Observation Time Research Articles

The Causal Relation within Air–Sea Interaction as Inferred from Observations

Abstract The intricate cause–effect relations in air–sea interaction are investigated using a quantitative causal inference formalism. The formalism is first validated with a classical stochastic coupled model and then applied to the observational time series of sea surface temperature (SST) and air–sea turbulent surface heat flux (SHF). We identify an overall asymmetry of causality between the two variables, namely, the causality from SHF to SST is significantly larger than that from SST to SHF over most of the global oceans. Geographically, the coupling is strongest in the tropics and gets weaker substantially in the extratropics. In the midlatitude ocean, SST makes higher contributions to the SHF variability in frontal regions. We further show that the identified causality is space and time scale dependent. The dominance of SHF driving SST occurs at basin scales, whereas the dominance of SST driving SHF mostly occurs at scales smaller than 10°. The causalities in both directions get larger with increasing time scale and are less asymmetric at longer time scales. The seasonality of the causality is also discussed here.

Two-dimensional ASEP model to study density profiles in CVD growth

The growth of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides using chemical vapor deposition has been an area of intense study, primarily due to the scalability requirements for potential device applications. One of the major challenges of such growths is the large-scale thickness variation of the grown film. To investigate the role of different growth parameters computationally, we use a 2D asymmetric simple-exclusion process (ASEP) model with open boundaries as an approximation to the dynamics of deposition on the coarse-grained lattice. The variations in concentration of particles (growth profiles) at the lattice sites in the grown film are studied as functions of parameters like injection and ejection rate of particles from the lattice, time of observation, and the right bias difference between the hopping probabilities towards right and towards left) imposed by the carrier gas. In addition, the deposition rates at a given coarse-grained site is assumed to depend on the occupancy of that site. The effect of the maximum deposition rate, i.e., the deposition rate at a completely unoccupied site on the substrate, has been explored. The growth profiles stretch horizontally when either the evolution time or the right bias is increased. An increased deposition rate leads to a step-like profile, with the higher density region close to the left edge. In 3D, the growth profiles become more uniform with the increase in the height of the precursor with respect to the substrate surface. These results qualitatively agree with the experimental observations.

Deep reinforcement learning for Agile Earth Observation Satellites scheduling problem with variable image duration

The Agile Earth Observation Satellites (AEOS) possess active imaging capabilities, which enable variable image durations during observations. Due to the problem’s high complexity, traditional heuristic algorithms are unable to provide optimal solutions within a feasible timeframe. In this paper, we propose an improved deep reinforcement learning approach (IDRL), including IDRL based on optimal observation quality (IDRL-MQ) and IDRL based on the longest observation duration (IDRL-MD), to solve the multi-objective scheduling problem for AEOS with variable image duration (MO-SPVID). Two different strategies IDRL-MQ and IDRL-MD, were designed to determine the start time and duration of observation. The experimental results demonstrate that IDRL-MD outperforms both IDRL-MQ and the superior heuristic algorithm ALNS-NSGAII in terms of solution quality and solution diversity. The demonstrated effectiveness of the appropriate heuristic strategies provides evidence for their rationality. Furthermore, the results obtained on instances of varying scales indicate that IDRL exhibits a high level of generality and robustness.

Intermediate- and long-term results after ATOMS (Adjustable Transobturator Male System®) implantation

ObjectivesTo assess outcomes of continence and complications after implantation of Adjustable TransObturator Male System (ATOMS) for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and MethodsData of 80 patients receiving an ATOMS implatation between 2010 and 2021 at a tertiary academic referral centre were retrospectively analyzed. Primary endpoints were outcomes of continence and complications. Implant survival rate was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, risk factors for explantation were analyzed by univariable Cox regression. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of three yrs. the number of pads decreased significantly from four to two pads per day (p<0.001). After five yrs., 17 patients experienced an explantation, eight of them during the first year following ATOMS implantation, resulting in one- and five-year-implant-survival rates of 0.89 (95%CI:0.80-0.95) and 0.71 (95%CI:0.56-0.81), respectively. During the total observation time, ATOMS was explanted in 22 (27.5%) patients (Kaplan-Meier estimate for explantation: 0.35 [95%CI:0.09-0.64]) after a median time of 2.3 (0.1, 10.2) yrs. The risk for explantation was higher in patients after previous incontinence surgery (HR=3.4, 95%CI:1.4-8.2, p=0.007), ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) > 4 (Gleason score >8) in surgery specimens (HR=4.4, 95%CI:1.03-27.1 compared to ISUP 1, p=0.046), and a preoperative daily pad weight >250g (HR=3.1, 95%CI:1.18-8.17, p=0.022). ConclusionATOMS lead to a significant reduction of pad usage. During the intermediate-term follow-up approximately every 3rd patient experienced device explantation. In particular, patients with recurrent SUI and patients with severe SUI have to be warned about a relevant risk of explantation.

