Variation In Length Research Articles

Habitat alters biogeographical and evolutionary patterns of body size in freshwater crayfishes

Abstract Biogeographical patterns explain variation in body size, although the strength and directions of these patterns vary. When researchers account for the micro- or macrohabitats that species inhabit, they often find that biogeographical relationships with body size are modified, especially in taxa that inhabit diverse environments. Freshwater crayfishes are an ideal group in which to study the interaction between habitat, biogeography, and body size, because there are >700 crayfishes that inhabit aquatic environments, semi-terrestrial burrows, and caves. Here, we explore evolution of body size across 452 species of crayfish by considering the interaction between their habitats (aquatic, semi-terrestrial/aquatic, semi-terrestrial, and cave-dwelling) and the mean temperature of their geographical range. We documented 64-fold variation in body length. Aquatic species were the largest and had the greatest variation in body size. Crayfishes that inhabit both semi-terrestrial and aquatic habitats exhibit a weak negative relationship between body size and environmental temperature; solely aquatic species reverse this relationship. Evolutionarily, our ancestral reconstruction suggests that the ancestral crayfish was an aquatic species with a body length of 81.1 mm, which aligns with data from fossil crayfish. Overall, our study highlights how uniting biogeographical and evolutionary approaches improves our ability to explore patterns of animal body size and unearth explanatory mechanisms.

Energy harvesting from wake-induced vibration of flexible flapper behind a bluff body

Piezoelectric energy harvesting from ambient vibrations offers a promising small-scale energy generation strategy, with wake-induced vibration of flexible structures being an ideal candidate. This study examines a bluff body followed by a fully flexible piezoelectric flapper in a viscous free-stream flow using an in-house discrete forcing immersed boundary method-based fluid-structure-electric energy solver for parametric investigation. Different vortex shedding regimes are identified based on vortex formation around the flexible flapper. The complex and interdependent spatiotemporal dynamics of the wake and flexible body dictated by parameters such as bending rigidity and the gap space between the flapper and bluff body result in various deformation profiles, influencing the strain rate and output power. The study also investigates the independent variation of flapper length and its impact on vortical arrangements and flexibility, introducing different oscillation modes. The present study takes a nuanced view of the overall dynamics and their mutual effect on the power output, unlike most existing studies where enhancing the amplitude and frequency of oscillations for an optimal output was the main concern. Factors such as flapper curvature, its asymmetry, and periodicity have been especially highlighted in the context of the output and the corresponding parametric spaces investigated. Interestingly, the increase in piezo-flapper length has seen a reduction in output, though it was instrumental in bringing symmetry back. The study offers comprehensive insights into ideal harvesting regimes and the underlying dynamical mechanisms and can contribute toward the design of future energy harvesting devices.

Effect of chemical segregation on accuracy of local lattice distortions determination by pair distribution functions

Local lattice distortion (LLD) is a salient feature of bcc-structured refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs), closely associated with their mechanical properties. To quantify the extent of LLDs in RHEAs, the pair distribution function (PDF) analysis has been identified as a promising approach. However, the commonly observed chemical segregation within these alloys introduces challenges in accurately determining LLDs. In this study, the effect of chemical segregation on LLD quantification was investigated through fitting simulated two-phase composite PDFs, representing segregated microstructures, with a single-phase model and evaluating the errors to assess the accuracy and reliability of small-box analysis in this context. The results show that the errors introduced by chemical segregation increase with increasing lattice parameter difference, and the fitting quality gradually deteriorates to a point where it no longer adequately describes the data. We found that the lattice parameter difference should be below 1% for precise and reliable LLD measurements in bcc-structured RHEAs. Additionally, we observed that while the scattering length variation due to segregation does affect LLD quantification, its effect is comparatively minor.

The incommensurate composite YxOs4B4 (x = 1.161).

