bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic State Estimation of Electric Power Systems Using Kalman Filtering Techniques
Authors: Angel Basil , Duraisamy Maharajan
Published: September 2022

The Kalman filter (KF) algorithm analyses power system state estimation using a number of specific equations to reduce the mean squared error. The Kalman filter is used to calculate the dynamic states of a power system network, including voltage and its angle at all buses (rotor angle) with respect to a synchronously rotating reference frame (in radians) and relative angular speed (in rad./sec) of all the generators in the system. Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) approaches were developed on the Anderson & Fouad 9-bus test power system in this proposed work, and the performance of the aforementioned techniques was examined for state estimation effectiveness.
A Five Leg Converter with Multi-Transmitter for an In-Motion Charging System
Authors: Yuvaraja S. , Narayanamoorthi R.
Published: September 2022

A dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) extends the driving range of an Electric Vehicle (EV). The dependency of the bulk volume energy storage device can be reduced by electrified highways. The effective concern on the design of charging pads will improve the power transferring profile and the constant charging. The life cycle of the batteries will be increased by DWPT technology. There are several issues related to the coil design in the DWPT system including sensitive misalignment tolerance, volume to weight ratio of the couplers, and electromagnetic exposure limits. The SAE J2954 guides the designer by their developed standards on the DWPT charging system. The power transfer capability of the charging pads maintained maximum level during misalignment conditions by compensation network. The charging couplers positioned on the roadside has driven by an expandable multiple leg converter. The five-leg converter is proposed in this paper to energize the four charging couplers and the single receiver is used to charge the battery.
A novel technique for spatiotemporal dahazing of video image
Authors: Hari U. , Ruhan Bevi A.
Published: September 2022

Recently video surveillance in smart city projects is becoming more and more popular. Generally, high quality image is required in video image analysis and recognition. Often bad weather conditions like atmospheric haze, fog, and smoke affect captured outdoor images and result in loss of visibility and poor contrast. In this paper, we propose a new method for a single image and video dehazing. Many complex methods are existing for removing haze from hazy images. In this paper, we propose a method that combines dark channel prior(DCP) and bright channel prior(BCP) along with a guided filtering technique to perform effectively and efficiently by spatiotemporal means in video dehazing. To extract the global atmospheric light accurately, we exploit multiple prior DCP and BCP underlying hazy images. In addition, the rough transmission map is estimated and improvised using a guided filter to get refined transmission. The experimental result shows that our proposed algorithm enhances the colour fidelity reduces the halo effect and improves the efficiency of video dehazing.
Real-Time Appearance Based Mapping using Visual Sensor for Unknown Environment
Authors: Aravind Jinka Venkata , Sai Ganesh Kakumanu Vamsi Sree , Prince Shanthi
Published: September 2022

Underwater environment is one of the most challenging areas when considering scene reconstruction and mapping, feature extraction of environment etc. GPS usage is denied in underwater environment and a waterproof lidar is also not a cost-effective solution to map and localize. Lidar-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) are also not preferred in budget-constrained applications. So, a visual-slam (V-SLAM) approach called Real-Time Appearance Based Mapping (RTAB-Map) is used to reconstruct the view in underwater scenario, i.e., map and localize the camera in the environment. In this work, Intel Real Sense D455 depth camera with inbuilt inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used for scene reconstruction. In order to get better visualization, it needs high performance embedded computer. Here, Jetson Nano embedded computer with robot operating system is used. Experiment is conducted for 3-D reconstruction map with the help of RTAB mapping technique and inbuilt IMU localized the camera in unknown environment. Then various depth, point clouds, odometry of a camera, visual object information is extracted in the indoor environment.
Efficient Floating-point Division Quantum Circuit using Newton-Raphson Division
Authors: Gayathri S S , Kumar R. , Dhanalakshmi Samiappan
Published: September 2022

The development of quantum algorithms is facilitated by quantum circuit designs. A floating-point number can represent a wide range of values and is extremely useful in digital signal processing. A quantum circuit model to implement the floating-point division problem using the Newton-Raphson division algorithm is proposed in this paper. The proposed division circuit offers a significant savings in T-gates and qubits used in the circuit design when correlated with the state of art works proposed on fast division algorithms. The qubits savings are estimated around 17% and 20%, T-count savings are around 59.03% and 20.31%. Similarly, T-depth savings is estimated around 77.45% and 24.33% over the existing works.
Design and implementation of blockchain based peer to peer energy trading platform
Authors: Deepa T , Saraswathi N , Hariprasad S , Praveen KMS , Elamurugan P , Dinesh V
Published: September 2022

