bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Electronic Design Automation Tools with an ML-Based Information Retrieval System
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Mehr Shideh
Published: July 2024

Over the past fifty years, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools have played a crucial role in the semiconductor industry, assisting in the design, simulation, and manufacturing of integrated circuits (ICs). However, the sophisticated nature of these tools often demands extensive expertise, which can be a barrier for many users. Mastery of these tools necessitates specialized knowledge and skills, including comprehension of complex algorithms, design methodologies, and tool-specific workflows. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a machine learning (ML) based information retrieval system designed to enhance the usability of EDA tools. The objective of this system is to simplify user interactions and make EDA tools more accessible to designers, regardless of their expertise level. The main idea of this ML-driven system is to provide a chatbot-like interface that facilitates efficient, context-aware searches and offers interactive, step-by-step guidance on using various tool functionalities. By integrating natural language processing and machine learning techniques, the system can understand user queries, extract relevant information from the tool's documentation, and provide context-specific guidance. This approach helps to mitigate the steep learning curve associated with advanced EDA applications and enhances tool accessibility. Consequently, it promotes a more intuitive interaction with sophisticated EDA software, thus fostering enhanced usability of complex tools in the semiconductor industry. This work exemplifies the transformative potential of integrating machine learning with conversational user interfaces in making sophisticated software applications more user-friendly.
Recycling of Waste Plastic PET on Asphalt Concrete (AC) by Using Application of Response Surface Methodology: Effect of PET on AC Formulated by Duriez Model
Authors: Sofo Hassan , Mohammed Mohagir , Sidick Batran
Published: July 2024

The wet recycling process of plastic waste was used to design a composite material (asphalt concrete) following the Duriez method. This process aims to improve the rheological performance of asphalt concrete by transforming PET on powdery and added to bitumen. To attend this objective, Doehlert' surface plane was used to assess how the asphalt rate, the PET rate and size, and then the aggregate rate affected the stability (wet and dry) and, in turn, the immersion/compression strength index (RI/C), the absorption capacity, the compactness as well as the void that could be filled by the 0/10 AC (asphalt concrete). All quadratic multivariate polynomial models with interactions were obtained and validated in order to optimize the responses. Thus, the physical characterization made it possible to obtain an asphalt concrete with good mechanical characteristics. In addition, it was observed that the selected factors had a different impact on the responses, which are: IR/C; the water absorption capacity, compactness and void filled by the binder by significantly increasing or decreasing them in simple, quadratic and interaction contributions. From the multi-response optimization, the objective was to obtain a composite material (Asphalt-PET-Aggregates) with has the best rheological characteristic, resulted in the following compromise: Bitumen rate 7%, PET 6% of asphalt, PET size 0,5mm; Aggregate content 93%. The simulated optimal values yielded the following responses were: 0.77 RI/C, immersion/compressive strength (Y.RI/C); 2.9%, absorption capacity (Y.WAC); 94%, compactness (Y.C); 71% void filled by asphalt (Y.VFA)
Comparison of the Efficacy of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty and Microscopic Tympanoplasty
Authors: Najeeb Tallat , Siddiqui Nisa , Bilal Arshia , Bilal Saleem , Khan Muhammad , Bhatti Abdul
Published: July 2024

