bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep learning-based method for ultra-short-term PV power prediction
Authors: Ren Xiaoying , Gao Yanning , Zhang Fei , Gao Lu
Published: May 2022

With the rapid development of photovoltaic industry, the application accuracy of photovoltaic power prediction technology in the field of power system control, dispatching and operation is more precise. Due to the volatility and randomness of photovoltaic power in the ultra short term, high-precision prediction has more theoretical and practical significance. This paper presents an ultra short-term photovoltaic power prediction model based on dual attention mechanism and GRU, which realizes the high-precision prediction of photovoltaic power in ultra short term. Firstly, attention mechanism is introduced to realize the dual extraction of temporal and spatial features; Then, the power is predicted by combining the extracted features with the characteristics of GRU long-term memory ability and fast calculation. The time series attention mechanism is introduced to independently extract the information of historical key moments to improve the stability of long-time series prediction effect; The feature attention mechanism effectively calculates the correlation of each meteorological feature quantity, and alters the feature weight. Through the comparison experiment with the baseline model, it is verified that the proposed model has higher prediction accuracy, better generalization ability and robustness.
Design of environmental monitoring system based on 4G Internet of things
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Yi Yongfei , Bai Zhihui , Xing Zuoxia , Song Yundong
Published: May 2022

In order to avoid the management blind area of environmental temperature, humidity and lighting in non daily office sites such as operation stations and reception centers. It is necessary to strengthen intelligent management and control. An intelligent control device based on narrow-band Internet of things is proposed to monitor the environmental temperature and humidity of the station on-line. The automatic regulation of ventilation and air conditioning devices is realized by intelligent algorithm. The intelligent control of lighting, temperature control and related auxiliary facilities of the site station can be realized, 4G cloud service can be realized, and remote monitoring and remote control can be realized.
Energy System Restructuring and Deregulation in a Smart City Environment
Authors: Sun Wenyao , Tian Youwen , Lei Weichong , Zhao Yi
Published: May 2022

Under the carbon neutrality vision, the proportion of clean energy in urban power grids is inevitably increasing, which poses many problems for the dispatching mode of distribution grids. In this paper, based on the analysis of the coupling relationship between carbon emission intensity index and intermittent power, a new dispatching model for energy systems in a smart city environment is proposed. Firstly, a distribution grid dispatching model considering carbon emission index is put forward. Next, the distribution network optimal dispatching model is established and solved by the Mixed Integer Second-Order Cone Programming (MISOCP) algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on a modified IEEE 33 nodes system.
The scheme of quantum dense coding in three-dimensional spaces
Authors: Li Yixiao
Published: May 2022

Quantum communication is a new emerging inter-discipline in which classical communication theory and quantum mechanics are intertwined. Among them, the utilization of quantum entangled state properties is fundamental to the realization of quantum communication. In this way, we can ensure the security and confidentiality of information during transmission based on a new communication scheme, i.e., a quantum dense coding scheme. It enables the transmission of two bits of classical information by transmitting only one qubit. In the past decades, the scheme has attracted the attention of many researchers because of its promising development. In this paper, on top of quantum mechanics, we first review the two-dimensional dense coding scheme and analyze the process implemented by the above scheme. Then it is successfully extended to higher dimensions (three dimensions), predicting the possibility of implementation in more than two dimensions. Finally, the importance of the maximally entangled state for the transmission of this scheme is briefly explained.
A precision time of flight readout system for the TORCH prototype detector
Authors: Gao R. , Bhasin S. , Blake T. , Brook N. , Cicala F. , Conneely T. , Cussans D. , Forty R. , Frei C. , Gabriel E. , Gershon T. , Gys T. , Hadavizadeh T. , Hancock T. , Harnew N. , Kreps M. , Milnes J. , Piedigrossi D. , Rademacker J. , Van Dijk M.
Published: May 2022

The TORCH detector provides low-momentum particle identification, combining Time of Flight (TOF) and Cherenkov techniques to achieve charged particle pi/K/p separation between 2–20 GeV/c over a flight distance of 10 m. The measurement requires a timing resolution of 70 ps for single Cherenkov photons. For precision photon detection, customised Micro-Channel Plate Photomultiplier Tubes (MCP-PMTs) with high precision TOF measurement electronics have been developed. The electronics measures time-over-threshold from the MCP-PMT and features a 10-Gigabit Ethernet readout. This paper reports the design and performance of a 5120-channel system which currently instruments a pair of MCP-PMTs, but has the capacity to read out ten customised MCP-PMT devices in the future.
Preparation of myocardial patches from DiI-labeled rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes contact co-cultured on polycaprolactone film
Authors: Zhang Zichang , Zhou Fan , Zheng Jianwei , Mu Junsheng , Bo Ping , You Bin
Published: May 2022