Blockchain is an emerging technology which is known for its popularity and reliability. First introduced in 2008, it has now expanded to many areas such as IoT, cryptocurrency and Smart contracts. A blockchain consists of blocks assembled in the form of a chain. Data from each participant in the network is stored in these blocks. It is done in a block format called a series of transactions. The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed many traditional lifestyles. The IoT has enabled cities, housing, pollution control, energy saving and intelligent transportation systems. Blockchain technology and the Internet of Things can increase the efficiency of peer-to-peer energy trading platforms. The open-source peer to peer (P2P) energy trading system is designed on the blockchain. Peer to peer (P2P) is a decentralized communication model in which each party has the same functionality and each party can initiate a communication session. The system collects real time data, monitors and controls it using MQTT Protocol. The trading activities takes place on a web interface which uses a public test Ethereum blockchain, they are tamper-proof. IoT is used to monitor and control the energy. The energy data is acquired and processed using Wi-Fi Based microcontrollers.
From scalar fields on quantum spaces to blobbed topological recursion
Authors: Branahl Johannes , Hock Alexander , Grosse Harald , Wulkenhaar Raimar
Published: September 2022

We review the construction of the λϕ
4-model on noncommutative geometries via exact solutions of Dyson–Schwinger equations and explain how this construction relates via (blobbed) topological recursion to problems in algebraic and enumerative geometry.
Pseudo-

PT

symmetric Dirac equation: effect of a new mean spin angular momentum operator on Gilbert damping
Authors: Bouguerra Y , Mehani S , Bechane K , Maamache M , Hervieux P-A
Published: September 2022

The pseudo-

PT

symmetric Dirac equation is proposed and analyzed by using a non-unitary Foldy–Wouthuysen transformations. A new spin operator

PT

symmetric expectation value (called the mean spin operator) for an electron interacting with a time-dependent electromagnetic field is obtained. We show that spin magnetization—which is the quantity usually measured experimentally—is not described by the standard spin operator but by this new mean spin operator to properly describe magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic materials and the corresponding equation of motion is compatible with the phenomenological model of the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation (LLG).
Effects of resource availability on the web structure of female western black widows: is the web structure constrained by physiological trade-offs?
Authors: Toupin Louis-Philippe , Ratz Tom , Montiglio Pierre-Olivier
Published: September 2022

A major challenge of biological research is to understand what generates and maintains consistent behavioral variation among animals. Time and energy trade-offs, where expressing one behavior is achieved at the expense of another, are often suggested to favor the maintenance of behavioral differences between individuals. However, few studies have investigated how individuals adjust their allocation to different functions over time and depending on resource abundance. Black widow spiders of the genus Latrodectus build persistent webs that include structural threads which protect against predators and sticky trap threads to capture prey. Web structure consistently differs among individuals in the number of trap and structural threads. To quantify the intensity of a trade-off, we assessed the relationship between the number of structural and trap threads and tested whether varying food abundance affected individual differences in web structure. We further quantified how these individual differences change over time and with food abundance. We subjected spiders to three different levels of prey abundance and monitored the structure of their webs every twelve hours. We found no evidence for a trade-off between trap and structural threads. Instead, spiders that produced more structural threads also produced more trap threads, showing that spiders invested equally in both types of threads. Interestingly, the magnitude of individual differences in web structure was greatest when spiders were fed ad libitum and at the beginning of web construction. We suggest that variation in web structure between spiders could be the result of stable developmental differences in morphology or genetic differences.
A 3D atlas of functional human brain energetic connectome based on neuropil distribution
Authors: Yu Yuguo , Akif Adil , Herman Peter , Cao Miao , Rothman Douglas L , Carson Richard E , Agarwal Divyansh , Evans Alan C , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: September 2022

The human brain is energetically expensive, yet the key factors governing its heterogeneous energy distributions across cortical regions to support its diversity of functions remain unexplored. Here, we built up a 3D digital cortical energy atlas based on the energetic costs of all neuropil activities into a high-resolution stereological map of the human cortex with cellular and synaptic densities derived, respectively, from ex vivo histological staining and in vivo PET imaging. The atlas was validated with PET-measured glucose oxidation at the voxel level. A 3D cortical activity map was calculated to predict the heterogeneous activity rates across all cortical regions, which revealed that resting brain is indeed active with heterogeneous neuronal activity rates averaging around 1.2 Hz, comprising around 70% of the glucose oxidation of the cortex. Additionally, synaptic density dominates spatial patterns of energetics, suggesting that the cortical energetics rely heavily on the distribution of synaptic connections. Recent evidence from functional imaging studies suggests that some cortical areas act as hubs (i.e., interconnecting distinct and functionally active regions). An inverse allometric relationship was observed between hub metabolic rates versus hub volumes. Hubs with smaller volumes have higher synapse density, metabolic rate, and activity rates compared to nonhubs. The open-source BrainEnergyAtlas provides a granular framework for exploring revealing design principles in energy-constrained human cortical circuits across multiple spatial scales.
Gyral and sulcal connectivity in the human cerebral cortex
Authors: Kruggel Frithjof , Solodkin Ana
Published: September 2022

