Interaction between systemic iron parameters and left ventricular structure and function in the preserved ejection fraction population:a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Left ventricular(LV)remodeling and diastolic function in people with heart failure(HF)are correlated with iron status;however,the causality is uncertain.This Mendelian randomization(MR)study investigated the bidirectional causal relationship between systemic iron parameters and LV structure and function in a preserved ejection fraction population.METHODS Transferrin saturation(TSAT),total iron binding capacity(TIBC),and serum iron and ferritin levels were extracted as instrumental variables for iron parameters from meta-analyses of public genome-wide association studies.Individuals without myocardial infarction history,HF,or LV ejection fraction(LVEF)<50%(n=16,923)in the UK Biobank Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study constituted the outcome dataset.The dataset included LV end-diastolic volume,LV endsystolic volume,LV mass(LVM),and LVM-to-end-diastolic volume ratio(LVMVR).We used a two-sample bidirectional MR study with inverse variance weighting(IVW)as the primary analysis method and estimation methods using different algorithms to improve the robustness of the results.RESULTS In the IVW analysis,one standard deviation(SD)increased in TSAT significantly correlated with decreased LVMVR(β=-0.1365;95%confidence interval[CI]:-0.2092 to-0.0638;P=0.0002)after Bonferroni adjustment.Conversely,no significant relationships were observed between other iron and LV parameters.After Bonferroni correction,reverse MR analysis showed that one SD increase in LVEF significantly correlated with decreased TSAT(β=-0.0699;95%CI:-0.1087 to-0.0311;P=0.0004).No heterogeneity or pleiotropic effects evidence was observed in the analysis.CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a causal relationship between TSAT and LV remodeling and function in a preserved ejection fraction population.

MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS OF CONVERGENCE EXPONENTS FOR PRODUCTS OF CONSECUTIVE PARTIAL QUOTIENTS IN CONTINUED FRACTIONS

For each real number x∈(0,1),let[a_(1)(x),a_(2)(x),…,a_n(x),…]denote its continued fraction expansion.We study the convergence exponent defined byτ(x)=inf{s≥0:∞∑n=1(a_(n)(x)a_(n+1)(x))^(-s)<∞},which reflects the growth rate of the product of two consecutive partial quotients.As a main result,the Hausdorff dimensions of the level sets ofτ(x)are determined.

Dynamics of the Fractional-Order Lorenz System Based on Adomian Decomposition Method and Its DSP Implementation

Dear Editor,Dynamics and digital circuit implementation of the fractional-order Lorenz system are investigated by employing Adomian decomposition method(ADM).Dynamics of the fractional-order Lorenz system with derivative order and parameter varying is analyzed by means of Lyapunov exponents(LEs),bifurcation diagram.

Chromatin condensation but not DNA integrity of pig sperm is greater in the sperm-rich fraction

Background Protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin as well as DNA integrity play an essential role during fertilization and embryo development.In some mammals,like pigs,ejaculates are emitted in three separate fractions:pre-sperm,sperm-rich(SRF)and post sperm-rich(PSRF).These fractions are known to vary in volume,sperm concentration and quality,as well as in the origin and composition of seminal plasma(SP),with differences being also observed within the SRF one.Yet,whether disparities in the DNA integrity and chromatin condensation and pro-tamination of their sperm exist has not been interrogated.Results This study determined chromatin protamination(Chromomycin A3 test,CMA_(3)),condensation(Dibromobi-mane test,DBB),and DNA integrity(Comet assay)in the pig sperm contained in the first 10 m L of the SRF(SRF-P1),the remaining portion of the sperm-rich fraction(SRF-P2),and the post sperm-rich fraction(PSRF).While chromatin protamination was found to be similar between the different ejaculate fractions(P>0.05),chromatin condensation was seen to be greater in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 than in the PSRF(P=0.018 and P=0.004,respectively).Regarding DNA integrity,no differences between fractions were observed(P>0.05).As the SRF-P1 has the highest sperm concentra-tion and ejaculate fractions are known to differ in antioxidant composition,the oxidative stress index(OSi)in SP,calcu-lated as total oxidant activity divided by total antioxidant capacity,was tested and confirmed to be higher in the SRF-P1 than in SRF-P2 and PSRF(0.42±0.06 vs.0.23±0.09 and 0.08±0.00,respectively;P<0.01);this index,in addition,was observed to be correlated to the sperm concentration of each fraction(Rs=0.973;P<0.001).Conclusion While sperm DNA integrity was not found to differ between ejaculate fractions,SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 were observed to exhibit greater chromatin condensation than the PSRF.This could be related to the OSi of each fraction.