No associations between neuroborreliosis in children and psychiatric neurodevelopmental disorders: a nationwide, population‐based, matched cohort study

BackgroundIt has been suggested that neuroborreliosis in children can manifest as psychiatric neurodevelopmental disorders or cause long‐term neurodevelopmental sequelae. However, previous studies were limited by size and design.MethodsWe performed a nationwide, population‐based, matched cohort study in Denmark between 1995 and 2021. We included all Danish residents &lt;16 years old with a positive Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato intrathecal antibody index test (children with neuroborreliosis). To form a comparison cohort, we randomly extracted individuals from the general population matched on date of birth and sex 10:1 to children with neuroborreliosis. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs of contact to departments of psychiatry, diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, diagnosis of learning or intellectual developmental disorders, or receipt of psychostimulants for attention deficit disorder among children with neuroborreliosis compared with comparison cohort members. We did a sensitivity analysis in the form of a case‐control study, where we examined whether these outcomes were more frequent among children with neuroborreliosis than in the comparison cohort before study inclusion to account for differential delay in diagnosis.ResultsWe included 1,132 children with neuroborreliosis and 11,320 comparison cohort members with an observation time of 168,858 person‐years. We found no associations between neuroborreliosis and contact with departments of psychiatry (HR: 1.0, 95% CI 0.9–1.2), diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (HR: 0.9, 95% CI 0.6–1.3), diagnosis of learning or intellectual developmental disorders (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5–1.4), or receipt of psychostimulants for attention deficit disorder (HR: 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.1). Also, in the sensitivity analyses, these outcomes were not more present among children with neuroborreliosis than in the comparison cohort before study inclusion.ConclusionsOur results do not support that neuroborreliosis in children manifests as psychiatric neurodevelopmental disorders or causes long‐term neurodevelopmental sequelae.

The Management and Outcomes of Stoma Care with Impaired Integrity: A Case Study

Background: Colostomy globally affects not only physical but also psychological aspects in patients, and has been done for various reasons such as cancers of the colon and rectum. Tissue integrity disorders, irritations, and pain come up and require close service to care by nursing interventions and education for these conditions, especially in old patients. Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the management and outcomes of stoma care in patients after colostomy surgery who were seen with tissue integrity disorders. Methods: The case-study approach was implemented into two male patients aged 76 and 80 years who were diagnosed with proximal rectal cancer and were given double-barreled colostomy treatment at Vila Alpina Hospital in São Paulo. Nursing intervention was on stoma care during cleaning and monitoring stoma characteristics as well as educating patients and their families on stoma care. Data were collected and analyzed over 3 days, while evaluation of outcome was done at tissue integrity and pain levels. Results: After the intervention of 3 days, partial improvement in tissue integrity was observed. The physical condition of both patients with normal tissue perfusion, absence of infection signs or bleeding, and partial developmental progress was seen in stoma wound healing. In addition, pain reduction was observed from a level of 4 to 2. However, healing was not fully achieved within the study period because of its short observation time. Conclusion: Nursing care considering observation, education, and therapeutic interventions will have improved outcomes of stoma and will also alleviate pain in colostomy patients. Further interventions of care and education to the patient will follow up these conditions for a long time.

