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We present a comprehensive study of the nonproportionality of NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors within the context of dark matter search experiments. Our investigation, which integrates COSINE-100 data with supplementary γ spectroscopy, measures light yields across diverse energy levels from full-energy γ peaks produced by the decays of various isotopes. These γ peaks of interest were produced by decays supported by both long and short-lived isotopes. Analyzing peaks from decays supported only by short-lived isotopes presented a unique challenge due to their limited statistics and overlapping energies, which was overcome by long-term data collection and a time-dependent analysis. A key achievement is the direct measurement of the 0.87 keV light yield, resulting from the cascade following electron capture decay of 22 Na from internal contamination. This measurement, previously accessible only indirectly, deepens our understanding of NaI(Tl) scintillator behavior in the region of interest for dark matter searches. This study holds substantial implications for background modeling and the interpretation of dark matter signals in NaI(Tl) experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scenarios of deposition on the sea surface around the Korean Peninsula following hypothetical release at Kori NPP were studied by application of the atmospheric transport model FLEXPART. The series of 1460 dispersion scenarios was calculated, covering the time period of 1 year. The total depositions on the surfaces of the East/Japan Sea (EJS), Yellow Sea (YS), East China Sea (ECS), and near-coast zone of 200-km vicinity around the Korean Peninsula, normalized on the total emission inventory were analyzed. The normalized deposition on the total area of 3 seas varied by more than 2 orders of magnitude from 0.003 to 0.59. The fraction of wet deposition in total deposition varied from 0 to 0.99. The selected most heavy deposition scenarios were divided into those dominated by dry deposition and wet deposition. The most conservative release scenarios (7 August 2020 and 2 September 2020) were dominated by wet deposition and were caused by the monsoon rainband and passage of the typhoon. In the scenario of 7 August 2020, 96% of deposition appeared in the near-coast zone. Cluster analysis of dispersion scenarios confirmed strong seasonal dependence of deposition patterns. For EJS and YS, the maximum average deposition was reached in the 'Summer' cluster. For ECS the maximum average normalized deposition was reached in the 'Spring + Fall' cluster ( D r = 0.055 ). Minimum average deposition on all seas was obtained for the 'Winter' cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that parents of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) tend to experience significant levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. However, few studies have explored the difference between mothers' and fathers' use of religious and spiritual (R/S) coping and mental health after the family is discharged from the NICU. Participants were 131 mothers and 53 fathers (N = 184) who completed the COPE Inventory, the Brief RCOPE, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale—Revised (CESD-R), and the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire. Participants were acquired from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Health Statistics and Studyfinder at a university medical center. Mothers were contacted via regular mail with a survey for the mother and her co-parent/significant other to complete separately. Babies were born on average at 31.65 weeks' gestation and spent on average 35.10 days in the NICU. Mothers' mean scores on depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly higher than fathers' scores. Further, use of negative R/S coping was a salient predictor of depression for fathers even after accounting for secular coping. For mothers, negative R/S coping was related to greater anxiety and stress, while use of positive R/S was linked to lower levels of anxiety after accounting for secular forms of coping. Thus, mothers and fathers may experience stress, anxiety, and depression at different levels following NICU discharge. Their ways of coping with the new reality of having a recently discharged infant can also vary, with important mental health implications. The use of negative R/S coping may have detrimental impacts on these parents' mental health and family functioning. A family-centered approach that includes psychospiritual dimensions is warranted for better parental outcomes post NICU discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe80PxC20-x ingots and amorphous ribbons (4.5 ≤ x ≤ 6.5) are arc melted and melt spun respectively. The Rhodamine B degradation performance of as spun and annealed ribbons are investigated with various methods. In present alloys, increasing P content (cP) can inhibit the precipitation of primary α-Fe and graphite phases, and promote the formation of eutectic α-Fe + Fe3C + Fe3P phases in ingots and annealed ribbons. With increasing annealing temperature (Tan), the primary α-Fe grain size of the ribbons with cP = 4.5 at.% increases gradually and that of the ribbons with cP = 6.5 at.% increases firstly and then decreases. The degradation performance and reusability of the ribbons show a similar Tan-dependent behavior, which can be explained by the size effect of the galvanic cells. Meanwhile, the saturation magnetisation Bs and coercivity Hc of the ribbons with cP = 4.5 and 6.5 at.% increase with increasing Tan, showing a near-linear change of the reaction rate constant k against ln (Bs·Hc). This work not only studies the mechanism of improving degradation performance for FePC amorphous alloys by annealing treatment, but also reveals a correlation between degradation performance and magnetization performance of FePC alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal areas contain buildup of mixed organic and inorganic contaminants, which promote deterioration or sediment and impairment of benthic life. Hence, it is necessary to develop a method for sediment remediation and to promote the ecosystem. In this study, Granulated Coal Ash (GCA) was used as a covering material for the remediation of sediment. Our results indicate an increase in pH and oxidation–reduction potential, as well as a decrease in the concentrations of phosphate and hydrogen sulfide in the sediment and overlying water. The top three phyla observed based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. Further, as a consequence of physicochemical changes in the sediments, we observed a significant change in the relative abundance of Deltaproteobacteria, Epsilonproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria. In conclusion, GCA is a promising covering material for limiting contaminants in sediment and overlying water, and promoting the diversity of microbial populations for sediment remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop plants and undomesticated resilient species employ different strategies to regulate their energy resources and growth. Most crop species are sensitive to stress and prioritise rapid growth to maximise yield or biomass production. In contrast, resilient plants grow slowly, are small, and allocate their resources for survival in challenging environments. One small group of plants, termed resurrection plants, survive desiccation of their vegetative tissue and regain full metabolic activity upon watering. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this extreme tolerance remain unknown. In this study, we employed a transcriptomics and metabolomics approach, to investigate the mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in Tripogon loliiformis, a modified desiccation-tolerant plant, that survives gradual but not rapid drying. We show that T. loliiformis can survive rapid desiccation if it is gradually dried to 60% relative water content (RWC). Furthermore, the gene expression data showed that T. loliiformis is genetically predisposed for desiccation in the hydrated state, as evidenced by the accumulation of MYB, NAC, bZIP, WRKY transcription factors along with the phytohormones, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, amino acids (e.g., proline) and TCA cycle sugars during initial drying. Through network analysis of co-expressed genes, we observed differential responses to desiccation between T. loliiformis shoots and roots. Dehydrating shoots displayed global transcriptional changes across broad functional categories, although no enrichment was observed during drying. In contrast, dehydrating roots showed distinct network changes with the most significant differences occurring at 40% RWC. The cumulative effects of the early stress responses may indicate the minimum requirements of desiccation tolerance and enable T. loliiformis to survive rapid drying. These findings potentially hold promise for identifying biotechnological solutions aimed at developing drought-tolerant crops without growth and yield penalties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD), infections and thrombotic events represent severe complications. We investigated device-specific local and systemic inflammation and its impact on cerebrovascular events (CVE) and mortality. In 118 LVAD patients referred for 18F-FDG-PET/CT, metabolic activity of LVAD components, thoracic aortic wall, lymphoid and hematopoietic organs, was quantified and correlated with clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcome. Driveline infection was detected in 92/118 (78%) patients by 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Activity at the driveline entry site was associated with increased signals in aortic wall (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), spleen (r = 0.20, p = 0.03) and bone marrow (r = 0.20, p = 0.03), indicating systemic interactions. Multivariable analysis revealed independent associations of aortic wall activity with activity of spleen (β = 0.43, 95% CI 0.18–0.68, p < 0.001) and driveline entry site (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01–0.06, p = 0.001). Twenty-two (19%) patients suffered CVE after PET/CT. In a binary logistic regression analysis metabolic activity at the driveline entry site missed the level of significance as an influencing factor for CVE after adjusting for anticoagulation (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1–1.33, p = 0.05). Metabolic activity of the subcutaneous driveline (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.24, p = 0.016) emerged as independent risk factor for mortality. Molecular imaging revealed systemic inflammatory interplay between thoracic aorta, hematopoietic organs, and infected device components in LVAD patients, the latter predicting CVE and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, PM deposition on plants was quantitatively analyzed in an urban roadside environment of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh (India). The leaf wash method was used to obtain PM retention capacity in the respirable and non-respirable ranges. Additionally, micrographs of plant leaves were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and used to quantify PM in three size ranges (0.2–2.5 μm, 2.5–10 μm, and 10–100 μm). There were large differences in PM retention capacity between our results and the conventional method. In contrast to the general expectation, smooth surface leaves were found to remove PM in a respirable range more efficiently than rough surface leaves. Polyalthia longifolia showed the highest retention capacity for respirable PM by a conventional leaf wash method, while Dalbergia sissoo showed the best results based on our approach. The image analysis based on SEM micrographs indicates a specific pattern for the accumulation of PM in distinct size ranges. Overall, the results of this study suggest that an image-based quantification can be used as an effective option for a rapid and superior selection of the plant species needed for urban road greening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si3N4/TiN ceramic composites have been prepared by hot pressing in a nitrogen atmosphere using fine Si3N4 and Ti powders and CaO–Al2O3 sintering aids and investigated. The results demonstrate that hot pressing was accompanied by titanium nitridation, yielding titanium nitride with the composition TiN0.9. Reaction between silicon nitride and the sintering aid led to the formation of a Ca-α-SiAlON with the composition Ca0.67(Si10Al2)(N15.3O0.7). In addition to the major phases, calcium aluminosilicate with the composition Ca3Al2Si3O12 was identified. Increasing the percentage of titanium nitride in the composites prepared at a temperature of 1650°C led to an increase in their density and Vickers microhardness: from 3.18 ± 0.03 to 4.33 ± 0.03 g/cm3 and from 17 ± 1.1 to 29.4 ± 0.9 GPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the effect of sodium fluoride as a sintering aid for β-sialons on the phase composition and physicomechanical properties of Si5AlON7 and Si4Al2O2N6. Two-step high-temperature firing of the β-sialons in the presence of NaF under a nitrogen atmosphere has been shown to cause no significant changes in the phase composition of the materials. The density and microhardness of the materials prepared using 0.5 and 5.0 wt % NaF are lower than those of the materials prepared without sintering aids, but the bending strength is higher by up to 14.3% in the case of Si5AlON7 prepared using 0.5 wt % NaF and by 4.9% in the case of Si4Al2O2N6 prepared using 5.0 wt % NaF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the United Nations Global Technical Regulation No. 13 (UN GTR #13), vehicle fire safety is validated using a localized and engulfing fire test methodology and currently, updates are being considered in the on-going Phase 2 development stage. The GTR#13 fire test is designed to verify the performance of a hydrogen storage system of preventing rupture when exposed to service-terminating condition of fire situation. The test is conducted in two stages—localized flame exposure at a location most challenging for thermally-activated pressure relief device(s) (TPRDs) to respond for 10 min. followed by engulfing fire exposure until the system vents and the pressure falls to less than 1 MPa or until "time out" (30 min. for light-duty vehicle containers and 60 min. for heavy-duty vehicle containers). The rationale behind this two-stage fire test is to ensure that even when fire sizes are small and TPRDs are not responding the containers have fire resistance to withstand or fire sensitivity to respond to a localized fire to avoid system rupture. In this study, appropriate fire sizes for localized and engulfing fire tests in GTR#13 are evaluated by considering actual fire conditions in a hydrogen-powered electric city bus. Quantitative risk analysis is conducted to develop various fire accident scenarios including regular bus fire, battery fire, and hydrogen