To provide better treatment of myocardial infarction, DiI-labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were contact co-cultured with cardiomyocytes (CMs) on polycaprolactone (PCL) film to prepare myocardial patches. BMSCs from Sprague Dawley rats were isolated, cultured, and characterized for expression of surface markers by flow cytometry. CMs were isolated from suckling rats. After BMSCs were cultured for three generations, they were labeled with DiI dye. DiI-labeled BMSCs were co-cultured with CMs on PCL film in the experimental group, while CMs were replaced with the same amount of unlabeled BMSCs in the control group. After 24 h, cell growth was observed by light microscopy and cells were fixed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 7 d of co-culture, cells were stained for immunofluorescence detection of myocardial markers cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and α-actin. Differentiation of BMSCs on PCL was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The efficiency of BMSC differentiation into CMs was analyzed by flow cytometry on the first and seventh days of co-culture. CMs were stained with calcein alone and contact co-cultured with DiI-labeled BMSCs on PCL film to observe intercellular dye transfer. Finally, cells were stained for immunofluorescence detection of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and to observe the relationship between gap junctions and contact co-culture. BMSCs were identified by flow cytometry as strongly positive for CD90 and CD44H, and negative for CD11b/c and CD45. After co-culture for 24 h, cells were observed to have attached to PCL by light microscopy. Upon appropriate excitation, DiI-labeled BMSCs exhibited red fluorescence, while unlabeled CMs did not. SEM revealed a large number of cells on the PCL membrane and their cell state appeared normal. On the seventh day, some DiI-labeled BMSCs expressed cTnT and α-actin. Flow cytometry showed that the rate of stem cell differentiation in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group on the seventh day (20.12% > 3.49%, P < 0.05). From the second day of co-culture, immunofluorescence staining for Cx43 revealed green fluorescent puncta in some BMSCs; from the third day of co-culture, a portion of BMSCs exhibited green fluorescence in dye transfer tests. Contact co-culture of DiI-labeled BMSCs and CMs on PCL film generated primary myocardial patches. The mechanism by which contact co-culture promoted differentiation of the myocardial patch may be related to gap junctions and gap junction-mediated intercellular signaling pathways.
Developing new pathways for energy and environmental decision-making in India: a review
Authors: Durga Siddarth , Evans Meredydd , Clarke Leon , Banerjee Rangan
Published: May 2022

India faces a dual challenge of economic development and responding to climate change. Although India’s per capita emissions are well below global average, the country is one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. Indian policymakers and stakeholders require high-quality data and research to assess low-emissions, sustainable development strategies. Peer-reviewed literature is a key source of this information and also a key venue for conversation amongst research leaders. This paper examines the recent peer-reviewed literature on India’s 2030 and 2050 pathways. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify key quantitative national modeling studies. From the 34 studies identified, we synthesized scenario data to draw common conclusions and identify critical research gaps. The main focus was on examining the coverage and the state of information available on low-carbon pathways. Overall, we find a few scenarios that are potentially consistent with a 2070 net-zero goal, but more limited assessment of pathways to reach net-zero emissions before this date. Mitigation pathways with greater ambition are required across all energy sectors to ensure a smooth transition to net-zero emissions by or before 2070. The scenarios confirm that reducing emissions to below 2 GtCO2 yr−1 by mid-century would necessitate significant transformations of the Indian energy sector, such as, a decrease in unabated coal power capacity, transportation modal shift, and industrial process switching. The assessment also finds substantial differences in final energy estimates reported across studies, particularly in transportation. The lack of consistency in, and transparency about underlying drivers, assumptions, and even outputs across studies points to the critical need for the sorts of coordinated, multi-model studies that have proven exceptionally valuable for decision makers in other major emitting countries.
The collapse of a quantum state as a joint probability construction*
Authors: Morgan Peter
Published: May 2022

The collapse of a quantum state can be understood as a mathematical way to construct a joint probability density even for operators that do not commute. We can formalize that construction as a non-commutative, non-associative collapse product that is nonlinear in its left operand as a model for joint measurements at time-like separation, in part inspired by the sequential product for positive semi-definite operators. The familiar collapse picture, in which a quantum state collapses after each measurement as a way to construct a joint probability density for consecutive measurements, is equivalent to a no-collapse picture in which Lüders transformers applied to subsequent measurements construct a quantum-mechanics—free subsystem of quantum non-demolition operators, not as a dynamical process but as an alternative mathematical model for the same consecutive measurements. The no-collapse picture is particularly simpler when we apply signal analysis to millions or billions of consecutive measurements.
Large deviations analysis for random combinatorial partitions with counter terms
Authors: Adams Stefan , Dickson Matthew
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study various models for random combinatorial partitions using large deviation analysis for diverging scale of the reference process. The large deviation rate functions are normalised limiting free energies and the main focus is to study their minimiser for various Gibbsian ensembles with respect to the reference measure which is a probabilistic version of the ideal Bose gas. Scaling limits of similar models have been studied recently (Fatkullin and Slastikov 2018 arXiv:1801.00812v2; Fatkullin and Xue 2021 J. Stat. Phys.
183 22) going back to (Vershik 1996 Func. Anal. Appl.
30 90–105). After studying the reference model, we provide a complete analysis of two mean field models, one of which is well-know (Benfatto et al 2005 J. Math. Phys.
46 033303) and the other one is the cycle mean field model. Both models show critical behaviour despite their rate functions having unique minimiser. The main focus is then a model with negative counter term, the probabilistic version of the so-called Huang–Yang–Luttinger model (van den Berg et al 1988 Commun. Math. Phys.
118 61–85). Criticality in this model is the existence of a critical parameter for which two simultaneous minimiser exists. At criticality an order parameter is introduced as the double limits for the density of cycles with diverging length, and as such it extends recent work in (Adams and Dickson 2021 Ann. Henri Poincaré
22 1535–60).
Charge transport and recombination in wide-bandgap Y6 derivatives-based organic solar cells
Authors: Firdaus Yuliar , He Qiao , Muliani Lia , Rosa Erlyta Septa , Heeney Martin , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: May 2022