Objective of this study is to compare the endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET) and microscopic tympanoplasty (MT) regarding graft uptake, hearing improvement and cost effectiveness. The total number of patients included in the study was 68 full filling inclusion and external criteria. The total number of patients included in the study was 68, among these 50 were males and 18 were females. Mean age was 44 years. Disease was seen in right ear in 43 patients and in the left ear in 35 patients. The main procedure performed was Tympanoplasty Type 1with underlay technique. Patients were divided into two groups, MT (A) and ET (B), each of this was further divided into Tympanoplasty with Cortical Mastoidectomy (A1, B1) and Tympanoplasty without Cortical Mastoidectomy (A2, B2). Among each type, the graft was either taken from Temporalis Fascia (TF); (A1f, A2f, B1f, B2f) or from the tragal cartilage (TC); (A1c, A2c, B1c, B2c). The success rate was determined by average hearing improvement and graft uptake. According to the results, MT with Cortical Mastoidectomy had success rate of 100% and MT without Cortical Mastoidectomy had success rate of 80% (with TF, the success rate is 75% and with TC, it is 100%). ET with Cortical Mastoidectomy had success rate of 100% and ET without Cortical Mastoidectomy had success rate of 85% (with TC). Total number of patients in which tympanoplasty was done with cortical mastoidectomy (all wet ears) was 46. The results were extraordinary and graft uptake was 100%. Total number of patients who underwent tympanoplasty without cortical mastoidectomy, (all dry ears) was 22. Results were only 81.8%. It was found that patients with ET and TF, were more satisfied with the scar as it became invisible in 2 months. The scar was cosmetically unacceptable in patients having undergone cortical mastoidectomy along with either ET or MT with use of TF graft.
Racial and Socioeconomic Differences Correlate with Healthcare Disparities in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Huang Deven , Channamsetty Sara , Verter Erol , Huang John
Published: July 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), an ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, is the leading cause of permanent blindness in the United States for young adults. Due to biological and environmental factors, diabetes mellitus is well known to disproportionally affect people of color and those of lower socioeconomic status; however, the racial and socioeconomic disparities of DR are less researched. The purpose of this research is to elucidate any differences in DR presentation that arise across racial and socioeconomic lines and to determine if diabetic control can be a predicting factor for DR severity. For this study, a retrospective patient chart analysis was performed on 511 consecutive newly referred patients with diabetes at New England Retina Associates, a vitreo-retinal ophthalmology practice with four locations throughout Connecticut. Our analysis shows that, when compared to their White and Asian counterparts, Black/African American and Hispanic patients present with DR at younger ages, had the higher HbA1c, were uninsured at higher rates, and presented with severe forms of DR in higher rates when compared to their counterparts. Many of these patterns are mirrored in patients that are uninsured or on Medicaid, indicators of lower socioeconomic status. Additionally, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, patients with higher HbA1c tended to present with more severe forms of DR. These findings indicate that DR disproportionately affects racial minority populations and those in socioeconomically disadvantageous positions, but effective glycemic control and routine eye exam screening can improve the outcomes of these patients. It is important for medical providers to recognize the disparities in these vulnerable populations in order to facilitate the timely referrals and the proper care for their long-term ocular health.
Prodrugs: A Novel Approach of Drug Delivery
Authors: Gaur Rishabh
Published: July 2024

In the last one-decade numbers of review and research, articles have been published on prodrugs. This shows the interest of researchers in prodrugs because of the advantages offered by them over other drug delivery systems. Prodrug design is a method to focus many of the issues that trouble drug discovery and development, such as solidity, virulence, solubility, permeability, and drug targeting. Prodrug design is an effective method for targeting medications by altering their physiochemical, pharmacological, or pharmacokinetic properties. Prodrugs account for about 10% to 14% of all drugs sanctioned worldwide. Prodrugs can be created for a variety of administration methods, including transdermal, oral, intravenous, and more. However, the oral route of administration is the most popular and preferable approach; hence, oral prodrugs are highlighted in this article. Our main objectives are to explain the fundamental ideas behind the prodrug strategy, give a rundown of successfully registered oral prodrugs, and evaluate the therapeutic gains made in contrast to the parent drug. In this review article, we have made an attempt to incorporate all the basic details of prodrugs like Introductions, classification, applications of prodrug design in diverse fields of drug development, and basic functional categories that are amenable to prodrug design are all covered in this article. Using electronic databases such Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Sci Finder, Reaxys, and Cochrane, a literature search was conducted to locate information.
A Comparative Analysis of the 2021 NFL Combine Data: The Relationship Between Linear Sprint, Momentum, Vertical and Horizontal Jumps and Change of Direction Deficit
Authors: Seidu Issaka , Opoku-Antwi Eric , Dauda Regiwan
Published: July 2024