The rapid evolution of image acquisition and data analytic methods has established in vivo whole-brain tractography as a routine technology over the last 20 years. Imaging-based methods provide an additional approach to classic neuroanatomical studies focusing on biomechanical principles of anatomical organization and can in turn overcome the complexity of inter-individual variability associated with histological and tractography studies. In this work we propose a novel, reliable framework for determining brain tracts resolving the anatomical variance of brain regions. We distinguished 4 region types based on anatomical considerations: (i) gyral regions at borders between cortical communities; (ii) gyral regions within communities; (iii) sulcal regions at invariant locations across subjects; and (iv) other sulcal regions. Region types showed strikingly different anatomical and connection properties. Results allowed complementing the current understanding of the brain’s communication structure with a model of its anatomical underpinnings.
Small non-coding RNA therapeutics for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Shah Ajay M , Giacca Mauro
Published: September 2022

Novel bio-therapeutic agents that harness the properties of small, non-coding nucleic acids hold great promise for clinical applications. These include antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit messenger RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), or long non-coding RNAs; positive effectors of the miRNA pathway (short interfering RNAs and miRNA mimics); or small RNAs that target proteins (i.e. aptamers). These new therapies also offer exciting opportunities for cardiovascular diseases and promise to move the field towards more precise approaches based on disease mechanisms. There have been substantial advances in developing chemical modifications to improve the in vivo pharmacological properties of antisense oligonucleotides and reduce their immunogenicity. Carrier methods (e.g. RNA conjugates, polymers, and lipoplexes) that enhance cellular uptake of RNA therapeutics and stability against degradation by intracellular nucleases are also transforming the field. A number of small non-coding RNA therapies for cardiovascular indications are now approved. Moreover, there is a large pipeline of therapies in clinical development and an even larger list of putative therapies emerging from pre-clinical studies. Progress in this area is reviewed herein along with the hurdles that need to be overcome to allow a broader clinical translation.
Archetypes of inflorescence: genome-wide association networks of panicle morphometric, growth, and disease variables in a multiparent oat population
Authors: Carlson Craig H , Fiedler Jason D , Naraghi Sepehr Mohajeri , Nazareno Eric S , Ardayfio Naa Korkoi , McMullen Michael S , Kianian Shahryar F
Published: September 2022

There is limited information regarding the morphometric relationships of panicle traits in oat (Avena sativa) and their contribution to phenology and growth, physiology, and pathology traits important for yield. To model panicle growth and development and identify genomic regions associated with corresponding traits, 10 diverse spring oat mapping populations (n = 2,993) were evaluated in the field and 9 genotyped via genotyping-by-sequencing. Representative panicles from all progeny individuals, parents, and check lines were scanned, and images were analyzed using manual and automated techniques, resulting in over 60 unique panicle, rachis, and spikelet variables. Spatial modeling and days to heading were used to account for environmental and phenological variances, respectively. Panicle variables were intercorrelated, providing reproducible archetypal and growth models. Notably, adult plant resistance for oat crown rust was most prominent for taller, stiff stalked plants having a more open panicle structure. Within and among family variance for panicle traits reflected the moderate-to-high heritability and mutual genome-wide associations (hotspots) with numerous high-effect loci. Candidate genes and potential breeding applications are discussed. This work adds to the growing genetic resources for oat and provides a unique perspective on the genetic basis of panicle architecture in cereal crops.
The Association of Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Multimorbidity at Age 90 in the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Jain Purva , Binder Alexandra , Chen Brian , Parada Humberto , Gallo Linda C , Alcaraz John , Horvath Steve , Bhatti Parveen , Whitsel Eric A , Jordahl Kristina , Baccarelli Andrea A , Hou Lifang , Stewart James D , Li Yun , LaMonte Michael J , Manson JoAnn E , LaCroix Andrea Z
Published: September 2022

Background

Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), a measure of accelerated biological aging, has been associated with an increased risk of several age-related chronic conditions. This is the first study to prospectively examine the relationship between EAA and both multimorbidity count and a weighted multimorbidity score among long-lived postmenopausal women.

Methods

We included 1 951 women from the Women’s Health Initiative who could have survived to age 90. EAA was estimated using the Horvath pan-tissue, Hannum, PhenoAge, and GrimAge “clocks.” Twelve chronic conditions were included in the multimorbidity count. The multimorbidity score was weighted for each morbidity’s relationship with mortality in the study population. Using mixed-effects Poisson and linear regression models that included baseline covariates associated with both EAA and multimorbidity, we estimated relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationships between each EAA measure at the study baseline with both multimorbidity count and weighted multimorbidity score at age 90, respectively.