The power conversion efficiency of nonfullerene-based organic solar cells (OSCs) has recently exceeded 18%, thanks to the constant effort to identify the key properties governing the OSCs performance and development of better photovoltaic materials. With its superior properties, low-bandgap Y6 and its derivatives have emerged as one of the most popular nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) for OSCs. In most cases, these low bandgap NFAs were based mainly on the most widely used and successful end-group 1,1-dicyanomethylene-3-indanone (IC). On the other hand, wide-bandgap Y6 derivatives are still scarce. Attempts to increase the NFA’s bandgap by incorporating electron-rich end-groups often end up with NFAs with poor performance. In this work, we compare two wide-bandgap Y6 derivatives with different end-groups, and their distinct device performance is correlated with their charge transport and recombination properties. Electronic measurements on solar cell devices and device physics results are presented to discuss charge transport and recombination within the device.
Pellet-based fused deposition modeling for the development of soft compliant robotic grippers with integrated sensing elements
Authors: Georgopoulou Antonia , Clemens Frank
Published: May 2022

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) has some advantages compared to other additive manufacturing techniques, such as the in situ integration of functional components, like sensors, and recyclability of parts. However, conventional filament-based FDM techniques are limited to thermoplastic elastomers with a Shore hardness above 70 A, thus it has marginal compatibility with soft robotic structures. Due to recently emerging pellet-based FDM printer technology, the fabrication of soft grippers with low Shore hardness has become possible. In this study, styrene based thermoplastic elastomers (TPS) were used to print elastic strips and soft gripper structures down to a Shore hardness of 25 A with an integrated strain sensing element (piezoresistive sensor). Printing on a soft rather than rigid substrate affects the integration of the printed thread on the substrate, because of the softness and relaxation, during the printing softness. It was seen that integrating the sensing element on a substrate with higher Shore hardness decreased the elongation at the point of fracture and the sensitivity of the sensing element. A soft compliant gripper structure with an integrated sensing layer was printed with the TPS-based elastomers successfully, and even due to the complex deformation of the compliant gripper structure, several positions could be detected successfully. Opened and closed position of the gripper, as well as, size recognition of spools of different sizes could be monitored by the piezoresistive printed sensor layer. The most sensitive sensing performance was obtained with the TPS of the lower Shore hardness (25 A), as the value of relative change in resistance was 1, followed by the gripper of Shore hardness 65 A and a relative change in resistance of 0.51. With this study, we demonstrated that pellet-based FDM printers can be used, to print potential soft robotic structures with in-situ integrated sensor structures.
A role-playing game to complement teaching activities in an ‘environmental impact assessment’ teaching course
Authors: Segoni Samuele
Published: May 2022

Every project development that could possibly have negative environmental impacts must undergo a technical-administrative procedure called environmental impact assessment (EIA), which ensures that all environmental implications are properly considered before making a decision and that negative impacts are minimized. Therefore, in many universities, technology-oriented master’s degree programs include EIA teaching courses. At the University of Firenze (Italy), one such EIA course module was complemented by a role-playing game in which students acted as typical characters involved in a (simulated) public debate concerning the possible development of a geothermal plant in a rural environment. The roles were designed with competing objectives and contrasting codes of conduct; therefore, the evolution of the debate and the final outcome (acceptance/rejection of the project) were completely in the hands of the players. The game was played with different classes, and the experience was successful. The students reported that the following objectives were reached: (i) they had fun; (ii) they put into practice some theoretical concepts learned during the lessons; (iii) they understood that aspects other than technical ones can be involved in decision processes and dealing with them without proper preparation is very difficult. This last point was considered particularly important, and demonstrated that this role-playing game represented a valuable complement to the main teaching activities.
Scalable integration of quantum emitters into photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Sartison Marc , Camacho Ibarra Oscar , Caltzidis Ioannis , Reuter Dirk , Jöns Klaus D
Published: May 2022

