bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic-Aware Re-Grouping for Load Balance in IEEE 802.11ah IoT Network Based on the Registered Backoff Time Mechanism
Authors: Huang Chung-Ming , Huang Shu-Hang
Published: March 2023

IEEE 802.11ah, which is a wireless network protocol designed for Internet of Things (IoT), devised the Restrict Access Window (RAW) mechanism to tackle the collision problem. However, some RAW’s slots may be overloaded; some RAW’s slots may be lightly loaded or have no load because no stations (STA) allocated in these slots need to access channel. This work adopted (i) the Registered Backoff Time (RBT) mechanism such that each STA can register the backoff time for its future channel access in access point (AP) and (ii) the Claiming RAW mechanism such that STAs are allowed to notify AP that they have uplinked data to transmit. In this way, AP can (1) know which STAs have uplinked data to transmit and thus (2) re-schedule those STAs from the overloaded slots to the slots that (i) are underloaded or (ii) no STAs need to access channel based on STAs’ RBTs in advance. As a result, the proposed Registration-based Regrouping for Load-Balance Channel Access (RRG-LBCA) method can achieve load balance among slots to increase the IEEE 802.11ah network’s performance. The performance evaluation results shown that the proposed RRG-LBCA method can eliminate the collision situation and increase the aggregate throughput.
Browning of Mesenteric White Adipose Tissue in Crohn’s Disease: A New Pathological Change and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Zuo Lugen , Geng Zhijun , Song Xue , Li Jing , Wang Yueyue , Zhang Xiaofeng , Ge Sitang , Wang Lian , Liu Guangyong , Zhang Lele , Xu Mengyu , Zhao Yajing , Shen Li , Ge Yuanyuan , Wu Rong , Hu Jianguo
Published: March 2023

Backround

Hypertrophic mesenteric adipose tissue [htMAT] is a distinctive hallmark of Crohn’s disease [CD], and it affects enteritis via inflammatory adipokine secretion by dysfunctional white adipocytes. White adipocytes can become beige adipocytes, which are characterized by active lipid consumption and favourable endocrine function, via white adipocyte browning. Our study aimed to determine whether white adipocyte browning occurs in htMAT and its role in CD.

Methods

White adipocyte browning was examined in MAT samples from CD patients and controls. Human MAT explants and primary mesenteric adipocytes were cultured for in vitro experiments. Mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid solution [TNBS]-induced colitis were used for in vivo studies. A β3-adrenergic receptor agonist [CL316,243] was used to induce white adipocyte browning, and IL-4/STAT6 signalling was analysed to explore the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of beige adipocytes.

Results

White adipocyte browning was observed in htMAT from CD patients, as shown by the appearance of uncoupling protein 1 [UCP1]-positive multilocular [beige] adipocytes with lipid-depleting activity and anti-inflammatory endocrine profiles. Both human MAT and primary mesenteric adipocytes from CD patients and controls could be induced to undergo browning, which increased their lipid-depleting and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Inducing MAT browning ameliorated mesenteric hypertrophy and inflammation as well as colitis in TNBS-treated mice in vivo. The anti-inflammatory activity of beige adipocytes was at least partially related to STAT6 signalling activation via the autocrine and paracrine effects of IL-4.

Conclusion

White adipocyte browning is a newly identified pathological change in htMAT of CD patients and a possible therapeutic target.
Evaluating the impact of at-plant termination of a cereal rye cover crop with different corn planting dates on arthropod activity
Authors: Inveninato Carmona Gabriela , McMechan Anthony Justin
Published: March 2023

Greater cover crop biomass is expected to result in a favorable microhabitat for beneficial arthropods. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cover crop termination guidelines are based on the cash crop planting date. Therefore, a delay in cash crop planting could result in greater cover crop biomass. However, studies on delays in cash crop planting and greater cover crop biomass have led to a decrease in cash crop yield. Thus, a field study was conducted in eastern Nebraska over two years to evaluate the impact of early and late corn planting dates with at-plant cover crop terminations on pest potential, beneficial arthropod activity, and agronomic parameters. To measure arthropod activity and pests in the system, pitfall traps, and corn injury assessments were performed during the early stages of corn development. A total of 11,054 and 43,078 arthropods were collected in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The results have shown no impact of the corn planting dates with at-plant cover crop termination on arthropods but identified that cereal rye cover crop supports greater Araneae activity while its alternative prey varied when compared to the no-cover treatment. Significant yield penalties were observed when cover crop was used regardless of the corn planting dates. Pest pressure was not significant in any year, however, future research using cereal rye and different cover crop species should be used in this system with an artificial infestation of a pest to be able to evaluate the trade-offs between possible cash crop yield reductions and potential biological control of pests.
Life history parameters of Bemisia tabaci MED (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in the present and future climate of central Europe, predicted by physically realistic climatic chamber simulation
Authors: Milenovic Milan , Eickermann Michael , Junk Jürgen , Rapisarda Carmelo
Published: March 2023

Whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci species complex are among the most damaging insect pests in agriculture worldwide, causing damage by feeding on crop plants and by vectoring plant viruses. The species complex consists of over 35 cryptic species that differ in many aspects of their biology including the optimal environment, geographic distribution, and host range. Global warming and associated climate change resulting from human activities is expected to contribute to biological invasions. Bemisia tabaci species show fast adaptability to changes in agroecosystems and have a long record of biological invasions. Climate change driven increase in B. tabaci importance in agricultural systems of Europe has been predicted, but so far not experimentally tested. The present study evaluates the development of B. tabaci MED (=Mediterranean) in a climatic chamber simulation of the future climate in Luxembourg, chosen as a representative region for the Central Europe. Future climate predictions for the period 2061–2070 were derived from a multimodel ensemble of physically consistent regional climatic models. Results show a 40% shorter development time of this important pest in future climatic conditions, with an increase in fecundity by a third, and insignificant difference in mortality. Accelerated development, combined with its already established year-round presence in European greenhouses and predicted northward expansion of outdoor tomato production in Europe, means faster population build-up at the beginning of the outdoor cropping season with the potential of reaching economic importance. Benefits of simulating hourly diurnal cycle of physically consistent meteorological variables versus previous experiments are discussed.
Intensive English programme ecology: decolonizing ‘within the cracks’
Authors: Litzenberg Jason
Published: March 2023

Intensive English programmes (IEPs) are college and university units that provide international students with academic English instruction for the purpose of admission to the host institution. IEPs are colonial endeavours: they commodify and promote a language with a traceable colonial history that is reinforced through modern structures of knowledge distribution within higher education. Reliance on colonial architectures limits creativity and enforces hegemonic structures upon a field that tends to manifest more social justice orientations. This article argues that the position of IEPs allows them to contest their colonial nature through conscientious, incremental change. It considers the core activities of the IEP ecology (i.e. instruction, discipline, profession, business, and service), looking at how each facet may be utilized to enact a decolonial option. These interventions lend themselves to goals of decolonial projects by reducing bias and hegemony in how IEPs approach language and are positioned within the field and their host institution.
Mosaic loss of Y chromosome in monocytes is associated with lower survival after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Mas-Peiro Silvia , Abplanalp Wesley T , Rasper Tina , Berkowitsch Alexander , Leistner David M , Dimmeler Stefanie , Zeiher Andreas M
Published: March 2023

Aims

Mosaic loss of Y chromosome (LOY) in blood cells is the most common acquired mutation, increases with age, and is related to cardiovascular disease. Loss of Y chromosome induces cardiac fibrosis in murine experiments mimicking the consequences of aortic valve stenosis, the prototypical age-related disease. Cardiac fibrosis is the major determinant of mortality even after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It was hypothesized that LOY affects long-term outcome in men undergoing TAVR.

Methods and results

Using digital PCR in DNA of peripheral blood cells, LOY (Y/X ratio) was assessed by targeting a 6 bp sequence difference between AMELX and AMELY genes using TaqMan. The genetic signature of monocytes lacking the Y chromosome was deciphered by scRNAseq. In 362 men with advanced aortic valve stenosis undergoing successful TAVR, LOY ranged from −4% to 83.4%, and was >10% in 48% of patients. Three-year mortality increased with LOY. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an optimal cut-off of LOY >17% to predict mortality. In multivariate analysis, LOY remained a significant (P < 0.001) independent predictor of death during follow-up. scRNAseq disclosed a pro-fibrotic gene signature with LOY monocytes displaying increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) β-associated signaling, while expression of TGFβ-inhibiting pathways was down-regulated.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate that LOY in blood cells is associated with profoundly impaired long-term survival even after successful TAVR. Mechanistically, the pro-fibrotic gene signature sensitizing the patient-derived circulating LOY monocytes for the TGFβ signaling pathways supports a prominent role of cardiac fibrosis in contributing to the effects of LOY observed in men undergoing TAVR.
The impact of modifiable risk factors in the association between socioeconomic status and sudden cardiac death in a prospective cohort study: equal access to healthcare, unequal outcome
Authors: Warming Peder Emil , Ågesen Frederik Nybye , Lynge Thomas Hadberg , Garcia Rodrigue , Banner Jytte , Prescott Eva , Lange Theis , Jabbari Reza , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob
Published: March 2023

Aims

Low socioeconomic status is associated with all-cause mortality and cardiac risk factors. Furthermore, sudden cardiac death (SCD) is among the leading causes of death in the general population, and an identification of high-risk subgroups is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between income and education level and incidence of SCD and to calculate the impact of modifiable mediating risk factors.