Results

For every one standard deviation increase in AgeAccelPheno, the rate of multimorbidity accumulation increased 6% (RR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01–1.12; p = .025) and the multimorbidity score by 7% (RR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01–1.13; p = .014) for women who survived to age 90. The results for a one standard deviation increase in AgeAccelHorvath, AgeAccelHannum, and AgeAccelGrim with multimorbidity accumulation and score were weaker compared to AgeAccelPheno, and the latter 2 did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

AgeAccelPheno and AgeAccelHannum may predict multimorbidity count and score at age 90 in older women and, thus, may be useful as a biomarker predictor of multimorbidity burden in the last decades of life.
A qualitative UK study exploring counterpublic engagement of marginalized women via a Women’s Health Network
Authors: Craddock Emma
Published: September 2022

Public engagement is at the forefront of health policy and research. The need for engagement with diverse groups and particularly marginalized groups who face increased health inequalities has been recognized. Yet, there is a lack of research that focuses on marginalized women. This article presents data from semi-structured interviews with members of a Women’s Health Network (WHN) in Bradford, one of the most deprived areas of England. WHN is a collective of women who aim to improve women and their families’ health, with a particular focus on seldom-heard voices. This article critically explores what realistic, representative counterpublic engagement looks like. It reveals the tension between the ideal of public engagement (direct participation) and what happens in practice. Challenges for direct participation of marginalized groups in formal structures require alternative solutions. It is argued that WHN provides an alternative model of counterpublic engagement by bridging the gap between ‘seldom-heard’ women and healthcare providers. WHN creates and sustains a discursive space between subaltern counterpublics and official public spheres, enabling two-way communication. Furthermore, this article problematizes the terms ‘seldom heard’ and ‘professionals’ for assuming homogeneity and masking diversity. It is argued that WHN’s bridging model of subaltern counterpublic engagement is successful at amplifying women’s voices and promoting women’s health because of the network’s diverse membership and reach. This diversity enables the authentic representation of varied communities and the discursive movement of issues relating to women’s health. WHN thus offers a transferable model of counterpublic engagement in the absence of direct participation.
Analysis for variable manifestations and molecular characteristics of pyridox(am)ine-5′-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) deficiency
Authors: Jiao Xianru , Gong Pan , Niu Yue , Xu Zhao , Zhang Yuehua , Yang Zhixian
Published: September 2022

Background

To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with pyridox(am)ine-5′-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) deficiency.

Methods

Clinical and genetic data of the patients were collected and analyzed.

Results

Eighteen patients from 17 families with variants in PNPO were collected, and 15 cases survived to date. The age of onset ranged from 1 day to 5 months (median age 6.5 days) and seven of them presented with seizures <24 h. About 7/18 (39%) of patients showed seizure-free with pyridoxine (PN) or pyridoxal-5′-phosphate treatment. Two patients showed surprised therapeutic responses to antiseizure medications therapy: one could be controlled for up to 1 year and 5 months, and the other showed seizure-free for >8 years. The neurodevelopment was normal in one patient, mild delay in four, in whom responded well to PN. Severe delay could be seen in the remaining 10 surviving patients. Genetic analysis revealed 14 variants of PNPO, seven of which were novel. Five pairs of unrelated patients were observed to carry the same variants, respectively, and had similar developmental status and onset age of seizures in some degree in each pair, whereas also had differences.

Conclusions

The clinical characteristics, including age of onset, treatment response and prognosis, were variable and difficult to classify into different types clearly. Patients with PNPO deficiency who used PN as their main treatment and being able to control seizures seemed to be associated with better outcomes. Patients with the same genotype tended to show the correlation of phenotype–genotype.
Simulation-Based Evaluation of Methods, Data Types, and Temporal Sampling Schemes for Detecting Recent Population Declines
Authors: Reid Brendan N , Pinsky Malin L
Published: September 2022

Synopsis

Understanding recent population trends is critical to quantifying species vulnerability and implementing effective management strategies. To evaluate the accuracy of genomic methods for quantifying recent declines (beginning <120 generations ago), we simulated genomic data using forward-time methods (SLiM) coupled with coalescent simulations (msprime) under a number of demographic scenarios. We evaluated both site frequency spectrum (SFS)-based methods (momi2, Stairway Plot) and methods that employ linkage disequilibrium information (NeEstimator, GONE) with a range of sampling schemes (contemporary-only samples, sampling two time points, and serial sampling) and data types (RAD-like data and whole-genome sequencing). GONE and momi2 performed best overall, with >80% power to detect severe declines with large sample sizes. Two-sample and serial sampling schemes could accurately reconstruct changes in population size, and serial sampling was particularly valuable for making accurate inferences when genotyping errors or minor allele frequency cutoffs distort the SFS or under model mis-specification. However, sampling only contemporary individuals provided reliable inferences about contemporary size and size change using either site frequency or linkage-based methods, especially when large sample sizes or whole genomes from contemporary populations were available. These findings provide a guide for researchers designing genomics studies to evaluate recent demographic declines.
Knowledge, attitude and practice toward the mHealth app Mawid: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alharbi Abeer
Published: September 2022

Background

The Mawid app is a mobile appointment system that may improve access to primary healthcare services in Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the Saudis’ level of knowledge of the Mawid app, their attitude towards it and their practice or use of it.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used. The data were collected using an online survey via Google Forms from April to May 2021. Linear regression and binomial logit models were used to answer the research questions.