Scaling up photonic quantum devices to reach complexities allowing to solve real-world problems requires a platform enabling scalable integration of solid-state quantum emitter with a high yield. Their nanometer-size together with their excellent quantum optical properties make them the ideal candidates for on-chip photonic quantum technologies. However, robust, scalable integration remains elusive. Here, we discuss the state-of-the-art methods to integrate quantum emitters into photonic integrated circuits, emphasizing the pros and cons of the integration methods applicable for specific quantum emitters. Based on our thorough comparison we give our perspective on the most promising approaches and how to overcome the remaining challenges.
Evolution of the Septal Extension Graft in Endonasal Rhinoplasty: Long-term Efficacy and Reliability
Authors: Harel Marcos , Shir-az Ofir , Berl Ariel , Pevzner Keren , Shalom Avshalom
Published: May 2022

Background

Proper nasal tip projection and rotation have a strong impact on nasal aesthetics. Septal extension graft (SEG) is one of the tools employed to improve tip projection and rotation when performing rhinoplasty. This graft typically overlaps the existing caudal septum in the midline position, lengthening it and facilitating the repositioning of the tip.

Objectives

The authors sought to describe the technical evolution of the SEG in endonasal rhinoplasty and evaluate the reliability and long-term efficacy of the current technique.

Methods

The authors evaluated presurgical and postsurgical photographs of the nasolabial angle and nasal proportions in 60 patients who underwent endonasal rhinoplasty with SEG.

Results

The study demonstrated a clear improvement in tip projection and rotation at the 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative nasolabial angle was 93.75° ± 9.45° compared with 101.1° ± 5.3° following surgery. Although both were normally distributed, the range of the postoperative nasolabial angle was narrower than 1-year preoperatively (standard deviation = 5.3° vs 9.45°, respectively). The Crumley ratio, utilized to describe nasal proportions, presented significant changes in nasal proportions: 3.84 preoperatively and 4.04 postoperatively (95% confidence interval = −0.24 to −0.149; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The utilization of SEG in endonasal rhinoplasty has significantly changed since first described in 2006. The adaptations made to this technique render it more reliable, and our study demonstrates its efficacy in improving tip projection and rotation over the long-term.

Level of Evidence: 4
The mystery of the life tree: the placentas
Authors: Shao Xuan , Yu Wenzhe , Yang Yun , Wang Feiyang , Yu Xin , Wu Hongyu , Ma Yeling , Cao Bin , Wang Yan-Ling
Published: May 2022

The placenta is the interface between the fetal and maternal environments during mammalian gestation, critically safeguarding the health of the developing fetus and the mother. Placental trophoblasts origin from embryonic trophectoderm that differentiates into various trophoblastic subtypes through villous and extravillous pathways. The trophoblasts actively interact with multiple decidual cells and immune cells at the maternal–fetal interface and thus construct fundamental functional units, which are responsible for blood perfusion, maternal–fetal material exchange, placental endocrine, immune tolerance, and adequate defense barrier against pathogen infection. Various pregnant complications are tightly associated with the defects in placental development and function maintenance. In this review, we summarize the current views and our recent progress on the mechanisms underlying the formation of placental functional units, the interactions among trophoblasts and various uterine cells, as well as the placental barrier against pathogen infections during pregnancy. The involvement of placental dysregulation in adverse pregnancy outcomes is discussed.
CMV infection combined with acute GVHD associated with poor CD8+ T-cell immune reconstitution and poor prognosis post-HLA-matched allo-HSCT
Authors: Fan Ze-Ying , Han Ting-Ting , Zuo Wei , Zhao Xiao-Su , Chang Ying-Jun , Lv Meng , Mo Xiao-Dong , Sun Yu-Qian , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Wang Yu , Xu Lan-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Liu Kai-Yan , Huang Xiao-Jun , Zhao Xiang-Yu
Published: May 2022

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) are two major complications that contribute to a poor prognosis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Superior early immune reconstitution (IR) is associated with improved survival after HSCT. However, when all three factors, CMV infection, aGVHD, and IR, are concomitantly considered, the effects of the triple events on HSCT are still unknown and should be studied further. Thus we enrolled 185 patients who were diagnosed as hematological malignancies and treated with HLA-matched sibling transplantation (MST) between January 2010 and December 2014, of whom 83 were positive for CMV infection and 82 had aGVHD. Results showed that patients with both aGVHD and CMV infection had significantly higher non-relapse mortality (NRM), lower overall survival (OS), and delayed CD8+ T-cell IR. Multivariate analyses showed that both aGVHD combined with CMV infection and delayed CD8+ T-cell IR were independent risk factors for prognosis post-MST. Recurrent CMV infections are associated with poor CD8+ T-cell reconstitution. However, superior IR could protect against the negative effects of aGVHD and CMV infection on the transplant outcomes.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Mentha longifolia L. reveals gene organization underlying disease resistance and essential oil traits
Authors: Vining Kelly J , Pandelova Iovanna , Lange Iris , Parrish Amber N , Lefors Andrew , Kronmiller Brent , Liachko Ivan , Kronenberg Zev , Srividya Narayanan , Lange B Markus
Published: May 2022

Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds., a wild, diploid mint species, has been developed as a model for mint genetic and genomic research to aid breeding efforts that target Verticillium wilt disease resistance and essential oil monoterpene composition. Here, we present a near-complete, chromosome-scale mint genome assembly for M. longifolia USDA accession CMEN 585. This new assembly is an update of a previously published genome draft, with dramatic improvements. A total of 42,107 protein-coding genes were annotated and placed on 12 chromosomal scaffolds. One hundred fifty-three genes contained conserved sequence domains consistent with nucleotide binding site-leucine-rich-repeat plant disease resistance genes. Homologs of genes implicated in Verticillium wilt resistance in other plant species were also identified. Multiple paralogs of genes putatively involved in p-menthane monoterpenoid biosynthesis were identified and several cases of gene clustering documented. Heterologous expression of candidate genes, purification of recombinant target proteins, and subsequent enzyme assays allowed us to identify the genes underlying the pathway that leads to the most abundant monoterpenoid volatiles. The bioinformatic and functional analyses presented here are laying the groundwork for using marker-assisted selection in improving disease resistance and essential oil traits in mints.
DREAM interrupted: severing LIN-35-MuvB association in Caenorhabditis elegans impairs DREAM function but not its chromatin localization
Authors: Goetsch Paul D , Strome Susan
Published: May 2022

The mammalian pocket protein family, which includes the Retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and Rb-like pocket proteins p107 and p130, regulates entry into and exit from the cell cycle by repressing cell cycle gene expression. Although pRb plays a dominant role in mammalian systems, p107 and p130 are the ancestral pocket proteins. The Rb-like pocket proteins interact with the highly conserved 5-subunit MuvB complex and an E2F-DP transcription factor heterodimer, forming the DREAM (for Dp, Rb-like, E2F, and MuvB) complex. DREAM complex assembly on chromatin culminates in repression of target genes mediated by the MuvB subcomplex. Here, we examined how the Rb-like pocket protein contributes to DREAM formation and function by disrupting the interaction between the sole Caenorhabditis elegans pocket protein LIN-35 and the MuvB subunit LIN-52 using CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutagenesis. A triple alanine substitution of LIN-52’s LxCxE motif severed LIN-35-MuvB association and caused classical DREAM mutant phenotypes, including synthetic multiple vulvae, high-temperature arrest, and ectopic expression of germline genes in the soma. However, RNA-sequencing revealed limited upregulation of DREAM target genes when LIN-35-MuvB association was severed, as compared with gene upregulation following LIN-35 loss. Based on chromatin immunoprecipitation, disrupting LIN-35-MuvB association did not affect the chromatin localization of E2F-DP, LIN-35, or MuvB components. In a previous study, we showed that in worms lacking LIN-35, E2F-DP, and MuvB chromatin occupancy was reduced genome-wide. With LIN-35 present but unable to associate with MuvB, our study suggests that the E2F-DP-LIN-35 interaction promotes E2F-DP’s chromatin localization, which we hypothesize supports MuvB chromatin occupancy indirectly through DNA. Altogether, this study highlights how the pocket protein’s association with MuvB supports DREAM function but is not required for DREAM’s chromatin occupancy.
The Avoidable Transfer Scale: A New Tool for Identifying Potentially Avoidable Hospital Transfers of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Carnahan Jennifer L , Unroe Kathleen T , Evans Russell , Klepfer Sarah , Stump Timothy E , Monahan Patrick O , Torke Alexia M
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Prior approaches to identifying potentially avoidable hospital transfers (PAHs) of nursing home residents have involved detailed root cause analyses that are difficult to implement and sustain due to time and resource constraints. They relied on the presence of certain conditions but did not identify the specific issues that contributed to avoidability. We developed and tested an instrument that can be implemented using review of the electronic medical record.

Research Design and Methods

The OPTIMISTIC project was a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services demonstration to reduce avoidable hospital transfers of nursing home residents. The OPTIMISTIC team conducted a series of root cause analyses of transfer events, leading to development of a 27-item instrument to identify common characteristics of PAHs (Stage 1). To refine the instrument, project nurses used the electronic medical record (EMR) to score the avoidability of transfers to the hospital for 154 nursing home residents from 7 nursing homes from May 2019 through January 2020, including their overall impression of whether the transfer was avoidable (Stage 2). Each transfer was rated independently by 2 nurses and assessed for interrater reliability with a kappa statistic.

Results

Kappa scores ranged from −0.045 to 0.556. After removing items based on our criteria, 12 final items constituted the Avoidable Transfer Scale. To assess validity, we compared the 12-item scale to nurses’ overall judgment of avoidability of the transfer. The 12-item scale scores were significantly higher for submissions rated as avoidable than those rated unavoidable by the nurses (mean 5.3 vs 2.6, p < .001).

