bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study of Calibration based Composite class of Estimators of Population Total under Successive Sampling
Authors: Alka Alka , Tiwari Shiwani , Rai Piyush Kant 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This present article considers the problem of estimation of population total of the study character in successive sampling over two occasions under different sampling designs. Utilizing information available on a highly positively correlated auxiliary variable and also used information from previous occasion as an auxiliary information at current occasion together with the availability of additional auxiliary variables the calibration estimation has been derived at both occasions simultaneously further a set of composite calibrated estimators is proposed and its properties are discussed. Empirical studies have been carried out using both real and simulated data to show the efficiency of our proposed estimator over standard and existing estimator.
Perceptions Toward the Practice, Performance and Challenges of Humanitarian Logistics Management of Public Health Emergency Pharmaceuticals: The Case of Ethiopian Public Health Emergency Management
Authors: Tufa Biniam , Tebeka Shiferaw Mitiku 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: The field of humanitarian logistics encompasses the interconnected network of a series of decision-making processes and the execution of tasks on the movement of goods, information, and funds among beneficiaries, donors, and suppliers to save lives and alleviate suffering. The success of emergency response operations is significantly influenced by the efficiency of humanitarian logistics. This study aims to help humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia measure perceptions of practice and performance and identify, visualize, estimate and control challenges that disrupt the practice and performance of humanitarian logistics management and pose a significant threat to access for healthcare services to beneficiaries.
Methods: An explanatory case study research design was employed for this study to understand the problem more efficiently.. A mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) is used and data were collected during the same period. A total of 92 professionals in technical and managerial positions working in nine directorates who were directly involved in the core humanitarian logistics management activities were included in the study using census method.
Findings– Twenty challenges were identified and categorized into five groups and organizational challenges and economic challenges found to be the top two influential challenges. A similar challenge profile was recorded among all challenge categories across organizations. The findings of this study showed that humanitarian logistics management (HLM) is moderately practiced , in which inventory management took the first highly practiced position, followed by distribution management. Conversely, procurement and transportation management were poorly practiced. However, the practice of HLM varies across organizations under study, in which the practice at Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is higher compared with Minstry of healthand Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Service counterparts. The oveall perceived HLM performance (Reliability, Responsiveness, Agility, Cost, Asset Management) of Public health emergency Pharmaceuticals in the study organizations (EPSS, EPHI, and MOH) is high with a grand mean of 3.58
Conclusion: The aforementioned inefficiencies can block humanitarian operations in part or totally, and delay or reduce delivery of pharmaceuticals to beneficiaries (patients) , which in turn cause loss of life and suffering and bear unnecessary costs .
Impact of research activity on performance of general practices: a qualitative study.
Authors: Kenning Cassandra , Usher-Smith Juliet A , Jamison James , Jones Jennifer , Boaz Annette , Little Paul , Mallen Christian , Bower Peter , Park Sophie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background There is evidence that engaging in research is directly associated with better performance. If this relationship is to be strengthened, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms which might underlie that relationship.Aim To explore the perspectives of staff and wider stakeholders about mechanisms by which research activity might impact on the performance of general practices.Design & Setting Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with general practice professionals and wider stakeholders in England.Method Individual interviews with 41 purposively sampled staff in ‘research ready’ or ‘research active’ general practices and with 21 other stakeholders. Interviews were independently coded by three researchers using a Framework approach.Results Participants described potential ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ impacts on their work. ‘Direct’ impacts included research changing practice work (e.g. additional records searches for particular conditions), bringing in additional resources (e.g. access to investigations or staff) and improving relationships with patients. ‘Indirect’ impacts included job satisfaction (e.g. perception of practice as a centre of excellence and innovation, and the variety afforded by research activity reducing burnout) and staff recruitment (increasing the attractiveness of the practice as a place to work). Respondents identified few negative impacts.Conclusions Staff and stakeholders identified a range of potential impacts of research activity on practice performance, with impacts on their working lives most salient. Negative impacts were not generally raised. Nevertheless, respondents generally discussed potential impacts rather than providing specific examples of those impacts. This may reflect the type of research activity conducted in general practice, often led by external collaborators.
