bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomous vehicles’ intended cooperative motion planning for unprotected turning at intersections
Authors: Zhou Donghao , Ma Zian , Zhang Xiaohui , Sun Jian
Published: April 2022

Turning behaviour is one of the most challenging driving manoeuvres that take place at intersections. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are often overly conservative in these scenarios as they compromised to others’ behaviour to realize behavioural consistency. This paper proposes an intended cooperative motion planning (ICMP) that can actively predict the intentions of interacting participants. This helps achieve socially compliant cooperation and enables each vehicle to converge upon a set of consistent behaviours. The ICMP framework divides the integrated driving process into two related modules: prediction and planning. These modules are integrated using the mechanism of intended cooperation, which first introduces the criteria for a cooperative response and then maps them in the motion planning space. The prediction module applies a Gaussian mixture model to learn human drivers’ behaviour to determine conflict points, which helps to narrow down the solution spaces. In the planning module, paths are represented by quartic Bézier curves and speed is modelled as a polynomial function. Optimizations can then be used that maximize the efficiency and smoothness for path planning, and comfort and efficiency for speed planning. The test results show that ICMP‐based AVs had consistent interactions with other vehicles. Moreover, when compared with a potential field‐based method, the ICMP‐based method had better performance in terms of safety, comfort and efficiency, especially when interacting with multiple oncoming vehicles.
Design of droop controller in islanded microgrids using multi‐objective optimisation based on accurate small‐signal model
Authors: Shi Yuntao , Gu Xiang , Yin Xiang , Feng Shun , Zhang Shufeng
Published: April 2022

The inaccuracy of power sharing is a classic problem of droop control when an islanded AC microgrid suffers from high loads and line impedance differences. It degrades system performance and even destroys system stability. This paper originally presents a multi‐objective optimisation droop control method to solve such a problem. And three objective functions are presented according to the characteristics of microgrids. First, a complete small‐signal model of a microgrid in autonomous operation mode is established. Next, this paper derives constraint conditions for the stable microgrid. Then, this paper originally designs three objective functions for constructing a multi‐objective optimisation (MOO) problem to improve control performance. The multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) is used to obtain the Pareto optimal frontier of the MOO problem. The fuzzy affiliation function method is used to choose the best solution from the generated Pareto optimal frontier. Finally, simulations verified the validity and superiority of the presented method.
Analysis of the non‐isolated step‐up network based on impedance source converter
Authors: Alizadeh Darioush , Babaei Ebrahim , Sabahi Mehran
Published: April 2022

A new topology of the high step‐up Z‐source converter is proposed, which does not need to work at high duty cycles to increase the voltage gain. In other words, this converter can generate high voltage gain in low duty cycles. In addition to these advantages, the converter has advantages such as low voltage stress across the passive components, common ground between the input and output, and continuous input current. The proposed converter will be analysed in shoot‐through and non‐shoot‐through operating modes, and then, the minimum size of the used elements in the converter will be calculated and designed, then the loss analysis has occurred. Finally, the experimental results are presented to validate the claims, and the closed‐loop control is given for the proposed converter.
Evaluation of solar radiation models on vertical surface for building photovoltaic applications in Beijing
Authors: Li Fen , Wang Renkui , Mao Ling , Zhu Donghai , She Xu , Guo Jianping , Lin Shunfu , Yang Yongheng
Published: April 2022

Building photovoltaic (PV) may provide a growing share of electricity for big cities. However, lack of measured radiation data on vertical surface remains a critical problem for building PV deployment. With the development of urbanization and industrialization, high aerosol load is altering the nature of solar radiation in Beijing. Hence, ten in‐plane solar radiation models are reviewed to choose optimal model for calculating solar radiation on vertical surface in such high turbidity area. At the same time, the effect of atmospheric turbidity on the model accuracy is revealed for further understanding on the optimal model. To give general suggestion on model selection, the performance of the ten models for each weather type is tested based on new method of weather type classification. Finally, solar resource on vertical surface and output energy of building PV system are evaluated by the optimal model to guide building PV deployment. The results indicate that Perez model is suitable to calculate solar radiation on vertical surface in high turbidity area. High atmosphere turbidity will cause Perez model inaccurate. Model selection can be made by the status of atmospheric transmittance. It is feasible to apply building PV in Beijing with AC output energy of 630–971 kWh/kWp/year.
A prior information‐based coverage path planner for underwater search and rescue using autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with side‐scan sonar
Authors: Cai Chang , Chen Jianfeng , Yan Qingli , Liu Fen , Zhou Rongyan
Published: April 2022