Methods and results

Participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study were followed up from 1993 to 2016. Sudden cardiac death was identified using high-quality death certificates, autopsy reports, discharge summaries, and national registry data. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression, and adjusted cumulative incidences were predicted using cause-specific Cox models. Mediation analyses were performed using a marginal structural model approach. During 24 years of follow-up, 10 006 people participated, whereof 5514 died during the study period with 822 SCDs. Compared with long education, persons with elementary school level education had an SCD incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86–3.31], and low income was likewise associated with an SCD IRR of 2.34 (95% CI 1.85–2.96) compared with high income. In the association between education and SCD, the combined mediating effect of smoking, physical activity, and body mass index accounted for ∼20% of the risk differences.

Conclusion

We observed an inverse association between both income and education and the risk of SCD, which was only in part explained by common cardiac risk factors, implying that further research into the competing causes of SCD is needed and stressing the importance of targeted preventive measures.
Quantifying a spectrum of clinical response in atrial tachyarrhythmias using spatiotemporal synchronization of electrograms
Authors: Ganesan Prasanth , Deb Brototo , Feng Ruibin , Rodrigo Miguel , Ruiperez-Campillo Samuel , Rogers Albert J , Clopton Paul , Wang Paul J , Zeemering Stef , Schotten Ulrich , Rappel Wouter-Jan , Narayan Sanjiv M
Published: March 2023

Aims

There is a clinical spectrum for atrial tachyarrhythmias wherein most patients with atrial tachycardia (AT) and some with atrial fibrillation (AF) respond to ablation, while others do not. It is undefined if this clinical spectrum has pathophysiological signatures. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the size of spatial regions showing repetitive synchronized electrogram (EGM) shapes over time reveals a spectrum from AT, to AF patients who respond acutely to ablation, to AF patients without acute response.

Methods and results

We studied n = 160 patients (35% women, 65.0 ± 10.4 years) of whom (i) n = 75 had AF terminated by ablation propensity matched to (ii) n = 75 without AF termination and (iii) n = 10 with AT. All patients had mapping by 64-pole baskets to identify areas of repetitive activity (REACT) to correlate unipolar EGMs in shape over time. Synchronized regions (REACT) were largest in AT, smaller in AF termination, and smallest in non-termination cohorts (0.63 ± 0.15, 0.37 ± 0.22, and 0.22 ± 0.18, P < 0.001). Area under the curve for predicting AF termination in hold-out cohorts was 0.72 ± 0.03. Simulations showed that lower REACT represented greater variability in clinical EGM timing and shape. Unsupervised machine learning of REACT and extensive (50) clinical variables yielded four clusters of increasing risk for AF termination (P < 0.01, χ2), which were more predictive than clinical profiles alone (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The area of synchronized EGMs within the atrium reveals a spectrum of clinical response in atrial tachyarrhythmias. These fundamental EGM properties, which do not reflect any predetermined mechanism or mapping technology, predict outcome and offer a platform to compare mapping tools and mechanisms between AF patient groups.
Failure to purge: population and individual inbreeding effects on fitness across generations of wild Impatiens capensis
Authors: Toczydlowski Rachel H , Waller Donald M
Published: March 2023

Inbreeding exposes deleterious recessive alleles in homozygotes, lowering fitness and generating inbreeding depression (ID). Both purging (via selection) and fixation (via drift) should reduce segregating deleterious mutations and ID in more inbred populations. These theoretical predictions are not well-tested in wild populations, which is concerning given purging/fixation have opposite fitness outcomes. We examined how individual- and population-level inbreeding and genomic heterozygosity affected maternal and progeny fitness within and among 12 wild populations of Impatiens capensis. We quantified maternal fitness in home sites, maternal multilocus heterozygosity (using 12,560 single-nucleotide polymorphisms), and lifetime fitness of selfed and predominantly outcrossed progeny in a common garden. These populations spanned a broad range of individual-level (fi = −0.17–0.98) and population-level inbreeding (FIS = 0.25–0.87). More inbred populations contained fewer polymorphic loci, less fecund mothers, and smaller progeny, suggesting higher fixed loads. However, despite appreciable ID (mean: 8.8 lethal equivalents per gamete), ID did not systematically decline in more inbred population. More heterozygous mothers were more fecund and produced fitter progeny in outcrossed populations, but this pattern unexpectedly reversed in highly inbred populations. These observations suggest that persistent overdominance or some other force acts to forestall purging and fixation in these populations.
First unraveling of the hidden and intricate evolutionary history of a bacterial group II intron family
Authors: LaRoche-Johnston Félix , Prattico Catherine , Monat Caroline , Hinse Olivier , Cousineau Benoit
Published: March 2023