Results

A total of 916 responses were collected. There were significant effects of gender, age, marital status, occupation, income and region on knowledge scores (p<0.05). Higher knowledge scores predict greater agreement that the Mawid app facilitates access to health services (p<0.001). The probability of using the app is predicted to be greater among individuals who agree that the Mawid app facilitates access to care (p<0.001). The probability of using the app is predicted to be higher among individuals who have a higher frequency of using primary health centres (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The Ministry of Health has declared eHealth as a transformational enabler for patient-centric care. This study found that the Mawid app facilitated access and improved healthcare services. Knowledge positively influences attitudes toward the app and subsequently its use.
Has Global Trade Competition Really Led to a Race to the Bottom in Labor Standards?
Authors: Guasti Alessandro , Koenig-Archibugi Mathias
Published: September 2022

The possibility that economic competition puts working and employment conditions under pressure is a frequently voiced concern in debates on international trade. We provide an empirical assessment of the argument that competition for world markets has generated a race to the bottom in labor standards. Spatial econometrics is used to identify interdependence in labor practices among trade competitors. We present a strategy for measuring export competition between countries that fulfills several criteria: It reflects actual competition between firms offering similar products, rather than export similarity in relation to a few very broad product categories; it captures not only what competitor countries export but also how much; it takes into account that states are exposed to export competition to different degrees; and it focuses on the downward pressure stemming from a deterioration of labor rights protections among close competitors. To address endogeneity, we implement a two-stage least-squares (2SLS) instrumental variable approach and a difference two-stage generalized method of moments (GMM) approach. We find no evidence that export competition has triggered a race to the bottom in two samples covering most states in the world over nearly three decades. The finding is robust to a variety of alternative specifications.
TreeMap 2016 Dataset Generates CONUS-Wide Maps of Forest Characteristics Including Live Basal Area, Aboveground Carbon, and Number of Trees per Acre
Authors: Riley Karin L , Grenfell Isaac C , Shaw John D , Finney Mark A
Published: September 2022

The TreeMap 2016 dataset provides detailed spatial information on forest characteristics including number of live and dead trees, biomass, and carbon across the entire forested extent of the continental United States at 30 × 30m resolution, enabling analyses at finer scales where forest inventory is inadequate. We used a random forests machine learning algorithm to assign the most similar Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) plot to each pixel of gridded LANDFIRE input data. The TreeMap 2016 methodology includes disturbance as a response variable, resulting in increased accuracy in mapping disturbed areas. Within-class accuracy was over 90% for forest cover, height, vegetation group, and disturbance code when compared to LANDFIRE maps. At least one pixel within the radius of validation plots matched the class of predicted values in 57.5% of cases for forest cover, 80.0% for height, 80.0% for tree species with highest basal area, and 87.4% for disturbance. A new feature of the dataset is that it includes linkages to select FIA data in an attribute table included with the TreeMap raster, allowing users to map summaries of 21 variables in a GIS. TreeMap estimates compared favorably with those from FIA at the state level for number of live and dead trees and carbon stored in live and dead trees.

Study Implications: TreeMap 2016 provides a 30 × 30 m resolution gridded map of the forests of the continental United States. Attributes of each grid cell include a suite of forest characteristics including biomass, carbon, forest type, and number of live and dead trees. Users can readily produce maps and summaries of these characteristics in a GIS. The TreeMap also includes a database containing, for each pixel, a list of trees with the species, diameter, and height of each tree. TreeMap is being used in the private sector for carbon estimation and by land managers in the National Forest system to investigate questions pertaining to fuel treatments and forest productivity as well as Forest Plan revisions.
Bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 research publications in pharmacy practice journals
Authors: Sweileh Waleed M
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Pharmacy practice journals are considered the main player in promoting pharmacy practice research and the pharmacy profession globally. The current study aimed to explore and analyze literature on the COVID-19 pandemic published in pharmacy practice journals.

Methods

COVID-19 research articles were extracted from 32 pharmacy practice journals indexed in Scopus for the study period from 01 January 2020, up until 31 December 2021

Key findings

A total of 581 documents were found with an average of 4.5 authors per article and 4.8 citations per document. The retrieved documents were published in 28 pharmacy practice-related journals with the Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy and the American Journal of Health System Pharmacy journals being the leaders in this field. The major findings of the analysis indicated (1) a limited number of contributing countries with limited author-author interactions and cross country collaboration; (2) specific topics were encountered, mainly hospital pharmacy services, survey studies on knowledge, and pharmacy education; (3) several contributing countries in the Middle East, mainly Saudi Arabia; Egypt, and Jordan contributed to the retrieved documents, and (4) the highly-cited documents discussed issues related to pharmacy services and role of the community pharmacists during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Research activity on COVID-19 in pharmacy practice journals represents the commitment of researchers and professionals to transform and promote the profession of pharmacy. Research on pharmacy practice and pharmacists in low- and middle-income countries during pandemics needs to be prioritized by scholars and journal editors.
The potential existence of ‘Small Individual Formulary’ in prescribing behaviour: a qualitative semi-structured interview study
Authors: Wang Yu , Perri Matthew
Published: September 2022

Objectives

There is a widely held but previously unsubstantiated belief that prescribers tend to consider and use a limited set of medications when making prescribing decisions. This study aimed to enhance understanding of the process of prescribing decision making in a real-world context.

