ABSTRACT
We measure the impact of source galaxy clustering on higher order summary statistics of weak gravitational lensing data. By comparing simulated data with galaxies that either trace or do not ...trace the underlying density field, we show that this effect can exceed measurement uncertainties for common higher order statistics for certain analysis choices. We evaluate the impact on different weak lensing observables, finding that third moments and wavelet phase harmonics are more affected than peak count statistics. Using Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year 3 (Y3) data, we construct null tests for the source-clustering-free case, finding a p-value of p = 4 × 10−3 (2.6σ) using third-order map moments and p = 3 × 10−11 (6.5σ) using wavelet phase harmonics. The impact of source clustering on cosmological inference can be either included in the model or minimized through ad hoc procedures (e.g. scale cuts). We verify that the procedures adopted in existing DES Y3 cosmological analyses were sufficient to render this effect negligible. Failing to account for source clustering can significantly impact cosmological inference from higher order gravitational lensing statistics, e.g. higher order N-point functions, wavelet-moment observables, and deep learning or field-level summary statistics of weak lensing maps.
In many boreal and temperate forests, ungulates are an important feature valued by many stakeholders. However, conflicts often arise due to the use of a forest by both domestic and wild ungulates and ...other uses such as timber production, recreation and conservation. In this paper, we present and synthesize several concepts and suggestions that have applicability for ameliorating these conflicts. The amount, location and juxtaposition of forage, water, minerals (e.g. salt, molasses blocks) and cover are major determinants of range quality and, in turn, influence how ungulates use forests. Moreover, by strategically dispersing these key elements throughout a landscape will also disperse animal use by decreasing ungulate numbers in a given area thus reducing potential conflicts with other forest uses. Other approaches such as fences, herding, coarse woody debris dispersion, stand regeneration methods and site preparation methods can also be used to influence animal movement and use. By far, the most important aspect of minimizing ungulate conflicts is to integrate their use and requirements into a silvicultural system that is planned, executed and evaluated within and among landscapes and is developed to meet non-conflicting forest management objectives.
We report the serendipituous discovery of a conspicuous alignment of galaxies in a field obtained through the STIS Parallel Shear Survey. This project collects randomly distributed 50'' x 50'' fields ...to investigate the cosmic shear effect on this scale. Analyzing the parallel observations having the Seyfert galaxy NGC 625 as primary target, we recognized over the whole field of view a strong apparent tangential alignment of galaxy ellipticities towards the image center. The field shows several arclet-like features typical for images of massive galaxy clusters, but no obvious over-density of bright foreground galaxies. We also find a multiple image candidate. On the basis of the possible strong and weak lensing effect within the data, we discuss whether this could be compatible with a massive halo with no clear optical counterpart. Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Space Institute (STScI) which is operated by AURA Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.
Implementation of discrete sine transform (DST) is proposed, by folding the input data. This results in recursive structure, besides saving in the overall computation cycles. A simplified ...architecture to derive DST kernel has also been suggested.
Abstract
Background and Aims
Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) are a new class of oral medicines for the management of anemia in CKD patients. These agents are found ...to be efficacious in the management of renal anemia, however safety is still under scrutiny. While, ESAs (Erythropoietin stimulating agents) are available since long with a well-established clinical profile. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare
the safety and efficacy of HIF-PHI vs ESA in CKD patients with anemia not undergoing dialysis.
Method
An electronic database search was carried out in EBM (Evidence Based Medicine) Reviews, Cochrane Library and PubMed from inception to July 2022 for phase III clinical trials comparing six different HIF-PHIs and ESA for treating anemia in non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) CKD patients. The outcomes included the serious adverse events (SAEs) and change in hemoglobin (Hb) levels.