The majority of COD execution assessments employ the use of total time as the metric by which COD performance is judged. This study investigated the relationships between CODD time, sprint time, 5-10-5 and jump performance. Performance data of 328 participants of the 2021 NFL Combine (age: 22.35 ± 1.00 years; height: 1.87 ± 0.07m; weight: 108.51 ± 21.61kg) was collected and used for the analysis. CODD correlated to the 5- 10-5 pro-agility (r= 0.69 - 0.71) test but not sprint time (r= 0.15 - 0.27) for both the drafted and undrafted groups. Meanwhile, there was a large to very large association between 5-10-5 proagility time and the sprint variables (r = 0.62 - 0.82) for both drafted and undrafted groups. The correlation between CODD time and momentum was minor (r= 0.26 – 0.28) for both drafted and undrafted groups, but the 5-10-5 pro-agility reported a strong to a very strong association with momentum (r= 0.57 – 0.75). There was an inversely small correlation between CODD time and VJh (r= – 0.27) and BJ (r= -0.25– -0.28) for both drafted and undrafted groups whereas the 5-10-5 pro-agility time reported an inversely large to very large correlation with VJH (r= -0.51 – -0.68) and BJ (r= -0.57 – -0.71) on both groups. The magnitude and impact of the momentum, horizontal jump, and vertical jump of participants on their CODD time indicate that coaches and fitness experts should focus on improving the technical aspects of the COD execution when attempting to improve their CODS.
Big Data Technology and Financial Performance of Listed Firms in Palestine: Mediating Role of Accounting Information Systems
Authors: Faza Mustafa , Badwan Nemer
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of the rate of quality of accounting information systems on the relationship between big data technology and firms’ financial performance in firms listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange. The researchers conducted an account of the previous studies in this field. The researcher used the deductive approach in studying and analyzing previous studies related to big data by relying on books, periodicals, theses, and accounting standards related to the subject of the research. The researcher applied an inductive approach when conducting the field study and testing the statistical hypotheses related to the study of the relationship between the use of big data technology and firms’ financial performance. The findings show a correlation coefficient of (0.54) and a coefficient of determination of (48%), indicating that big data analytics positively affects the rate of return on assets, and that there is a statistically significant relationship between the advancement of accounting information systems and the enhancement of financial performance in big data technology, as measured by the rate of return on equity and the rate of return on assets, which have correlation rates of (0.53) and (42%), respectively. This relationship is reflected in the data on the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the use of big data technology and the enhancement of financial performance with big data technology. The intention of big data, as well as the absence of fundamental differences between the sample individuals, states that the use of big data technology leads to improved performance through the development of various accounting practices and good inventory management by predicting customer behaviour, thus increasing the competitiveness of competition and improving the reputation of the establishment on social media. This is reflected in the company’s sales and its survival in the market, as well as the development of analytical models and advanced methods of analysis that limit fraud and help control it, which is one of the establishment’s goals at present. This paper contributes to the literature by showing that the use of big data leads to a change in methods of preparing the final accounts, especially the financial position, and displaying them at fair value, which increases investor confidence. The study offers insights into the necessity of holding training courses for accountants concerning technology related to digital transformation and big data analysis for use in developing accounting practices.
Use of the Meta-Analysis and Kolmogorov Criteria in the Finding of Singularities of a Nuclear Matter Created in Ultra-Relativistic Nuclear Collisions
Authors: Kizka Valeriy
Published: July 2024

Published theoretical data from several models – PHSD/HSD both with and without chiral symmetry restoration (CSR), applied to experimental data on nuclear collisions from BEVALAC/SIS to LHC energies were analyzed using meta-analysis and Kolmogorov criteria. This made it possible to localize possible features of nuclear matter created in central nucleus-nucleus collisions. Ignition of a drop of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) begins already at an energy of about √sNN = 2 GeV. The assessment showed that this QGP droplet occupies a small fraction, 15% (average radius of about 5.3 fm, if the fireball radius is 10 fm), of the total volume of the fireball created at √sNN = 2.7 GeV. A drop of exotic matter undergoes a split phase transition – separated boundaries of sharp (1st order) crossover and CSR in chiral limit, between QGP and Quarkyonic matter at an energy about √sNN = 3.5 GeV. The critical endpoint of 2nd order probably cannot be reached in nuclear collisions. The triple phase area occupies interval from √sNN =12 GeV to 15 GeV, the critical endpoint of 1st order – at around √sNN = 20 GeV. The boundary of smooth (2nd order) crossover transition with CSR in chiral limit between Quarkyonic matter and QGP was localized between √sNN = 9.3 GeV and 12 GeV, and between Hadronic and QGP in the interval from √sNN = 15 GeV to 20 GeV, the boundary of sharp (1st order) crossover transition with CSR in chiral limit between Hadronic matter and QGP was localized after √sNN = 20 GeV. The phase trajectory of the hadronic corona, enveloping the exotic droplet, always remains in the hadronic phase. The possible phase diagram of nuclear matter created in mid-central heavy ion collisions is also presented in the same energy range as for central collisions. Taking into account the quantum nature of the fireball created in nuclear collisions, emphasis is on the existence of events in central nuclear collisions at energy range from √sNN = 2 GeV to 2.76 TeV, at which no exotic matter is created and nuclear matter in the fireball remains in the hadronic phase throughout its (fireball) evolution.
Non-Homogeneous Binary Cubic Equation a(x-y)3=8bxy
Authors: Thiruniraiselvi Nagarajan , Kumar Sharadha , Gopalan Mayilrangam
Published: July 2024

Polynomial equations an interesting subject in theory of numbers, occupy a pivotal role in the realm of mathematics and have a wealth of historical significance. The theoretical importance of polynomial equations of third degree in two unknowns having integral coefficients is great as they are closely connected with many problems of number theory. Specifically, the third degree polynomial equations having two unknowns in connection with elliptic curves occupy a pivotal role in the region of mathematics. This paper discusses on finding many solutions in integers to a typical third degree equation having two variables expressed as a(x-y)3=8bxy. The substitution strategy is employed in obtaining successfully different choices of solutions in integers. Some of the special fascinating numbers, namely, Pyramidal numbers, Polygonal numbers, Centered pyramidal numbers, Centered polygonal numbers, Thabit ibn Qurra numbers, Star numbers, Mersenne numbers and Nasty numbers (numbers expressed as product of two numbers in two different ways such that the sum of the factors in one set equals to the difference of factors in another set) are discussed in properties. These special numbers are unique. and have attractive characterization that set them apart from other numbers. The process of formulating second order Ramanujan numbers with base numbers as real integers is illustrated through examples.
Breeding of Crested Ibises Under Artificial Meteorological Conditions Factors
Authors: Shi Pu , Zhang Yutian , Gao Genggeng , Lei Ling
Published: July 2024