Methods

Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 healthcare providers in Georgia state. The providers, most of whom are physicians of different specialties, shared their perspectives about prescribing decision making and their perceptions about using a limited set of medications in daily practice.

Key findings

Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) prescribers recognized the existence of ‘small individual formularies’ and considered it helpful in simplifying prescribing decision making; (2) healthcare providers employed an algorithm to initiate and step up drug therapy for patients; (3) formulary and patient affordability played a vital role in prescribing.

Conclusions

Physicians and other prescribers consider and use a limited set of prescription drugs based on their internal prescribing behaviour algorithm. Strategies could be developed to help stakeholders use this information to improve medication use.
Combination of Circulating Cell-Free DNA and Positron Emission Tomography to Distinguish Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer from Tuberculosis
Authors: Zheng Wenqiang , Quan Bin , Gao Guangjian , Zhang Puhong , Huang Lizhu
Published: September 2022

Objective

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) holds high metabolic tumor burden and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels, and the relationship between metabolic tumor burden and cfDNA in NSCLC and the underlying mechanism of their interaction therein remain poorly characterized. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical value of cfDNA and metabolic tumor burden by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) for NSCLC differential diagnosis from tuberculosis in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules.

Methods

Metabolic tumor burden values in humans (subjects with NSCLC, subjects with tuberculosis, and healthy control subjects) and relevant mouse models were detected by preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (18F-FDG PET/CT) and [3H]-2-deoxy-DG uptake, respectively. The cfDNA levels were detected by quantifying serum cfDNA fragments from the ALU (115 bp) gene using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. RNA sequence was performed to determine the underlying target genes and knocked down or inhibited the target genes in vivo and in vitro to determine the mechanism therein.

Results

Metabolic tumor burden correlated with serum cfDNA levels in NSCLC subjects but not in tuberculosis subjects or healthy controls. Mouse models showed a similar phenomenon. In addition, the RNA sequence showed that glucose transporter 1 (GLU1), factor-related apoptosis ligand (FasL), caspase 8, and caspase 3 were significantly increased in NSCLC mouse tumors compared with those in tuberculosis mouse masses. Inhibiting the metabolic tumor burden by blocking or knocking down GLU1 markedly reduced the expression of FasL, the phosphorylation of caspase 8/caspase 3, and serum cfDNA levels/apoptosis percentage in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the use of a combination of cfDNA and metabolic tumor burden allowed better ability to distinguish NSCLC subjects from those with tuberculosis or healthy controls than either method used alone.

Conclusion

Metabolic tumor burden promotes the formation of circulating cfDNA through GLU1-mediated apoptosis in NSCLC, and the combination of cfDNA and metabolic tumor burden could be valuable for distinguishing NSCLC from tuberculosis.
Testing the key role of the stellar mass–halo mass relation in galaxy merger rates and morphologies via DECODE, a novel Discrete statistical sEmi-empiriCal mODEl
Authors: Fu Hao , Shankar Francesco , Ayromlou Mohammadreza , Dickson Max , Koutsouridou Ioanna , Rosas-Guevara Yetli , Marsden Christopher , Brocklebank Kristina , Bernardi Mariangela , Shiamtanis Nikolaos , Williams Joseph , Zanisi Lorenzo , Allevato Viola , Boco Lumen , Bonoli Silvia , Cattaneo Andrea , Dimauro Paola , Jiang Fangzhou , Lapi Andrea , Menci Nicola , Petropoulou Stefani , Villforth Carolin
Published: September 2022

The relative roles of mergers and star formation in regulating galaxy growth are still a matter of intense debate. We here present our decode, a new Discrete statistical sEmi-empiriCal mODEl specifically designed to predict rapidly and efficiently, in a full cosmological context, galaxy assembly, and merger histories for any given input stellar mass–halo mass (SMHM) relation. decode generates object-by-object dark matter merger trees (hence discrete) from accurate subhalo mass and infall redshift probability functions (hence statistical) for all subhaloes, including those residing within other subhaloes, with virtually no resolution limits on mass or volume. Merger trees are then converted into galaxy assembly histories via an input, redshift-dependent SMHM relation, which is highly sensitive to the significant systematics in the galaxy stellar mass function and on its evolution with cosmic time. decode can accurately reproduce the predicted mean galaxy merger rates and assembly histories of hydrodynamic simulations and semi-analytical models, when adopting in input their SMHM relations. In this work, we use decode to prove that only SMHM relations implied by stellar mass functions characterized by large abundances of massive galaxies and significant redshift evolution, at least at $M_\star \gtrsim 10^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$, can simultaneously reproduce the local abundances of satellite galaxies, the galaxy (major merger) pairs since z ∼ 3, and the growth of Brightest Cluster Galaxies. The same models can also reproduce the local fraction of elliptical galaxies, on the assumption that these are strictly formed by major mergers, but not the full bulge-to-disc ratio distributions, which require additional processes.
Morphokinematic modelling of the point-symmetric Cat’s Eye, NGC 6543: Ring-like remnants of a precessing jet
Authors: Clairmont Ryan , Steffen Wolfgang , Koning Nico
Published: September 2022