Long-term outcomes of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study

BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent form of head and neck cancer, particularly in specific regions with a higher incidence. The optimal treatment strategy for locally advanced NPC (stage III and IVA, LA-NPC) involves various combinations of induction chemotherapy (IC), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC), each with distinct advantages. This one institutional study aims to retrospectively analysis the efficacy and clinical outcomes of IC with CCRT (IC+CCRT), CCRT with AC (CCRT+AC), and the comprehensive approach of IC followed by CCRT and subsequently AC (IC+CCRT+AC) in the management of LA-NPC.Materials and methodsA total of 352 LA-NPC patients were included: 173 accepted IC+CCRT, 60 received CCRT+AC, and 119 underwent IC+CCRT+AC. The primary endpoints including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.ResultsThe median follow-up was 61.2 months (1-216 months). There was no significant difference in 5-year OS and PFS between IC group and no IC group, extending the observation time to 90 months, the OS and PFS were significantly better in IC group than no IC group (OS: 76% vs. 70%,P&amp;lt;0.05; PFS: 76% vs. 71%, P&amp;lt;0.05). Patients with 1, 2, or 3 cycles of IC had higher 5-year OS and PFS than those with more than 3 cycles (1-4 cycles IC OS: 89% vs. 87% vs. 88% vs. 79%, P&amp;lt;0.05; 1-4 cycles IC PFS: 87% vs. 85% vs. 85% vs. 70%, P&amp;lt;0.05). NP regimen demonstrated higher OS and PFS than TP, PF, and TPF regimens (OS: 95% vs. 82% vs. 85% vs. 71%, P&amp;lt;0.05; PFS: 93% vs. 83% vs. 81% vs. 80%, P&amp;lt;0.05). The 5-year OS and PFS were significantly better in AC group than no AC group (OS: 82% vs. 72%, P&amp;lt;0.05; PFS: 81% vs. 69%, P&amp;lt;0.05). In the AC group, there was no differential effect of chemotherapy cycles and chemotherapy regimens on patients’ OS and PFS. In the ThNh group, patients receiving IC+CCRT+AC had higher OS and PFS compared to those receiving IC+CCRT, with no significant difference in the rest (OS: 85% VS 66% P&amp;lt;0.05; PFS: 78% VS 62%, P&amp;lt;0.05).ConclusionCCRT combined with IC or AC could benefit LA-NPC patients. The IC+CCRT +AC regimen was most beneficial for NPC patients with later T and N stages.

Prognostic relevance of Exercise Pulmonary Hypertension: Results of the multi-center PEX-NET Clinical Research Collaboration.

Exercise pulmonary hypertension (exercise PH) was defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP)/cardiac output (CO) slope >3 mmHg·L-1·min-1 between rest and exercise in the 2022 ESC/ERS PH guidelines. However, large, multi-center studies on the prognostic relevance of exercise hemodynamics and its added value to resting hemodynamics are missing. The PEX-NET (Pulmonary Hemodynamics during Exercise Network) registry enrolled patients who underwent clinically indicated right heart catheterizations both at rest and ergometer exercise from 23 PH-centers worldwide. In this retrospective analysis we included subjects with resting mPAP<25 mmHg and complete hemodynamic data at rest and exercise in the same body position. Mixed effects Cox proportional hazard models with random effect center were applied to identify independent markers of prognosis among the hemodynamic parameters. We included n=764 patients (64% females, age: 59yrs (IQR:46-69), mPAP: 17 mmHg (IQR:14-20)). Median observation time was 6.8yrs (range:0.1-15.9) and 87 patients (11%) died during follow-up. After adjustment for age, sex, hemoglobin level, and resting hemodynamics, CO (p=0.001; HR: 0.85 (95%CI:0.77-0.93)) and trans-pulmonary gradient (p=0.044; HR: 1.04 (95%CI:1.00-1.08)) at peak exercise and the mPAP/CO slope (p<0.001; HR: 1.12 (95%CI:1.06-1.18)) were the only independent predictors of prognosis. Patients with mPAP/CO slope >3 mmHg·L-1·min-1 had significantly worse survival compared to those with ≤3 mmHg·L-1·min-1 (p=0.013; HR: 2.04 (95%CI:1.16-3.58)). The mPAP/CO slope is a robust and independent predictor of prognosis in patients with normal or mildly elevated resting pulmonary arterial pressure that provides prognostic information beyond resting hemodynamics and appears suitable to define exercise PH.