Bacterial group II introns are large RNA enzymes that self-splice from primary transcripts. Following excision, they can invade various DNA target sites using RNA-based mobility pathways. As fast evolving retromobile elements, which move between genetic loci within and across species, their evolutionary history was proved difficult to study and infer. Here we identified several homologs of Ll.LtrB, the model group II intron from Lactococcus lactis, and traced back their evolutionary relationship through phylogenetic analyses. Our data demonstrate that the Ll.LtrB homologs in Lactococci originate from a single and recent lateral transfer event of Ef.PcfG from Enterococcus faecalis. We also show that these introns disseminated in Lactococci following recurrent episodes of independent mobility events in conjunction with occurrences of lateral transfer. Our phylogenies identified additional lateral transfer events from the environmental clade of the more diverged Lactococci introns to a series of low-GC gram-positive bacterial species including E. faecalis. We also determined that functional intron adaptation occurred early in Lactococci following Ef.PcfG acquisition from E. faecalis and that two of the more diverged Ll.LtrB homologs remain proficient mobile elements despite the significant number of mutations acquired. This study describes the first comprehensive evolutionary history of a bacterial group II intron.
Paternal perspectives towards infant and young child feeding (IYCF): a qualitative analysis from Coastal South India
Authors: Mithra Prasanna , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , T Rekha , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh , Rathi Priya
Published: March 2023

Background

The infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) decide child growth and well-being. Paternal perspectives and involvement in IYCF are of paramount importance and are grossly under-studied.

Aims

To study the experiences and opinions of fathers of infants and young children towards feeding practices.

Settings and design

Two focus group discussions (FGD) were carried out in the community settings in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka State.

Methods and material

FGDs were carried out in the areas of two selected primary health centres. FGD guide was used and the discussions were audio recorded. Themes were derived from the transcript.

Results

Four main themes were generated from the transcripts of two FGDs. Lack of time to involve in child feeding, lack of felt need for increased involvement, sense of being complete in providing paternal care and readiness to learn were the generated themes. All participating fathers had favourable attitudes towards learning more about IYCF.

Conclusions

Lack of time felt need for higher paternal involvement in IYCF and sense of being complete in providing paternal care were the themes extracted, along with favourable attitude towards increasing their involvement in IYCF.
Geography shapes the microbial community inHeliconiusbutterflies
Authors: Luna Nicolás , Herrera Giovanny , Muñoz Marina , Sánchez-Herrera Melissa , Brown Anya , Khazan Emily , Pardo-Diaz Carolina , Ramírez Juan David , Salazar Camilo
Published: March 2023

Heliconius butterflies are an ideal organism for studying ecology, behavior, adaptation, and speciation. These butterflies can be found in various locations and habitats in Central and South America, where they encounter and interact with different sources of pollen, nectar, and host plants. However, there is limited knowledge on how geographic and habitat variations affect the microbiota of these insects, and whether microbial associates play a role in their ability to exploit different habitats. To date, research on the microbial communities associated with Heliconius has mainly focused on host phylogenetic signal in microbiomes or microbiome characterization in specific communities of butterflies. In this study, we characterized the microbiomes of several species and populations of Heliconius from distant locations that represent contrasting environments. We found that the microbiota of different Heliconius species is taxonomically similar but vary in abundance. Notably, this variation is associated with a major geographic barrier—the Central Cordillera of Colombia. Additionally, we confirmed that this microbiota is not associated with pollen-feeding. Therefore, it seems likely that geography shapes the abundance of microbiota that the butterfly carries, but not the taxonomic diversity of the microbial community. Based on the current evidence, the bacterial microbiota associated with Heliconius does not appear to play a beneficial role for these butterflies.
Listeria monocytogenesfrom food and food industry environments with reduced susceptibility to benzalkonium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, and peracetic acid
Authors: Jaskulski Itiane Barcellos , Scheik Leticia Klein , Kleinubing Natalie , Haubert Louise , Kroning Isabela , Lopes Graciela Völz , Silva Wladimir
Published: March 2023

The growing number of Listeria monocytogenes strains displaying increased tolerance to sanitizers widely applied in the food industry is becoming a problem. The aims of this study were to evaluate the susceptibility of L. monocytogenes isolates from food and food industry environments to sanitizers (benzalkonium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, peracetic acid, and chlorhexidine) and heavy metals (cadmium chloride), as well as to investigate the presence of the main genes related to efflux pumps. All 82 isolates showed reduced susceptibility to benzalkonium chloride (MIC from 16 to 128 µg mL−1), sodium hypochlorite (MIC of ≥ 2048 µg mL−1), and peracetic acid (MIC from 512 to ≥ 2048 µg mL−1), while 22 isolates showed reduced susceptibility to cadmium chloride (MIC > 70 µg mL−1). Susceptibility to chlorhexidine was found (MIC from 2 to 16 µg mL−1). PCR-based analysis revealed that mdrl and lde genes were harbored by 14.6% (12/82) and 40.2% (33/82) of the isolates, respectively. This study demonstrates the presence of L. monocytogenes from food and food industry environments with reduced susceptibility to sanitizers commonly used in food processing environments, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring of the tolerance profile of this microorganism to sanitizers, as well as the need for strict control of sanitation conditions in food industries.
Effect ofkuratsuki Kocuriaon sake brewing in differentkojiconditions
Authors: Yazaki Ayano , Nishida Hiromi
Published: March 2023