YxOs4B4 (x = 1.161) crystallizes as a tetragonal incommensurate composite of columns of Y atoms extending along [001] in an Os4B4 framework. The structure was refined using the superspace approach. The basic structure of the Y subsystem can be idealized as having I4/mmm symmetry, with a crystallographically unique Y atom located on the 4/mmm position. The actual superspace symmetry is P42/nmc(00σ3)s0s0. The Y atoms feature only subtle positional modulation in the [001] direction. The Os4B4 subsystem [P42/ncm(00σ3)00ss superspace symmetry] is built of columns of edge-sharing Os4 tetrahedra extending along [001] and B2 dumbbells. The Os4 tetrahedra feature pronounced positional modulation with a distinct variation of the Os-Os bond lengths. Modulation of the B2 dumbbells is best described as a rotation about the [001] axis.

Exploring cortical trajectory of the lumbar vertebrae: a morphometric study in dry skeletons: a retrospective study in Thailand.

Retrospective cohort study. This study aimed to explore the morphometry of the Thai lumbar vertebrae. The cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is a novel approach for vertebral screw fixation aimed at addressing spinal instability associated with spinal disorders. The morphometry of the lumbar vertebrae is crucial in tailoring screw design for each CBT application, given the significant variations in optimal screw sizes, lengths, and angles among populations. A total of 300 dried lumbar columns were used to measure the pedicle height (PH) and width (PW), length for cortical bone trajectory (LCT), cephalad screw angle (CSA), axial cortical bone trajectory angle (ACA), and possible cortical zones for the CBT. The following average values were calculated: PH in L1, 15.09±1.44 mm; PW in L5, 16.96±2.42 mm; LCT in L3, 35.75±2.61 mm; CSA in L1, 20.85°±2.30°; and ACA in L5, 21.83°±2.49°. Women generally had shorter PH and PW than men, with significant differences across lumbar levels. The LCT was significantly shorter in women and was notably different between the left and right sides. The CSA and ACA varied significantly between sexes and sides, with specific lumbar levels showing wider angles in one sex over the other. The most common cortical zones for screw tips were Z3 and Z10, with high incidences across all lumbar levels. This study presents detailed lumbar vertebral morphometry data specific to the Thai population. The results are essential for CBT application in screw fixation procedures. This information will contribute to the production of optimally designed screws for Thai patients in the future.

Genome-wide association studies of bundle and single fiber length traits reveal the genetic basis of within-sample variation in upland cotton fiber length.

Within-sample variation in cotton fiber length is a major factor influencing the production and quality of yarns. The textile industry has been searching for approaches of improving the long fiber fraction and minimizing the short fiber fraction within a cotton sample to produce superior fiber and yarn quality. USTER® High Volume Instrument (HVI) has been widely used for a rapid assessment of cotton fiber length traits from a fiber bundle. However, its effectiveness for genetic studies has been questioned due to the indirect estimations of the cotton fiber traits that cannot be measured from a fiber bundle. To overcome the limits of the HVI fiber length traits, we utilized the Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) measuring fiber length traits directly from individual fibers based on weight or number. Comparative fiber length analyses showed AFIS provided higher sensitivity in detecting the fiber length variations within and among cotton samples than HVI. The weight-based AFIS length traits were strongly correlated with the corresponding HVI lengths, whereas the number-based AFIS mean length showed a relatively weaker correlation with the HVI lengths. Integrations of the weight based-length traits with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) enabled classifying the QTLs specifically associated with long, mean, or short fiber length traits and identified a false positive associated with the indirectly estimated HVI short fiber trait. Unlike the weight based-AFIS length traits, the number-based AFIS length trait did not show a negative correlation with a weight related-HVI property, and identified a single QTL that was not detected by the corresponding HVI trait. These results suggested that integrating the AFIS method with GWAS helped discoveries of the genome loci involved in the within-sample variation in cotton fiber length and characterizations of the fiber length QTLs.