Inference with Non-Homogeneous Lognormal Diffusion Processes Conditioned on Nearest Neighbor

In this work, we approach the forecast problem for a general non-homogeneous diffusion process over time with a different perspective from the classical one. We study the main characteristic functions as mean, mode, and α-quantiles conditioned on a future time, not conditioned on the past (as is normally the case), and we observe the specific formula in some interesting particular cases, such as Gompertz, logistic, or Bertalanffy diffusion processes, among others. This study aims to enhance classical inference methods when we need to impute data based on available information, past or future. We develop a simulation and obtain a dataset that is closer to reality, where there is no regularity in the number or timing of observations, to extend the traditional inference method. For such data, we propose using characteristic functions conditioned on the past or the future, depending on the closest point at which we aim to perform the imputation. The proposed inference procedure greatly reduces imputation errors in the simulated dataset.

The Catalogue of Gamma-Ray Burst Observations by HEPD-01 in the 0.3–50 MeV Energy Range

The High-Energy Particle Detector (HEPD-01) on board the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite, located on a Sun-synchronous orbit at 500 km of altitude with an inclination of 97°, features a dedicated logic counting low-energy event rates, which proved sensitive to intense Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB). The present work reports a comprehensive analysis of signals induced by GRBs in the event-rate data collected between 2018 August and 2022 June. After accurately modeling the background rate as observed in different passages of the satellite over the same geographical area, we detected significant deviations to be compared with observations of GRB candidates from other observatories. The analysis revealed 12 statistically significant excesses, that have been associated with GRB 181222B, GRB 190114C, GRB 190129B, GRB 190305A, GRB 190928A, GRB 200412B, GRB 200422A, GRB 200826B, GRB 201009A, GRB 210702A, GRB 211211A, and GRB 220624A. We report light curves for 0.3–50 MeV photons, comparing them with findings from other space telescopes. The catalog of observations is published, complete of GRB observation time, duration, integrated counts, and fluence.

Long‐Term Single‐Molecule Tracking in Living Cells using Weak‐Affinity Protein Labeling

AbstractSingle‐particle tracking (SPT) has become a powerful tool to monitor the dynamics of membrane proteins in living cells. However, permanent labeling strategies for SPT suffer from photobleaching as a major limitation, restricting observation times, and obstructing the study of long‐term cellular processes within single living cells. Here, we use exchangeable HaloTag Ligands (xHTLs) as an easy‐to‐apply labeling approach for live‐cell SPT and demonstrate extended observation times of individual living cells of up to 30 minutes. Using the xHTL/HaloTag7 labeling system, we measure the ligand‐induced activation kinetics of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in single living cells. We generate spatial maps of receptor diffusion in cells, report non‐uniform distributions of receptor mobility, and the formation of spatially confined ‘hot spots’ of EGFR activation. Furthermore, we measured the mobility of an ER‐luminal protein in living cells and found diffusion coefficients that correlated with the ER nano‐structure. This approach represents a general strategy to monitor protein mobility in a functional context and for extended observation times in single living cells.

Oxygenation indices and early prediction of outcome in hypoxemic patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring noninvasive respiratory support in pulmonary intermediate care unit