The coverage path planning (CPP) technique attracts growing interest in studies on underwater search and rescue (SAR) conducted with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with a side‐scan sonar (SSS). In SAR missions, prior information is crucial. Aiming at the underwater SAR mission with prior information, a new coverage path planner (SAR‐A*) is proposed. The ultimate goal is to generate a feasible path for completely covering the task area and preferentially visiting more valuable cells with fewer turns. First, the whole task area is decomposed into hexagon cells as waypoints to be visited for complete coverage. Second, the probability of discovering the target is obtained according to the target presence probability and the SSS detection ability. Under the assumption of prior target information, the target presence probability is modelled as a two‐dimension Gaussian distribution based on predicted target locations or trajectories. Then, an optimal next‐waypoint selection process is formulated as a multi‐objective decision‐making problem and solved by the weighted metric method. Finally, simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the generated path can improve the cumulative probability of discovering the target with fewer turns.
A fine frequency estimation algorithm based on DFT samples and fuzzy logic for a real sinusoid
Authors: He Yigen , Shi Xuesen , Wang Yongqing , Shen Yuyao
Published: April 2022

The study on the frequency estimation of a real sinusoid has been addressed in this article. Discrete‐Fourier‐transform (DFT)‐based frequency estimation always uses the maximum bin of DFT as a coarse estimation followed by a fine estimation algorithm, which computes a correction term to compensate for the initial frequency offset caused by the coarse estimation. To enhance the frequency estimation accuracy, a fine estimation algorithm based on DFT samples and fuzzy logic (FL) is proposed in this study. Firstly, a modified phase‐based algorithm is presented to estimate the sign of the correction term. Then, a main‐lobe coefficient and a side‐lobe coefficient are constructed using the amplitude of three spectral lines to calculate the correction term. A FL controller is utilised to generate a weighted factor to adjust the weight of the main‐lobe coefficient and the side‐lobe coefficient in the formula of the correction term. Compared with other existing fine algorithms, the proposed algorithm improves the correct probability of sign estimation by 10%–20%, and improves the estimation accuracy by 5%–8% at lower carrier‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs). In addition, the performance of the proposed algorithm is less affected by the initial frequency offset than other algorithms.
Impact of guidewire caliber on ERCP outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing 0.025- and 0.035-inch guidewires
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Iqbal Amna , Ahmed Zohaib , Saleem Saad , Lee-Smith Wade , Goyal Hemant , Kamal Faisal , Alastal Yaseen , Nawras Ali , Adler Douglas G.
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims The impact of guidewire caliber on endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERCP) outcomes are not clear. Recent studies have compared two guidewires, 0.035- and 0.025-inch, in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available RCTs to assess if different caliber would change the outcomes in ERCP.

Patients and methods A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane, SciELO, Global Index Medicus and Web of Science was undertaken through November 23, 2021 to identify relevant RCTs comparing the two guidewires. Binary variables were compared using random effects model and DerSimonian-Laird approach. For each outcome, risk-ratio (RR), 95 % confidence interval (CI), and P values were generated. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results Three RCTs with 1079 patients (556 in the 0.035-inch group and 523 in the 0.025-inch group) were included. The primary biliary cannulation was similar in both groups (RR: 1.02, CI: 0.96–1.08, P = 0.60). The overall rates of PEP were also similar between the two groups (RR: 1.15, CI: 0.73–1.81, P = 0.56). Other outcomes (overall cannulation rate, cholangitis, perforation, bleeding, use of adjunct techniques) were also comparable.

Conclusions The results of our analysis did not demonstrate a clear benefit of using one guidewire over other. The endoscopist should consider using the guidewire based on his technical skills and convenience.
Liver, NAFLD and COVID-19
Authors: Hoffmann Carlotta , Gerber Philipp A. , Cavelti-Weder Claudia , Licht Louisa , Kotb Reham , Al Dweik Rania , Cherfane Michele , Bornstein Stefan R. , Perakakis Nikolaos
Published: April 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a wide clinical spectrum
that includes abnormalities in liver function indicative of liver damage.
Conversely, people with liver diseases are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. In
the current review, we summarize first the epidemiologic evidence describing the
bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and liver function/liver
diseases. Additionally, we present the most frequent histologic findings as well
as the most important direct and indirect mechanisms supporting a COVID-19
mediated liver injury. Furthermore, we focus on the most frequent liver disease
in the general population, non-alcoholic or metabolic-associated fatty liver
disease (NAFLD/MAFLD), and describe how COVID-19 may affect
NAFLD/MAFLD development and progression and conversely how
NAFLD/MAFLD may further aggravate a COVID-19 infection. Finally, we
present the long-term consequences of the pandemic on the development and
management of NAFLD.
Personality and the Subjective Assessment of Hearing Aids
Authors: Cox Robyn M. , Alexander Genevieve C. , Gray Ginger
Published: April 2022

Relatively little is known about the influence of patients' personality features on the responses they make to self-assessment items used to measure the outcome of a hearing aid fitting. If the personality of the hearing aid wearer has a significant influence on self-report outcome data, it would be important to explore the relevant personality variables and to be cognizant of their effects when using subjective outcome data to justify decisions about clinical services or other matters. This investigation explored the relationship between several personality attributes and responses to the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). It found that more extroverted patients tend to report more hearing aid benefit in all speech communication situations. In addition, patients with a more external locus of control tend to have more negative reactions to loud environmental sounds, both with and without amplification. Anxiety also played a small additional role in determining APHAB responses. Although personality variables were found to explain a relatively small amount of the variance in APHAB responses (usually around 10%), these outcomes should alert practitioners and researchers to the potential effects of personality variables in all self-report data.