The crested ibis, also known as the Japanese crested ibis, belongs to the family Threskiornithidae in the order Ciconiiformes, with the scientific name Nipponia nippon Reichenbach. It is also known by other names such as red crane, red-faced ibis and Japanese phoenix. It is distributed in the Palearctic realm, occasionally migrating to the Oriental realm. It was once widely distributed from 20°30′ north latitude to 50°30′ north latitude and was considered an auspicious bird. The crested ibis is a critically endangered species worldwide. In the 1930s, in order to save this endangered species, ornithologists in China, regardless of the hardships, conducted surveys for many years and finally found the world's only two remaining wild groups of seven crested ibises. The world is paying great attention to the conservation of this species. Referring to numerous literature and data on crested ibises, combined with the process from discovery in the wild to artificial protection, artificial breeding in other places, artificial egg laying, and then hatching, we place crested ibises in an artificial elevated nylon mesh environment and implement natural pairing under artificial intervention. Combined with natural breeding and artificial hatching and rearing, we conduct active research on the physiology and growth development rules of crested ibises that abandon eggs, implement a rational nutritional formula, and actively promote the protection of this globally endangered species.
3-Sphere Tetrahedral Angles and Phase Angle of the Pseudorotation P[deg] of C1-CH3-α-D Ribitol Iminocyclitol
Authors: Filip Petru , Mitan Carmen , Bartha Emerich
Published: July 2024

3-Sphere dihedral angles θHnHn+1[deg] calculated from NMR data, from vicinal coupling constant 3JHnHn+1[Hz] with right sign and stereochemistry, are used for simulation of the conformation of the five membered ring with VISION molecular models and Gausian09W. For a vicinal angle ϕ[deg], angle result from vicinal coupling constant 3JHnHn+1[Hz], result three possible dihedral angles with negative and positive sign. Different phase angles of the pseudorotation results from combination of dihedral angles (exocyclic angles) with positive and negative sign in case of cis stereochemistry, and only negative sign for trans stereochemistry, in accord with D-ribitol stereochemistry. The sign of the endocyclic trans-ee torsional angle is positive, relative to trans-aa and cis stereochemistry with same sign as exocyclic angle, as visualized on VISION molecular models. Tetrahedral angles φCn[deg] in close relationship with dihedral angles θHnHn+1[deg] are calculated only from vicinal coupling constant 3JHnHn+1[Hz] in attempt to corelate the change in conformation with tetrahedral values φCn[deg] and bond lengths l[A0], once the iminocyclitol push out from planarity one or two atoms of carbon, and once again to confirm the method for calculation of tetrahedral angles of five membered ring, sin/tan versus sin/cos units.
Use of Zircon in the Physicochemical Process of Defluorination of Hyperfluorinated Brackish Water from the Diouroup Borehole (Senegal)
Authors: Ly Alioune , Coly Anabilaye , Camara Ndiouga , Ngom Baba , Gassama Diadioly , Tamba Séni
Published: July 2024

In phosphate-producing countries (United States, Commonwealth of Independent States, North and West Africa including Senegal), the presence of phosphate ores (hydroxyapatite) is often associated with that of fluorine ores (fluoro apatite). In these regions, water from confined aquifers may have excessive fluoride contents. While the potability standards in tropical climates are 0.7 mg/L at a temperature of 25°C In the central zone of Senegal, hyperfluorinated brackish water constitutes a public health problem. It is in this context that it was decided to make our contribution to the purification of drinking water in this area. In our study, we used as an element in the physicochemical defluorination process. The results obtained, by this physicochemical treatment by filtration on the zircon column, showed overall a reduction in fluoride contents of 67.55% (i.e. from 6.41 mg/L to 2.08 mg/L) in chlorides of 10.44%. We can therefore affirm that zircon can be used for the defluorination of hyperfluorinated brackish waters. However, these results can be improved by lowering the pH of the water before treatment and increasing the retention time.
Convolutional Encoding and Normalizing Flows: A Deep Learning Approach for Offshore Wind Speed Probabilistic Forecasting in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Marcille Robin , Tandeo Pierre , Thiébaut Maxime , Pinson Pierre , Fablet Ronan
Published: July 2024

