bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The improved mayfly optimization algorithm with Chebyshev map
Authors: Zhao Juan , Gao Zheng-Ming
Published: December 2020

The mayfly optimization (MO) algorithm was just proposed recently, simulation experiments proved that it was capable to optimize both the benchmark functions and the real problems we met. In this paper, the MO algorithm would be improved with Chebyshev map, simulation experiments were carried out and results showed that the improved algorithm would indeed increase the capability.
The improved mayfly optimization algorithm
Authors: Gao Zheng-Ming , Zhao Juan , Li Su-Ruo , Hu Yu-Rong
Published: December 2020

The mayfly optimization (MO) algorithm was proposed with a better hybridization of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the differential evolution (DE) algorithms. The velocity would be relevant to the Cartesian distance among the relevant individuals. In this paper, a reasonable revision for the velocity updating equations was proposed based on the idea of moving towards each other as capable as they can. Simulation results proved that the improved MO algorithm would perform better than the original one.
Some Quantum Error-Correcting Codes with d = 5
Authors: Li Husheng , Li Ruihu , Yao Yu , Fu Qiang
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we firstly give a computer-support method of searching for Hermitian self-orthogonal linear code. Then two linear codes with dual distance 5 over field
F

q2
for
q
= 2,3, respectively, are chosen as ingredients. By use of this searching method, we totally find 88 Hermitian self-orthogonal linear codes and construct 88 related quantum error-correcting codes with d = 5 . Most of these results are best known quantum codes and a number of them have better parameters than that of previous quantum codes.
Early forest fire smoke detection based on aerial video
Authors: Nai-Meng Cang , Wan-Jun Yu
Published: December 2020

The early detection of forest fire smoke has more research value than the detection of forest fire flames. This article mainly introduces the content of early forest fire smoke detection based on background blur model and aerial video. First, the background image of the video is extracted by establishing a background model. Then, through wavelet transform, the energy value of the background composite image is compared with the energy value of the target composite image when smoke appears, and the presence of smoke is detected by threshold processing. Experimental results show that the average recognition rate of smoke is as high as 96.94%.
Research on Vision-based Intelligent Detection Method of Circle Features
Authors: Fu Zemin , Wang Zhijin
Published: December 2020

Aiming at the low efficiency and low accuracy of traditional manual detection of workpiece circular features, a machine vision method is proposed to accurately detect circular features. By adopting algorithms such as iterative threshold segmentation, generating XLD contours, selecting feature contours and random Hough transforms, single or multiple circles on the workpiece can be quickly detected. Experiments show that the detection is efficient and accurate, and can meet the detection needs of industry.
A novel image matching algorithm based on PCA and SIFT
Authors: Li Wenju , Na Xinyuan , Su Pan , Lu Yunfan , Dong Tianzhen
Published: December 2020

In order to solve the problem of low matching precision and slow matching speed of image matching algorithm based on classical SIFT, a new image matching algorithm based on PCA, SIFT and improved RANSAC is proposed. Firstly, the SIFT feature was extracted from images; Secondly, principal component analysis is used to reduce the dimension of SIFT feature descriptor, from 128 to 20; then, the EUCLIDEAN distance is used for feature matching; finally, an improved RANSAC algorithm is proposed to eliminate the mismatched feature points. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the accuracy and speed of image matching.
Research on Digital Operation and Maintenance of Informati on System in Distributed Environment
Authors: Li Qing , Feng Mei , Shen Duanming , Zhang Wenbo
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the idea of information system construction has been continuously innovated due to the micro service architecture and domain driven design. Enterprises also have a new understanding of the importance of their own information security and data assets. But unfortunately, if we continue to use the original operation and maintenance environment and mechanism for waterfall development, the new information system under the micro service mode will not be applicable. For example, due to the lack of operation and maintenance positioning standards brought by the new development framework, the data source is not clear due to the micro service in hundreds of virtual machine environments, and the operation and maintenance quality lacks effective supervision. This requires a set of operation and maintenance standards and system quality assurance applicable to the new micro service design ideas. This research is based on this theory. This system is a collection of activities that give corresponding power and control to the software and hardware management of information. It includes four elements: organization, system, process and tool. The application results in this study show that the construction of this system greatly improves the management efficiency of operation and maintenance at all levels, improves the intelligent level of operation and maintenance, and plays a positive role in promoting the stable operation of the entire information system.
Research and design of activation function hardware implementation methods
Authors: Zhengbo Chen , Lei Tong , Zuoning Chen
Published: December 2020