Speciation within the Anopheles gambiae complex: high-throughput whole genome sequencing reveals evidence of a putative new cryptic taxon in ‘far-west’ Africa
Authors: Torre Alessandra della , Caputo Beniamino , De Marco Carlo Maria , Pichler Verena , Bottà Giordano , Bennet Kelly , Clarkson Chris , Tennessen Jacob , Weetman David , Miles Alistair 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The two main Afrotropical malaria vectors - Anopheles coluzzii and An. gambiae – are genetically distinct and reproductively isolated across West Africa. However, populations at the western extreme of their range are assigned as “intermediate” between the two species by whole genome sequence (WGS) data, and as hybrid forms by conventional molecular diagnostics. By exploiting WGS data from 1,190 specimens collected across west Africa via the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes network, we identify a novel putative taxon in the far-west (provisionally named Bissau molecular form), which did not arise by admixture but rather originated at the same time as the split between An. coluzzii and An. gambiae. Intriguingly, these populations lack insecticide resistance mechanisms commonly observed in the two main species. These findings lead to a change of perspective on malaria vector species in the far-west region with potential for epidemiological implications, and a new challenge for genetic-based mosquito control approaches.
Assessing flooding extent and potential exposure to river pollution from urbanizing peripheral rivers within Greater Dhaka watershed
Authors: Khan Nafis Sadik , Shawal Shammi , Hossain Mohammed Abed , Tasnim Nishat , Whitehead Paul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Greater Dhaka area is home to large industrial clusters that are driving economic growth and the poverty reduction efforts of Bangladesh. These clusters are located around peripheral rivers- Turag, Buriganga, Dhaleswari, Balu, Shitalakhya, Bangshi, and Tongi-Khal, which are important for water transport, environment, and eco-systems where flooding of floodplains in monsoon is an integral part. The economic growth with minimal environmental regulations had led to severe degradation of the rivers and floodplains environment affecting livelihood, health and well-being of the people. Monsoon time exposure to polluted water is yet to be studied and addressed scientifically. This study looked into the water quality and flooding situation of Greater Dhaka for two successive monsoons through extensive river sampling coupled with estimation of flooded area and exposed population through use of remote sensing tools. Sentinel 1’s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images are used for flood mapping considering cost-effectiveness and its advantages for data scarce regions. The estimated exposed population to flooding was over 668 thousand in 2019 and over one million in 2020 where the water quality ranged from highly polluted to moderately polluted. These point to a need for taking monsoon time exposure seriously in policy making process and design appropriate interventions.
Activation of Kv11.1 potassium channel suppresses lung cancer growth by promoting c-Myc degradation.
Authors: Gentile Saverio , Eskandari Najmeh , Delisi Davide , O'Neil Richard , Bocchetta Maurizio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Kv11.1 potassium channels and the transcription factor c-Myc both play fundamental roles in controlling cellular homeostasis. Cancers take advantage of dysregulated c-Myc and Kv11.1, however, little is known about the possible link between these proteins. In this work we found that an inverse relationship between c-MYC and Kv11.1 exists in some lung adenocarcinoma. Importantly, patients expressing an elevated level of the Kv11.1 channel present a better overall survival when compared with patients with low expression. Therefore, we evaluate the hypothesis that pharmacologic activation of the Kv11.1 channel in lung cancer affects tumor growth. Our experimental tests provide definitive evidence a Kv11.1 agonist inhibits lung cancer growth by activating a senescent phenotype. Remarkably, we found that Kv11.1 activation produced rapid proteasomal degradation of c-Myc and that this could be antagonized by the OTUD6B deubiquitinase. We concluded that use of Kv11.1 agonists should be considered as potent anticancer pharmacological strategy against lung adenocarcinomas.
Dopaminergic Changes in the Subgenual Cingulate Cortex in Dementia with Lewy Bodies Associates with Presence of Depression
Authors: Gliaudelytė Lina , Rushton Steven , Thomas Alan , Palmini Rolando Berlinguer , Morris Christopher 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In addition to the core clinical features of fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonism, individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) frequently experience chronic and debilitating major depression. Treatment of depression in DLB is hampered by a lack of available effective therapies and standard serotonergic medication for major depressive disorder (MDD) is typically ineffective. Dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission contributing to anhedonia and loss of motivation has been described in MDD. The subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) is important in mood regulation and in the symptomatic expression of depression, displaying structural, functional and metabolic abnormalities in MDD. To assess dopaminergic and serotonergic synaptic changes in DLB, post mortem sgACC tissue from DLB donors with and without depression was investigated using high-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, as well as Western and dot blotting techniques. STED imaging demonstrated the presence of α-synuclein within individual dopaminergic terminals in the sgACC, α-synuclein presence showing a significant positive correlation with increased SNAP25 volumes in depressed DLB cases. A reduction in dopaminergic innervation in the sgACC was observed in DLB cases with depression, along with reduced levels of multiple dopaminergic markers and receptors. Limited alterations were observed in serotonergic markers. Our work demonstrates a role for dopaminergic neurotransmission in the aetiology of depression in DLB. Careful and selective targeting of dopaminergic systems may be a therapeutic option for treatment of depression in DLB.