Discussion and Implications

The 12-item Avoidable Transfer Scale provides an efficient approach to identify and characterize PAHs using available data from the EMR. Increased ability to quantitatively assess the avoidability of resident transfers can aid nursing homes in quality improvement initiatives to treat more acute changes in a resident’s condition in place.
Evaluation of brace root parameters and its effect on the stiffness of maize
Authors: Obayes Shaymaa K , Timber Luke , Head Monique , Sparks Erin E
Published: May 2022

Plant mechanical failure (lodging) causes significant yield loss for crops such as maize. Understanding this failure has relied on static measurements of plant biomechanics. In this study, digital image correlation techniques are used to capture dynamic motion to understand the plant mechanical behaviour of maize stalks in the presence and absence of brace roots, which are stem-borne aerial roots known to stabilize the maize stalks. The data show that brace roots function to secure the maize stalk, limiting both deflection and uplift. A finite element (FE) model is developed using ABAQUS software to validate the non-contact, video-based measured deflections captured by the dynamic motion and confirm the linear elastic behaviour of the stem, following fundamental principles of engineering mechanics. Good agreement is found between the field data captured using video-based measurements and the physics-based FE model when a rotational connector element is connected at the base to quantify the (i) relative contribution and moment resistance provided by the root system, (ii) displacement at any location along the stalk and (iii) flexural rigidity of the brace-stem system, where the rigidity can be associated with various phenotypes to design plant systems that are more resilient to lateral loading.
Globalization and Nationalism: Contending Forces in World Politics
Authors: Bonifai Niccolò W , Rudra Nita , Boulding Carew , Moya Samantha L
Published: May 2022

Globalization is facing widespread condemnation at a time when worldwide crises ranging from climate change to pandemic policy increasingly demand a coordinated response. Rising nationalist, populist, and anti-globalization movements in many of the world's richest nations are placing great pressure on the international system pioneered by Western democracies following World War II. This special issue showcases new research on the sources and types of backlash. It also considers the consequences of this backlash for democracy, for international institutions and foreign policy. We aim to broaden the debate on the causes and consequences of rising populism and nationalism and offer unique perspectives on how and why the current international order is struggling to address the many global challenges in need of large-scale cooperative solutions.
Effects of management strategies during early lactation and weaning on etiological agents of ovine subclinical mastitis and antimicrobial susceptibility of milk-derived bacterial isolates
Authors: Knuth Ryan M , Woodruff Kelly L , Hummel Gwendolynn L , Williams Jordan D , Austin Kathleen J , Stewart Whitney C , Cunningham-Hollinger Hannah C , Bisha Bledar
Published: May 2022

Subclinical mastitis is a common intramammary disease in sheep production systems. Expenses associated with compromised animal performance, therapeutic interventions, and decreased ewe longevity make efforts to minimize its prevalence worthwhile. The objectives of this study were to 1) quantify the prevalence of subclinical mastitis throughout lactation, 2) evaluate the impact of bedding treatments on subclinical mastitis during early lactation, 3) evaluate the efficacy of prophylaxis and feed restriction during weaning on subclinical mastitis cure rates, and 4) identify levels and types of antimicrobial resistance in milk-derived bacteria. Ewe milk samples were collected at days 1, 2, and 28 post-partum, weaning, and 3-d post-weaning for bacterial identification via culture-based methods. Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. isolates were subjected to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis defined by culture growth ranged between 22% and 66% and differences were observed between post-weaning and days 1 and 28 milk samples. Commonly isolated bacteria include coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; 59%), Bacillus spp. (35%), Mannheimia haemolytica (10%), Staphylococcus aureus (8%), Streptococcus spp. (5%), and Corynebacterium spp. (5%). Early milk samples (days 1 and 2) were compared between jug bedding treatment: jugs were recently vacated, cleaned, and dusted with barn lime before adding fresh straw (CLEAN) or jugs were previously vacated and fresh straw was added atop soiled bedding (SOILED). Jug bedding treatment did not affect the prevalence of subclinical mastitis, though CoNS had greater sulfadimethoxine resistance in SOILED isolates than CLEAN isolates (P = 0.03). Three different weaning treatments were used: ewes were injected with penicillin at weaning (PENN), ewes had restricted feed access 48 h prior to and 72 h post-weaning (FAST), or a combination of these treatments (COMBO). Weaning treatment did not affect the prevalence of subclinical mastitis or cure rate from weaning to 3-d post-weaning, though all PENN and no FAST milk S. aureus isolates were resistant against tetracycline (P = 0.08). Subclinical mastitis prevalence tended to decrease from weaning to post-weaning (P = 0.08). These data show that subclinical mastitis is common throughout lactation and the levels of antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from ewe milk are generally low against commonly used antimicrobials.
Application of UAV remote sensing and machine learning to model and map land use in urban gardens
Authors: Wagner Benjamin , Egerer Monika
Published: May 2022