The safe and efficient execution of offshore operations requires short-term (1–6 h ahead) high-quality probabilistic forecasts of metocean variables. The development areas for offshore wind projects, potentially in high depths, make it difficult to gather measurement data. This paper explores the use of deep learning for wind speed forecasting at an unobserved offshore location. The proposed convolutional architecture jointly exploits coastal measurements and numerical weather predictions to emulate multivariate probabilistic short-term forecasts. We explore both Gaussian and non-Gaussian neural representations using normalizing flows. We benchmark these approaches with respect to state-of-the-art data-driven schemes, including analog methods and quantile forecasting. The performance of the models and resulting forecast quality are analyzed in terms of probabilistic calibration, probabilistic and deterministic metrics, and as a function of weather situations. We report numerical experiments for a real case study off the French Mediterranean coast. Our results highlight the role of regional numerical weather prediction and coastal in situ measurement in the performance of postprocessing. For single-valued forecasts, a 40% decrease in RMSE is observed compared to the direct use of numerical weather predictions. Significant skill improvements are also obtained for the probabilistic forecasts, in terms of various scores, as well as an acceptable probabilistic calibration. The proposed architecture can process a large amount of heterogeneous input data and offers a versatile probabilistic framework for multivariate forecasting.
Quantile Delta-Mapped Spatial Disaggregation Analysis for Climate Variations over the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Zhao Rui , Zhou Xiong , Liu Jing , Li Yongping , Huang Guohe
Published: July 2024

Significant increases in temperature and precipitation due to global warming affect socioeconomics. Accurate analysis is needed for future temperature and precipitation variations across the Yangtze River basin (YRB). A novel quantile delta-mapped spatial disaggregation (QDMSD) approach was developed in this study to analyze temperature and precipitation changes for the first time. The evaluation results show that the QDMSD has a similar performance in simulating temperature with the bias correction and spatial disaggregation (BCSD) model, while it shows improvement in reproducing precipitation. Projections indicate the annual-mean temperature will increase from 2020 to 2080 under shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. The projected temperature obtained from five downscaled GCMs has the smallest range of differences in summer. Conversely, annual-mean temperatures significantly decrease from 2081 to 2100 under SSP2-4.5. In terms of spatial distribution characteristics, most of the positive changes tend to expand across the YRB. The annual-mean precipitation will increase from 2020 to 2080 but decrease from 2081 to 2100 under SSP2-4.5 over the YRB. In terms of spatial distribution, precipitation in the southeast region of the YRB will increase, and the maximum variations in precipitation will occur downstream of the YRB. The QDMSD method reproduces observed precipitation trends well and enhances simulation accuracy in the YRB. For projected temperature, there will be a widespread increase across the YRB; for projected precipitation, significant increases will occur in the eastern YRB. These findings support policymaking to address potential risks from temperature and precipitation changes across multiple sectors (e.g., agriculture and industry).
Future Changes in the Vertical Structure of Severe Convective Storm Environments over the U.S. Central Great Plains
Authors: Davis Isaac , Li Funing , Chavas Daniel R.
Published: July 2024

The effect of warming on severe convective storm potential is commonly explained in terms of changes in vertically integrated (“bulk”) environmental parameters, such as CAPE and 0–6-km shear. However, such events are known to depend on the details of the vertical structure of the thermodynamic and kinematic environment that can change independently of these bulk parameters. This work examines how warming may affect the complete vertical structure of these environments for fixed ranges of values of high CAPE and bulk shear, using data over the central Great Plains from two high-performing climate models (CNRM and MPI). To first order, projected changes in the vertical sounding structure are consistent between the two models: the environment warms approximately uniformly with height at constant relative humidity, and the shear profile remains relatively constant. The boundary layer becomes slightly drier (−2% to 6% relative humidity) while the free troposphere becomes slightly moister (+1% to 3%), with a slight increase in moist static energy deficit aloft with stronger magnitude in CNRM. CNRM indicates enhanced low-level shear and storm-relative helicity associated with stronger hodograph curvature in the lowest 2 km, whereas MPI shows near-zero change. Both models strongly underestimate shear below 1 km compared to ERA5, indicating large uncertainty in projecting subtle changes in the low-level flow structure in climate models. The evaluation of the net effect of these modest thermodynamic and kinematic changes on severe convective storm outcomes cannot be ascertained here but could be explored in simulation experiments.