Flying through an Eruption-associated Magnetic Reconnection Current Sheet in the Solar Corona
Authors: Patel Ritesh , Niembro Tatiana , Xie Xiaoyan , Seaton Daniel , Badman Samuel , Roy Soumya , Rivera Yeimy , Reeves Kathy , Stenborg Guillero , Hess Phillip , West Matthew , Feller Allex , Hirzberger Johann , Suarez David Orozco , Solanki S , Strecker Hanna , Valori Gherardo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Magnetic reconnection is a universal and fundamental process occurring in highly conductive magnetized plasma where field lines of opposite polarity reconfigure to a lower energy state across different scales. It plays a vital role in shaping the dynamics of the solar corona and heliosphere. It is also known to be responsible for energy exchange processes in Earth's magnetosphere, magnetic systems of our solar system planets and other astrophysical systems including black holes, blazars, and quasars. Theoretical models and laboratory experiments have predicted various properties of magnetic reconnection and associated flares, eruptions and current sheets at different spatio-temporal scales, which are complemented by remote sensing imaging observations. However, in situ sampling of plasma properties of reconnection regions after an eruption in the solar corona was impossible prior to the launch of Parker Solar Probe, with its close-in perihelion. Here we report on in situ observations of an ongoing reconnection event in the solar corona from PSP at a distance of 14 R⊙, supported by complementary remote sensing observations from Solar Orbiter. We find that even after more than 24 hours of the flare peak emission, PSP detected reconnection exhaust, suggesting ongoing fast reconnection. The observed plasma parameters in this region match well with predictions based on computer simulations. Solar Orbiter's observations of the low corona, and PSP's measurements in the outer corona, suggest that some magnetic environments support reconnection that lasts longer than the typical time-scales of a few minutes to a few hours generally inferred from remote sensing observations of the solar corona at various scales. These observations provide a key bridge to understand the relationship between observational and theoretical aspects of laboratory-based plasma experiments and plasmas in the solar atmosphere and astrophysical systems.
Influencing factors of the outcome of Hemophiliac Patients after Knee replacement, with equal important psychological factors
Authors: Jiang Hongyu , Chang Xueke , Zhang Ming , Yu Fubin , Liu Yifan , Man Jianzhi , Guo Kangshu , Zhang Wenqiang , Meng Hongzheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the functional recovery of the knee joint post-total knee replacement in patients with hemophilic knee arthritis and to identify influencing factors on surgical outcomes.
Methods
We collected data on 87 hemophilia patients who underwent total knee replacement at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020. Follow-up was conducted via telephone and in-person visits. Assessment of knee replacement efficacy employed the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the American Knee Society's Clinical (KSC) and Functional (KSF) scores. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine potential predictors of postoperative outcomes, encompassing continuous variables such as age, range of motion (ROM), hematocrit (HCT), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, body mass index (BMI), flexion contracture, and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Categorical variables included coagulation factor usage regularity, hemophilia typing, and severity grading. We classified patients into groups based on hemophilia type (Type A or B), severity (mild, moderate, or severe), and regularity of coagulation factor usage (regular or irregular) for analysis.
Results
Key factors impacting knee replacement outcomes in hemophiliac patients were ROM, flexion contracture, VAS, HAMD, coagulation factor usage regularity, and hemophilia severity. Univariate analysis revealed significant inter-group differences in hemophilia severity regarding KSC, HSS, and KSF scores (P < 0.05), as well as in coagulation factor usage regularity for KSF and HSS scores (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also noted in ROM, number of flexion contractures, VAS, and HAMD across KSC and KSF scores. Multivariate analysis indicated that hemophilia severity, ROM, and HAMD were significant predictors, with severity and HAMD negatively impacting, and ROM positively impacting postoperative outcomes.
Conclusion
For hemophiliac patients, ROM positively correlates with knee replacement success, while flexion contracture has a negative correlation. Higher HAMD scores, irregular coagulation factor usage, and greater hemophilia severity are associated with poorer knee function postoperatively. Clinical practice should emphasize regular coagulation factor usage and address the psychological well-being of patients with hemophilia to improve treatment outcomes.
Analysis of the Causal Relationship Between Anxiety- Depression and Vitiligo and Its Impact on Disease Onset, Progression, and Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Cao Cheng , Xu Aie , Zhou Miaoni , Lin Fuquan , Jin Rong , Lei Jingdi , Zheng Yujie , Sheng Anqi , Xu Wen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Anxiety and depression are the most common psychiatric comorbidities among vitiligo patients. However, the impact on disease progression and outcomes remains unclear.
