8. The anti-oxidant activity test was carried out using the DPPH method, meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory activity test was conducted using the protein denaturation method with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) for in vitro studies. In addition, for in vivo studies, the plethysmometer method was used with 1% carrageenan as an inducer. The characterization of NE-BMD preparations showed that the particle size and polydispersity index were 26,83 ± 1,27 nm (PI: 0.36 ± 0.03) and 30.73 ± 1.50 nm (PI: 0.32 ± 0.06) for NE-BMD F7 and F8 formulation, respectively. In addition, the anti-oxidant activity test revealed that the IC50 values of NE_BMD F7 and F8 were 15.62 ± 1.40 µg/ml and 28.39 ± 4.69 µg/ml, respectively. The protein denaturation test showed that the IC50 values for NE-BMD F7 and F8 were 94.39 ± 1.24 µg/ml and 196.63 ± 1.61 µg/ml, respectively. Meanwhile, the study of anti-inflammatory in vivo for NE-BMD F7 with a 1 g/kg BW dose showed a significant improvement in anti-inflammatory activity compared to BMD extract. This research suggests that due to the smaller drug particle size, the nanoemulsion dosage form of Mahkota Dewa seed extract has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, thus emerging as an adjunct alternative treatment for inflammation.

Disentangling the Effects of Laser and Electron Irradiation on AgX (X = Cl, Br, and I): Insights from Quantum Chemical Calculations.

The effects on the lattice structure and electronic properties of different polymorphs of silver halide, AgX (X = Cl, Br, and I), induced by laser irradiation (LI) and electron irradiation (EI) are investigated using a first-principles approach, based on the electronic temperature (Te) within a two-temperature model (TTM) and by increasing the total number of electrons (Ne), respectively. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations provide a clear visualization of how Te and Ne induce a structural and electronic transformation process during LI/EI. Our results reveal the diffusion processes of Ag and X ions, the amorphization of the AgX lattices, and a straightforward interpretation of the time evolution for the formation of Ag and X nanoclusters under high values of Te and Ne. Overall, the present work provides fine details of the underlying mechanism of LI/EI and promises to be a powerful toolbox for further cross-scale modeling of other semiconductors.

Detection of Runs of Homozygosity and Identification of Candidate Genes in the Whole Genome of Tunchang Pigs.

Tunchang pigs are an indigenous pig population in China known for their high tolerance to roughage, delicious meat, and fecundity. However, the number of Tunchang pigs has been declining due to the influence of commercial breeds and African swine fever, which could potentially lead to inbreeding. To assess the inbreeding level and the genetic basis of important traits in Tunchang pigs, our research investigated the patterns in "runs of homozygosity" (ROHs) using whole genome resequencing data from 32 Tunchang pigs. The study aimed to determine the length, number, coverage, and distribution model of ROHs in Tunchang pigs, as well as genomic regions with high ROH frequencies. The results of the study revealed that a total of 20,499,374 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1953 ROH fragments were recognized in 32 individuals. The ROH fragments in Tunchang pigs were predominantly short, ranging from 0.5 to 1 megabases (Mb) in length. Furthermore, the coverage of ROHs varied across chromosomes, with chromosome 3 having the highest coverage and chromosome 11 having the lowest coverage. The genetic diversity of Tunchang pigs was found to be relatively high based on the values of HE (expected heterozygosity), HO (observed heterozygosity), pi (nucleotide diversity), Ne (effective population size), and MAF (minor allele frequency). The average inbreeding coefficients of Tunchang pigs, as determined by three different methods (FHOM, FGRM, and FROH), were 0.019, 0.0138, and 0.0304, respectively. These values indicate that the level of inbreeding in Tunchang pigs is currently low. Additionally, the study identified a total of 13 ROH islands on all chromosomes, which in total contained 38,913 SNPs and 120 genes. These ROH islands included genes associated with economically important traits, including meat quality (GYS1, PHLPP1, SLC27A5, and CRTC1), growth and development (ANKS1A, TAF11, SPDEF, LHB, and PACSIN1), and environmental adaptation (SLC26A7). The findings of this research offer valuable perspectives on the present status of Tunchang pig resources and offer a reference for breeding conservation plans and the efficient utilization of Tunchang pigs in the future. By understanding the inbreeding level and genetic basis of important traits in Tunchang pigs, conservation efforts can be targeted towards maintaining genetic diversity and promoting the sustainable development of this indigenous pig population.