Activation function is an important part of neural network. Many artificial intelligence accelerators specially design hardware component supporting for activation function. In this article, we analyze normal activation functions, study kinds of activation function hardware implementation methods, and propose a parallel look-up table based piecewise linear fitting method. In many-core AI processor, we determine the table precision by memory size, and propose the basic algorithm and detailed structural design scheme. After the design is completed, we verify its correctness and evaluate its performance. The result shows that proposed method meets the need of correctness, and can finish the parallel computation of sixteen activation function fitting results within thirteen cycles. It greatly improves the efficiency of activation function hardware design.
Estimation of arrival time difference of partial discharge ultrasonic signals based on nonlinear transformation and covariant
Authors: Hu Jinxi , Liu Wenhong , Zhang Haotian , Liu Zhonghua
Published: December 2020

Ultrasonic signals will be generated when high voltage equipment is partially discharged. In order to de-termine the location of partial discharge, the time difference between ultrasonic signal and sensor can be used. In this paper, Alpha stable distribution is used to model noisy ultrasonic signals collected during actual partial discharge, and a nonlinear transformation-covariant time difference estimation method is proposed. Firstly, the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved to a certain extent by preprocessing the noisy signal based on the arctangent nonlinear transformation. Then, the covariant correlation function is used to measure the similarity of the two signals arriving at the sensor, and according to the position of the peak value of the covariant correlation function, the time difference information of signal arrival is obtained. On the basis of theoretical analysis, the experimental results of computer simulation are discussed and summarized. Com-pared with generalized correlation method and covariant algorithm, the proposed method is more suitable for TDOA estimation of PD ultrasonic signals in low SNR and impulsive noise environment.
Research on 5G+MEC Industrial Internet Technology Testing Platform
Authors: Dazhi Jing , Xiaoping Lu , Weijie Zhang , Ming Sun , Yubao Huang , Rui Zhu
Published: December 2020

The 5G+MEC Industrial Internet technology test platform is committed to the application of 5G technology in industrial scenarios. The test platform is supported by 5G+MEC as the technical architecture, and is integrated with machine vision, AR, AGV and other applications; The test platform adopts a modular design. Starting from the test scenarios of the manufacturing process such as interaction, customization, and production, some technologies are transformed into mature solutions through testing, which shortens the application cycle of new technologies and promotes the development of the Industry. Internet.
A Scientometric Review of Automated Journalism: Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Xu Zhichao , Lan Xintong
Published: December 2020

In recent years, automated news has been more and more adopted by media organizations, which has aroused the attention and discussion in the industry and academia. However, few studies have attempted to map out the global research on automated journalism. To analyze the state of research evolution in automated journalism and its trends, this paper aims to analyze the year of publication, most participating countries, institutions, journals, and topics of the relevant papers collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The results shows that there are many countries actively participating in automated-journalism-related research, and the USA is the most productive country followed by Germany and Spain. Most of the active journals are in the field of journalism and communication. However, the visualization map of author’s keywords implies the nature of interdisciplinarity of the research, covering the main disciplines of journalism, computer science and automation.
Wind power forecast based on convolutional neural network with multi-feature fusion
Authors: Huang Qiyue , Wang Hao
Published: December 2020

As a renewable clean energy, wind energy has the characteristics of large storage and wide distribution. It is one of the important components of energy internet. However, its strong fluctuation, randomness and discontinuity affect the stable operation of power system. To reduce the impact of wind power on power network and improve the reliability of power prediction, a wind power forecast method based on convolutional neural network with multi-feature fusion is proposed. Firstly, the wind power is classified according to the change characteristic of the waveform. The feature of the wind power waveform is extracted by the convolution neural network (CNN). Then, a prediction model based on multi-feature fusion algorithm is established to accurately predict wind power. Finally, the corresponding simulation model is established to verify that the proposed method can effectively improve the reliability of wind power prediction.
Power quality comprehensive evaluation method based on fuzzy mathematics and cloud theory
Authors: Shen Canran , Hu Lanxin
Published: December 2020