leak fire. Frequency and severity analyses are performed to determine the minimum fire size required in GTR#13 fire test and the design guides to ensure hydrogen storage tank safety in hydrogen-powered electric city buses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We employed contact alloying in the range 1000–1860°С to study the reaction specifics between SiC and Al2O3−(t + m)ZrO2(Y2O3) oxide composition. Real-time experiments with photographic recording of the changing size and shape of the Al2O3−(t + m)ZrO2(Y2O3) sample on a SiC ceramic substrate showed that Al2O3−(t + m)ZrO2(Y2O3) compositions react with the silicon carbide substrate in the range 1720–1860°С to melt and penetrate into (impregnate) the substrate. X-ray powder diffraction patterns were measured for samples taken from the contact area of the oxide composition with SiC directly on the substrate and in a chipped-off <1-mm-deep near-surface layer. ZrС, Al2Y4O9, and Al3.21Si0.47 were formed in the contact area via redox reactions involving oxide melt, in addition to 6H-SiC, Si and Al2O3, t-ZrO2 phases, which are the initial components of the substrate and oxide composition, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The susceptible-infected-susceptible epidemic model is analyzed through a degree-based mean-field approach. In this work, a mitigation factor is introduced in the probability of finding an infected individual following an edge. This modification simulates situations where the infected population reduces its participation in the dynamics of disease propagation, as may happen with the seclusion or hospitalization of infected individuals. A detailed investigation of this new model and its comparison to the original one (without the mitigation factor) was performed on the Barabási-Albert network, where some important results were analytically accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multicomponent force balance was designed to measure the drag and rolling moment using an accelerometer-based technique. The force balance system used a linear ball bush as a new model mount system to minimize the constraint of the test model motion in both the axial and rotational directions. The accelerations of the test model were measured in the axial and rotational directions using accelerometers that were externally mounted on the test model. The drag and rolling moment were recovered from the measured accelerations using the system response functions, which included the dynamic characteristics of the force balance system. The system response functions were determined from the force balance calibration processes by applying a series of point loads in the axial and rotational directions and deconvolving the resulting accelerations. The drag and rolling moment measurements on the wedge model, including the flaps, were performed in a shock tunnel with a test time of approximately 3 ms at a nominal freestream Mach number of 6. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis assuming a laminar boundary layer was performed. Good agreement was obtained between the measured and calculated results. An uncertainty analysis of the measurements was conducted with regard to the influence of the fundamental properties of the test condition and force balance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bempegaldesleukin (BEMPEG), a CD122-preferential IL2 pathway agonist, has been shown to induce proliferation and activation of NK cells. NK activation is dependent on the balance of inhibitory and excitatory signals transmitted by NK receptors, including Fc-gamma receptors (FCγRs) and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) along with their KIR-ligands. The repertoire of KIRs/KIR-ligands an individual inherits and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FCγRs can influence NK function and affect responses to immunotherapies. In this retrospective analysis of the single-arm PIVOT-02 trial, 200 patients with advanced solid tumors were genotyped for KIR/KIR-ligand gene status and FCγR SNP status and evaluated for associations with clinical outcome. Patients with inhibitory KIR2DL2 and its ligand (HLA-C1) observed significantly greater tumor shrinkage (TS, median change −13.0 vs. 0%) and increased PFS (5.5 vs. 3.3 months) and a trend toward improved OR (31.2 vs. 19.5%) compared to patients with the complementary genotype. Furthermore, patients with KIR2DL2 and its ligand together with inhibitory KIR3DL1 and its ligand (HLA-Bw4) had improved OR (36.5 vs. 19.6%), greater TS (median change −16.1 vs. 0%), and a trend toward prolonged PFS (8.4 vs. 3.6 months) as compared to patients with the complementary genotype. FCγR polymorphisms did not influence OR/PFS/TS. These data show that clinical response to BEMPEG plus nivolumab treatment in the PIVOT-02 trial may be associated with the repertoire of KIR/KIR-ligands an individual inherits. Further investigation and validation of these results may enable KIR/KIR-ligand genotyping to be utilized prospectively for identifying patients likely to benefit from certain cancer immunotherapy regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The da Vinci SP® (dVSP) surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), a robotic platform designed for single-incision surgery, overcame the need for multiple ports in traditional robotic surgery and issues including triangulation and retraction in single-incision laparoscopic surgery. However, previous studies only included case reports or series with small sample sizes. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and performance of the dVSP surgical system and its instruments and accessories for colorectal procedures. Methods: The medical records of patients who had surgery with the dVSP from March 2019 to September 2021 at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were investigated. The pathologic and follow-up data of patients who had malignant tumors were analyzed separately to evaluate oncological safety. Results: Fifty patients (26 male and 24 female) with a median age of 59 years (interquartile range 52.5–63.0 years) were enrolled. The procedures included low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (n = 16), sigmoid colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vessel ligation (CME + CVL) (n = 14), right colectomy with CME + CVL (n = 9), left colectomy with CME + CVL (n = 4), right colectomy (n = 6), and sigmoid colectomy (n = 1). Operative time significantly decreased after 25 cases (early phase vs. late phase; operative time 295.0 min vs. 250.0 min, p = 0.015; docking time 16.0 min vs. 12.0 min, p = 0.001; console time 212.0 min vs. 190.0 min, p = 0.019). Planned procedures were successfully completed in all patients. Postoperative outcomes were acceptable with only six cases of mild adverse events through a 3-month follow-up. No local recurrence and only one case of systemic recurrence occurred within 1 year postoperatively. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the surgical and oncological safety and feasibility of dVSP, which may be a novel surgical platform for colorectal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate whether the prediction of post-treatment HbA1c levels can be improved by adding an additional biomarker of the glucose metabolism in addition to baseline HbA1c. Methods: We performed an exploratory analysis based on data from 112 individuals with prediabetes (HbA1c 39–47 mmol) and overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), who completed 13 weeks of glucose-lowering interventions (exercise, dapagliflozin, or metformin) or control (habitual living) in the PRE-D trial. Seven prediction models were tested; one basic model with baseline HbA1c as the sole glucometabolic marker and six models each containing one additional glucometabolic biomarker in addition to baseline HbA1c. The additional glucometabolic biomarkers included: 1) plasma fructosamine, 2) fasting plasma glucose, 3) fasting plasma glucose × fasting serum insulin, 4) mean glucose during a 6-day free-living period measured by a continuous glucose monitor 5) mean glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test, and 6) mean plasma glucose × mean serum insulin during the oral glucose tolerance test. The primary outcome was overall goodness of fit (R2) from the internal validation step in bootstrap-based analysis using general linear models. Results: The prediction models explained 46–50% of the variation (R2) in post-treatment HbA1c with standard deviations of the estimates of ~2 mmol/mol. R2 was not statistically significantly different in the models containing an additional glucometabolic biomarker when compared to the basic model. Conclusion: Adding an additional biomarker of the glucose metabolism did not improve the prediction of post-treatment HbA1c in individuals with HbA1c-defined prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SiO2, Gd2O3–SiO2 and Eu2O3–SiO2 were synthesized by two ways: using the silicon oxide isolated from kaolin and using the silicon oxide obtained by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane. Agar-agar (polysaccharide) was added as a structure-forming agent and the freeze-drying was used for obtaining powders. DSC and TG up to 700°С revealed endothermic effects corresponding to the loss of free moisture, the decomposition of metal hydroxide and hydroxogroups (≡Si–OH) from the silica surface. The powders calcined at 700°С are X-ray amorphous. The morphology of the samples was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The hydrodynamic size of the particles synthesized from kaolin, determined using DLS method, exceeds the particle size established by TEM. The hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles obtained from tetraethoxysilane is within the particle size determined by TEM. The agglomerates formed by particles synthesized from tetraethoxysilane are less strong than those obtained from kaolin. In the Eu2O3–SiO2 system obtained using tetraethoxysilane, nanocrystallinity with a particle size of 8–40 nm was detected. The luminescence excitation spectra for the Eu2O3–SiO2 samples synthesized by both ways differ in the ratio of the supersensitive 5D0–7F2 and magnetodipole 5D0–7F1 transition bands. For the Gd2O3–SiO2 nanopowder obtained from tetraethoxysilane, an increase in the 5D0–7F2 intensity, as well as the appearance of a second 5D0–7F1 peak were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study is performed of the catalytic properties of Cu–Zn catalysts on Al2O3 and SiO2 supports (Acros) in the reaction of CO2 hydrogenation to obtain methanol. A sample of 30Cu15Zn/Al2O3 displays great selectivity toward methanol. A sample of 30Cu15Zn/SiO2 has the highest methanol performance. The methanol performance of a sample of 10Cu5Zn/Al2O3 is doubled when the pressure is raised from 10 to 30 atm, and a 94% increase in selectivity is observed. A sample of catalyst 10Cu5Zn/SiO2 does not lose its activity after 10 h of a catalytic reaction, and its methanol performance grows with repeated use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) has been actively researched and developed by researchers in various fields. In medical applications, especially photon-counting, CZT enables improved image quality, multi-material decomposition, and improved dose efficiency. Moreover, band gap engineering and selenium addition on CZT improved electrical, spectroscopic and structural properties, thereby supporting performance of CZT as a photon-counting detector. In this study, it is shown that Cd0.875Zn0.125Te0.98Se0.02 (CZTS) shows sufficient performance without loss of detection efficiency. We carried out a study involving the application of this CZTS on calculating bone mineral density (BMD) values, because this application has a novelty of new material for BMD sensor which follows the CdTe- or CdZnTe- based BMD detector. Anatomical images from different energy bins contained different information of attenuation although the images were taken in the same region at the same time. Moreover, calculated BMD values had a proper tendency depending on the amount of bone in that region. The final BMD value was 1.1972 g/cm2, which is close to the real value of 1.2 g/cm2. The introduction with a bone filter and a smaller pixel size will improve the accuracy and precision of photon-counting CZTS detectors for measuring BMD values. However, in this study the CZTS showed the feasibility that a photon-counting CZTS detector can help the measurement of BMD values and the diagnosis of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrino elastic scattering observation with NaI (NEON) is an experiment designed to detect neutrino-nucleus coherent scattering using reactor electron antineutrinos. NEON is based on an array of six NaI(Tl) crystals with a total mass of 13.3 kg, located at the tendon gallery that is 23.7 m away from a reactor core with a thermal power of 2.8 GW in the Hanbit nuclear power complex. The installation of the NEON detector was completed in December 2020, and since May 2021, the detector has acquired data at full reactor power. Based on the observed light yields of the NaI crystals of approximately 22, number of photoelectrons per unit keV electron-equivalent energy (keVee), and 6 counts/kg/keV/day background level at 2–6 keVee energy, coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE ν NS) observation sensitivity is evaluated as more than 3 σ assuming 1-year reactor-on and 100 days reactor-off data, 0.2 keVee energy threshold, and 7 counts/keV/kg/day background in the signal region of 0.2 - 0.5 keVee. This paper describes the design of the NEON detector, including the shielding arrangement, configuration of NaI(Tl) crystals, and associated operating systems. The initial performance and associated sensitivity of the experiment are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the transmission capacity of the power line with incomplete compensation. The dependence of the maximum power at dynamic stability on the degree of compensation of the intermediate synchronous compensator is determined for single power lines. At the same time, it is assumed that the EMF of the generator and the compensator behind their transient reactance are constants. This made it possible to use energy functions to assess the stability of the system. It is shown that, under this condition, the dynamic stability limit significantly depends on the degree of compensation of the compensator, which is mainly observed at high degrees of compensation. With a small degree of compensation not exceeding 50%, the level of compensation has practically no effect on the dynamic-stability limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite demonstrating high levels of academic and professional competence, Asians are underrepresented in leadership roles in North America. The limited research on this topic has found that Asian Americans are perceived by others as poorer leaders than White Americans due to perceptions that Asians lack the ideal traits of a Western leader (i.e., agentic) relative to White Americans. However, we contend that, in addition to poorly activating ideal leader traits, Asian Americans may strongly activate ideal follower traits (e.g., industrious and reliable), and being seen as a good follower may pigeonhole Asian Americans in non-managerial roles. Across 4 studies, our findings generally supported our arguments regarding the activation of ideal follower traits and lack of activation of ideal leader traits for Asian American workers. However, compared to their majority group counterparts, we found some unexpected evidence for a more favorable view of Asian Americans as leaders, which was primarily driven by the greater activation of ideal follower traits (i.e., industry and good citizen) among Asian American workers. Yet, we uncover an important boundary condition in that these "good follower" advantages did not accrue when observers experienced threat—revealing how the benefits of so-called positive stereotypes of Asian American workers are context dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the tetraquark mixing framework has been proposed as a possible structure for the two light-meson nonets in the J P = 0 + channel, the light nonet composed of a 0 (980) , K 0 ∗ (700) , f 0 (500) , f 0 (980) , and the heavy nonet of a 0 (1450) , K 0 ∗ (1430) , f 0 (1370) , f 0 (1500) . Among various signatures, we report in this work that their partial decay widths collected from various experimental data in Particle Data Group (PDG) can support this mixing scheme also. In particular, we demonstrate that the couplings of the light nonet to two pseudoscalar mesons estimated from the partial widths are consistently stronger than those of the heavy nonet. This consistent feature agrees qualitatively well with the predictions from the tetraquark mixing framework and, therefore, provides supporting evidence for the tetraquark mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and properties of the Ti–18Zr–15Nb alloy subjected to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 200°С (the number of ECAP cycles n = 1–4) and 500°С (the number of ECAP cycles n = 4 and n = 8) are studied. The main phase of the alloys in all the states is the bcc β phase. No clear presence of X-ray reflections belonging to the secondary α", ω, and α phases is found. The ECAP at 200°С leads to the formation of deformation macrobands that cut the entire sample. As ECAP temperature increases to 500°С, the deformation occurs without the formation of macrobands. According to optical microscopy data, after ECAP, the fragmentation occurs within grains outside of macrobands; microbands and deformation microband packets form. According to transmission electron microscopy data, ECAP results in refining the structure to submicron grains and deformation microbands. The ultimate strength increases as the number of ECAP cycles increases and reaches 960 MPa after ECAP at 200°С with n = 4; however, in this case, the plasticity decreases. The best combination of mechanical properties is achieved after ECAP at 500°С with n = 4; the ultimate strength is 825 MPa at the relatively high plasticity equal to δ = 16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si3N4-based ceramics have been produced by hot pressing in the temperature range 1550–1650°C using α-Si3N4 starting powder and CaO–Al2O3 (48 : 52 wt %) sintering aids. The powders and the ceramics have been characterized by dilatometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, and we have measured the microhardness and density of the ceramic samples. The results demonstrate that the sintering aid reacted with Si3N4 to form Ca-α-SiAlON. At 40 wt % sintering aids, all of the silicon nitride was converted into Ca-α-SiAlON. We have clarified general trends in the effect of the amount of sintering aids on the properties of the ceramic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of food and water by heavy metals, especially cadmium (Cd), poses a significant threat to humans and ecological systems. Here, we focus on the development of a simple, cost-effective, and selective colorimetric sensing system for Cd2+ ions using green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNPs). We used Annona muricata fruit pulp extract (AMPuE) to prepare highly stable GNPs (AMPuE-GNPs). Peerless optoelectronic properties of AMPuE-GNPs were employed for both spectroscopic and paper-based sensing of Cd2+ ions in spiked samples (e.g., water and kinnow juice). These GNPs displayed a selective response for Cd2+ over various metal chloride forms (Al3+, Ba2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, In2+, K+, Li+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Na+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Pt2+, Sn2+, and Zn2+). The estimated detection limits of Cd in water samples using GNP-based spectroscopic and paper-based sensors were 1.13 × 10–10 and 4.45 × 10–8 M, respectively. GNPs prepared via a green synthesis method yielded more sensitive and selective results than those prepared chemically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capabilities of the ensemble Kalman filter (EKF) data assimilation (DA) method to reduce errors in simulations of concentration distributions following the accidental release of a contaminant in the ocean were evaluated. The method was tested in an idealized setting where the contaminant was released in the ocean described by a simple linear Stommel model that includes the main features of two-dimensional (2D) wind-driven circulation in the ocean on the β-plane. The wind stress curl in the right-hand side of the equation for stream function was randomly perturbed to generate an ensemble of the perturbed fields of currents. The velocity fields obtained from the ensemble of stream functions were then used for the calculation of the ensemble of concentration fields following short-duration point release. On day 1000 of the simulation, correlation coefficients of the members of the concentration ensemble and the unperturbed concentration distribution fell to 0.087. The ensemble member with the maximum deviation from the unperturbed concentration distribution was selected to be used as "truth" in data assimilation experiments. Due to the high inhomogeneity of the concentration fields, the free regularization parameter had to be defined and tuned using the L-curve approach. Different DA scenarios were considered with different topologies of measurement networks and different source locations. In all cases, data assimilation gradually brought ensemble-averaged concentration fields close to the true distribution. The root mean square errors of the analyzed concentrations on day 1000 decreased by the factors varying from 3 to 4 in different DA scenarios as compared to the simulation without DA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reactive bridge of nanoscale Al/Ni multilayers, or nanolaminates, is a recent advance in microscale thin-film initiator systems, potentially improving performances of explosive initiator. This numerical study introduces a three-dimensional (3D) modeling of initiator with a reactive bridge for more realistic and accurate system prediction as compared with the existing one-dimensional (1D) approximation of thin-film initiator. The model gives transient simulations for the atomic species and thermal diffusion, as well as prediction of electric potential distribution and pulsed energy deposition in the platinum bridge film. The computational results show that 3D effects are