The planetary nebula known as the Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) has a complex, point-symmetric morphology that cannot be fully explained by the current theory of planetary nebula formation, the interacting stellar winds model. In order to reveal the 3D structure of the Cat’s Eye Nebula, we created a detailed 3D morphokinematic model of this nebula using a [N ii] image from the Hubble Space Telescope and five different position–velocity diagrams using the SHAPE code. This modelling approach has revealed point-symmetric partial rings, which were likely formed by a precessing jet.
Rotational spectroscopy of mono-deuterated oxirane (c-C2H3DO) and its detection towards IRAS 16293−2422 B
Authors: Müller Holger S P , Jørgensen Jes K , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Lewen Frank , Schlemmer Stephan
Published: September 2022

We prepared a sample of mono-deuterated oxirane and studied its rotational spectrum in the laboratory between 490 and 1060 GHz in order to improve its spectroscopic parameters and consequently the calculated rest frequencies of its rotational transitions. The updated rest frequencies were employed to detect c-C2H3DO for the first time in the interstellar medium in the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array Protostellar Interferometric Line Survey (PILS) of the Class 0 protostellar system IRAS 16293−2422. Fits of the detected lines using the rotation diagrams yield a temperature of Trot = 103 ± 19 K, which in turn agrees well with 125 K derived for the c-C2H4O main isotopologue previously. The c-C2H3DO to c-C2H4O ratio is found to be ∼0.15 corresponding to a D-to-H ratio of ∼0.036 per H atom, which is slightly higher than the D-to-H ratio of species such as methanol, formaldehyde, and ketene but lower than those of the larger complex organic species such as ethanol, methyl formate, and glycolaldehyde. This may reflect that oxirane is formed fairly early in the evolution of the prestellar cores. The identification of doubly deuterated oxirane isotopomers in the PILS data may be possibly judged by the amount of mono-deuterated oxirane and the observed trend that multiply deuterated isotopologues have higher deuteration rates than their mono-deuterated variants.
Post-Newtonian effects on some characteristic time-scales of transiting exoplanets
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: September 2022

Some measurable characteristic time-scales {ttrn} of transiting exoplanets are investigated in order to check preliminarily if their cumulative shifts over the years induced by the post-Newtonian (pN) gravitoelectric (Schwarzschild) and gravitomagnetic (Lense–Thirring) components of the stellar gravitational field are, at least in principle, measurable. Both the primary (planet in front of the star) and the secondary (planet behind the star) transits are considered along with their associated characteristic time intervals: the total transit duration tD, the ingress/egress transit duration $\tau$, the full-width at half maximum primary transit duration tH, and also the time of conjunction tcj. For each of them, the net changes per orbit $\left\langle \Delta t_D\right\rangle ,\, \left\langle \Delta \tau\right\rangle ,\, \left\langle \Delta t_H\right\rangle ,\, \left\langle \Delta t_\mathrm{cj}\right\rangle$ induced by the aforementioned pN accelerations are analytically obtained; also the Newtonian effect of the star’s quadrupole mass moment $J_2^\star$ is worked out. They are calculated for a fictitious Sun-Jupiter system in an edge-on elliptical orbit, and the results are compared with the present-day experimental accuracies for the HD 286123 b exoplanet. Its pN gravitoelectric shift $\left\langle \Delta t_\mathrm{cj}^\mathrm{1pN}\right\rangle$ may become measurable, at least in principle, at a ≃8 × 10−5 level of (formal) relative accuracy after about 30 yr of continuous monitoring corresponding to about 1000 transits. Systematics like, e.g. confusing time standards, neglecting star-spots, neglecting clouds, additional planets in the system, etc. would likely deteriorate the actual accuracy. The method presented is general enough to be applied also to modified models of gravity.
Phylogeny and biogeography of extant and extinct Fusulus (Stylommatophora: Clausiliidae)
Authors: Hausdorf Bernhard
Published: September 2022