Medicinal Value, Genetic Diversity, and Genetic Relationship Analysis of Auricularia cornea (Agaricomycetes) Based on ITS, ISSR, and SRAP Markers.

Wild resources of Auricularia cornea (A. polytricha) are abundant in China, and genetic diversity and genetic relationships analysis of A. cornea can provide basis for germplasm resource utilization and innovation and molecular marker-assisted breeding. In this study, 22 Auricularia strains collected were identified as A. cornea based on ITS sequence analysis, and its genetic diversity was examined by ISSR and SRAP markers. The results showed that a total of 415 bands were amplified by 11 selected ISSR primers, with an average amplification of 37.73 bands per primer, and the mean values of Ne, I, and H were 1.302, 0.368, and 0.219, respectively. A total of 450 bands were amplified by 10 SRAP primers, with an average of 45 bands per primer, and the average of Ne, I, and H were 1.263, 0.302, and 0.183, respectively. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means analysis based on ISSR-SRAP marker data revealed that the genetic similarity coefficient between the tested strains was 0.73-0.97, and the strains could be divided into five groups at 0.742, which had a certain correlation with regional distribution. The results of PCOA and population structure analysis based on ISSR-SRAP data also produced similar results. These results demonstrate the genetic diversity and distinctness among wild A. cornea and provide a theoretical reference for the classification, breeding, germplasm innovation, utilization, and variety protection of A. cornea resources.

Variation of Electron Density in the D-Region Using Kunming MF Radar under Low Solar Activity

So far, the least is known about the D-region ionosphere out of the entire ionosphere due to the lack of a conventional detecting method and continuous data accumulation. Medium frequency (MF) radar is an important conventional tool for understanding the D-region ionosphere by measuring the electron density (Ne) within the height range of 60–90 km. To investigate the statistical variation of the D-region, especially at the mid-low latitude area, this study presents the statistical variations in the D-region Ne with the solar zenith angle (SZA), season, and altitude observed by Kunming MF radar (25.6° N, 103.8° E) under low solar activity (2008–2009). The diurnal variation of Ne behaves like typical diurnal changes, which are closely consistent with the SZA. The outstanding feature, the diurnal asymmetry phenomenon, significantly appears in different seasons and at different altitudes. The Ne has obvious semi-annual characteristics, and is larger in summer and fall and the smallest in winter. Compared to other seasons, the variation in the Ne with altitude is the most stable in summer. Due to the impacts of the highest SZA, the value of Ne in winter is the smallest, with a maximum value of less than 300 electrons/cm3, and the largest in summer and fall, with a maximum of 472 electrons/cm3. Particularly, the peaks of Ne above 76 km do not always appear at the time when the SZA is the smallest (at noon). Both the simulations by the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI2016) and observations using MF radar present a strong positive correlation with solar radiation. Meanwhile, it cannot be ignored that there were still large differences between the simulations and observations. To quantitatively analyze the differences between the observations and simulations, the observed value was subtracted from the simulated value. The results show that the maximum value between them was up to 350 electrons/cm3, and the minimum difference appeared at around 72 km, with a value less than 100 electrons/cm3. However, below 66 km, the observations were larger than the simulations, which were, on the contrary, above 76 km.

A purebred South American breed showing high effective population size and independent breed ancestry: The Chilean Terrier.

The Chilean Terrier is a known breed in Chile that has not been genetically assessed despite its distinctive color patterns, agility, and hardiness across the diversity of climates encountered within the Chilean landscape. The population structure and its relatedness with other breeds, as well as the actual origin of the breed, remain unknown. We estimated several population parameters using samples from individuals representing the distribution of the Chilean Terrier across the country. By utilizing the Illumina HD canine genotyping array, we computed the effective population size (Ne ), individual inbreeding, and relatedness to evaluate the genetic diversity of the breed. The results show that linkage disequilibrium was relatively low and decayed rapidly; in fact, Ne was very high when compared to other breeds, and similar to other American indigenous breeds (such as the Chihuahua with values of Ne near 500). These results are in line with the low estimates of genomic inbreeding and relatedness and the relatively large number of effective chromosome segments (Me = 2467) obtained using the properties of the genomic relationship matrix. Between population analysis (cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity, di ) with other breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier, the Peruvian-Inca Orchid, and the Chihuahua suggested that candidate regions harboring FGF5, PAX3, and ASIP, probably explained some morphological traits, such as the distinctive color pattern characteristic of the breed. When considering Admixture estimates and phylogenetic analysis, together with other breeds of American and European origin, the Chilean Terrier does not have a recent European ancestry. Overall, the results suggest that the breed has evolved independently in Chile from other terrier breeds, from an unknown European terrier ancestor.