Rebuilding the theory of isotope fractionation for evaporation of silicate melts under vacuum condition

Isotope eff ects are pivotal in understanding silicate melt evaporation and planetary accretion processes.Based on the Hertz-Knudsen equation,the current theory often fails to predict observed isotope fractionations of laboratory experiments due to its oversimplified assumptions.Here,we point out that the Hertz-Knudsen-equation-based theory is incomplete for silicate melt evaporation cases and can only be used for situations where the vaporized species is identical to the one in the melt.We propose a new model designed for silicate melt evaporation under vacuum.Our model considers multiple steps including mass transfer,chemical reaction,and nucleation.Our derivations reveal a kinetic isotopic fractionation factor(KIFF orα)αour model=[m(^(1)species)/m(^(2)species)]^(0.5),where m(species)is the mass of the reactant of reaction/nucleation-limiting step or species of diffusion-limiting step and superscript 1 and 2 represent light and heavy isotopes,respectively.This model can eff ectively reproduce most reported KIFFs of laboratory experiments for various elements,i.e.,Mg,Si,K,Rb,Fe,Ca,and Ti.And,the KIFF-mixing model referring that an overall rate of evaporation can be determined by two steps jointly can account for the eff ects of low P_(H2)pressure,composition,and temperature.In addition,we find that chemical reactions,diffusion,and nucleation can control the overall rate of evaporation of silicate melts by using the fitting slope in ln(−ln f)versus ln(t).Notably,our model allows for the theoretical calculations of parameters like activation energy(E_(a)),providing a novel approach to studying compositional and environmental eff ects on evaporation processes,and shedding light on the formation and evolution of the proto-solar and Earth-Moon systems.

THE LONG TIME BEHAVIOR OF THE FRACTIONAL ORNSTEIN-UHLENBECK PROCESS WITH LINEAR SELF-REPELLING DRIFT

Let B^(H) be a fractional Brownian motion with Hurst index 1/2≤H<1.In this paper,we consider the equation(called the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process with a linear self-repelling drift)dX_(t)^(H)=dB_(t)^(H)+σ X_(t)^(H)dt+vdt-θ(∫_(0)^(t)(X_(t)^(H)-X_(s)^(H))ds)dt,whereθ<0,σ,v∈ℝ.The process is an analogue of self-attracting diffusion(Cranston,Le Jan.Math Ann,1995,303:87–93).Our main aim is to study the large time behaviors of the process.We show that the solution X^(H)diverges to infinity as t tends to infinity,and obtain the speed at which the process X^(H)diverges to infinity.

A New Scheme of the ARA Transform for Solving Fractional-Order Waves-Like Equations Involving Variable Coefficients

The goal of this research is to develop a new,simplified analytical method known as the ARA-residue power series method for obtaining exact-approximate solutions employing Caputo type fractional partial differential equations(PDEs)with variable coefficient.ARA-transform is a robust and highly flexible generalization that unifies several existing transforms.The key concept behind this method is to create approximate series outcomes by implementing the ARA-transform and Taylor’s expansion.The process of finding approximations for dynamical fractional-order PDEs is challenging,but the ARA-residual power series technique magnifies this challenge by articulating the solution in a series pattern and then determining the series coefficients by employing the residual component and the limit at infinity concepts.This approach is effective and useful for solving a massive class of fractional-order PDEs.Five appealing implementations are taken into consideration to demonstrate the effectiveness of the projected technique in creating solitary series findings for the governing equations with variable coefficients.Additionally,several visualizations are drawn for different fractional-order values.Besides that,the estimated findings by the proposed technique are in close agreement with the exact outcomes.Finally,statistical analyses further validate the efficacy,dependability and steady interconnectivity of the suggested ARA-residue power series approach.