BackgroundEarly prediction of non-invasive respiratory therapy (NIRT) failure is crucial to avoid needless prolongation of respiratory support and delayed endotracheal intubation. Data comparing the predictive value of oxygenation indices (OI) in COVID-19 receiving NIRT are scant.The aim of this monocentric retrospective study of prospectively collected data was to assess the effectiveness of different OI in predicting NIRT outcome at baseline (t0), 12 h (t12) and 24 h (t24) of treatment in hypoxemic patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia, managed in a Pulmonary Intermediate Care Unit (October 2020-June 2021).MethodsWe assessed the predictive value of SpO2/FiO2, PaO2/FiO2, standardised PaO2/FiO2 ratio (s-PaO2/FiO2), respiratory index (RI), arterial–alveolar oxygen gradient (a-ADO2), age adjusted arterial–alveolar oxygen ratio (adj-a-ADO2D). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC), AUC and best sensitivity–specificity cut-off values were calculated at t0, t12, t24. NIRT failure risk was adjusted for non-oxygenation predictors.ResultsAmong 590 patients with COVID-19 infection, 368 met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the study [mean (CI95%): PaO2/FiO2 214(206,8–221,9); PaCO2 mean 32,9 mmHg,(32,4–33,4)]. NIRT failure and hospital mortality rate were 23,4% and 19,6%, respectively. Older age, male gender, agitation/confusion, need for sedation, inability to tolerate prone positioning were independent predictors of NIRT failure. SpO2/FiO2, a-ADO2 and adj-aADO2 at t12 and t24, PaO2/FiO2 and RI at t24 were associated with NIRT failure. Prognostic predictivity of OI increased from t0 to t24. Greater ROC-AUC values were obtained with SpO2/FiO2 0,662 (0,60–0,72) (t0), PaO2/FiO2 0,697 (0,63–0,76) (t12) and s-PaO2/FiO2 0,769 (0,71–0,83) (t24). NIRT failure was independently predicted by PaO2/FiO2, s-PaO2/FiO2 and RI at any observation time and by SpO2/FiO2 and O2 gradients respectively at t0 and t24. SaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 (t0), PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 151,7 (t12) and s-PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 160,4 (t24) turned out to be the best predictors of NIRT outcome.ConclusionsOI showed different effectiveness in predicting NIRT failure within 24 h of treatment in COVID-19 related pneumonia. This may be due to the multi-factorial pathophysiology of hypoxemia. Our study empathises furthermore the role of non-oxygenation-related parameters in contributing to the outcome. These findings may be useful to build a predictive model also in no COVID-19 related hypoxemic pneumonia.

Long-Term Single-Molecule Tracking in Living Cells using Weak-Affinity Protein Labeling.

Single-particle tracking (SPT) has become a powerful tool to monitor the dynamics of membrane proteins in living cells. However, permanent labeling strategies for SPT suffer from photobleaching as a major limitation, restricting observation times, and obstructing the study of long-term cellular processes within single living cells. Here, we use exchangeable HaloTag Ligands (xHTLs) as an easy-to-apply labeling approach for live-cell SPT and demonstrate extended observation times of individual living cells of up to 30 minutes. Using the xHTL/HaloTag7 labeling system, we measure the ligand-induced activation kinetics of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in single living cells. We generate spatial maps of receptor diffusion in cells, report non-uniform distributions of receptor mobility, and the formation of spatially confined 'hot spots' of EGFR activation. Furthermore, we measured the mobility of an ER-luminal protein in living cells and found diffusion coefficients that correlated with the ER nano-structure. This approach represents a general strategy to monitor protein mobility in a functional context and for extended observation times in single living cells.

A novel comprehensive metric balancing imaging dose and setup accuracy in image-guided radiotherapy: concept proposal and clinical validation

PurposeTo propose and validate a comprehensive novel metric balancing the registration accuracy and imaging dose for image-guided-radiotherapy based on real patient data.Materials and methodsWith written informed consent and ethical approval, 56 patients were scanned using 6MV CBCT, 140 kV CBCT, and 100 kV CBCT on Halcyon system for three consecutive treatment fractions. Online registration was performed by various on-duty therapists under routine clinical pressure and time limitation. Offline registration was carried out by an experienced physicist without pressure. The consistency between the online and offline results was used as a surrogate of the missing ground-truth of registration accuracy, which was usually developed by introducing ‘known’ setup errors and rescan the phantoms, yet is ethnically not applicable to real patients. The registration differences (ΔD) between various imaging methods and observers were analyzed. The weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) for kV and MV CBCT was acquired using the PTW CTDI head phantom. The weighted-Dose-Accuracy-Product (DAPw) index was defined as DAPw =ΔD(mm) w1* CTDIw(mGy) w2, where w1 and w2 are the weighting factors of accuracy and dose respectively (w1+w2 = 1).ResultsThe mean and interquartile range (IQR) of ΔD decreased monotonically for MV CBCT, 100 kV CBCT, and 140 kV CBCT, supporting the registration consistency as a surrogate metric of image quality. Significant differences of ΔD were observed between the online and offline registration across three imaging methods (P&amp;lt;0.05). The 140 kV CBCT provides superior positioning accuracy, less dependency on observer subjectivity and time pressure of clinical workflow. Using w1=w2 = 0.5 as an example, the smallest mean, standard deviation, and IQR of DAPw were observed on the 100 kV CBCT, indicating optimal balance between dose and accuracy than the other two methods. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant differences in DAPw among the different imaging methods (P&amp;lt;0.01, F=50.57).ConclusionUsing registration consistency as a surrogate indicator of image quality, this study proposed and validated a novel “DAPw” parameter based on real patient data, providing a purpose-specific tool for balancing setup accuracy and radiation dose in clinic.