Urban gardens are an integral part of urban agricultural systems, contributing to ecosystem services, biodiversity and human wellbeing. These systems occur at fine scales, can be highly complex and therefore offer the opportunity to test mechanisms of ecological patterns and processes. The capacity to confidently characterize urban gardens and their land uses is still lacking, while it could provide the basis for assessing ecosystem service provision. Land classifications from remote sensing platforms are common at the landscape scale, but imagery often lacks the resolution required to map differences in land use of fine-scale systems such as urban gardens. Here, we present a workflow to model and map land use in urban gardens using imagery from an unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) and machine learning. Due to high resolutions (<5 cm) from image acquisition at low altitudes, UAV remote sensing is better suited to characterize urban land use. We mapped six common land uses in 10 urban community gardens, exhibiting distinct spatial arrangements. Our models had good predictive performance, reaching 80% overall prediction accuracy in independent validation and up to 95% when assessing model performance per cover class. Extracting spatial metrics from these land use classifications, we found that at the garden and plot scale, plant species richness can be estimated by the total area and patchiness of crops. Land use classifications like these can offer an accessible tool to assess complex urban habitats and justify the importance of urban agriculture as a service-providing system, contributing to the sustainability and livability of cities.
Sculpture and Faith at St Paul’s Cathedral, c. 1796–1914: F. J. Williamson, Monument to Henry Hart Milman (1876)
Authors: Howarth Peter
Published: May 2022

Milman’s monument represents the Dean as if he had just fallen asleep, with little reference either to death or resurrection. Milman was an historian and man of letters as well as Dean of St Paul’s, and the article argues that this monument reflects his latitudinarian tendency to regard sacred history with wise suspicion, but also to overlook the apocalyptic, world-interrupting demands of his own faith.
Post-COVID-19 vaccination inflammatory syndrome: A case report
Authors: Durucan Ibrahim , Guner Sabriye , Kilickiran Avci Burcak , Unverengil Gokcen , Melikoglu Melike , Ugurlu Serdal
Published: May 2022

A previously healthy 24-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with bilateral lower extremity pain and dark urine, which were developed 2 weeks after receiving the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine against severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2. Laboratory tests indicated rhabdomyolysis. Lower extremity magnetic resonance imaging was compatible with myositis. Myositis-related antibodies were negative. Biopsy taken from gastrocnemius muscle revealed muscle necrosis and striking expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigen. He was successfully treated, and his complaints were resolved. One week later at follow-up, he reported new-onset exertional dyspnoea with palpitations. ST-segment depressions were spotted on electrocardiography. Troponin T was found elevated as 0.595 ng/ml (normal <0.014 ng/ml). Echocardiography showed a hypokinetic left ventricle with an ejection fraction of 40% and pericardial effusion of 2 mm. An appropriate treatment plan was formulated for the diagnosis of myocarditis, eventually, the patient recovered within 10 days. The BNT162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine was felt to cause the aforementioned condition since no other aetiology could be identified. Although it is known that BNT162b2 may induce myocarditis, myositis concomitant myocarditis appears to be a very rare adverse effect of this vaccine.
Can 3D diploid genome reconstruction from unphased Hi-C data be salvaged?
Authors: Segal Mark R
Published: May 2022

The three-dimensional (3D) configuration of chromatin impacts numerous cellular processes. However, directly observing chromatin architecture at high resolution is challenging. Accordingly, inferring 3D structure utilizing chromatin conformation capture assays, notably Hi-C, has received considerable attention, with a multitude of reconstruction algorithms advanced. While these have enhanced appreciation of chromatin organization, most suffer from a serious shortcoming when faced with diploid genomes: inability to disambiguate contacts between corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes, making attendant reconstructions potentially meaningless. Three recent proposals offer a computational way forward at the expense of strong assumptions. Here, we show that making plausible assumptions about the components of homologous chromosome contacts provides a basis for rescuing conventional consensus-based, unphased reconstruction. This would be consequential since not only are assumptions needed for diploid reconstruction considerable, but the sophistication of select unphased algorithms affords substantive advantages with regard resolution and folding complexity. Rather than presuming that the requisite salvaging assumptions are met, we exploit a recent imaging technology, in situ genome sequencing (IGS), to comprehensively evaluate their reasonableness. We analogously use IGS to assess assumptions underpinning diploid reconstruction algorithms. Results convincingly demonstrate that, in all instances, assumptions are not met, making further algorithm development, potentially informed by IGS data, essential.
Diagnostic use of ultrasound in giant cell arteritis in Counties Manukau District Health Board, New Zealand
Authors: Nagarajah Rathan , Gupta Rajiv , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2022

Objectives

A retrospective observational study was undertaken to assess the diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity) of colour duplex ultrasound (CDUS) compared with temporal artery biopsy (TAB) for the diagnosis of GCA in the Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), New Zealand using clinical diagnosis as the reference standard.

Methods

The study population included patients with clinically suspected GCA who were referred to Middlemore Hospital and underwent CDUS, TAB or both between January 2019 and December 2020.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were included in the study. Sixty-one percent were >75 years of age, with no cases <50 years of age and a female predominance of 71%. The sensitivity of CDUS was 26% (95% CI 10, 48) and specificity was 97% (95% CI 84, 100). The sensitivity of TAB was 57% (95% CI 34, 77) and specificity was 100%. CDUS had a positive predictive value of 86% (95% CI 42, 99) and a negative predictive value of 65% (95% CI 49, 78).