A joint maximum parsimony analysis of extant and extinct species of the Fusulus group (Clausiliidae) based on shell characters, particularly characters of the complex closing apparatus of the aperture, is presented. It reveals that the supposedly extinct Pliocene genus Parafusulus cannot be separated from the extant genus Fusulus. The extant Fusulus approximans from the Southeastern Alps is the sister group of all other Fusulus species. The extinct Pliocene Fusulus neudeggensis from the vicinity of the Eastern Alps is sister to the group including the extinct Pliocene Fusulus latestriatus from Piedmont and the more widespread extant Fusulus interruptus. Accordingly, it is proposed to maintain the subgenus Fusulus (Erjaveciella) for F. approximans but to include the extinct Pliocene species previously classified in Parafusulus, together with the extant F. interruptus, in Fusulus (Fusulus). Thus, Parafusulus and Pliofusulus are synonymized with Fusulus (Fusulus). A biogeographic analysis revealed an origin of Fusulus in the Eastern Alps and a later dispersal towards the Western Alps. F. interruptus, like Cochlodina triloba, Ruthenica filograna and Arianta arbustorum, is a representative of a biogeographic element that originated in the Eastern Alps, spread westwards and then subsequently contracted in range.
Clinical features of paediatric immunoglobulin A vasculitis patients with scrotal involvement
Authors: Sunar Yayla Emine Nur , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Immunoglobulin (Ig) A vasculitis (IgAV), is the most common vasculitis of childhood, is a leucocytoclastic vasculitis that affects small vessels of the skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, joints, and kidneys. Scrotal involvement is relatively rare. In this study, we aimed to reveal the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with scrotal involvement in IgAV and its relationship with other clinical features of the disease.

Methods

A total number of 301 male patients with a diagnosis of IgAV between January 2005 and 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two groups as with and without scrotal involvement. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the groups were compared.

Results

Scrotal involvement was detected in 16.3% (49) of male IgAV patients. Scrotal involvement was unilateral in 51% of patients. While single acute scrotal attack was present in 93.9% of patients, only three patients had recurrent acute scrotal involvement. In patients with scrotal involvement, the age at diagnosis was younger (p = .007), and disease recurrence was higher (p = .003). Glucocorticoid use was more common in patients with scrotal involvement (p < .001). In multivariable analysis, a statistically significant relation between scrotal involvement and age at diagnosis (odds ratio = 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.76–0.96, p =  .006) was detected.

Conclusions

In IgAV patients with scrotal involvement, the age at diagnosis is lower, steroid use is more common, and recurrent disease is more frequent.
Global 5′-UTR RNA structure regulates translation of a SERPINA1 mRNA
Authors: Grayeski Philip J , Weidmann Chase A , Kumar Jayashree , Lackey Lela , Mustoe Anthony M , Busan Steven , Laederach Alain , Weeks Kevin M
Published: September 2022

SERPINA1 mRNAs encode the protease inhibitor α-1-antitrypsin and are regulated through post-transcriptional mechanisms. α-1-antitrypsin deficiency leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver cirrhosis, and specific variants in the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) are associated with COPD. The NM_000295.4 transcript is well expressed and translated in lung and blood and features an extended 5′-UTR that does not contain a competing upstream open reading frame (uORF). We show that the 5′-UTR of NM_000295.4 folds into a well-defined multi-helix structural domain. We systematically destabilized mRNA structure across the NM_000295.4 5′-UTR, and measured changes in (SHAPE quantified) RNA structure and cap-dependent translation relative to a native-sequence reporter. Surprisingly, despite destabilizing local RNA structure, most mutations either had no effect on or decreased translation. Most structure-destabilizing mutations retained native, global 5′-UTR structure. However, those mutations that disrupted the helix that anchors the 5′-UTR domain yielded three groups of non-native structures. Two of these non-native structure groups refolded to create a stable helix near the translation initiation site that decreases translation. Thus, in contrast to the conventional model that RNA structure in 5′-UTRs primarily inhibits translation, complex folding of the NM_000295.4 5′-UTR creates a translation-optimized message by promoting accessibility at the translation initiation site.
Changes in the architecture and abundance of replication intermediates delineate the chronology of DNA damage tolerance pathways at UV-stalled replication forks in human cells
Authors: Benureau Yann , Pouvelle Caroline , Dupaigne Pauline , Baconnais Sonia , Moreira Tavares Eliana , Mazón Gerard , Despras Emmanuelle , Le Cam Eric , Kannouche Patricia L
Published: September 2022

DNA lesions in S phase threaten genome stability. The DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathways overcome these obstacles and allow completion of DNA synthesis by the use of specialised translesion (TLS) DNA polymerases or through recombination-related processes. However, how these mechanisms coordinate with each other and with bulk replication remains elusive. To address these issues, we monitored the variation of replication intermediate architecture in response to ultraviolet irradiation using transmission electron microscopy. We show that the TLS polymerase η, able to accurately bypass the major UV lesion and mutated in the skin cancer-prone xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) syndrome, acts at the replication fork to resolve uncoupling and prevent post-replicative gap accumulation. Repriming occurs as a compensatory mechanism when this on-the-fly mechanism cannot operate, and is therefore predominant in XPV cells. Interestingly, our data support a recombination-independent function of RAD51 at the replication fork to sustain repriming. Finally, we provide evidence for the post-replicative commitment of recombination in gap repair and for pioneering observations of in vivo recombination intermediates. Altogether, we propose a chronology of UV damage tolerance in human cells that highlights the key role of polη in shaping this response and ensuring the continuity of DNA synthesis.