Clinical Diagnostic Value of Serum GABA, NE, ET-1, and VEGF in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the one of the most common complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whereas, the associated diagnostic factors are uncertain. The present study aims to investigate useful diagnostic factors in patients with COPD and PH (COPD-PH). A total of 111 patients with COPD in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from December 2019 to December 2020 were divided into COPD (PASP≤50 mmHg) and COPD-PH groups (PASP>50 mmHg). Pulmonary function and chest CT results were collected. Routine blood, biochemical, and blood coagulation function indices were examined for all patients. Arterial blood gas analysis and serum cytokines were also measured. Differences in the distribution of the above indicators between the two groups were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors of COPD-PH, and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the factors affecting PASP. The influencing factors and joint predictive factors of the above linear regression analysis were analyzed using the ROC curve. The area under the curve and the best cut-off value were calculated, and their predictive value and clinical significance in disease diagnosis were discussed. A total of 27 indexes with statistically significant differences between the two groups were identified (P < 0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors influencing the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension were serum GABA, NE, VEGF, BUN, and LYM% levels (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that the factors influencing PASP were serum NE, ET-1, GABA, and VEGF levels, and the goodness of fit of the model was 0.748 (P < 0.001). ROC curve showed that the AUC of the combined diagnosis of serum NE, ET-1, GABA, and VEGF levels was 0.966 (sensitivity, 87.5%; specificity, 93.65%). Serum NE and ET-1 are risk factors for COPD-PH, whereas serum GABA and VEGF are protective factors against COPD-PH. The combined diagnostic value of serum NE, ET-1, GABA, and VEGF levels was the highest.

Genetic characteristics of Poltavske sriblo rabbits by myostatin and progesterone receptor gene and selection indices

Background. Rabbit breeding is a branch of animal husbandry that produces cheap and high-quality meat products in a short period of time. Productive, maternal, reproductive and technological characteristics determine the economic efficiency of rabbit breeding under the conditions of full realization of the genetic potential of animals and a good fodder base. The main factor in the development of rabbit breeding is the increase in the number of animals, which is supported by improved maintenance, veterinary support and breeding practices. Materials and Methods. The experiment was conducted on a population of rabbits (200 heads) of the Poltavske sriblo breed. After weaning at 45 days of age, the young were separated by sex and kept 3–4 animals in a cage. 3-month-old males were placed in individual cages until they reached the age of breeding use – 150–160 days. Rabbits were fed granulated compound feed: concentrated fodder, grass meal, feed additives of animal origin, minerals and premixes. Blood was taken from the ear vein. DNA was isolated using a standard commercial kit “DNA-sorb B” with some modifications. Wright’s F-statistic, including several F-coefficients of inbreeding, was used to assess the genetic differentiation of populations. Testing of the population according to the studied genes for Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium was carried out using the Pearson χ2 test. To determine Poltavske sriblo rabbits’ breeding value, indices were calculated based on economic and beneficial traits, including genetic and economic values of individual traits. As a genetic parameter, the heredity coefficient of rabbits was used, and the economic one was the cost of the products produced. Results. The results of the peculiarities of Poltavske sriblo rabbits genetic structure analysis by the distribution of allelic variants of the myostatin gene and progesterone receptor in the context of genealogical lines are presented. It was found that the grea­test frequency of the C allele by the myostatin gene was in the descendants of the male Cooper (0.551). The frequency of the T allele in this sample of animals was 0.449, respectively. For Snowball’s line rabbits, higher values of the G allele by progesterone receptor gene (0.488) were noted due to the advantage of homozygous animals. The highest value of the effective number of alleles by the myostatin gene was characteristic of Cooper’s rabbit line (0.500), and the lowest – of Bach’s lines (0.215) and Barry’s lines (0.230). According to the progesterone receptor gene, the highest values of Ne were for the Cooper (0.500), Snowball (0.507), and Mini (0.511) rabbits, and the lowest values were for Fox (0.307). The influence of the rabbit genotype on the manifestation of economic and beneficial traits – average daily growth and fertility – has also been established. The use of the breeding value evaluation of the Poltavske sriblo breed rabbits according to the selection and genetic index according to the productivity of daughters, made it possible to single out the main males among the group, as fertilizers. Male fertilizers included Snowball, Long, and Mini. Conclusions. The obtained data can be used for selective and breeding practices in rabbit breeding with the aim of selecting breeders for the improvement of the meat productivity and reproductive ability of rabbits.