Abbreviations: ANX = anxiety; APHAB = Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit; AV = APHAB subscale Aversiveness; BN = APHAB subscale Background Noise; EC = APHAB subscale Ease of Communication; EIP = extroversion-introversion preference; MBTI = Myers-Briggs Type Indicator; PO = belief in powerful others; RV = APHAB subscale Reverberation; Self = belief in internal control; SRT = speech reception threshold; STAI = State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
Dimensions of Hearing Aid Outcome
Authors: Humes Larry E.
Published: April 2022

Dimensions of hearing aid outcome are explored in this paper. First, a variety of hearing aid outcome measures is defined including objective and subjective performance, objective and subjective benefit, satisfaction, and use. Following the definition of these terms, factor analysis is described as a statistical tool that can be of assistance in establishing the number and nature of the relevant dimensions of hearing aid outcome. Next, the results from three recent studies that included a variety of measures of hearing aid outcome are examined and factor analysis is applied to the data from each study. This examination leads to the conclusion that hearing aid outcome is a multidimensional construct, rather than unidimensional. The most complete description of hearing aid outcome will be obtained when including at least one measure of aided speech recognition performance, one or more measures of objective benefit in speech recognition, one or two subjective measures of sound quality or listening effort, and one measure of either subjective benefit, satisfaction, or use.

Abbreviations: COSI = Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement; CST = Connected Speech Test; HAPI = Hearing Aid Performance Inventory; HHIE = Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly; ITC = in the canal; PHAB = Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit; REAR = real-ear aided response; REIG = real-ear insertion gain; REUR = real-ear unaided response
Some Limitations of Evaluative Investigations Based Solely on Normed Outcome Measures
Authors: Gagné Jean-Pierre , McDuff Stéphane , Getty Louise
Published: April 2022

The present article argues that evaluative research in audiologic rehabilitation should be consistent with contemporary conceptual frameworks of rehabilitation. Moreover, comprehensive evaluative research investigations should include an evaluation of (1) the process of intervention and (2) the impacts and consequences of the intervention program. An approach to rehabilitation based on the principle that intervention should be viewed as a solution-centered problem-solving process is outlined. Then, three illustrative cases are described and compared from the perspective of traditional evaluative research paradigms and from the perspective that audiologic rehabilitation is a solution-centered problem-solving process. Some shortcomings of traditional approaches to evaluative research are discussed. Finally, some guidelines that could lead to the development of comprehensive evaluative research in rehabilitation are outlined.
Public Works Programmes and Cooperation for the Common Good: Evidence from Malawi
Authors: Beierl Stefan , Dodlova Marina
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the relationship between Malawi’s largest and oldest public works programme (PWP) and social cohesion, specifically within-community cooperation for the common good. Using both primary and secondary data, we show that public works are associated with higher coordination activities and higher voluntary (unpaid) contributions to public goods, along both vertical ties (between community members and local leaders) and horizontal ties (among community members). Especially for school-building activities, voluntary inputs in the form of labour and other in-kind contributions are higher in the presence of the PWP. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the link between social protection programmes with community-driven features and social cohesion.
Effect of vertical strain and in-plane biaxial strain on type-II MoSi2N4/Cs3Bi2I9 van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Liu Congying , Wang Zhenwei , Xiong Wenqi , Zhong Hongxia , Yuan Shengjun
Published: April 2022

Construction of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) from layered materials may form new types of optoelectronic devices with better performance compared to individual layers. Here, we investigate theoretically the structural stability, electronic properties, charge-transport mechanisms, and optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) MoSi2N4/Cs3Bi2I9 vdWHs by using the first-principles calculations. Our results demonstrate that the 2D MoSi2N4/Cs3Bi2I9 vdWHs possess a direct bandgap and type-II band alignment due to the built-in electric field induced by the electron transfer from MoSi2N4 to Cs3Bi2I9 layer, which can prevent photoinduced electrons and holes from recombination and thus enhance the carrier lifetime. Furthermore, the optical absorption of the heterostructure is enhanced in the visible and ultraviolet region, and its electronic property is tunable under in-plane strains with a clear metal–semiconductor transition. Finally, we explore more A3B2X9/MA2Z4 vdWHs with A = Cs; B = In, Sb, Bi; and X = Cl, Br, I in A3B2X9 and M = Cr, Mo, Ti; A = Si; and Z = N, P in MA2Z4, and we find all three types of band alignments (type-I, type-II, and type-III). Our study provides a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the electronic and optical properties of perovskite-based heterostructures and indicates its potential applications in optoelectronic devices.
Can molecular simulations reliably compare homogeneous and heterogeneous ice nucleation?
Authors: Atherton Dominic , Michaelides Angelos , Cox Stephen J.
Published: April 2022