New Prediction Of Cracks Propagation In Repaired Steel Plate With Bonded Composite Patch At Cyclic Loading

Abstract This study presents a numerical prediction of the fatigue life of steel panels repaired by a composite patch. The effect of length cracks, the stress ratio R and properties of the patch is presented. The obtained results show that the bonded composite repair significantly reduces the stress intensity factors at the tip of repaired cracks. The results are in a good agreement with those in the literature. The Monte Carlo method is used to predict the distribution function governing crack propagation in fatigue analysis. In computing the failure probability of the structure, we consider the statistical uncertainty associated with key variables, along with the previously discussed model uncertainty. The results obtained highlight the considerable impact of variations in crack length and stress ratio on the distribution function. Notably, uncertainty in these parameters significantly amplifies the probability of structural failure in plates, thereby diminishing overall structural durability.

Estimation of the displacement of soil nailing vertical face structures intended for building undergrounds

ABSTRACT This study proposes a methodology for estimating horizontal displacements in vertical face soil-nailing structures in urban areas, analyzing 20 projects in São Paulo, Brazil. To minimize displacements, post-grouting sectorized injections through polyethylene tubes was used, a methodology routinely adopted in Brazil which gives the soil mass a significant increase in strength and stiffness.To study the effect of the sectorized injections on soil treatment, a three-dimensional computational model using Plaxis 3D software and calibrated through back-analysis according to the displacements of the structures. Additionally, 11 models were tested with variations in nail length, mesh configuration, and geotechnical parameters, considering injection effects. The study provides design and execution guidelines to optimize this technique. Equations derived from the study predict horizontal displacements, which will be used to assess the technical feasibility of the projects in advance and, when they are being executed, to provide performance control within a more precise and realistic margin.

Morphometric Analysis and Growth Patterns of Blood Cockle (Tegillarca granosa) in Langsa Mangrove Ecosystems, Indonesia

The mangrove area is a nutrient-rich zone that serves as a food source for various aquatic organisms and as a spawning and nursery ground for species such as fish, crabs, and clams. The aim of this study is to investigate the morphometrics and growth pattern of blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa) in the mangrove area of Langsa City. Data collection for T. granosa was conducted using purposive sampling at three designated research locations with varying environmental conditions. Transects were established from the shoreline towards the mangrove vegetation at each research location. Within each transect, 1 meter x 1 meter plots were established for T. granosa sampling. The blood cockles found at the research sites were measured for shell length, shell width, and total weight. The research collected 98 individuals of T. granosa at the study location, with morphological variations including length, width, total weight, and sex. The size of the blood cockles ranged from 3 cm to 6.76 cm, the shell width ranged from T. granosa 2.50 cm to 5.52 cm, while the total weight of T. granosa ranged from 12 grams to 122 grams. Based on morphometric analysis, the growth pattern of T. granosa in the mangrove area of Langsa City is characterized by b = 2.5085, falling into the negative allometric category. This growth pattern indicates that the length of T. granosa grows faster compared to its total weight. Location 1 (Lhok Banie) showed the best growth pattern for T. granosa, the least favorable growth was found at Location 3 (Kuala Langsa). In conclusion, the morphometrics of T. granosa at the study site showed significant variation in length, width, and total weight. Morphometric analysis indicates that T. granosa exhibits a negative allometric growth pattern.

Characterization of Medusavirus encoded histones reveals nucleosome-like structures and a unique linker histone

The organization of DNA into nucleosomes is a ubiquitous and ancestral feature that was once thought to be exclusive to the eukaryotic domain of life. Intriguingly, several representatives of the Nucleocytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses (NCLDV) encode histone-like proteins that in Melbournevirus were shown to form nucleosome-like particles. Medusavirus medusae (MM), a distantly related giant virus, encodes all four core histone proteins and, unique amongst most giant viruses, a putative acidic protein with two domains resembling eukaryotic linker histone H1. Here, we report the structure of nucleosomes assembled with MM histones and highlight similarities and differences with eukaryotic and Melbournevirus nucleosomes. Our structure provides insight into how variations in histone tail and loop lengths are accommodated within the context of the nucleosome. We show that MM-histones assemble into tri-nucleosome arrays, and that the putative linker histone H1 does not function in chromatin compaction. These findings expand our limited understanding of chromatin organization by virus-encoded histones.