Assessment of GOCI-II satellite remote sensing products in Lake Taihu

IntroductionThe Geostationary Ocean Color Imager-II (GOCI-II), launched on February 19, 2020, offers increased observation times throughout the day and higher spatial resolution compared to its predecessor, the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI), launched in 2010. To ensure the reliability of GOCI-II data for practical applications, the accuracy of remote sensing products needs to be validated. This study uses in situ data from Lake Taihu for validation.MethodsWe assessed the accuracy of GOCI-II remote sensing products, including remote sensing reflectance derived using two atmospheric correction algorithms: ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR). The study also evaluated the accuracy of derived parameters, such as chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration, total suspended matter (TSM) concentration, and phytoplankton absorption coefficient (aph), based on these atmospheric correction algorithms. In situ measurements from Lake Taihu were used as ground truth data for validation.ResultsOur results revealed that the UV atmospheric correction algorithm provided higher accuracy in Lake Taihu compared to the NIR algorithm. The average absolute percentage deviations (APDs) for remote sensing reflectance across different bands were: 25.17% (412 nm), 29.69% (443 nm), 22.27% (490 nm), 19.38% (555 nm), 36.83% (660 nm), and 33.0% (680 nm). Compared to NIR-derived products, the UV algorithm showed improved accuracy for Chl-a concentration, TSM concentration, and aph, with reductions in APD values by 16.92%, 3.32%, and 10.91%, respectively. When applying UV correction, the 412 nm band performed better than the 380 nm band, likely due to a lower signal-to-noise ratio at 380 nm and smaller extrapolation errors at 412 nm.DiscussionWhile the NIR algorithm is suitable for open ocean waters, the UV algorithm demonstrated higher accuracy in turbid environments such as Lake Taihu. Therefore, a combined UV-NIR atmospheric correction algorithm may be more effective for handling various types of water environments. Additionally, further research is needed to develop more suitable retrieval algorithms for Chl-a concentration and aph in eutrophic waters to improve accuracy.

A 4D-EnKF Method via a Modified Cholesky Decomposition and Line Search Optimization for Non-Linear Data Assimilation

This paper introduces an efficient approach for implementing the Four-Dimensional Variational Ensemble Kalman Filter (4D-EnKF) for non-linear data assimilation, leveraging a modified Cholesky decomposition (4D-EnKF-MC). In this method, control spaces at observation times are represented by full-rank square root approximations of background error covariance matrices, derived using the modified Cholesky decomposition. To ensure global convergence, we integrate line-search optimization into the filter formulation. The performance of the 4D-EnKF-MC is evaluated through experimental tests using the Lorenz 96 model, and its accuracy is compared to that of a 4D-Var extension of the Maximum-Likelihood Ensemble Filter (4D-MLEF). Through Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) analysis, we demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the 4D-MLEF across a range of ensemble sizes and observational network configurations, providing a robust and scalable solution for non-linear data assimilation in complex systems.