In principle, the answer to the posed titular question is undoubtedly “yes.” But in practice, requisite reference data for homogeneous systems have been obtained with a treatment of intermolecular interactions that is different from that typically employed for heterogeneous systems. In this article, we assess the impact of the choice of truncation scheme when comparing water in homogeneous and inhomogeneous environments. Specifically, we use explicit free energy calculations and a simple mean field analysis to demonstrate that using the “cut-and-shift” version of the Lennard-Jones potential (common to most simple point charge models of water) results in a systematic increase in the melting temperature of ice Ih. In addition, by drawing an analogy between a change in cutoff and a change in pressure, we use existing literature data for homogeneous ice nucleation at negative pressures to suggest that enhancements due to heterogeneous nucleation may have been overestimated by several orders of magnitude.
Detecting cracks in teeth and monitoring structural integrity over time with non-invasive PTR-LUM technology a solution for a major clinical challenge
Authors: Abrams Stephen H. , Sivagurunathan Koneswaran S.
Published: April 2022

Detecting cracks in teeth is a long-standing clinical challenge. Patients may complain of diffuse pain on chewing, pain, at times, on temperature change and pain that occurs episodically. Common diagnostic tools such as radiographs and visual examination may not detect cracks. This clinical case study shows how photothermal radiometry and luminescence (PTR-LUM), technology behind the Canary Dental Caries Detection System can detect and monitor cracks clinically as well as quantify the extent of crack. This important clinical feature is not yet available with other caries detection clinical devices. In this clinical situation, the cracks involved a large part of the mesial and distal of a mandibular second molar and the adjacent first molar. It led to a diagnosis of parafunction and placement of a mandibular flat plane bite splint along with the placement of composite restorations to restore the fractures. The science behind the point scan lock-in signal processing results of PTR-LUM technology implemented in The Canary System to clinically detect visible cracks or cracks beneath the enamel surface as well as caries on all tooth surfaces and around restorations is discussed. Amplitude and phase results from PTR-LUM point scans are incorporated into a Canary number output developed for oral health providers and are disclosed for the first time in detail with clinical evidence.
Dynamic characteristics of droplet impact on vibrating superhydrophobic substrate
Authors: Lin Chensen , Chen Shuo , Wei Ping , Xiao Lanlan , Zhao Dongxiao , Liu Yang
Published: April 2022

The vibration of solids is ubiquitous in nature and in industrial applications and gives rise to alternative droplet dynamics during impact. Using many-body dissipative particle dynamics, we investigate the impact of droplets on superhydrophobic solid surfaces vibrating in the vertical direction at a vibration period similar to the contact time. Specifically, we study the influence of the impact phase and vibration frequency. We evaluate the influence from the aspects of maximum spreading diameter, the solid–liquid contact time and area, and the momentum variation during the impact. To quantitatively evaluate the solid–liquid contact, we introduce the area-time integral, which is the integral of the contact area over the whole contact time. It is meaningful when the heat exchange between solid and liquid is considered. One characteristic phenomenon of droplets impacting vibrating substrate is that multiple contacts may occur before the final rebound. Unlike previous studies defining the contact time as the time span from the first impact to the final detachment, we define the contact time as the summation of each individual contact time. Using this definition, we show that the discontinuity at the critical impact phase disappears. The fact that the area-time integral also changes continually with the impact phase supports the assumption that the effect of impact phase on the solid–liquid contact may be continuous. Moreover, we show that the probability of impact phase is affected by the vibrating frequency and use it to calculate the weighted averaged outcome when the impact phase is not controlled. This study not only offers insights into the physics of droplet impact on vibrating surfaces but also can be used to guide the design of surfaces to achieve manageable wetting using vibration.
Attitude measurement of multi-DOF actuator based on multiple-inputs and single-output WPT system modeling
Authors: Gao Shihao , Wang Qunjing , Li Guoli , Qian Zhe , Ye Qiubo , Li Zheng
Published: April 2022