In the comprehensive evaluation of power quality, there exist problems such as the boundary of evaluation index classification and weight distribution which is too subjective or objective. Based on the theory of fuzzy mathematics and cloud, the power quality comprehensive evaluation method was proposed to solve the two problems. This method improves the traditional fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method through variable weight theory and cloud theory, which are fixed weight calculation and membership function construction. Firstly, the superposition variable weight construction method of excitation type in variable weight theory is selected to calculate the weight vector. Secondly, the normal cloud model in cloud theory is used to construct the membership function to comprehensively evaluate power quality. Compared with the traditional fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, the improved fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method solves the influence of the actual situation of evaluation factors on the index weight and avoids the influence of subjective factors in the membership function construction process of the traditional fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, making the evaluation results more reasonable and credible. Finally, a practical example is given to prove that the model is more accurate and reasonable.
Design of a discrete-time active disturbance rejection control strategy applied to the current loop of a boost bridgeless converter
Authors: Regino-Ubarnes F J , Espinel-Blanco E E , Gómez-Camperos J A
Published: December 2020

This document describes the analysis of a control technique based on active disturbance rejection. This technique uses a generalized proportional integral observer in discrete time that estimates the disturbances inherent in the system for their subsequent elimination. The efficiency of the controller is verified by simulations of a Boost bridgeless single-phase power converter. The analysis was performed in the context of the reduction of the percentage root mean square error between the reference signal and the input current signal of the converter which results in the correction of the power factor and the reduction of the total harmonic distortion. The performance of the proposed control strategy was demonstrated since the tracking error was reduced even in the presence of disturbances.
Quantification of volatile compounds present in organophosphorus compounds, through the variation of the electrostatic potential in chemical-resistive sensors
Authors: Rivera M A , Gualdron O E , Pelaez D A
Published: December 2020

In the present work is presented a method capable of quantifying a pesticide (organophosphate) or an organic product (Prunus persica), by means of a matrix of chemical-resistive sensors, which are part of a multisensorial system called electronic nose. The sample is placed in a concentration cabin, where a time is established where the amount of volatiles emitted increases, after the fixed period, a flow of these volatiles is generated towards the chamber where the matrix of sensors is arranged, where the volatiles generate enough force for the free electrons of the semiconductor material to react, allowing a constant flow of electric current, this output signal is captured by means of an acquisition card, once all the data is recorded and by means of a pattern recognition system, analysis of main components, the variation of the electrostatic potential provided by the sensors was related to the amount of volatiles present in the sample. The sensors showed a high change in the electrostatic potential, corroborating the capacity of detecting the number of volatiles thrown by the sample, this response accompanied by the statistical analysis has the capacity of creating groupings, one of them is the pure organic product and another is this one, with the presence of the selected chemical compound. With this, a methodology was established that is capable of detecting a change in the electrostatic potential and relate it to the number of volatiles emitted by the sample of study, through a matrix of sensors, coupled to a multisensory system.
Ionic dissolution products of Cerium-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles promote cellular osteogenic differentiation and extracellular matrix formation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Westhauser F , Rehder F , Decker S , Kunisch E , Moghaddam A , Zheng K , Boccaccini A R
Published: December 2020