Koji is made using steamed rice and a koji mold, which plays an essential role in sake brewing. We challenge to build a new sake brewing method using the kuratsuki bacteria that have inhabited each sake brewery. In this paper, effects of the kuratsuki Kocuria strain TGY1127_2 were estimated on sake brewing in different koji conditions. Sake was produced by incubation of a mixture solution of koji, water, and sake yeast (strain K1401) with and without the kuratsuki Kocuria TGY1127_2. The effects of the kuratsuki Kocuria on the taste of the sake differed among different koji. The kuratsuki Kocuria led to an increase in ethanol concentration. Additionally, the sugar content (Brix) and acidity of the sake increased in proportion to the amount of koji. These results strongly suggest that the kuratsuki Kocuria does not adversely affect the fermentation activity of the sake yeast. Thus, the kuratsuki Kocuria had different effects on the taste of sake among different koji but the fermentation activity of the sake yeast was maintained.
Development of Non-Timber Forest Product Industry in the Context of Trade Globalization: A Case Study in Wuyishan, China
Authors: Luo Yixuan , Feng Xiao
Published: March 2023

With the trend of trade globalization, developing countries have an indispensable role in the global value chain. In China, production and trade of forest products appear to be considerably sensitive in balancing industry development and ecological conservation. Simultaneously, increased trade in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has merged as a new direction for sustainable forestry development. This study explores the effect of the NTFP trade globalization process on NTFP producer capital input using a dataset of 976 oolong tea producers in Wuyishan City, China, from 2008 to 2020. We ran pooled- ordinary least square regression and the results show that the trade globalization process of tea products is a driving force in oolong tea producer capital inputs in Wuyishan City, which increases with forest resources and producer scale. Additionally, our findings reveal that the local government implemented a fiscal policy to promote a sustainable composite model (SCM) in tea production, which includes terrace protection, organic fertilizers, tea-broadleaf symbiosis, and ecological water systems. Given structural growth in demand for tea products driven by trade globalization, the SCM promotion policy enhanced the quantity and quality of oolong tea products based on a harmonious coexistence with nature resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome for the government and producers.

Study Implications: Results of our study provide evidence that NTFP trade globalization and diversification can promote the NTFP industry by increasing productive capital inputs by producers and innovatively summarize an environmentally benign solution for the adjustment of the production model of NTFPs. The scarcity of forestland and the social uses of forest resources require embedding sustainable governance into the development of the NTFP industry. With government support, the new model of sustainable NTFP production can serve the long-term planning of rational forest resource use.
Age Differences in Motivated Cognition: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Swirsky Liyana T , Sparrow Erika P , Sullivan Margot D , Valenzano Sabrina L , Chowdhury Sadia , Spaniol Julia
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The goal of this preregistered study was to synthesize empirical findings on age differences in motivated cognition using a meta-analytic approach, with a focus on the domains of cognitive control and episodic memory.

Methods

A systematic search of articles published before July 2022 yielded 27 studies of cognitive control (N = 1,908) and 73 studies of memory (N = 5,837). Studies had to include healthy younger and older adults, a within-subjects or between-subjects comparison of motivation (high vs low), and a measure of cognitive control or memory. The Age × Motivation effect size was meta-analyzed using random-effects models, and moderators were examined using meta-regressions and subgroup analyses.

Results

Overall, the Age × Motivation interaction was not significant in either cognitive domain, but the effect sizes in both domains were significantly heterogeneous, indicating a possible role of moderating factors in accounting for effect size differences. Moderator analyses revealed significant moderation by incentive type for episodic memory, but not for cognitive control. Older adults’ memory was more sensitive to socioemotional rewards, whereas younger adults’ memory was more sensitive to financial gains.

Discussion

Findings are discussed with reference to the dopamine hypothesis of cognitive aging and to life-span theories of motivational orientation. None of these theories is fully supported by the meta-analysis findings, highlighting the need for an integration of neurobiological, cognitive process, and life-span-motivational perspectives.
Adaptive coloured noise multirate Kalman filter and its application in coseismic deformations
Authors: Chen Changxin , Lin Xu , Li Wei , Cheng Lin , Wang Hongyue , Zhang Qingqing , Wang Zhen
Published: March 2023

The accuracy and sampling rate of a coseismic displacement and velocity waveform can be improved by fusing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and strong motion (SM) sensor data with a multirate Kalman filter. However, many studies have shown that the noise in GNSS coseismic waveforms includes coloured noise, and it is challenging to obtain proper GNSS and SM fusion results if the GNSS coloured noise is not accurately represented. In this paper, we propose a coloured noise multirate Kalman filter, which uses a stochastic model for modelling the GNSS coloured noise to achieve an accurate fusion of data from GNSS and SM for different sampling rates. In addition, we also propose an estimation method for the multirate Kalman filter stochastic model under coloured noise to achieve the optimal adaptive fusion of GNSS and SM data. After the reliability of the proposed method was confirmed using Monte Carlo simulations and earthquake engineering data tests, the proposed method was applied to data collected from the 2019 Mw 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake and 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake. The test results show that the proposed method can effectively fuse GNSS and SM data and accurately obtain broadband coseismic displacement and velocity waveforms.
The performance of differential point positioning using low-cost GNSS in comparison to DInSAR for monitoring coseismic displacement of the Provenzana–Pernicana fault system (Mt. Etna, 2018 December eruptive phase)
Authors: Wilkinson M W , Bonforte A , Jones R R , Wadsworth F B , Roberts G P , Guglielmino F
Published: March 2023