Multi-DOF actuators are used in bionics where their flexibility is limited by changing batteries or wired charging methods. In order to realize flexible power supplement and accurate attitude measurement, a multiple-inputs and single-output wireless power transmission (WPT) attitude measurement method is proposed. Traditional contact measurement methods have large friction resistance, and some non-contact measurement methods are complicated in structure or calculation. In order to solve the above problems, the receiving coil is installed inside the rotor. When the rotor rotates, the receiving angle is offset from the multi-transmitting coil outside the stator. The receiving coil can transmit power with multi-angle rotation and has good space tolerance. The rotor position is measured by estimating mutual inductance accurately. This method effectively reduces the time of finite element analysis. Three types of exercise are tested (yaw, spin, and tilt). Compared with micro-electromechanical system and fast complementary filter methods, the average angle error of the proposed WPT method is reduced by 36%, 24% and 40% respectively, and the initial attitude error is about 50% of that of the other two methods. Experiments show that this method can accurately measure the attitude of the rotor of the multi-DOF actuator.
System of cracks under the impact of plane elastic waves
Authors: Popov V G
Published: April 2022

The problem of determining the two-dimensional diffraction field and the stress state arising from the interaction of elastic waves with a system of arbitrarily located cracks is solved. Cracks are located in an unbounded elastic medium which is in a plane deformation state. The method of solution is based on the use of discontinuous solutions of the equations of motion of elastic media and the reduction of the original problem to a system of singular integro-differential equations. The obtained systems are solved numerically the mechanical quadrature method.
Study of negative ion beam emittance characteristic using 3D PIC-MCC simulation
Authors: Miyamoto K. , Nagaoka K. , Hatayama A. , Hoshino K. , Nakano H. , Shibata T. , Tsumori K.
Published: April 2022

It is reported from the measurement of a negative ion beamlet emittance that the characteristic three-Gaussian components are observed in the emittance diagram. The negative ion trajectories are calculated using 3D PIC-MCC simulation in order to clarify the origin of this complicated phase space structure and underlying physical mechanism. The characteristic three-Gaussian components can be reproduced in the emittance diagram from the simulation result. It is verified that the Gaussian components are caused by the negative ions extracted from the different plasma meniscus region, that is, the central region or the region near the edges of the meniscus.
Low-voltage extraction characteristics of ion beams and space potential measurements on ECRIS
Authors: Owada I , Kubo W , Harisaki S , Tsuda K , Sato K , Anan M , Maenaka T , Kato Y
Published: April 2022

We have been using an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) for ion beam production, and it is desirable to construct a universal ECRIS that can produce ions with a wide range of mass/charge ratios, e.g. from several to several thousand. We investigated the characteristics of ions with high mass/charge ratios, e.g., iron endohedral fullerenes production, which requires low voltage beam extraction. We investigated the characteristics of the ion beam extraction at low extraction voltage. It is found that the beam current almost obeyed the Child-Langmuir law for various ion species. The space potential of the plasma in the ion source can be obtained from the relation between the extraction voltage and the square of the magnetic field strength of the dipole magnet. It is found that space potential values are larger with large charge state of ions, in low gas pressure condition and in high microwave incident power. At the same time, the plasma space potential was measured by using a Langmuir probe and compared with the ion beam method. It is found that same trend is confirmed with probe method.
Ground-level ozone pollution in China: a synthesis of recent findings on influencing factors and impacts
Authors: Wang Tao , Xue Likun , Feng Zhaozhong , Dai Jianing , Zhang Yingnan , Tan Yue
Published: April 2022

Ozone (O3) in the troposphere is an air pollutant and a greenhouse gas. In mainland China, after the Air Pollution Prevention and Action Plan was implemented in 2013—and despite substantial decreases in the concentrations of other air pollutants—ambient O3 concentrations paradoxically increased in many urban areas. The worsening urban O3 pollution has fuelled numerous studies in recent years, which have enriched knowledge about O3-related processes and their impacts. In this article, we synthesise the key findings of over 500 articles on O3 over mainland China that were published in the past six years in English-language journals. We focus on recent changes in O3 concentrations, their meteorological and chemical drivers, complex O3 responses to the drastic decrease in human activities during coronavirus disease 2019 lockdowns, several emerging chemical processes, impacts on crops and trees, and the latest government interventions.
Local random vector model for semiclassical fractal structure of chaotic resonance states
Authors: Clauß Konstantin , Ketzmerick Roland
Published: April 2022

The semiclassical structure of resonance states of classically chaotic scattering systems with partial escape is investigated. We introduce a local randomization on phase space for the baker map with escape, which separates the smallest multifractal scale from the scale of the Planck cell. This allows for deriving a semiclassical description of resonance states based on a local random vector model and conditional invariance. We numerically demonstrate that the resulting classical measures perfectly describe resonance states of all decay rates γ for the randomized baker map. By decreasing the scale of randomization these results are compared to the deterministic baker map with partial escape. This gives the best available description of its resonance states. Quantitative differences indicate that a semiclassical description for deterministic chaotic systems must take into account that the multifractal structures persist down to the Planck scale.
Spatial and temporal patterns of electric vehicle charging station utilization: a nationwide case study of Switzerland
Authors: Gellrich Mario , Block Andreas , Leikert-Böhm Ninja
Published: April 2022