substantial such locally concentrated bridge joule heating and reduced reaction sensitivity in bimetallic multilayers by lateral heat loss. The horizontal reaction wave propagation from corners of the nanolaminates is also examined, as it effectively invalidates the 1D model of uniform bridge heating and vertical reaction advances across bimetallic multilayers. Optimization of various system design parameters is also discussed in view of achievement of best initiator performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Immunoscore can effectively predict prognosis in patients with colon cancer; however, its clinical application is limited. We modified the Immunoscore and created a tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) classification system for gastric carcinoma. Unlike previous studies that used small sample sizes or focused on particular immune-cell subtypes, our simplified system enables pathologists to classify gastric carcinomas intuitively using H&E-stained sections. Methods: Samples from 326 patients with advanced gastric carcinoma were reviewed and analyzed by pathologists using simple determination and digital image analysis. Comprehensive results of cancer-panel sequencing, Epstein-Barr‒virus (EBV) status, and PD-L1, HER2, ATM, PTEN, MET, FGFR2, and EGFR immunohistochemistry were evaluated with respect to the TIM class. Results: The TIM was classified as "hot" (n = 22), "immunosuppressed" (n = 178), "excluded" (n = 83), or "cold" (n = 43). TIM category was significantly associated with numbers of frameshift mutations (P < 0.001) and high tumor mutational burden (P < 0.004), and predicted overall survival. It was also significantly associated with age, histological type, degree of fibrosis, PD-L1 expression, loss of ATM and PTEN expression (P < 0.001), sex, EBV positivity, and HER2 overexpression (P < 0.04). "Hot" tumors were frequent in PD-L1 expressing and EBV-positive samples, and in those with ATM and PTEN loss. "Excluded" tumors were frequent in HER2-positive cases, whereas "cold" tumors were more frequent in younger patients with poorly cohesive histology and high fibrosis levels. Conclusions: TIM classification system for gastric carcinoma has prognostic significance and results in classes that are associated with molecular characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After hundreds of generations of adaptive evolution at exponential growth, Escherichia coli grows as predicted using flux balance analysis (FBA) on genome‐scale metabolic models (GEMs). However, it is not known whether the predicted pathway usage in FBA solutions is consistent with gene and protein expression in the wild‐type and evolved strains. Here, we report that >98% of active reactions from FBA optimal growth solutions are supported by transcriptomic and proteomic data. Moreover, when E. coli adapts to growth rate selective pressure, the evolved strains upregulate genes within the optimal growth predictions, and downregulate genes outside of the optimal growth solutions. In addition, bottlenecks from dosage limitations of computationally predicted essential genes are overcome in the evolved strains. We also identify regulatory processes that may contribute to the development of the optimal growth phenotype in the evolved strains, such as the downregulation of known regulons and stringent response suppression. Thus, differential gene and protein expression from wild‐type and adaptively evolved strains supports observed growth phenotype changes, and is consistent with GEM‐computed optimal growth states.

A comparative study of the catalytic properties of Cu–Zn catalysts on supports of various compositions in methanol synthesis by hydrogenation of CO2 has been performed. The commercial adsorbents: Al2O3, Al2O3 with SiO2 addition, SiO2 with Al2O3 addition, and SiO2 (all from Saint Gobain) were used as supports. All these catalysts were shown to be effective in the methanol synthesis. The highest methanol selectivity was observed for the sample with the Al2O3 support. In the temperature range of 170–210°C, the methanol selectivity for this catalyst was over 96%. The highest efficiency with respect to methanol, especially at temperatures above 210°C, was observed for the sample on the Al2O3 support with SiO2 addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of the solar wind with the plasma envelope of planets without their own global magnetic field has a different character than does the corresponding process near the Earth due to the closer location of the bow shock to the planet's surface. Similar processes and structures in the interaction of the solar wind with the plasma envelope of the planet can be found in both planets with a global magnetic field and without. In this paper, we analyze the observations of plasma structures found in the transition region between the ionosphere and magnetosheath, better known as the region of the induced magnetosphere, on the dayside of Mars based on the measurement data of a set of instruments for studying the characteristics of particles and fields of the spacecraft Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN). The velocity of the observed plasma structures is calculated on the assumption that it coincides with the de Hoffmann–Teller velocity by minimizing the electric field in the moving coordinate frame. The hypothesis of the origin of these structures during the formation of vortices of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability is tested by analyzing the velocity vectors of the H+, O+, and ions in different coordinate frames. An analysis of the scatter plots of projections of velocities depending on the density of the selected ionic component of the plasma is carried out. Based on the analysis results, it is shown that not all detection criteria are feasible in the case of the formation of vortices of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability on Mars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed the vegetation in Deogyusan National Park (conservation areas) and surrounding areas outside the park (Mt. Juksang, Mt. Johang and Mt. Bonghwa). We calculated plant community indices and diversity indices; these identified properties of the surrounding areas that are relevant to conservation efforts in the park. We compared the diversities of plant communities and plant species between areas using field and quadrat surveys to assign the identities of plant communities to an existing un-delineated preliminary vegetation map produced from aerial photographs. We identified 19 associations. The covers of dominant species in all tree and herb layers were markedly higher in the conservation areas than in the peripheral zone. Mean richness (based on plant community richness and species richness indices) was significantly higher in the conservation area, but mean values of community dominance, diversity, and evenness and the Simpson, Shannon diversity, and evenness indices in the surrounding area were significantly higher than those in the conservation area. Ordination by detrended canonical correspondence analyses showed that elevation and slope explained the distributions of quadrats in the Cartesian space of the ordination. The cover of dominant species in the tree, herb, and sub-tree layers and species numbers in quadrats explained the variation in species compositions within the quadrats. Our results demonstrate that disturbances in the areas surrounding a park can have increasing impacts on plant community and diversity indices. Hence, the