Efficacy of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in hypertension management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Dysregulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) often leads to hypertension and severe cardiorenal complications. Although RAAS-targeted therapies have proven effective, it remains yet optimal in reducing cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) compared to control in patients with hypertension. The primary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) control, along with the incidence of adverse events. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Cochrane, and ProQuest, with studies identified up until 3 October 2024. The study included nine clinical trials that met the predefined eligibility criteria: (1) randomized clinical trials; (2) adult patients diagnosed with hypertension; and (3) comparison of ARNI versus control, reporting either BP control or adverse events. Quality appraisal using RoB 2.0 revealed that eight studies had a low risk of bias, and one had a high risk of bias. The pooled analysis demonstrated that ARNI is significantly more efficacious in achieving targeted systolic BP as compared to the control group (OR: 1.80; 95%CI: 1.41-2.30; p&lt;0.001; I²=0%), and there was no statistical difference for the efficacy on diastolic BP compared to control (OR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.75–1.13; p=0.45; I²=75%). The incidence of adverse events was not associated with ARNI (OR: 1.07; 95%CI: 0.90–1.27; p=0.46; I²=72%). In conclusion, ARNI demonstrated a favorable outcome only in systolic BP, but in diastolic BP which could be associated with inadequate duration of observation. Further studies are warranted to assess BP-lowering effect and safety profile of ARNI in a longer observation time.

A Space Telescope Scheduling Approach Combining Observation Priority Coding with Problem Decomposition Strategies

With the increasing number of space debris, the demand for telescopes to observe space debris is also constantly increasing. The telescope observation scheduling problem requires algorithms to schedule telescopes to maximize observation value within the visible time constraints of space debris, especially when dealing with large-scale problems. This paper proposes a practical heuristic algorithm to solve the telescope observation of space debris scheduling problem. In order to accelerate the solving speed of algorithms on large-scale problems, this paper combines the characteristics of the problem and partitions the large-scale problem into multiple sub-problems according to the observation time. In each sub-problem, a coding method based on the priority of the target going into the queue is proposed in combination with the actual observation data, and a decoding method matching the coding method is designed. In the solution process for each sub-problem, an adaptive variable neighborhood search is used to solve the space debris observation plan. When solving all sub-problems is completed, the observation plans obtained on all sub-problems are combined to obtain the observation plan of the original problem.

Is Mandatory Community Service a Catalyst for Civic Growth or Fruitless Servitude?: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in South Korea

AbstractDiminishing civic vitality has been reported in numerous societies, irrespective of democratic maturity. Mandatory community service initiatives in schools have garnered attention as a strategy for fostering long-term civic engagement. However, methodological challenges such as selection bias and observation timing have led to inconsistent empirical results. This study leverages a unique natural experimental context where mandatory community service requirements were nationally implemented in middle and high schools in South Korea. Employing a non-parametric regression-discontinuity design, we provide robust evidence that such programs increase the likelihood of volunteering in adulthood among lower socioeconomic groups. We found no indications that these mandates increase or decrease the propensity for civic engagement among higher socioeconomic groups.

Supporting early detection of biological invasions through short-term spatial forecasts of detectability

Early detection of invasive species is crucial to prevent biological invasions. To increase the success of detection efforts, it is often essential to know when key phenological stages of invasive species are reached. This includes knowing, for example, when invasive insect species are in their adult phase, invasive plants are flowering or invasive mammals have finished their hibernation. Unfortunately, this kind of information is often unavailable or is provided at very coarse temporal and spatial resolutions. On the other hand, opportunistic records of the location and timing of observations of these stages are increasingly available from biodiversity data repositories. Here, we demonstrate how to apply these data for predicting the timing of phenological stages of invasive species. The predictions are made across Europe, at a daily temporal resolution, including in near real time and for multiple days ahead. We apply this to phenological stages of relevance for the detection of four well-known invasive species: the freshwater jellyfish, the geranium bronze butterfly, the floating primrose-willow and the garden lupine. Our approach uses machine-learning and statistical-based algorithms to identify the set of temporal environmental conditions (e.g. temperature values and trends, precipitation, snow depth and wind speed) associated with the observation of each phenological stage, while accounting for spatial and temporal biases in recording effort. Correlation between predictions from models and the actual timing of observations often exceeded values of 0.9. However, some inter-taxa variation occurred, with models using direct predictors of phenological drivers and trained on thousands of observation records outperforming those relying on indirect predictors and only a few hundred training records. The analysis of daily predictions also allowed mapping European-wide regions with similar phenological dynamics (i.e. ‘phenoregions’). Our results underscore the significant potential of opportunistic biodiversity observation data in developing models capable of predicting and forecasting species phenological stages across broad spatial extents. By enhancing our current ability to anticipate the phenological stages of invasive species, this approach has the potential to significantly improve decision-making in invasion surveillance and monitoring activities.