Survive the north: transplantation for conservation of mangrove forests requires consideration of influences of low temperature, mating system and their joint effects on effective size of the reforested populations

Mangrove forests, which occur in the intertidal regions of tropical and sub-tropical zones, have high ecological and economic values. They have rapidly reduced over the past decades due to various reasons. Reforestation is a common strategy for the conservation of mangroves, but information on the renewal capacity and viability of these artificial mangrove populations is still lacking. Here, we estimated the effective population size (NE) of an artificial population of Kandelia obovata (Rhizophoraceae) and explored the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on changes in NE to evaluate population viability and develop appropriate management strategies for mangrove forests. This population consisted of three ecologically and genetically differentiated groups that had experienced a major low-temperature event during the winter of 2015–2016 and varied in cold resistance. We first detected population bottlenecks and estimated contemporary values of NE for different groups using microsatellite data. Next, we performed paternity analyses for seedlings and propagules to explore variations in the reproductive success of individuals within the three groups before and after the low-temperature event. Lastly, we simulated four scenarios to characterize the effects of low temperature, mating system, and variance in reproductive success on changes in NE in a hypothetical metapopulation based on empirical estimates. Our results show that groups with moderate or poor cold resistance experienced local bottlenecks, and shifts in effective breeders occurred following the low-temperature event, which indicates that low temperature has an effect on not only population size but also reproductive success. Furthermore, our simulations revealed that changes in NE are jointly affected by reproductive success, mating system, and environmental conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of the multiple factors that affect NE, and provide key information that will aid the reforestation and management of mangrove forests, especially when they are introduced to high-latitude areas.

Expression of interleukin-17A in serum of children with intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant Kawasaki disease and its clinical significance

To study the expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the serum of children with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-resistant Kawasaki disease (KD) and its clinical significance. A total of 143 children with KD who were hospitalized in Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from June 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled in this prospective study, among whom 115 had IVIG-sensitive KD and 28 had IVIG-resistant KD. After matching for sex and age, 110 children with acute respiratory infectious diseases (fever time ≥5 days but without KD) were enrolled as the control group. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum level of IL-17A. The levels of white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NE), platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to analyze the value of WBC, NE, CRP, and IL-17A in the prediction of IVIG-resistant KD. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive factors for resistance to IVIG in children with KD. Before IVIG treatment, the KD group had a significantly higher serum level of IL-17A than the control group (P<0.05), and the children with IVIG-resistant KD had a significantly higher serum level of IL-17A than those with IVIG-sensitive KD (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that WBC, NE, CRP, and IL-17A had an area under the curve of 0.718, 0.741, 0.627, and 0.840, respectively, in the prediction of IVIG-resistant KD. With serum IL-17A ≥44.06 pg/mL as the cut-off value, IL-17A had a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 81% in the prediction of IVIG-resistant KD. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a high serum level of IL-17A was a predictive factor for resistance to IVIG in children with KD (OR=1.161, P=0.001). Serum IL-17A levels are elevated in children with IVIG-resistant KD, and serum IL-17A level (≥44.06 pg/mL) may have a predictive value for resistance to IVIG in children with KD.

Comprehensive Analysis of Copper Plasma: A Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopic Approach

The emergence of diversified applications of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in the biomedical field, electronics, space physics, and material processing necessitates a comprehensive understanding of plasma parameters. The present work delineates the structure and evolution of copper plasma under different ambient pressures (0.01 mbar to 100 mbar) along with other plasma parameters. The study reveals the role of ambient pressure in the increase of plasma temperature (Te), electron density (Ne), number of particles in the Debye sphere, plasma frequency, inverse bremsstrahlung absorption coefficient, electron thermal velocity, electron–ion collision frequency and in the decrease of Debye length (λD) and plasma skin depth (PSD). The experimental techniques and the theoretical explanations for the variation of plasma parameters and their applications are also detailed. As the ambient pressure increases, the motion of plasma species becomes restricted, resulting in the increase of Te, calculated using the Boltzmann plot. From the values of λD, PSD, and Ne, it is understood that the copper plasma under investigation is thermally non-relativistic and satisfies McWhirter’s criterion, thus, revealing the local thermodynamic equilibrium condition of plasma. The effects of Debye shielding and stark broadening on the spectral lines are also investigated. Thus, the study helps bring newfangled dimensions to the application of plasma by exploring the possibility of tailoring plasma parameters.