THE RADIAL SYMMETRY OF POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SEMILINEAR PROBLEMS INVOLVING WEIGHTED FRACTIONAL LAPLACIANS

This paper deals with the radial symmetry of positive solutions to the nonlocal problem(-Δ)_(γ)~su=b(x)f(u)in B_(1){0},u=h in R~N B_(1),where b:B_1→R is locally Holder continuous,radially symmetric and decreasing in the|x|direction,F:R→R is a Lipschitz function,h:B_1→R is radially symmetric,decreasing with respect to|x|in R^(N)/B_(1),B_(1) is the unit ball centered at the origin,and(-Δ)_γ~s is the weighted fractional Laplacian with s∈(0,1),γ∈[0,2s)defined by(-△)^(s)_(γ)u(x)=CN,slimδ→0+∫R^(N)/B_(δ)(x)u(x)-u(y)/|x-y|N+2s|y|^(r)dy.We consider the radial symmetry of isolated singular positive solutions to the nonlocal problem in whole space(-Δ)_(γ)^(s)u(x)=b(x)f(u)in R^(N)\{0},under suitable additional assumptions on b and f.Our symmetry results are derived by the method of moving planes,where the main difficulty comes from the weighted fractional Laplacian.Our results could be applied to get a sharp asymptotic for semilinear problems with the fractional Hardy operators(-Δ)^(s)u+μ/(|x|^(2s))u=b(x)f(u)in B_(1)\{0},u=h in R^(N)\B_(1),under suitable additional assumptions on b,f and h.

THE SPARSE REPRESENTATION RELATED WITH FRACTIONAL HEAT EQUATIONS

This study introduces a pre-orthogonal adaptive Fourier decomposition(POAFD)to obtain approximations and numerical solutions to the fractional Laplacian initial value problem and the extension problem of Caffarelli and Silvestre(generalized Poisson equation).As a first step,the method expands the initial data function into a sparse series of the fundamental solutions with fast convergence,and,as a second step,makes use of the semigroup or the reproducing kernel property of each of the expanding entries.Experiments show the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed series solutions.

A Novel Method for Determining the Void Fraction in Gas-Liquid Multi-Phase Systems Using a Dynamic Conductivity Probe

Conventional conductivity methods for measuring the void fraction in gas-liquid multiphase systems are typically affected by accuracy problems due to the presence of fluid flow and salinity.This study presents a novel approach for determining the void fraction based on a reciprocating dynamic conductivity probe used to measure the liquid film thickness under forced annular-flow conditions.The measurement system comprises a cyclone,a conductivity probe,a probe reciprocating device,and a data acquisition and processing system.This method ensures that the flow pattern is adjusted to a forced annular flow,thereby minimizing the influence of complex and variable gas-liquid flow patterns on the measurement results;Moreover,it determines the liquid film thickness solely according to circuit connectivity rather than specific conductivity values,thereby mitigating the impact of salinity.The reliability of the measurement system is demonstrated through laboratory experiments.The experimental results indicate that,in a range of gas phase superficial velocities 5–20 m/s and liquid phase superficial velocities 0.079–0.48 m/s,the maximum measurement deviation for the void fraction is 4.23%.

MULTIPLICITY OF NORMALIZED SOLUTIONS FOR THE FRACTIONAL SCHR?DINGER-POISSON SYSTEM WITH DOUBLY CRITICAL GROWTH

In this paper,we are concerned with solutions to the fractional Schrodinger-Poisson system■ with prescribed mass ∫_(R^(3))|u|^(2)dx=a^(2),where a> 0 is a prescribed number,μ> 0 is a paremeter,s ∈(0,1),2 <q <2_(s)^(*),and 2_(s)^(*)=6/(3-2s) is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent.In the L2-subcritical case,we show the existence of multiple normalized solutions by using the genus theory and the truncation technique;in the L^(2)-supercritical case,we obtain a couple of normalized solutions by developing a fiber map.Under both cases,to recover the loss of compactness of the energy functional caused by the doubly critical growth,we need to adopt the concentration-compactness principle.Our results complement and improve upon some existing studies on the fractional Schrodinger-Poisson system with a nonlocal critical term.

Global Well-Posedness of the Fractional Tropical Climate Model

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem of 3-dimensional tropical climate model. This model reflects the interaction and coupling among the barotropic mode u, the first baroclinic mode v of the velocity and the temperature θ. The systems with fractional dissipation studied here may arise in the modeling of geophysical circumstances. Mathematically these systems allow simultaneous examination of a family of systems with various levels of regularization. The aim here is the global strong solution with the least dissipation. By energy estimate and delicate analysis, we prove the existence of global solution under three different cases: first, with the help of damping terms, the global strong solution of the system with Λ2au, Λ2βv and Λ2γ θ for;and second, the global strong solution of the system for with damping terms;finally, the global strong solution of the system for without any damping terms, which improve the known existence theory for this system.