Mt. Etna is a perfect laboratory for testing new approaches and new technologies in a very active geodynamic environment. It offers, in fact, the opportunity for measuring active crustal deformation, related to volcanic activity as well as to seismic faulting on its flanks. In this work, a network of low-cost/low-power Global Navigation Satellite System stations has been installed and tested on Mt. Etna, across a very active fault, the Provenzana–Pernicana system, cutting its north-eastern flank. During the test period, a lateral eruption occurred (starting on 2018 December 24), with a forceful dyke intrusion that stressed all the flanks of the volcano, soliciting all the main faults dissecting the edifice. Also the Provenzana–Pernicana fault system, where this network was recording, was activated during the dyke intrusion, producing a significant seismic swarm. The low-cost/low-power network data analysis allowed the fault slip during the intrusion to be clearly traced in time and space at all the stations lying on the hangingwall mobile block of the fault. All the stations lying south of the fault trace showed an eastward displacement, in very good agreement with the usual kinematics of the fault and the temporal duration of the M 3.5 December 24 earthquake, related to the seaward dislocation of the eastern mobile flank of the volcano, promoted and accelerated by dyke emplacement on the upper part of the edifice.
Speaker Diversity and Audience Ratings at a National Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Conference
Authors: Goldowsky Alexander , Singh Roshni , Moss Alan
Published: March 2023

Background

There is a need to improve speaker diversity at gastroenterology conferences, but little public data exist to quantify this. In addition, the perception of diverse speakers by conference audiences is not appreciated. We sought to identify time trends in speaker profiles and audience ratings at a national inflammatory bowel diseases conference.

Methods

Faculty profiles and audience feedback forms from 2014 to 2020 were reviewed for an annual inflammatory bowel diseases meeting. Speaker demographics including gender, race, and years of experience post-training were collected. Continuing medical education surveys were examined for audience ratings of speakers’ knowledge level and teaching ability.

Results

Six years of data were collected, including 560 main program faculty and 13 905 total feedback forms. The percentage of female speakers increased from 25% in 2016 to 39% in 2020. All-male panels decreased from 47% in 2014 to 2017 to 11% in 2018 to 2020. Racial diversity of speakers remained unchanged (13% Asian, 5% Hispanic/Latinx, 1% Black). In audience feedback forms, female speakers from all sessions were perceived as having equal knowledge base and teaching ability compared with male speakers. However, speakers with <10 years of experience post-training were viewed as less knowledgeable and with poorer teaching abilities compared with more senior faculty.

Conclusions

Gender diversity at inflammatory bowel disease conferences is improving. However, there remain significant gaps, particularly in racial diversity and improving perceptions of early-career speakers. These data should inform program committees for future gastroenterology conferences.
Rapid Clinical Remission With Upadacitinib in a Pediatric Patient With Refractory Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Collen Lauren V
Published: March 2023

Lay Summary

A pediatric patient with Crohn’s disease refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and 6-mercaptopurine achieved rapid clinical remission with upadacitinib. This is the first report of successful use of upadacitinib in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
CFD analysis of gravity-fed drag-type in-pipe water turbine to determine the optimal deflector-to-turbine position
Authors: Gautam Shishir , Sedai Ashish , Dhakal Rabin , Sedhai Bijaya Kumar , Pol Suhas
Published: March 2023

In-pipe hydroelectric power generation is a relatively new clean energy power generation technology. This new clean energy technology has been identified to be feasible after successful commercial installation in different parts of the world. Several researchers worldwide have studied the optimal turbine type, the optimal number of blades in turbine, introduction of suitable deflector, etc. for this technology. However, the effect of the turbine's position relative to the upstream deflector on its performance has not been studied so far. This research encompasses a numerical study of the in-pipe hydroelectric power generation turbine to identify the optimal position of the turbine from the deflector. The study was performed for a 160-mm diameter pipeline and a 126-mm turbine height and aims to predict the behavior of larger diameter pipelines for commercial installation. The numerical study was performed for a hollow-type drag turbine at 6 different rotational speeds and 10 different turbine positions. The results suggest that the performance characteristics of drag-type turbine are erratic, thus leaving little space to draw a firm conclusion about the turbine's performance. However, there was an increase in pressure difference, head and available theoretical power with the increase in rotational speed for all the positions. It was also found that such turbines were generally more efficient at slightly higher rotational speeds, i.e. speed greater than 40 rad/s, and at about the distance of 0.65D (where D is the pipe diameter) between deflector's eye and turbine.Highlights: • Drag-type water turbines can significantly contribute to the production of clean energy. • We varied the turbine position and rotational speed to see how these parameters affects the turbine performance. • Computational fluid dynamics approach is used to study the behavior of turbine at different operating conditions.
Economic-emission–constrained multi-objective hybrid optimal energy flow of integrated energy systems
Authors: Fan Binning , Hu Longji , Fan Zhiguo , Liu Aifeng , Yan Lijun , Xie Fengjuan , Liu Zhenyu
Published: March 2023