preservation and management of surrounding areas are essential conservation elements for protecting whole national park areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges of reliably collecting, storing, organizing, and analyzing research data are critical in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where several healthcare and biomedical research organizations have limited data infrastructure. The Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) System has been widely used by many institutions and hospitals in the USA for data collection, entry, and management and could help solve this problem. This study reports on the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from establishing and applying REDCap for a large US-Nigeria research partnership that includes two sites in Nigeria, (the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)) and Northwestern University (NU) in Chicago, Illinois in the United States. The largest challenges to this implementation were significant technical obstacles: the lack of REDCap-trained personnel, transient electrical power supply, and slow/ intermittent internet connectivity. However, asynchronous communication and on-site hands-on collaboration between the Nigerian sites and NU led to the successful installation and configuration of REDCap to meet the needs of the Nigerian sites. An example of one lesson learned is the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) as a solution to poor internet connectivity at one of the sites, and its adoption is underway at the other. Virtual Private Servers (VPS) or shared online hosting were also evaluated and offer alternative solutions. Installing and using REDCap in LMIC institutions for research data management is feasible; however, planning for trained personnel and addressing electrical and internet infrastructural requirements are essential to optimize its use. Building this fundamental research capacity within LMICs across Africa could substantially enhance the potential for more cross-institutional and cross-country collaboration in future research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Message: Genetic analysis identified a unique combination of major QTL for resistance to important soybean nematodes concurrently present in a single soybean accession, which has not been reported earlier. An exotic soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accession, PI 567305, was reported to be highly resistant to three important nematode species, soybean cyst (SCN), root-knot (RKN), and reniform (RN) nematodes. However, genetic basis controlling broad-spectrum resistance in this germplasm has not been investigated. We report results of genetic analysis to identify genomic loci conferring resistance to these nematode species. A bi-parental population consisting of 242 F8-derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from a cross of a nematode susceptible cultivar, Magellan, and resistant accession, PI 567305. The RILs were phenotyped for nematode resistance to three SCN HG types. They were genotyped using the Infinium SoySNP6K BeadChips and genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) methods in an attempt to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of these two genotyping platforms. Genetic analysis confirmed the major QTL on chromosomes (Chrs) 10 and 18 with broad-spectrum resistance to the three nematodes present in this germplasm. Haplotype and copy number variation analyses of SCN resistance QTL indicated that PI 567305 has a different haplotype, which is associated with likely a unique SCN resistance mechanism different from Peking- or PI 88788-type resistance. The evaluations of both Infinium Beadchip- and GBS-based genotyping technologies provided comprehensive insights for researchers to choose a cost-effective and efficient platform for QTL mapping and for other genomic studies in soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the potential distribution in the ground when a railroad overhead wire falls onto the ground. It is shown that, in the case of direct current, the distribution of the potential and voltage at a growing distance from the source is sharply uneven and the nature of the unevenness changes over time. The high temperature at the point at which the wire falls, leads to the ground near this zone exhibiting minimal specific resistance; this causes further preferential heating of the near-contact area. In the case of direct current at a high temperature coefficient of resistance and a positive ambient temperature, the latter has almost no influence on the values of the potential and the current density. Negative ambient temperatures result in high electrical-potential values. In the near-contact region, however, the potential changes in a smoother manner, which leads to lower field strengths and current densities in this region. With growing distance from the contact point, the most dangerous temperature range is from −2 to 0°C, a range that leads to high electric-field strength and potential values. At an alternating voltage, the temperature distribution deep into the ground from the point where the wire has fallen is extremely uneven, and this unevenness increases even more over time. An increase in the moisture content in the ground causes a sharp increase in the field strength and current density in the near-contact region. However, in areas far from the wire-fall point, these values are slightly higher in a dry environment than in a wet one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condensed phosphates may exist as linear, cyclic or branched structures. Due to their important role in nature, linear polyphosphates have been well studied. In contrast, branched phosphates (ultraphosphates) remain largely uncharacterised, because they were already described in 1950 as exceedingly unstable in the presence of water, epitomized in the antibranching-rule. This rule lacks experimental backup, since, to the best of our knowledge, no rational synthesis of defined ultraphosphates is known. Consequently, detailed studies of their chemical properties, reactivity and potential biological relevance remain elusive. Here, we introduce a general synthesis of monodisperse ultraphosphates. Hydrolysis half-lives up to days call the antibranching-rule into question. We provide evidence for the interaction of an enzyme with ultraphosphates and discover a rearrangement linearizing the branched structure. Moreover, ultraphosphate can phosphorylate nucleophiles such as amino acids and nucleosides with implications for prebiotic chemistry. Our results provide an entry point into the uncharted territory of branched condensed phosphates. The "anti-branching rule", introduced in 1950, excludes branched polyphosphates from biological relevance due to their supposedly rapid hydrolysis. Here, the authors synthesize monodisperse branched polyphosphates and demonstrate their unexpected stability in water, as well as provide evidence for their competence in phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Several patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have deteriorated bone status. Estimation of bone status using DXA has limitations especially in patients with CKD accompanying aortic calcifications. Quantitative CT and the trabecular bone score could be more accurate methods to estimate bone status for patients with CKD and vascular calcifications. Introduction: It remains unclear whether dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) is