Flow field analysis of self-sustained flutter of a wide-slotted bridge deck

This study delves into the flutter mechanism of a 5,000 m bridge with a wide-slotted deck, finding that the motion is self-sustained and not violently destructive. The system damping ratio is not fixed, and only one stable orbit exists. High-resolution PIV experiments at an experimental wind speed of 10.5 m/s measured the static and dynamic flow fields on the windward and leeward decks. The static results showed leading-edge separation on the windward deck within the reference range, while separation on the leeward deck was difficult to observe. Dynamic testing identified instantaneous vortices around the windward/leeward deck at each phase, with no signs of vortices in the wind speed vectors at all phases after phase-averaging, indicating that the vortex drift hypothesis is not valid. The analysis of the streamline pattern revealed periodic variations in leading-edge separation size and reattachment length on the windward deck during the vibration process, while the leeward deck showed consistently inconspicuous changes. Further examination uncovered a peculiar behavior in the horizontal wind speed profile on the leeward deck during the vibration process, attributed to dynamic changes in the height difference between the windward and leeward decks during flutter. The study suggests that the unusual wind speed profile on the leeward deck is caused by the dynamic changes in height difference between the windward and leeward decks during the flutter process, resulting in additional wind loading. These findings shed light on the complex dynamics of bridge flutter and have implications for the design and maintenance of long-span bridges.

New Comprehensive Stability and Sensitivity Analysis on Graphene Nanoribbon Interconnects Parameters

Based on the transmission line modeling for multilayer graphene nanoribbon (MGNR) interconnects, system stability was studied on intrinsic parameters. In addition to width,length and height variation, dielectric constant, permeability and Fermi velocity path change in multilayer graphene nanoribbon (MGNR) interconnects are analyzed. In thispaper, the obtained results show with increasing dielectric constant and decreasing permeability, Fermi velocity system becomes more stable. Nyquist diagram and stepresponse method results confirm these and are matched with physical parameter variation like resistance, capacitance and inductance in the following sensitivity analysis results where it shows with increasing width and length, sensitivity will decrease and increase respectively. Impulse response diagram results show with increasing 50% width, sensitivity will be zero but with increasing 50% length, amplitude will decrease and the time of setting will increase. On the other hand, from the step response of the transfer function, both width and length increase cause more stability for a system but the width parameter will be a better choice for manipulating the dimension of MGNR to reach a stable system.

Stochastic and alternating pacing paradigms to assess the stability of cardiac conduction

Reentry, the most common cause of severe arrhythmias, is initiated by slow conduction and conduction block. Hence, evaluating conduction velocity and conduction block is of primary importance. However, the assessment of cardiac conduction safety in experimental and clinical settings remains elusive. To identify markers of conduction instability that can be determined experimentally, we developed an approach based on new pacing paradigms. Conduction across a cardiac tissue expansion was assessed in computer simulations and in experiments using cultures of neonatal murine cardiomyocytes on microelectrode arrays. Simulated and in vitro tissues were paced at a progressively increasing rate, with stochastic or alternating variations of cycle length, until conduction block occurred. Increasing pacing rate led to conduction block near the expansion. When stochastic or alternating variations were introduced into the pacing protocol, the standard deviation and the amplitude of alternating variations of local conduction times emerged as markers of unstable conduction prone to block. In both simulations and experiments, conduction delays were prolonged at the expansion but increased only slightly during the pacing protocol. In contrast, these markers of instability increased several-fold, early before block occurrence. The first and second moments of these two metrics provided an estimation of the site of block and the accuracy of this estimation. Therefore, when beat-to-beat variations of pacing cycle length are introduced into a pacing protocol, the local variability of conduction permits to predict sites of block. Our pacing paradigms may have translational applications in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, particularly in identifying ablation targets during mapping procedures.