Significance Statement

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes cause substantial damage and loss of life each year, which raise concerns about how they may change as the world warms. We typically use a small number of common atmospheric parameters to understand how these localized events may change with climate change. However, climate change may alter the weather patterns that produce these events in ways not captured by these parameters. This work examines how climate change may alter the complete vertical structure of temperature, moisture, and wind and discusses the potential implications of these changes for future severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
ProcaryaSV: structural variation detection pipeline for bacterial genomes using short-read sequencing
Authors: Jugas Robin , Vitkova Helena
Published: July 2024

Background

Structural variations play an important role in bacterial genomes. They can mediate genome adaptation quickly in response to the external environment and thus can also play a role in antibiotic resistance. The detection of structural variations in bacteria is challenging, and the recognition of even small rearrangements can be important. Even though most detection tools are aimed at and benchmarked on eukaryotic genomes, they can also be used on prokaryotic genomes. The key features of detection are the ability to detect small rearrangements and support haploid genomes. Because of the limiting performance of a single detection tool, combining the detection abilities of multiple tools can lead to more robust results. There are already available workflows for structural variation detection for long-reads technologies and for the detection of single-nucleotide variation and indels, both aimed at bacteria. Yet we are unaware of structural variations detection workflows for the short-reads sequencing platform. Motivated by this gap we created our workflow. Further, we were interested in increasing the detection performance and providing more robust results.

Results

We developed an open-source bioinformatics pipeline, ProcaryaSV, for the detection of structural variations in bacterial isolates from paired-end short sequencing reads. Multiple tools, starting with quality control and trimming of sequencing data, alignment to the reference genome, and multiple structural variation detection tools, are integrated. All the partial results are then processed and merged with an in-house merging algorithm. Compared with a single detection approach, ProcaryaSV has improved detection performance and is a reproducible easy-to-use tool.

Conclusions

The ProcaryaSV pipeline provides an integrative approach to structural variation detection from paired-end next-generation sequencing of bacterial samples. It can be easily installed and used on Linux machines. It is publicly available on GitHub at https://github.com/robinjugas/ProcaryaSV.
Unraveling sauropod diversity in the Portezuelo Formation of Patagonia through a comprehensive analysis of new and existing material
Authors: Gomez Kevin Leonel , Pérez-Moreno Agustín , Meso Jorge Gustavo , Bellardini Flavio , Baiano Mattia Antonio , Pol Diego , Garrido Alberto , Kaluza Jonatan , Muci Luciana , Pittman Michael
Published: July 2024

The Portezuelo Formation preserves an outstanding record of the upper Turonian – lower Coniacian. Despite the discovery of a significant quantity of sauropod fossil material from the formation, only two species have been formally described to date: Malarguesaurus florenciae and Futalognkosaurus dukei. Here we present new sauropod material mostly composed of non-articulated caudal vertebrae (MCF-PVPH 916 and 917) that belong to two titanosauriforms on the basis of the following features: anterior caudal vertebrae with procoelous-opisthoplatyan articulations, transverse processes that reach the posterior articular face of the centrum and neural spines with a transverse width of around 50% of their anteroposterior length; anterior and middle caudal vertebrae with the neural arch restricted to the anterior half of the centrum; middle caudal centra with circular cross-section. Phylogenetic analysis recovers the new material in close relation to Malarguesaurus within a monophyletic clade at the base of Somphospondyli. This clade shares large pedicel height with a vertical anterior border on the middle caudal vertebrae, a vertical orientation of the neural spines on the distalmost middle caudal vertebrae and proximalmost posterior caudal vertebrae, and subequal relative lengths of the proximal ulnar condylar processes. The specimens presented here are distinct not only from Futalognkosaurus, but also from other indeterminate titanosaurian remains from the same formation. However, there are no significant differences between the specimen MCF-PVPH 917 and Malarguesaurus, but there are differences between the posterior caudal vertebrae of MCF-PVPH 916 and Malarguesaurus, so they could be considered different species. Whilst we err on the side of caution in not naming new taxa here, the two specimens significantly expand what we know about sauropods in the Turonian–Coniacian ecosystems of Patagonia, which will continue to do so as more material is discovered.
Understanding the responses of tillering to 2,4-D isooctyl ester in Setaria viridis L.
Authors: Xiong Wangdan , Jia Xinfeng , Wang Qixin , Zhong Nina , Gao Hanchi , Zhang Lingxin , Sun Juan
Published: July 2024

Background

Green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.)] is one of the most abundant and troublesome annual grass weeds in alfalfa fields in Northeast China. Synthetic auxin herbicide is widely used in agriculture, while how auxin herbicide affects tillering on perennial grass weeds is still unclear. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effects of auxin herbicide 2,4-D on green foxtail growth, especially on tillers.

Results

In the study, 2,4-D isooctyl ester was used. There was an inhibition of plant height and fresh weight on green foxtail after application. The photosynthetic rate of the leaves was dramatically reduced and there was an accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Moreover, applying 2,4-D isooctyl ester significantly reduced the tillering buds at rates between 2100 and 8400 ga. i. /ha. Transcriptome results showed that applying 2,4-D isooctyl ester on leaves affected the phytohormone signal transduction pathways in plant tillers. Among them, there were significant effects on auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and brassinosteroid signaling. Indeed, external ABA and GA on leaves also limited tillering in green foxtail.