Key Physical Factors Affecting Spatial-temporal Variation of Labile Organic Carbon Fractions by Biochar Driven in Mollisols Region of Northeast China

Biochar is widely used to improve soil physical properties and carbon sequestration. However, few studies focuse on the impact of maize stalk biochar on labile organic carbon(LOC) pool and the relationship between physical properties and LOC fractions. A field positioning experiment was performed in Mollisols region of Northeast China to evaluate the influence of maize stalk biochar on the spatial distribution and temporal changes of physical properties and LOC fractions. Maize stalk biochar treatments included C1(1.5 kg·hm^(-2)), C2(3 kg·hm^(-2)), C3(15 kg·hm^(-2)), C4(30 kg·hm^(-2)), and CK(0). The results showed that maize stalk biochar increased soil water contents(SWC) and soil porosity(SP), but reduced bulk density(BD). Maize stalk biochar reduced dissolved organic carbon(DOC) contents in the 0-20 cm soil layer, ranging from 0.25 g·kg^(-1) to 0.31 g·kg^(-1) in harvest period, while increased in the 20-40 cm soil layer. In addition, the application of biochar had a significant impact on the spatial distribution and temporal change of SWC, BD, SP, DOC, hot-water extractable carbon(HWC), acid hydrolyzed organic carbon(AHC Ⅰ, Ⅱ), and readily oxidized organic carbon(ROC). High amounts of maize stalk biochar up-regulated the contents of soil organic carbon SOC, HWC, AHC Ⅰ, AHC Ⅱ, and ROC. In addition, SWC and SP were the key physical factors to affect LOC fractions. In conclusions, maize stalk biochar could improve physical properties, and then influence LOC fractions, and maize stalk biochar could be used as an organic amendment for restoring degraded soils governed by their rates of addition.

Crank-Nicolson Quasi-Compact Scheme for the Nonlinear Two-Sided Spatial Fractional Advection-Diffusion Equations

The higher-order numerical scheme of nonlinear advection-diffusion equations is studied in this article, where the space fractional derivatives are evaluated by using weighted and shifted Grünwald difference operators and combining the compact technique, in the time direction is discretized by the Crank-Nicolson method. Through the energy method, the stability and convergence of the numerical scheme in the sense of L2-norm are proved, and the convergence order is . Some examples are given to show that our numerical scheme is effective.

Bangladeshi textile and garment sectors defied the global disasters and continued growth

Bangladeshi textile and garment sectors defied the global challenges over the last five years and continued to grow although the growth momentum was not so strong before the COVID-19 pandemic.Before the start of the pandemic,both the textile and garment sectors were growing at a higher rate because of rising demand from the international clothing retailers and brands because of two main reasons including the trade war between USA and China and competitive prices of locally made garment.

Deadwood affects the soil organic matter fractions and enzyme activity of soils in altitude gradient of temperate forests

The main objective of our study has been to determine the role of deadwood in the shaping of the amount of soil organic matter fractions in mountain forest soils.For this purpose,a climosequence approach comprising north(N)and south(S)exposure along the altitudinal gradient(600,800,1000 and 1200 m a.s.l.)was set up.By comparing the properties of decomposing deadwood and those of the soils located directly beneath the decaying wood we drew conclusions about the role of deadwood in the shaping of soil organic matter fractions and soil carbon storage in different climate conditions.The basic properties,enzymatic activity and fractions of soil organic matter(SOM)were determined in deadwood and affected directly by the components released from decaying wood.Heavily decomposed deadwood impacts soil organic matter stabilization more strongly than the less decayed deadwood and the light fraction of SOM is more sensitive to deadwood effects than the heavy fraction regardless of the location in the altitude gradient.Increase in SOM mineral-associated fraction C content is more pronounced in soils under the influence of deadwood located in lower locations of warmer exposure.Nutrients released from decaying wood stimulate the enzymatic activity of soils that are within the range of deadwood influence.