Radiation shielding and sensing properties for some Eu3+ doped bismo-phosphate glasses

Present work is focused on experimentally exploring the radiation shielding and sensing properties of europium (Eu) doped bismo (Bi)-phosphate (P) glasses with different metal oxide (CuO, ZnO, SrO, BaO, PbO) contributions. Samples were synthesized via melt quenching method and glassy nature was verified using XRD characterization. Different radiation shielding and sensing parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μm), optimum thickness range (xopt), effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Ne), mean free path (mfp), half value layer (HVL) and tenth value layer (TVL) were obtained theoretically as preliminary data for preparing sample of required thickness. A special geometric setup consisting of Gammarad5, lead collimators and γ rays sources of Na22, Cs137 and Co60 were used to measure these parameters. Both, theoretical and experimental findings show good agreement within percentage deviation of ±4%. The μm value tends to decrease with the increase in photon energy as well as with the replacement of lower atomic number metal oxide (MO) by comparatively higher atomic number MO in the glass system. The Zeff, Ne and radiation protection efficiency (RPE) of the samples follow similar trend. Whereas thickness normalizing parameters (TNPs) viz HVL, mfp and TVL follows inverse trend. Among the synthesized glass samples, EuBiPPb possess highest values of density (4.76 g/cc), μm, Zeff, Ne and RPE with least thickness requirements. The work has been extended to compute and analyze exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) parameters too. The present results show significant potential of glass samples in shielding and sensing applications.

Models for magnetospheric mass density and average ion mass including radial dependence

Analytical models for magnetospheric mass density, ρm, and average ion mass, M, were created from a database of ρm and electron density, ne, values from six spacecraft missions by making use of the Eureqa nonlinear genetic regression algorithm. All values of ρm were determined from Alfvén frequencies, and the values of ne were determined from plasma wave or spacecraft potential data. Models of varying complexity are listed. The most complex models appearing in this paper are capable of modeling ρm within a factor of 1.81, and M within a factor of 1.34 if ne is used as an input parameter, or within a factor of 1.45 if ne is not used. The most important parameters for modeling ρm are L, the solar EUV index F10.7, magnetic local time, MLT, the geomagnetic activity index Kp, and the solar wind dynamic pressure, Pdyn. The very simplest model for M depends on Kp. In more complex models for M including ne, the most important parameters are ne with L, F10.7, and Pdyn or Kp. In more complex models for M not including ne, the most important parameters are Kp, MLT, F10.7, L, and the auroral electrojet index, AE. Explanations for most of the dependencies are given. We also demonstrate the danger of calculating spatial dependence without taking account of different conditions sampled in different regions. Here we avoid that problem by using multivariant models.

Morpho-molecular genetic diversity and population structure analysis in garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes using simple sequence repeat markers.

Garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a self-pollinated plant species which played an important role for the foundation of modern genetics. Genetic diversity among 56 garden pea genotypes was assessed using 12 morphological descriptors, 19 quantitative traits and 8 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Eight morphological descriptors were found polymorphic, and highest Shannon diversity index was recorded for pod curvature (1.18). Mahalanobis D2 illustrating genetic divergence arranged 56 genotypes into six clusters, with the highest inter-cluster distance between clusters IV and VI (18.09). The average values of Na (number of alleles), Ne (effective number of alleles), I (Shannon's Information index), PIC (polymorphism information content), Ho (observed heterozygosity) and He (expected heterozygosity) were 3.13, 1.85, 0.71, 0.36, 0.002 and 0.41, respectively. Pair wise genetic distance among all pairs of the genotypes varied from 0.33 to 1.00 with an average of 0.76. Based on genetic distance, the genotypes were classified into two main clusters (A and B) by cluster analysis, whereas structure analysis divided the genotypes into four sub-populations. The SSR makers indicated that present of genetic variability among the studied genotypes. When, we compared the groups formed by agro-morphological and molecular data, no genotypes were observed, indicating that both stages of characterization are crucial for a better understanding of the genetic variability. Hybridization between genetically diverse genotypes can be exploited to expend the genetic variability and introduce new traits in the pea breeding program.