Conclusions

These data will be helpful to further understand the responses of green foxtail to 2, 4-D isooctyl ester, which may provide a unique perspective for the development and identification of new target compounds that are effective against this weed species.
Quantitative urinary proteome analysis reveals potential biomarkers for disease activity of Behcet’s disease uveitis
Authors: Qin Weiwei , Liang Anyi , Han Xiaoxu , Zhang Meifen , Gao Youhe , Zhao Chan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Behçet’s disease-associated uveitis (BDU) is a severe, recurrent inflammatory condition affecting the eye and is part of a systemic vasculitis with unknown etiology, making biomarker discovery essential for disease management. In this study, we intend to investigate potential urinary biomarkers to monitor the disease activity of BDU.

Methods

Firstly, label-free data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomics methods were used to profile the proteomes of urine from active and quiescent BDU patients, respectively. For further exploration, the remaining fifty urine samples were analyzed by a data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantitative proteomics method.

Results

Twenty-nine and 21 differential proteins were identified in the same urine from BDU patients by label-free DDA and TMT-labeled analyses, respectively. Seventy-nine differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were significantly changed in other active BDU urine samples compared to those in quiescent BDU urine samples by IDA analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses revealed that the DEPs were associated with multiple functions, including the immune and neutrophil activation responses. Finally, seven proteins were identified as candidate biomarkers for BDU monitoring and recurrence prediction, namely, CD38, KCRB, DPP4, FUCA2, MTPN, S100A8 and S100A9.

Conclusions

Our results showed that urine can be a good source of biomarkers for BDU. These dysregulated proteins provide potential urinary biomarkers for BDU activity monitoring and provide valuable clues for the analysis of the pathogenic mechanisms of BDU.
Prevalence of key potentially inappropriate drugs use in pediatrics: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Diab Mariam Jihad , ZainAlAbdin Sham , Aburuz Salah , Beiram Rami , Akour Amal , Jarab Anan , Dawoud Tasnim
Published: July 2024

Background

Appropriate drug prescribing in the pediatric population is challenging, given this age group’s unique pharmacokinetics. This has inevitably led to a high incidence of adverse drug reactions in this population. To address this issue, the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) compiled a list of 67 drugs that are inappropriately used in the pediatric population called the Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs “KIDs list”.

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) use in pediatric wards based on the KIDs list criteria.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted and included pediatric patients who were admitted to five pediatric wards during 3 years (2019–2021). The drugs in the KIDs list were matched to the hospital formulary and 11 matched drugs were included in the study. For each individual drug, the patient’s electronic file was reviewed to determine the prescription appropriateness according to the KIDs list criteria.

Results

Among 3,166 pediatric patients admitted to pediatric wards, a total of 415 patients received a PIM listed in the KIDs list. The mean age was 8.6 (± 4.9) years old, and 60.0% (n = 251/415) were males. The overall prevalence of PIM use was 13.0% (n = 415/3166). Among the prescribed PIM, metoclopramide was the most commonly prescribed PIM 42.8% (n = 178/415), followed by tramadol 37.6% (n = 156/415).

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence of inappropriate medication use in the pediatric wards, future research on strategies and interventions should be recommended to limit the use of PIMs and provide safer alternatives for the pediatric population.
“If you’re struggling, you don’t really care” – what affects the physical health of young people on child and adolescent mental health inpatient units? A qualitative study with service users and staff
Authors: Carney Rebekah , Imran Shermin , Law Heather , Carmichael-Murphy Parise , Charlton Leah , Parker Sophie
Published: July 2024

Background

Physical health inequalities of people with serious mental illness (SMI) have been labelled an international scandal; due to the 15–20-year reduction in life expectancy associated with poor physical health. This occurs at an early stage and evidence shows young people with and at risk for SMI are a particularly vulnerable group requiring intervention and support. However, most work has been conducted with adults and little is known about what affects physical health for young people, specifically those receiving inpatient care.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 7 service users and 6 staff members (85% female, age 14–42) on a generic mental health inpatient unit for children and adolescents. Interviews aimed to identify how young people viewed theirphysical health and factors affecting physical health and lifestyle and identify any support needed to improve physical health. Thematic analysis was conducted. .

Results

Thematic analysis revealed the main factors affecting physical health and lifestyle for young people. Three main themes were individual factors (subthemes were mental health symptoms, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs), environmental factors (subthemes were opportunities in a restricted environment and food provision), and the influence of others (subthemes were peers, staff, family members). These factors often overlapped and could promote a healthy lifestyle or combine to increase the risk of poor physical health. Young people discussed their preferences for physical health initiatives and what would help them to live a healthier lifestyle.