Effects of phosphorus fertilizer application rate on transformation processes of phosphorus fractions in the purple alluvial soil of a riparian zone

Effects of phosphorus(P)fertilizer application rate on soil transformation processes of P fraction are still unclear in the riparian zone.Purple alluvial soils in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir were collected to conduct a 21-day incubation executed by two hydrological environments(drying and flooding)and ten application rates of P fertilizer.Transformation percentages of P fertilizer(TPPF)were calculated as content differences of soil P fractions between fertilizer addition and none fertilizer addition divided by soil total P increases caused by fertilizer addition.TPPF to inorganic P extracted by sodium hydroxide(NaOH-Pi)and hydrochloric acid(HCl-Pi)increase by 20.91%(9.71%)and 24.26%(40.72%)under the drying(flooding)environment.Instead,TPPF to the other fractions decrease.Phosphorus fertilizer input mainly has indirect positive and negative effects on organic P via precipitated P under the drying and flooding environments and finally has indirect positive effects on labile P(p<0.001).Percentage changes of water-soluble inorganic P(H2O-Pi)and HCl-Pi under the flooding environment are higher than that under the drying environment,and percentage changes of organic P extracted by sodium hydrogen carbonate(Na HCO3-Po)and NaOH-Pi show an opposite trend(p<0.01).?(differences in soil P fraction content between flooding and drying incubations)H2O-Pi is negatively correlated with?NaHCO3-Po,and?NaHCO3-Po is positively correlated with?NaOH-Pi(p<0.001).In conclusion,P fertilizer is transformed more into precipitated P than into other P fractions with an application rate increase.Phosphorus fertilizer input mainly increases organic P via precipitated P under the drying environment and decreases organic P via precipitated P under the flooding environment,and organic P is further transformed into labile P.With P fertilizer input,P release caused by flooding is derived from NaHCO3-Po release triggered by NaOH-Pi release.The results can be helpful for the understanding of P fertilizer migration processes from the riparian zone soil to the Three Gorges Reservoir under rain leaching and flooding.

Effect of petroleum chemical fraction and residual oil content in saline lacustrine organic-rich shale: A case study from the Paleogene Dongpu Depression of North China

Halite and gypsum minerals in saline shale make the retention mechanism and chemical fractionation of residual oil unique. The Dongpu Depression in North China is a typically saline lacustrine basin with developing halite and gypsum. The effect of gypsum minerals on residual oil content and chemical fractionation remains unclear. In this study, shale samples with different gypsum contents were used in organic geochemical experiments, showing that the high total organic matter (TOC) content and type II kerogen leads to a high residual oil content, as shown by high values of volatile hydrocarbon (S1) and extractable organic matter (EOM). XRD and FE-SEM result indicate that the existence of gypsum in saline shale contributes to an enhanced pore space and a higher residual oil content in comparison to non-gypsum shale. Additionally, the increase in the gypsum mineral content leads to an increase in the saturated hydrocarbon percentage and a decrease in polar components percentage (resins and asphaltene). Furthermore, thermal simulation experiments on low-mature saline shale show that the percentage of saturated hydrocarbons in the residual oil is high and remains stable and that the storage space is mainly mesoporous (> 20 nm) in the oil expulsion stage. However, the saturated hydrocarbons percentage decreases rapidly, and oil exists in mesopores (> 20 nm and < 5 nm) in the gas expulsion stage. In general, gypsum is conducive to the development of pore space, the adsorption of hydrocarbons and the occurrence of saturated hydrocarbon, leading to large quantities of residual oil. The data in this paper should prove to be reliable for shale oil exploration in saline lacustrine basins.

Quantum entangled fractional Fourier transform based on the IWOP technique

In our previous papers,the classical fractional Fourier transform theory was incorporated into the quantum theoretical system using the theoretical method of quantum optics,and the calculation produced quantum mechanical operators corresponding to the generation of fractional Fourier transform.The core function of the coordinate-momentum exchange operators in the addition law of fractional Fourier transform was analyzed too.In this paper,the bivariate operator Hermite polynomial theory and the technique of integration within an ordered product of operators(IWOP)are used to establish the entanglement fractional Fourier transform theory to the extent of quantum.A new function generating formula and an operator for generating quantum entangled fractional Fourier transform are obtained using the fractional Fourier transform relationship in a pair of conjugated entangled state representations.

THE WELL-POSEDNESS OF FRACTIONAL INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS IN COMPLEX BANACH SPACES

Let X be a complex Banach space and let B and C be two closed linear operators on X satisfying the condition D(B)?D(C),and let d∈L^(1)(R_(+))and 0≤β<α≤2.We characterize the well-posedness of the fractional integro-differential equations D^(α)u(t)+CD^(β)u(t)=Bu(t)+∫_(-∞)td(t-s)Bu(s)ds+f(t),(0≤t≤2π)on periodic Lebesgue-Bochner spaces L^(p)(T;X)and periodic Besov spaces B_(p,q)^(s)(T;X).