Results
Total 163 records were identified out of which 6 studies involving a total of 6847 patients were eligible for analysis. Compared to ESA, all HIF-PHIs increased risk for SAEs (daprodustat of RR, 1.2195% CI, 0.825–1.77; desidustat, 1.3895% CI, 0.695–2.76; enarodustat, 1.2995% CI, 0.568–3.02; molidustat, 1.0295% CI, 0.585–1.74; roxadustat, 1.2995% CI, 0.674–2.57 and vadadustat, 1.0195% CI, 0.693–1.47) although these differences were statistically non-significant. When change in Hb was analyzed, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The mean difference in change in HB with various HIFs as compared to ESA were: daprodustat (MD: 0.0796, 95% CI −0.676–0.838), desidustat (MD: 0.120, 95% CI: −0.626–0.883), enarodustat (MD: -0.600, 95% CI: −1.36–0.157), molidustat (MD: -0.309, 95% CI: −1.07–0.449), roxadustat (MD: -0.0702, 95% CI: −0.831–0.692) and vadadustat (MD: -0.0402, 95% CI: −0.802–0.720).
Conclusion
In terms of safety, HIF PHIs were associated with more SAEs compared to ESA although these differences are not statistically significant. Comparing efficacy, HIF-PHIs and ESA both effectively increase Hb level in NDD-CKD patients without any significant difference. Results of our network meta-analysis suggest the need for larger and long-term studies comparing HIF-PHIs with ESAs to have better understanding of their comparative efficacy and safety profiles.
Recent investigations into the role vitamin B(6) plays in reducing risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease have heightened interest in vitamin B(6) intake and its relationship to clinical status ...indicators. Because a true reference method and certified reference materials are lacking, little is known about the relative analytical performance of clinical vitamin B(6) assays.
Ten laboratories experienced in clinical vitamin B(6) analysis participated in a 3-day analysis of 69 serum and 3 aqueous specimens for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). Laboratories used either HPLC-based or enzymatic assays. Results were analyzed for imprecision, recovery, and bias relative to consensus means.
Among laboratories, mean within-day CVs (3 specimens x 3 measurements/day) were 0.6%-37% and between-day CVs (20 specimens x 1 measurement/day x 3 days) were 1.4%-26%. Mean recoveries of added PLP were 53%-144%, and mean sample pool mixing recoveries were 75%-119%. Consensus means calculated for 20 serum specimens gave mean relative biases between measurement of -10.0% to 24.3% among participating laboratories over a range of 15.8-319 nmol/L PLP. Measurement imprecision and biases were evaluated against empirically derived performance criteria based on biological variation. Three of 10 laboratories met optimum imprecision requirements and had 90% or more of measurements satisfy optimum criteria for biases among methods. All 10 laboratories met minimum imprecision requirements, but 25%-53% of the results reported by 4 of the 7 suboptimal laboratories failed to satisfy the minimum criteria for bias.
Agreement among vitamin B(6) methods is good, but large differences in laboratory proficiency exist, pointing to the need for vitamin B(6) reference materials and external quality assurance programs.
This article examines some vitally important issues such as defence, strategic, scientific and technological and nuclear cooperation as well as Pakistan and China as factors, setting new trends, in ...Indo-Russian relations. It critically surveys how their 'time-tested ties' in the 1970s and 1980s got a sudden jolt following the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991. New Delhi-Moscow relations have oscillated from a steep decline in the beginning of the 1990s through a new political and strategic understanding in the mid-1990s to a mutually 'productive' and 'enduring' partnership during the Putin administration. This paper argues that since India and Russia have no direct conflict of interest, their bilateral ties are likely to attain greater heights, especially in the defence and strategic fields, than what they had even during the Indo-Soviet friendship era. Besides, their identical perceptions of and approaches to critical issues such as multipolar world order, counter-terrorism, and cooperation in nuclear technology are likely to further solidify their ties based on mutual trust. However, Putin's regime coupled with pragmatism and flexibility attuned to serving national interests, cannot be taken for granted by India. Without being led by euphoria, India and Russia will need to accommodate each other's concerns, compulsions and interests for a friendly and durable relationship. Reprinted by permission of Pacific Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 122
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