The expansion of the public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is seen as central to the development of electric mobility in many countries. Although national studies of charging infrastructure utilization based on real-world data would be a sound basis for demand planning, such studies are scarce. Using Switzerland as an example, this study examines the spatial and temporal patterns of charging infrastructure utilization. To this end, detailed, nationwide, real-time utilization data from 3086 electric vehicle supply equipment units (EVSEs) at electric vehicle charging stations were collected over a period of several months and analyzed exploratively and statistically. The maximum average utilization rate of the EVSEs surveyed during the study period is between 14% and 16%, depending on the day of the week and time of day. Most charging occurs Monday through Friday during peak working hours and on Saturday during the day. The median utilization time is higher in the largest cities than the statewide average. Charging stations along major transit routes do not have higher utilization rates than in other locations. The results suggest that public charging infrastructure is used primarily in cities and agglomeration during work hours. The findings from this study may help plan and make better use of funding to expand charging infrastructure.
Interdependent response of three critical infrastructures in a South American megacity
Authors: Cárdenas-Mamani Ursula , Kahhat Ramzy , Magallanes Jose Manuel
Published: April 2022

Critical infrastructures (CIs) are key for the functionality of urban areas. Their failure due to natural disasters or manmade disruptive events could severely obstruct normal city activities, producing considerable social and economic impacts. Understanding CI performance and interdependence during these events is imperative. This study aims to comprehend the independent and interdependent response of three CIs in a South American megacity: Lima, Peru. Topological indicators were used to study three CIs: potable water distribution, electricity distribution and natural gas distribution; five disruption scenarios were modeled. Results show that, compared to the other CIs, the potable water system has the highest redundancy, while the electricity network has the best capacity to connect among all elements. The structure of the natural gas system makes it fragile and susceptible to failures, generating the lowest values across indicators. Regarding the interdependence analysis, certain elements (e.g., medium- and high-voltage substations, water treatment plant, pressure stations) with a high degree of connectivity influence the entire performance of the systems; the interdependent effect exposes some CIs to damage more than others. Earthquakes have a comparatively more negative impact on the CIs studied than manmade disruptive events. In order to reduce vulnerability factors in the three systems, an important mitigation action would be to reduce the centralization of the systems.
Less Is More: Evaluation of Gross Examination Protocol for Cystectomy Specimens Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Saunders Katherine E , Cody Craig J , Hoerres Derek L , Maygarden Susan J , Wobker Sara E
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) confers a survival advantage for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and is now recommended for chemotherapy-eligible patients. NAC may result in absent gross tumor, and current cystectomy gross examination protocols do not specify approach for these cases.

Methods

We included cystectomies performed from 2010 to 2018, capturing a period pre- and post-NAC recommendations. Gross descriptions were reviewed and slides of patients who received NAC were evaluated for microscopic tumor, number of blocks with tumor, and location of those blocks.

Results

We identified 239 radical cystectomies for bladder cancer (147 NAC, 92 non-NAC). Gross lesions were not identified for 91 cases. NAC cases had more total blocks submitted (mean, 17.5) compared with non-NAC cases (mean, 16.6). More NAC cases had additional blocks submitted (20 cases) compared with non-NAC cases (2), which were more frequently additional random sections. Of 108 NAC cases with residual carcinoma, only 2 (1.9%) were upstaged on additional random sections.

Conclusions

At our institution, NAC and non-NAC cases are grossed with similar numbers of initial blocks; however, NAC cases are more likely to submit additional sections of gross lesions and random bladder without significant changes in stage. Our data suggest current gross examination protocols are sufficient for NAC cystectomies.
The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Hormones on Responses to Varenicline and Naltrexone Among Female Heavy Drinking Smokers
Authors: Green ReJoyce , Roche Daniel J O , Ray Lara A
Published: April 2022

Aims

Women often experience poorer smoking cessation outcomes in comparison to men. Menstrual cycle phase and sex hormones may influence smoking behavior and alter response to opioid antagonist medications. Less is known about the effects of sex hormones in response to pharmacotherapy for female heavy drinking smokers.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of premenopausal female heavy drinking smokers who completed a 12-week randomized clinical trial comparing varenicline plus placebo versus varenicline plus naltrexone for smoking cessation and drinking reduction. Participants (n = 26; total observations = 66) provided saliva samples for assays of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) post-randomization at Weeks 4, 8 and 12. We examined the effects of P4/E2 ratio and medication on smoking and drinking outcomes.