Cerium (Ce) is a promising candidate ion for application in bone tissue engineering (BTE) since it reduces the presence of reactive oxygen species. Ce-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) serving as vectors for the local application of Ce already demonstrated stimulating effects on the expression of pro-osteogenic genes in Saos-2 cells. So far, there is no evidence available about the effects of Ce-doped MBGNs on the viability, osteogenic differentiation and the formation of the osseous extracellular matrix (ECM) of primary human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). Therefore, in this study, the biocompatibility of the ionic dissolution products (IDPs) of MBGNs containing increasing concentrations of CeO2 (0.05 MCe-MBGNs, composition in mol%: 86.6SiO2-12.1CaO-1.3CeO2; and 0.2 MCe-MBGNs, composition in mol%: 86.0SiO2-11.8CaO-2.2CeO2) and unmodified MBGNs (composition in mol%: 86SiO2-14CaO) was evaluated using human BMSCs. Eventually, the impact of the MBGNs’ IDPs on the cellular osteogenic differentiation and their ability to build and mature a primitive osseous ECM was assessed. The Ce-doped MBGNs had a positive influence on the viability and stimulated the cellular osteogenic differentiation of human BMSCs evaluated by analyzing the activity of alkaline phosphate as a marker enzyme for osteoblasts in the present setting. Furthermore, the formation and calcification of a primitive osseous ECM was significantly stimulated in the presence of Ce-doped MBGNs in a positive concentration-dependent manner as demonstrated by an elevated presence of collagen and increased ECM calcification. The results of this in-vitro study show that Ce-doped MBGNs are attractive candidates for further application in BTE.
Tools for time-course simulation in systems biology: a brief overview
Authors: Musilova Jana , Sedlar Karel
Published: December 2020

Dynamic modeling of biological systems is essential for understanding all properties of a given organism as it allows us to look not only at the static picture of an organism but also at its behavior under various conditions. With the increasing amount of experimental data, the number of tools that enable dynamic analysis also grows. However, various tools are based on different approaches, use different types of data and offer different functions for analyses; so it can be difficult to choose the most suitable tool for a selected type of model. Here, we bring a brief overview containing descriptions of 50 tools for the reconstruction of biological models, their time-course simulation and dynamic analysis. We examined each tool using test data and divided them based on the qualitative and quantitative nature of the mathematical apparatus they use.
Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Quantification of Methocarbamol and Its Impurities in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Kalokhe Shivani , Nalwade Santaji , Patil Pallavi , Raskar Poonam
Published: December 2020

A novel, delicate, stability-indicating, gradient, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been established for the quantitative estimation of methocarbamol (MTC) and its impurities present in a pharmaceutical oral suspension. XBridge C18, 5 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm column was used to accomplish chromatographic separation with a buffered mobile phase consisting of a mixture of 0.01 M of sodium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 7.0 buffer) and methanol in the ratio of 95:05 (v/v), respectively, were used as solvent A and a mixture of methanol and Milli-Q water in the ratio 90:10 (v/v), respectively, was used as solvent B. Analysis was carried out at 0.8 mL/min flow rate and the detection wavelength at 225 nm. The compartment temperature of the column is put at 25°C. The resolution of MTC and its four impurities has been attained >2.0 for all pairs of compounds. Significant degradation of MTC was photolytic, thermal and oxidative stress conditions. Validation of the developed method was performed as stated by the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with regard to all validation parameters like specificity, accuracy, linearity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation and robustness.
The ‘Necessity' of Austerity and its Relationship with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: A Case Study of Ireland and the United Kingdom
Authors: O’Sullivan Charles , McNamara Donna
Published: December 2020

Following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, contractions in the global economy were often utilised as a justification for deep cuts in State spending, including welfare state programmes. This article will problematise the ‘necessity’ of austerity measures and how this conflicts with the intentions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which requires State intervention to ensure the right to a minimum standard of living (Article 28 CRPD) for such persons. By comparing the arguably voluntary and ideologically driven austerity programme undertaken in the United Kingdom with the externally imposed ‘Bailout Package' in Ireland, it will address whether the Convention may, in limited circumstances, allow for programmes such as these to be deemed compatible with the CRPD among developed States.
Assessing the in vitro impact of ceftazidime on aztreonam/avibactam susceptibility testing for highly resistant MBL-producing Enterobacterales
Authors: Bhatnagar Amelia , Ransom Eric M , Machado María-José , Boyd Sandra , Reese Natashia , Anderson Karen , Lonsway David , Elkins Christopher A , Rasheed J Kamile , Patel Jean B , Karlsson Maria , Brown Allison C , Lutgring Joseph D
Published: December 2020

Background

Aztreonam/avibactam is a combination agent that shows promise in treating infections caused by highly antibiotic-resistant MBL-producing Enterobacterales. This combination can be achieved by combining two FDA-approved drugs: ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam. It is unknown whether ceftazidime in the combination ceftazidime/aztreonam/avibactam has a synergistic or antagonistic effect on the in vitro activity of aztreonam/avibactam by significantly increasing or decreasing the MIC.