The energy flow optimization is important to the operation, planning and trading of integrated energy systems. Based on the energy hub (EH) model, this paper establishes a multi-objective hybrid optimal energy flow model for integrated energy systems that consider operation economy and pollution gas emissions. Power grid constraints, gas grid constraints and EH constraints are involved in the proposed model. The non-dominated improved genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and particle swarm optimization algorithm combined solution method is used to solve the proposed multi-objective hybrid optimal energy flow model. The results show that the proposed model can balance the operation economy and pollution gas emission according to the difference of energy price and load demand. It can flexibly change the transformation and utilization mode of natural gas to provide more operation solutions for operators and realize more rational utilization of energy.
Detection, location, and diagnosis of different faults in large solar PV system—a review
Authors: Venkatakrishnan G R , Rengaraj R , Tamilselvi S , Harshini J , Sahoo Ansheela , Saleel C Ahamed , Abbas Mohamed , Cuce Erdem , Jazlyn C , Shaik Saboor , Cuce Pinar Mert , Riffat Saffa
Published: March 2023

Over the past decade, the significance of solar photovoltaic (PV) system has played a major role due to the rapid growth in the solar PV industry. Reliability, efficiency and safety of solar PV systems can be enhanced by continuous monitoring of the system and detecting the faults if any as early as possible. Reduced real time power generation and reduced life span of the solar PV system are the results if the fault in solar PV system is found undetected. Therefore, it is mandatory to identify and locate the type of fault occurring in a solar PV system. The faults occurring in the solar PV system are classified as follows: physical, environmental, and electrical faults that are further classified into different types as described in this paper. Once a fault is located and detected, an appropriate diagnosis method needs to be used to rectify it. In this paper, a comprehensive review of diverse fault diagnosis techniques reported in various literature is listed and described. This paper helps the researchers to get an awareness of the various faults occurring in a solar PV system and enables them to choose a suitable diagnosis technique based on its performance metrics to rectify the fault occurring in solar PV systems.
New Developments in the Treatment of Schizophrenia: An Expert Roundtable
Authors: Kantrowitz Joshua T , Correll Christoph U , Jain Rakesh , Cutler Andrew J
Published: March 2023

Background

Schizophrenia is a disabling disorder that profoundly affects functioning and quality of life. While available antipsychotics have improved outcomes for patients with schizophrenia, they are relatively ineffective for negative and cognitive symptoms and are associated with a range of troublesome side effects. A significant unmet medical need for more effective and better-tolerated therapies remains.

Methods

A roundtable consisting of 4 experts in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia convened to discuss the current treatment landscape, unmet needs from patient and societal perspectives, and the potential of emerging therapies with novel mechanisms of action (MOAs).

Results

Key areas of unmet need include optimal implementation of available treatments, effective treatment of negative and cognitive symptoms, improvements in medication adherence, novel MOAs, avoidance of postsynaptic dopamine blockade–related adverse effects, and individualized approaches to treatment. With the possible exception of clozapine, all currently available antipsychotics primarily act by blocking dopamine D2 receptors. Agents with novel MOAs are urgently needed to effectively target the full range of symptoms in schizophrenia and facilitate an individualized treatment approach. Discussion focused on promising novel MOAs that have demonstrated potential in phase 2 and 3 trials include muscarinic receptor agonism, trace amine-associated receptor 1 agonism, serotonin receptor antagonism/inverse agonism, and glutamatergic modulation.

Conclusions

Results from early clinical trials of agents with novel MOAs are encouraging, particularly for muscarinic and trace amine-associated receptor 1 agonists. These agents offer renewed hope for meaningful improvement in the management of patients with schizophrenia.
Who would be a pharmacist? A national representative cross-sectional survey of pharmacists and students to explore personality traits and associations with job satisfaction and career outlook
Authors: Kamath Srinivas , Soo Bianca , Mill Deanna , Johnson Jacinta , Page Amy Theresa
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Pharmacists’ response to practice change tends to range from apprehension to excitement. It is unknown if these varying responses are related to differing personality traits. This study aimed to describe the personality traits of Australian pharmacists, pharmacist interns and pharmacy students and any potential associations with their career satisfaction and/or outlook.