Results

For drinking outcomes, there was a significant interaction for percent days abstinent (b = 0.017, P = 0.05), suggesting that greater P4/E2 ratio is associated with greater percent days abstinent for women assigned to the varenicline plus naltrexone condition. There were no interaction effects for the remaining drinking outcomes (P’s ≥ 0.12). Results found no significant interaction effect of P4/E2 ratio and medication on smoking abstinence (P = 0.19).

Conclusion

Our results imply that when women show a greater P4/E2 ratio, typically observed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, they experience an added benefit of naltrexone, versus placebo, for drinking outcomes as shown by greater percent days abstinent. Additional studies in larger samples are warranted as sex hormones offer important information above and beyond comparing women versus men.
Preoperative Short-term High-Carbohydrate Diet Provides More High-Quality Transplantable Fat and Improves the Outcome of Fat Grafts in Mice
Authors: Niu Xingtang , Zhang Yuchen , Lai Zhuhao , Huang Xiaoqi , Gao Jianhua , Lu Feng , Chang Qiang , Yuan Yi
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with a low BMI may have inadequate high-quality adipose tissue for transplantation. The influence of high-energy diets on adipose tissue and graft retention remains unknown.

Objectives

The authors explored inguinal fat pad alternation in mice fed on a short-time high-fat diet (HFD) or a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) preoperatively and the morphological and histological differences after transplantation.

Methods

Mice were fed HFD (60% kcal from fat, 20% from carbohydrate), HCD (9.3% kcal from fat, 80.1% from carbohydrate), or normal (12% kcal from fat, 67% kcal from carbohydrate) diets for 2 or 4 weeks. Histological analyses were carried out following hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as CD34 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining. The uncoupling protein-1 expression was determined by western blotting. Fat pads from each group were grafted into the dorsal region of the recipient mice, and morphological and histological changes were determined 4, 8, and 12 weeks posttransplantation. Vascular endothelial growth factor-α and platelet-derived growth factor-α expression were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The inguinal fat pad volume increased in the HFD and HCD groups. The presence of multilocular adipocytes in inguinal fat of HCD-fed mice, combined with the increased uncoupling protein-1 content, suggested adipocyte browning. HCD grafts showed higher volume retention and reduced oil cyst formation, possibly attributed to better angiogenesis and adipogenesis.

Conclusions

HCD enlarged adipose tissue and improved graft survival rates, which may be due to the browning of fat before grafting and enhanced angiogenesis after grafting.
Exposure to elevated temperature during development affects bumblebee foraging behavior
Authors: Gérard Maxence , Cariou Bérénice , Henrion Maxime , Descamps Charlotte , Baird Emily
Published: April 2022

Bee foraging behavior provides a pollination service that has both ecological and economic benefits. However, bee population decline could directly affect the efficiency of this interaction. Among the drivers of this decline, global warming has been implicated as an emerging threat but exactly how increasing temperatures affect bee foraging behavior remains unexplored. Here, we assessed how exposure to elevated temperatures during development affects the foraging behavior and morphology of workers from commercial and wild Bombus terrestris colonies. Workers reared at 33 °C had a higher visiting rate and shorter visiting time than those reared at 27°C. In addition, far fewer workers reared at 33 °C engaged in foraging activities and this is potentially related to the drastic reduction in the number of individuals produced in colonies exposed to 33 °C. The impact of elevated developmental temperature on wild colonies was even stronger as none of the workers from these colonies performed any foraging trips. We also found that rearing temperature affected wing size and shape. Our results provide the first evidence that colony temperature can have striking effects on bumblebee foraging behavior. Of particular importance is the drastic reduction in the number of workers performing foraging trips, and the total number of foraging trips made by workers reared in high temperatures. Further studies should explore if, ultimately, these observed effects of exposure to elevated temperature during development lead to a reduction in pollination efficiency.
deepHPI: a comprehensive deep learning platform for accurate prediction and visualization of host–pathogen protein–protein interactions
Authors: Kaundal Rakesh , Loaiza Cristian D , Duhan Naveen , Flann Nicholas
Published: April 2022