Natural geometrical variations of Italian Phyllostachys edulis bamboo culms for construction purposes

Amid the increasing scarcity of raw materials, utilizing bamboo as a renewable building material offers significant environmental and economic benefits for the European construction sector. However, in Europe, the use of bamboo for construction remains limited due to a lack of studies on geometrical and material characteristics of European-cultivated bamboo species. Although bamboo is not typically grown in Europe, the number of bamboo plantations is steadily increasing in countries like Spain, France and Italy. Bamboos growing in temperate climates, however, are exposed to different environmental conditions during growth compared to bamboos from subtropical and tropical climates, such as those in China or Vietnam. As bamboo’s geometric properties are strongly influenced by the environmental conditions during growth, it is essential to investigate how bamboo culms of the same species grown in Europe compare to those from other regions. The present article reports findings on the geometry and geometric imperfections of 90 four-meter Italian bamboo culms. First, the Italian Phyllostachys edulis bamboo culms examined in this study are briefly introduced. Following, geometric imperfections of bamboo culms are defined, and the geometry measurement concept is presented. Subsequently, variations in internode lengths, diameters, wall thicknesses, ovalities, stem tapers and pre-deflections are described and analyzed. Finally, the findings from the Italian culms are compared with those from Asian Phyllostachys edulis. In summary, this article enhances the understanding of the geometric properties of bamboo grown in Europe, thereby advancing the use of cultivated bamboo culms in Europe and improving the overall understanding of bamboo characteristics across different climatic zones.

Genome-wide exploration of the CONSTANS-like (COL) gene family and its potential role in regulating plant flowering time in foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

In photoperiod-sensitive plants, the CO-like gene (CONSTANS-like, COL) has a crucial function in regulating the timing of flowering. The blooming period in foxtail millet is greatly influenced by the duration of daylight; however, there is a scarcity of data regarding the molecular properties of the COL genes in the foxtail millet. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the COL gene family in foxtail millet at the genome-wide level. We identified 11 SiCOL genes and performed gene structure analysis, which showed pronounced variation in gene length and intron number among the genes. The examination of COL proteins in foxtail millet and other plant species using phylogenetic analysis revealed that they could be clustered into three distinct groups. Cis-element analysis identified elements related to light-responsiveness, hormones, and abiotic stress in the promoter region of the SiCOL gene. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression analysis showed widespread expression of all 11 SiCOL genes in various foxtail millet tissues and organs, particularly in leaves and panicles. Collinearity analysis identified 14 syntenic gene pairs in both foxtail millet and rice. The results also revealed diurnal oscillations in the transcription levels of SiCOL genes under different light conditions. Moreover, among the 11 genes, SiCO, SiCOL1, and SiCOL6 expression levels were negatively correlated with flowering time variation in two foxtail cultivars. Additionally, upon constructing a network of predicted molecular interactions, FLOWER LOCUS-like (FTL) and Phytochromea A (PHY A) were suggested to potentially interact with SiCO, SiCOL1, and SiCOL6. SiCO, SiCOL1, and SiCOL6 have the potential for flowering and heading in foxtail millet. This research enhances our comprehension of the role and control of the SiCOL gene family constituents in foxtail millet, establishing a basis for future investigations.

IMPACT OF Ca DOPING ON THE STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF La1-XCaXFe0.5Mn0.5O3

A series of perovskite compounds La1-xCaxFe0.5Mn0.5O3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9) were synthesized using the conventional ceramic method. The influence of the Ca-doping on the crystal structure of these compounds was studied using was investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed that all the samples crystallize in an orthorhombic structure with the Pbnm space group. The variation in lattice parameters, bond lengths and bond angles created by the difference in valence state and ion size due to the Ca-doping leads to the distortion and tilt of octahedra in the samples.