Methods

Australian pharmacy students, pre-registration and registered pharmacists were eligible to participate in the cross-sectional online survey that consisted of participant demographics, personality traits (using a reliable validated instrument, the Big Five Inventory) and career outlook statements (three optimistic and three pessimistic statements). Data were analysed descriptively and using linear regression.

Key findings

The 546 respondents scored highly for agreeableness (4.0 ± 0.6) and conscientiousness (4.0 ± 0.6) and lowest in neuroticism (2.8 ± 0.8)). Pessimistic career outlook statements were predominantly neutral or disagreement, in contrast to the responses to the optimistic outlook statements that were predominantly neutral or agreement. Just over half (198 out of 368, 53%) of the registered pharmacists stated that they intended to practice in the profession for more than 10 years. For pharmacists, age had significant positive associations with the three optimistic career outlook statements and significant inverse relationships with three pessimistic career outlook statements. Neuroticism had significant inverse associations with optimistic statements and positive relationships with pessimistic statements.

Conclusions

All demographics tested was overall optimistic about the pharmacy profession with pharmacists scoring highly in agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness.
Towards a More Effective Health and Safety Regime for UK Workplaces Post COVID-19
Authors: Davies A C L , Rodgers Lisa
Published: March 2023

In this article, we identify ways in which the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed flaws in the UK’s regulatory regime for health and safety at work. The characteristics of Covid-19 presented particular challenges for the risk-based approach to regulation embraced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). We offer a critique and suggest four principal areas for reform. First, it is clear that HSE and other enforcement bodies need an injection of funds to support their inspection and enforcement activities. Second, the regulatory regime itself is in need of modernisation to reduce reliance on criminal law. Third, wider labour law problems such as the distinction between worker and employee, which impact health and safety law, need to be resolved. Fourth, and most importantly, there must be much greater recognition that health and safety is an issue for every person in the workforce. Even if Covid-19 ceases to pose such a significant workplace risk, we consider that there are a variety of other common health and safety issues that would be better addressed by a modified and modernised regulatory strategy.
The Role of ALPK1 in Inhibiting Hepatitis B Virus Replication Facilitates the Identification of ALPK1 P660L Variant for Predicting Response to Pegylated Interferon α Therapy
Authors: Lou Shuang , Wang Jialin , Chen Jiaxuan , Xie Haisheng , Chen Haitao , Zhou Bin , Zhang Bo , Hou Jinlin , Jiang De-Ke
Published: March 2023

Background

Alpha kinase 1 (ALPK1) agonist has recently been reported to demonstrate anti–hepatitis B virus (HBV) efficacy via activating NF-κB signaling, which is crucial for maximizing interferon (IFN) responses. Here, we investigated the impact of ALPK1 on HBV replication and explored ALPK1 variants for predicting the response to pegylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α) treatment.

Methods

The potential anti-HBV effect of ALPK1 was evaluated in HBV-integrated and HBV-infected hepatoma cells. The potentially functional genetic variants of ALPK1 were screened out, and their correlations with PegIFN-α treatment response were assessed in 945 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)–positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Results

We revealed that ALPK1 inhibited HBV replication in hepatocytes via activating the JAK-STAT pathway. ALPK1 overexpression improved the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α in cell models. A missense variant, rs35389530 (P660L), of ALPK1 was strongly associated with combined response (CR; namely, HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA level <3.3log10 IU/mL) to PegIFN-α treatment in patients with CHB (P = 2.12 × 10−6). Moreover, a polygenic score integrating ALPK1_rs35389530 and 2 additional genetic variants was further significantly associated with CR (Ptrend = 9.28 × 10−7), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level (Ptrend = .0002), and HBsAg loss (Ptrend = .025).

Conclusions

The anti-HBV effects of ALPK1 through activating JAK-STAT pathway provides a new perspective for CHB therapy. ALPK1_rs35389530 and polygenic score are potential biomarkers to predict PegIFN-α treatment response and may be used for optimizing CHB treatment.
A New Era of Morphological Investigations: Reviewing Methods for Comparative Anatomical Studies
Authors: Ford K L , Albert J S , Summers A P , Hedrick B P , Schachner E R , Jones A S , Evans K , Chakrabarty P
Published: March 2023

Synopsis

The increased use of imaging technology in biological research has drastically altered morphological studies in recent decades and allowed for the preservation of important collection specimens alongside detailed visualization of bony and soft-tissue structures. Despite the benefits associated with these newer imaging techniques, there remains a need for more “traditional” methods of morphological examination in many comparative studies. In this paper, we describe the costs and benefits of the various methods of visualizing, examining, and comparing morphological structures. There are significant differences not only in the costs associated with these different methods (monetary, time, equipment, and software), but also in the degree to which specimens are destroyed. We argue not for any one particular method over another in morphological studies, but instead suggest a combination of methods is useful not only for breadth of visualization, but also for the financial and time constraints often imposed on early-career research scientists.