Conclusions

Promoting physical health on inpatient units for young people is an important, yet neglected area of mental health research. We have identified a range of complex factors which have an impact on their physical health, and there is a pervasive need to address the barriers that young people experience to living a healthy lifestyle. There is an increasingly strong evidence base suggesting the benefits of physical health interventions to improve outcomes, and future work should identify ways to implement such interventions considering the barriers discussed in this article. Further collaborative research is needed with young people, clinical teams, caregivers, and commissioners to ensure improvements are made to clinical care provision and optimisation of the inpatient environment.
Learning from an experience, challenges and approaches in the workplace during COVID-19 pandemic: a content analysis of international documents
Authors: Ghayen Masoud Motalebi , Faghihi Mitra , Ezati Elahe , Khosravi Yahya , Almasi Ali , Farshad Ali Asghar , Hassanzadeh-Rangi Narmin , Shirzadi Shayesteh
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aims to investigate international measures for pandemic control in the workplace based on guidelines from international organizations to learn from their experiences.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using content analysis. The search method involved reviewing published guidelines on preventing and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in workplaces. After the screening process, ten guidelines were included in the content analysis. During the analysis, 200 meaning codes, 49 subcategories, and eleven categories were identified. Trustworthiness criteria were utilized to ensure the accuracy and strength of the findings.

Results

Eleven categories of international content during the COVID-19 pandemic were legal requirements and duties of employees and employers, structural and program changes, risk assessment, risk communication, information and training, internal and external consultation and cooperation, provision of facilities and tools for workplace hygiene, special conditions, special groups, closing and reopening workplaces, reducing contact and exposure and mental health.

Conclusions

Protecting employees during a pandemic requires a multifaceted approach and strong advocacy. The operational plan for pandemic control should be developed based on the level of risk, with support tailored to employees’ conditions and needs. Cooperation among international organizations is essential to develop a standardized plan and issue comprehensive guidelines in response to health emergencies with a global perspective and local implementation, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mediated effects of a randomised control trial for a text messaging smoking cessation intervention for online help-seekers and primary care visitors
Authors: Crawford Joel , Blomqvist Jenny , Gunnarsson Katarina Ulfsdotter , Bendtsen Preben , Bendtsen Marcus
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Digital smoking cessation interventions have been shown to be effective in helping individuals achieve prolonged smoking abstinence. Nonetheless, the mechanisms that drive such effects are unclear. The current study aimed to estimate a digital smoking cessation intervention's natural direct and indirect effects.

Methods

This secondary analysis of mediated effects uses data from a randomised controlled trial which included participants who smoked at least one cigarette a week, had access to a mobile phone, and were 18 years or older. The comparator was existing smoking cessation support available to all members of the Swedish public. Primary outcomes were prolonged smoking abstinence and point prevalence of smoking abstinence, measured at 3- and 6-months post-randomisation. A counterfactual framework was used to estimate three hypothesised mediators of the intervention's effects: importance, knowledge of how to change (know-how), and confidence.

Results

Between 18/09/20 and 16/06/22, 1012 participants were randomised. The intervention led to improved confidence and know-how, which both partially mediated the effects of the digital intervention on smoking abstinence at 3- and 6 months post-randomisation.

Conclusions

A digital smoking cessation intervention was found to partially affect smoking abstinence by improving individuals’ confidence in their ability to quit smoking and developing knowledge on how to quit. Face-value single-item mediator measures, lack of blinding, and attrition limit the study. Future studies should address these limitations and assess additional mechanisms mediating intervention effects.

Trial registration

ISRCTN13455271.
A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study to evaluate the relationship between psoriasis and interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Yue Lixia , Yan Yihe , Zhao Shushan
Published: July 2024

Background

Prior observational studies have suggested a potential direct link between psoriasis (PSO) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Consequently, we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) to further evaluate the bidirectional causal relationships between PSO and its different phenotypes [psoriatic arthritis (PSA)/psoriasis vulgaris (PSV)] and ILD.

Methods

Data regarding PSO/PSA/PSV and ILD were sourced from publicly accessible genome-wide association studies (GWAS) databases, focusing on European populations. We used five algorithms— MR Egger, weighted median, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode— to evaluate the causal relationships between PSO/PSA/PSV and ILD, with a primary emphasis on the IVW method.

Results

The analysis indicated a potential association between PSA and an elevated risk of ILD [IVW odds ratio (OR): 1.035 (95% CI 1.008, 1.064; P = 0.012)], with no evidence of a direct relationship between total PSO and PSV with ILD. Conversely, no substantial evidence emerged from the reverse MR analysis to suggest that ILD significantly affects total PSO or the specific PSA/PSV phenotypes.

Conclusion

Our findings provide genetic evidence supporting the notion that PSA may be a contributory risk factor for ILD. Further investigations are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of this potential causal relationship between PSA and ILD.