Multifactorial analysis of factors influencing premolar mobility in stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients ≤ 35 years of age: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested a potential link between the crown-to-root ratio (CRR) and root morphology in patients with mild chronic periodontitis, which may be associated with tooth mobility. However, these findings have not been thoroughly investigated. Our previous study found that 76% of patients with aggressive periodontitis, particularly those with premolar involvement, exhibited abnormal root morphology, severe alveolar bone loss, and increased tooth mobility, leading to poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the specific correlations among alveolar bone resorption, root morphology, CRR, and periodontal clinical indicators with premolar mobility in stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients aged ≤ 35 years.Materials and methodsA total of 1,064 premolars from 151 stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients aged ≤ 35 years were included in the study. Clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic measurements were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between these indicators and tooth mobility.ResultsSignificant variations in premolar root lengths were observed, ranging from 6.80 mm to 20.96 mm. Teeth with shorter roots (mean length: 10.22 mm) exhibited grade I mobility with only 28% alveolar bone resorption, whereas those with medium-length (mean length: 12.67 mm) and longer roots (mean length: 14.91 mm) exhibited mobility at 34% and 37% bone resorption, respectively. Regression models incorporating the bone-level CRR, average probing depth, and root length demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for tooth mobility (P < 0.001, AIC = 1700.574).ConclusionPremolar mobility is influenced by variations in root length, alveolar bone resorption, and probing depth. The bone-level CRR is an effective predictor for assessing tooth mobility, especially when there are differences in root length and alveolar bone resorption.

Durability properties of ambient-cured fly ash-phosphogypsum blended geopolymer mortar in terms of water absorption, porosity, and sulfate resistance

This paper aimed to investigate the durability of ambient-cured fly ash-phosphogypsum blended geopolymer mortar (GPM) when exposed to a water and sulfate environment at different durations. Water absorption, porosity, and sulfate resistance tests were conducted to determine the durability. The GPM was prepared at 0 wt%, 30 wt%, and 40 wt% PG replacement of fly ash content in the mixture. The mix proportions were determined experimentally at 10 M sodium hydroxide, alkaline liquid/precursor of 0.4, sodium silicate/sodium hydroxide of 1.5, and binder/aggregate of 1.0. The samples were immersed in potable water and magnesium sulfate solution. The changes in weight, length, and compressive strength were monitored. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to analyze the structure and composition. The findings showed that GPM with 30 wt% phosphogypsum added had lower water absorption, porosity, and sulfate attack than GPM with 0 wt% phosphogypsum attributed to the formation of hydrated gels leading to a dense microstructure and improved strength. The changes in weight, length, and strength variations trend for GPM were within optimal performance standards. This has implications for the practical application of GPM in construction where it can be used as an alternative to Portland cement mortar in sulfate-rich environments.

Temperature-modulated dilatometry as tool for studying precipitation kinetics: Case example Al-Mg

Temperature-modulated dilatometry is implemented as a tool for studying phase equilibration processes in alloys. The potential of this method is demonstrated using a two-phase Al-Mg alloy consisting of the saturated solid solution Al(Mg) and intermetallic Al3Mg2. The relative length change upon sinusoidal temperature modulation around 380∘C with amplitude of 6∘C is monitored for different modulation periods between 1 h and 8 h. The temperature modulation and the thereby varying solubility of Mg in Al imposes a modulation of the relative fractions of the two phases, which can sensitively be detected by dilatometry owing to the different atomic volumes of the two phases. The phase equilibration process causes a characteristic phase lag of the periodic length variation with respect to the temperature modulation. From the variation of the phase shift with the modulation frequency, a reaction rate of k = 1.85 × 10−4 s−1 for the equilibration of the phase equilibrium can be deduced in the framework of a simple kinetic model. This value is in quantitative agreement with the kinetics expected for an equilibration process that is controlled by the diffusion of Mg in Al upon modulation-induced growth or shrinkage of the intermetallic Al3Mg2-phase.

Genetic and molecular regulation of fruit development in cucumber.

Fruit development can be generally classified into a set of biologically sequential stages including fruit initiation, growth, and ripening. Cucumber, a globally important vegetable crop, displays two important features during fruit development: parthenocarpy at fruit initiation and prematurity at harvest for consumption. Therefore, fruit growth plays essential role for cucumber yield and quality formation, and has become the research hot spot in cucumber fruit development. Here, we describe recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying fruit growth in cucumber, include key players and regulatory networks controlling fruit length variation, fruit neck elongation, and locule development. We also provide insights into future directions for scientific research and breeding strategies in cucumber.