Objective
To elucidate the causal relationship between anxiety and depression and the progression and outcomes of vitiligo, providing a foundation for strengthening psychological interventions in the treatment of vitiligo.
Methods
Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was used to validate the causal relationship between depression and vitiligo. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the psychiatric condition of vitiligo patients. We conducted Fisher's chi-square tests and rank sum tests to analyse differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes among vitiligo patients with different HADS scores. Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between anxiety-depression and disease progression, outcomes.
Results
Depression significantly increases the risk of the appearance of vitiligo (P = 0.03). Age, duration of the disease, body surface area, and VIDA were positive associated factors with HADS, with VIDA being the most influential. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that HADS (P < 0.001) and VIDA (P < 0.001) were significant negative associated factors for disease outcomes. However, HADS (P < 0.001) emerged as the only factor that influenced the therapeutic efficacy in multivariate regression analysis. A restricted cubic spline graph illustrates a U-shaped relationship between HADS and clinical efficacy, with the most significant impact on therapeutic efficacy occurring when HADS is equal to 15.
Conclusion
Anxiety and depression exhibit a bidirectional positive causal relationship with vitiligo. Moderate to severe anxiety-depression constitutes a significant factor influencing the clinical efficacy of vitiligo treatment.
Noisy samples-robust Neural Network-based Equalizer for Coherent Optical Transmission Nonlinearity Compensation
Authors: Deng Lei , Cao Zicai , Dai Longquan , Zhang Ziheng , Yao Shuchang , Yang Qi , Liu Deming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Nonlinear impairments introduced by optical/electrical components in coherent transceivers (CO-TRx) and optical fiber are the primary bottleneck for enhancing optical transmission capacity. As most nonlinearity equalizers (NLEs) are training data-driven, they can provide significant gain under high-quality training signals but only a weak gain under poor ones. This limitation becomes noteworthy for high-speed transmission systems characterized by high-baud rate and high-order modulation formats resulting in signals with relatively low signal-to-noise ratio, which are susceptible to penalties from various impairments. In response to this issue, we propose a novel approach known as noisy samples-robust neural network-based nonlinearity equalizer (NS-NNLE). With the combination of a pre-trained model, a filter network for noise feature filtration, and a main network for nonlinear mapping, the proposed NS-NNLE can be trained efficiently using noisy training sequences and achieve more stable generalizability than common NLEs. We experimentally demonstrate its performance in a dual-polarization (DP) 64 GBaud 16QAM signals back-to-back (B2B) coherent optical transmission and a DP-40GBaud 16QAM signals 110 km fiber transmission. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed NS-NNLE can provide a stable gain at an acceptable complexity cost under various test conditions where conventional NLEs struggle to achieve adequate training, both for CO-TRx and fiber-induced nonlinearity
Complete mitochondrial genome of Perilla frutescens (Lamiaceae) insights into structure, Codon usage, repeats, and RNA editing
Authors: Wang Ru , Luo Yongjian , Lan Zheng , Qiu Daoshou 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a versatile plant highly valued for its unique aroma and medicinal properties. Additionally, P. frutescens seeds are rich in α-linolenic acid, holding significant economic importance. While the nuclear and chloroplast genomes of P. frutescens have already been documented, the complete Mitochondrial genome sequence has yet to be reported. In this investigation, we conducted the sequencing, annotation, and assembly of the entire Mitochondrial genome of P. frutescens using a combination of Illumina and PacBio data. The resulting assembled P. frutescens Mitochondrial genome spans 299,551 bp and exhibits a typical circular structure, with a GC content of 45.23%. Within the genome, a total of 59 unique genes were identified, encompassing 37 protein-coding genes, 20 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, with 18 introns present in 8 protein-coding genes. Notably, the codons of the P. frutescens Mitochondrial genome display a notable A/T bias. Our analysis also revealed 293 dispersed repeat sequences, 77 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and 6 tandem repeat sequences. Additionally, RNA editing sites exhibited a preference for the formation of leucine at amino acid editing sites. Furthermore, we identified 70 sequence fragments (12,680 bp) that have been transferred from the chloroplast to the Mitochondrial genome, accounting for 4.23% of the entire Mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that among Lamiaceae plants, P. frutescens is most closely related to Salvia miltiorrhiza and Platostoma chinense. Inter-species Ka/Ks results suggested that Ka/Ks <1 for 28 PCGs, indicating that these genes will continue to evolve under purifying selection pressure. The findings of this study will contribute to the enrichment of Mitochondrial genome data for P. frutescens and provide a theoretical foundation for future molecular breeding research on P. frutescens.