appropriate for the assessment of bone status in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a disease that impacts bone health. The aims of this study were to compare DXA and central quantitative computed tomography (cQCT) and to evaluate bone status in patients with pre-dialysis CKD. Methods: This retrospective study included 363 healthy control subjects whose bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated with DXA and 117 CKD patients whose BMD was evaluated using both cQCT and DXA. Diagnostic discordance was assessed between the lumbar spine (LS) and femur neck (FN) from DXA or between two modalities. The trabecular bone score (TBS) was extracted from DXA images. The volume of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was calculated using CT images from cQCT. Results: Using LS DXA T-score, osteoporosis was less common in the CKD group than in controls. Patients with normal LS BMD using DXA were reclassified into osteopenia or osteoporosis using cQCT in CKD patients. Among discordant subjects between FN and LS in DXA, a higher BMD of LS was more common in CKD patients than in controls. CKD patients had lower TBS than controls despite having the same diagnosis using DXA. AAC volume negatively correlated with BMD from cQCT and with TBS but not with BMD from DXA. Conclusions: TBS and cQCT could accurately assess bone status in CKD patients since DXA may overestimate LS BMD, likely due to an increased AAC volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the application of composite materials increases, analysis and optimum design for various dynamic loads as well as static loads are required. In this paper, we present an optimal design study using the equivalent static load method for laminated composite structures subjected to various nonlinear dynamic loads. First, the dynamic analysis of the laminate composite structure was performed using the finite element method. Next, the equivalent static load at each time step was calculated using the calculated dynamic response, and the static response optimization of the composite structure was performed by applying the calculated equivalent static load as a multi-load condition. Then, optimal design was performed by minimizing mass or maximizing strength by designing stacking thickness and stacking angle as design variables by applying various dynamic loads for the three different composite material structures. As a result of the optimization, the results of the conventional dynamic response optimization method, the error of less than 0.1 %, and the convergence speed up to 18 times were shown, and it was verified that the convergence speed was excellent while ensuring the accuracy of the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compaction of initial powders, the bending strength, and the microhardness of 21R sialon ceramics obtained by hot pressing have been studied experimentally. It is found that the Sm2O3 sintering additive substantially reduces the annealing temperature and enhances the properties of the ceramics. The samples of 21R sialon ceramics without additives, which are prepared by annealing at 1950°C, have a density of 3.01 g/cm3, a bending strength of 240 ± 15 MPa, and a Vickers microhardness of 16.2 ± 0.4 GPa; the samples of 21R sialon ceramics with 2.5 wt % Sm2O3, which are annealed at 1750°C, are characterized by a density of 3.39 g/cm3, a bending strength of 315 ± 16 MPa, and a Vickers microhardness of 21.9 ± 0.2 GPa. It is shown that Sm2O3 reacts with 21R sialon in the temperature range of 1600–1700°C to form the 27R sialon and SmAlO3 impurity phases. In the samples annealed at 1750°C, the 27R sialon and Sm–sialon (Sm3Si2.5Al3.5O12.5N1.5) impurity phases are detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental data on the effect of the ambient atmosphere (a vacuum or argon) on the phase composition of silicon carbide fibers formed upon the siliconization of carbon felt are presented. The major phases produced in the siliconization of carbon felt are β-SiC (3C) in vacuo and α-SiC (6H) in the argon atmosphere. When carbon felt is siliconized in vacuo, residual silicon is present on the surface of the silicon carbide felt fibers. The ambient atmosphere determines the nature of the siliconization process at 1650°C: in vacuo, SiC is formed due to the reaction of carbon fibers with the silicon melt wetting them, while in argon, it is formed due mainly to the reaction with vaporous silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 25 years, understanding males' interest in and outcomes of muscularity has developed into a major area of study. Research has been fueled by the development of measures of both the attitudinal and behavioral aspects of a desire to increase muscularity. Our research purpose was to critically assess muscularity research. Using a database search, the ancestry approach, and searching key journals, we identified empirical refereed journal articles with men as participants published from 2000 to 2019 to serve as our data. Our analyses revealed several individual characteristics (e.g., perfectionism, holding to traditional masculine norms) and socio-cultural influences (e.g., media, verbal commentary) that fueled men's desire to be muscular. In experimental research, exposure to muscular male ideal images has resulted in low body image scores for young men in investigations that utilized pre-test, post-test designs. In survey research, muscularity was positively related to several risky behaviors or behaviors that could become risky if taken to the extreme. Overall, the reviewed research was conducted in western countries and researchers primarily utilized non-probability samples of undergraduate men. Recommendations for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequences of the complete mitochondrial genome of the honey bee Apis mellifera L. subspecies Apis mellifera caucasia Pollmann, 1889 (AP018404, 16 341 bp) and Apis melliferacarpathica Foti et al., 1965 (AP018403, 16 336 bp) are sequenced for the first time. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of both subspecies contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one AT-rich regulatory region. The ratio of transitions to transversions (tr/tv) in complete mtDNA between A. m. caucasia and A. m. carpathica was 2.05, which reflects the formation of adaptations to changing environmental conditions. Genes with the highest GC content—COX1 (24%), COX2 (19.6%), CYTB (19.1%), COX3 (17.2%), and ND1 (17.2%)—can be highly polymorphic and can be used in phylogenetic and population studies of bees. The majority of mtDNA genes of both subspecies are located on the heavy strand (9 protein-coding genes and 14 tRNA genes), while other genes (4 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 8 tRNA genes) are located on the light strand. Cluster analysis of the complete mtDNA sequence and assessment of the structure of the tRNA-Leu(UUR)–COX2 intergenic region with a single Q element 192 bp in length showed that both subspecies A. m. caucasia and A. m. carpathica are representatives of the line C with haplotypes C2 and C2j, respectively. Honey bee subspecies A. m. caucasia and A. m. carpathica can be differentiated from each other by 34 unique SNPs in 11 mtDNA genes and the XbaI restriction marker in the ND5 gene. These genetic markers can contribute to the preservation of purebred gene pools of honey bee subspecies A. m. caucasia and A. m. carpathica within their natural range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]