Host-pathogen protein interactions (HPPIs) play vital roles in many biological processes and are directly involved in infectious diseases. With the outbreak of more frequent pandemics in the last couple of decades, such as the recent outburst of Covid-19 causing millions of deaths, it has become more critical to develop advanced methods to accurately predict pathogen interactions with their respective hosts. During the last decade, experimental methods to identify HPIs have been used to decipher host–pathogen systems with the caveat that those techniques are labor-intensive, expensive and time-consuming. Alternatively, accurate prediction of HPIs can be performed by the use of data-driven machine learning. To provide a more robust and accurate solution for the HPI prediction problem, we have developed a deepHPI tool based on deep learning. The web server delivers four host–pathogen model types: plant–pathogen, human–bacteria, human–virus and animal–pathogen, leveraging its operability to a wide range of analyses and cases of use. The deepHPI web tool is the first to use convolutional neural network models for HPI prediction. These models have been selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of protein features and neural network architectures. The best prediction models have been tested on independent validation datasets, which achieved an overall Matthews correlation coefficient value of 0.87 for animal–pathogen using the combined pseudo-amino acid composition and conjoint triad (PAAC_CT) features, 0.75 for human–bacteria using the combined pseudo-amino acid composition, conjoint triad and normalized Moreau-Broto feature (PAAC_CT_NMBroto), 0.96 for human–virus using PAAC_CT_NMBroto and 0.94 values for plant–pathogen interactions using the combined pseudo-amino acid composition, composition and transition feature (PAAC_CTDC_CTDT). Our server running deepHPI is deployed on a high-performance computing cluster that enables large and multiple user requests, and it provides more information about interactions discovered. It presents an enriched visualization of the resulting host–pathogen networks that is augmented with external links to various protein annotation resources. We believe that the deepHPI web server will be very useful to researchers, particularly those working on infectious diseases. Additionally, many novel and known host–pathogen systems can be further investigated to significantly advance our understanding of complex disease-causing agents. The developed models are established on a web server, which is freely accessible at http://bioinfo.usu.edu/deepHPI/.
Barrier materials for prevention of surgical adhesions: systematic review
Authors: Waldron Michael Gerard , Judge Conor , Farina Laura , O’Shaughnessy Aoife , O’Halloran Martin
Published: April 2022

Background

Postoperative surgical adhesions constitute a major health burden internationally. A wide range of materials have been evaluated, but despite constructive efforts and the obvious necessity, there remains no specific barrier widely utilized to prevent postoperative adhesion formation. The aim of this study was to highlight and characterize materials used for prevention of postoperative surgical adhesions in both animal and human studies.

Methods

A systematic review was performed of all original research articles presenting data related to the prevention of postoperative adhesions using a barrier agent. All available observational studies and randomized trials using animal models or human participants were included, with no restrictions related to type of surgery. PubMed and Embase databases were searched using key terms from inception to August 2019. Standardized data collection forms were used to extract details for each study and assess desirable characteristics of each barrier and success in animal and/or human studies.

Results

A total of 185 articles were identified for inclusion in the review, with a total of 67 unique adhesion barrier agents (37 natural and 30 synthetic materials). Desirable barrier characteristics of an ideal barrier were identified on review of the literature. Ten barriers achieved the primary outcome of reducing the incidence of postoperative adhesions in animal studies followed with positive outputs in human participants. A further 48 materials had successful results from animal studies, but with no human study performed to date.

Discussion

Multiple barriers showed promise in animal studies, with several progressing to success, and fulfilment of desirable qualities, in human trials. No barrier is currently utilized commonly worldwide, but potential barriers have been identified to reduce the burden of postoperative adhesions and associated sequelae.
Varicose veins treatment in England: population-based study of time trends and disparities related to demographic, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographical factors
Authors: Michaels Jonathan A , Nawaz Shah , Tong Thaison , Brindley Paul , Walters Stephen J , Maheswaran Ravi
Published: April 2022

Background

Varicose vein (VV) treatments have changed significantly in recent years leading to potential disparities in service provision. The aim of this study was to examine the trends in VV treatment in England and to identify disparities in the provision of day-case and inpatient treatments related to deprivation, ethnicity, and other demographic, and geographical factors.

Method

A population-based study using linked hospital episode statistics for England categorized VV procedures and compared population rates and procedure characteristics by ethnicity, deprivation quintile, and geographical area.

Results

A total of 311 936 people had 389 592 VV procedures between 2006/07 and 2017/18, with a further 63 276 procedures between 2018/19 and 2020/21. Procedure rates have reduced in all but the oldest age groups, whereas endovenous procedures have risen to more than 60 per cent of the total in recent years. In younger age groups there was a 20–30 per cent reduction in procedure rates for the least-deprived compared with the most-deprived quintiles. Non-white ethnicity was associated with lower procedure rates. Large regional and local differences were identified in standardized rates of VV procedures. In the most recent 5-year interval, the North-East region had a three-fold higher rate than the South-East region with evidence of greater variation between commissioners in overall rates, the proportion of endovenous procedures, and policies regarding bilateral treatments.

Conclusions

There are substantial geographical variations in the provision of treatment for VVs, which are not explained by demographic differences. These have persisted, despite the publication of guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and many commissioners, and providers would seem to implement policies that are contrary to this guidance. Lower rates of procedures in less-deprived areas may reflect treatments carried out in private practice, which are not included in these data.