Conclusion

A positive CDUS in patients with a high risk for GCA may preclude the need for TAB due to the high specificity of CDUS in GCA. In contrast, patients with a high risk for GCA with a negative CDUS may still need TAB to confirm or exclude GCA. The duration from commencement of steroids to the time of CDUS is crucial in confirming GCA and, for this, shortening the waiting time in the CMDHB would be necessary to ensure adequate test performance in practice.
Identification and Observation of Infection Processes of Colletotrichum Species Associated with Pearl Plum Anthracnose in Guangxi, China
Authors: Huang Rong , Gui Qing , Zhang Yujie , Sun Wenxiu , Tang Lihua , Huang Suiping , Guo Tangxun , Li Qili , Mo Jianyou , Huang Huiye , Fan Mingzhong , Zhang Zongbin , Hsiang Tom
Published: May 2022

Pearl plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) is mainly cultivated in Tian’e County in Guangxi Province, southern China. Anthracnose is a devastating disease on pearl plum, causing extensive leaf blight. Diseased leaves were sampled from 21 orchards in Tian’e County. Isolates were first screened for ones resembling Colletotrichum, and 21 representative isolates were selected for sequencing of portions of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the intergenic region of apn2 and MAT1-2-1 genes (ApMAT), actin (ACT), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), calmodulin (CAL), chitin synthase (CHS-1), and β-tubulin 2 (TUB2). Based on colony, conidial, and appressorial morphology and sequence analyses, the Colletotrichum isolates associated with pearl plum anthracnose were identified as four species: Colletotrichum fructicola (16 isolates), C. gloeosporioides (3 isolates), C. cigarro (1 isolate), and C. siamense (1 isolate). The results of pathogenicity tests showed that isolates of all four species were pathogenic to wounded leaves of pearl plum seedlings. In this study, we microscopically observed the infection processes of isolates of these four species on attached pearl plum leaves. For C. cigarro and C. siamense, the entire infection processes took 120 h; for C. fructicola and C. gloeosporioides, it only took 72 h. This is the first report of C. fructicola and C. cigarro causing anthracnose on pearl plum worldwide, and also the first report of C. siamense causing anthracnose on pearl plum in China.
Assessing EHR Data for Use in Clinical Improvement and Research
Authors: Lyons Ann M. , Dimas Jonathan , Richardson Stephanie J. , Sward Katherine
Published: May 2022

Data from electronic health records (EHRs) are becoming accessible for use in clinical improvement projects and nursing research. But the data quality may not meet clinicians' and researchers' needs. EHR data, which are primarily collected to document clinical care, invariably contain errors and omissions. This article introduces nurses to the secondary analysis of EHR data, first outlining the steps in data acquisition and then describing a theory-based process for evaluating data quality and cleaning the data. This process involves methodically examining the data using six data quality dimensions—completeness, correctness, concordance, plausibility, currency, and relevance—and helps the clinician or researcher to determine whether data for each variable are fit for use. Two case studies offer examples of problems that can arise and their solutions.
Biomechanical Comparison of 4 Transsacral Fixation Constructs in a Type 61C, Zone II Pelvic Fracture Model
Authors: Bradley Hallie , Pierce Bill , O'Neill David , Jo Chan-Hee , Ahn Junho , Farahani Farzam , Greif Charlotte , Sanders Drew , Starr Adam
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

OTA/AO 61C pelvic ring injuries are vertically unstable because of complete sacral fractures combined with anterior ring injury. The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of 4 transsacral screw constructs for posterior pelvic ring fixation, including one that uses a novel fixation method with a pair of locked washers with interdigitating cams.

Methods:

Type C pelvic ring disruptions were created on 16 synthetic pelvis models. Each pelvis was fixated with an S2 screw in addition to being allocated to 1 of 4 transsacral constructs through S1: (1) 8.0-mm screw, (2) 8.0-mm bolt, (3) 8.0-mm screw locked with a nut, and (4) 8.00-mm screw locked with a nut with the addition of interdigitating washers between the screw head and ilium on the near cortex, and ilium and nut on the far cortex. The anterior ring fractures were not stabilized. Each pelvis underwent 100,000 cycles at 250 N and was then loaded to failure using a unilateral stance testing model. The anterior and posterior osteotomy sites were instrumented with pairs of infrared (IR) light-emitting markers, and the relative displacement of the markers was monitored using a three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system. Displacement measurements at 25,000; 50,000; 75,000; and 100,000 cycles and failure force were recorded for each pelvis.

Results:

The novel washer design construct performed better than the screw construct with less posterior ring motion at 75,000 (P = 0.029) and 100,000 cycles (P = 0.029).

Conclusions:

The novel interdigitating washer design may be superior to using a screw construct alone to achieve rigid, locked posterior ring fixation in a synthetic pelvis model with a Type C pelvic ring disruption.