Objectives

To determine whether increasing ceftazidime concentrations affect the MICs of aztreonam/avibactam alone.

Methods

A custom 8 × 8 chequerboard broth microdilution (BMD) panel was made using a digital dispenser (Hewlett-Packard, Corvallis, OR, USA). The panel included orthogonal 2-fold dilution series of aztreonam and ceftazidime ranging from 0.5 to 64 mg/L. Avibactam concentration was kept constant at 4 mg/L throughout the chequerboard. Thirty-seven Enterobacterales isolates from the CDC & FDA Antibiotic Resistance Isolate Bank or CDC’s internal collection with intermediate or resistant interpretations to aztreonam and ceftazidime/avibactam were included for testing. All isolates harboured at least one of the following MBL genes: blaIMP, blaNDM or blaVIM.

Results

Regardless of the concentration of ceftazidime, aztreonam/avibactam with ceftazidime MICs for all 37 isolates were within one 2-fold doubling dilution of the aztreonam/avibactam MIC.

Conclusions

Ceftazidime, in the combination ceftazidime/avibactam/aztreonam, did not affect the in vitro activity of aztreonam/avibactam in this sample of isolates. These findings can help assure clinical and public health laboratories that testing of aztreonam/avibactam by BMD can act as a reliable surrogate test when the combination of ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam is being considered for treatment of highly antibiotic-resistant MBL-producing Enterobacterales.
Evaluation of Latent Fingerprints for Drug Screening in a Social Care Setting
Authors: Pollard Caroline , Sievers Claudia , Royall Paul G , Wolff Kim
Published: December 2020

Sweat deposited via latent fingerprints (LFPs) was previously used to detect cocaine, opioids, cannabis and amphetamine via a point-of-care test (POCT). This screening method combined non-invasive sampling with a rapid result turnaround to produce a qualitative result outside of the laboratory. We report the novel application of a LFP drug screening test in a social care setting. Clients were tested on either an ad hoc or a routine basis using the POCT DOA114 (Intelligent Fingerprinting Ltd) drug screening cartridge. Screening cutoff values were 45, 35 and 95 pg/fingerprint for benzoylecgonine (BZE), morphine and amphetamine analytes, respectively. Confirmation LFP samples (DOA150, Intelligent Fingerprinting Ltd) and oral fluid (OF) were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Thirty-six clients aged 36 ± 11 years participated (53% females). Individuals self-reported alcohol consumption (39%) and smoking (60%). Of 131 screening tests collected over 8 weeks, 14% tested positive for cocaine, 2% tested positive for opioids and 1% tested positive for amphetamine. Polydrug use was indicated in 10% of tests. Of 32 LFP confirmation tests, 63% were positive for cocaine and BZE. Opioids were also detected (31%), with the metabolite 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) being the most common (16%). In OF, cocaine was the dominant analyte (9%) followed by 6-MAM (5%). On comparing positive LFP screening tests with positive OF samples, we found that 39% and 38% were cocaine and opiate positive, respectively. Of the drugs screened for via the LFP POCT, cocaine was the most prevalent analyte in LFP and OF confirmation samples. The study is a step change in the routine drug screening procedures in a social care setting, especially useful for on-site cocaine detection in clients whose drug use was being monitored. Additionally, testing was easily accepted by clients and social care workers.
Estimating the Size and Distribution of Networked Populations with Snowball Sampling
Authors: Vincent Kyle , Thompson Steve
Published: December 2020

A new strategy is introduced for estimating population size and networked population characteristics. Sample selection is based on a multi-wave snowball sampling design. A generalized stochastic block model is posited for the population’s network graph. Inference is based on a Bayesian data augmentation procedure. Applications are provided to simulated populations and an empirical population. The results demonstrate that statistically efficient estimates of the size and distribution of the population can be achieved.
Do instabilities in high-multiplicity systems explain the existence of close-in white dwarf planets?
Authors: Maldonado R F , Villaver E , Mustill A J , Chávez M , Bertone E
Published: December 2020

We investigate the origin of close-in planets and related phenomena orbiting white dwarfs (WDs), which are thought to originate from orbits more distant from the star. We use the planetary architectures of the 75 multiple-planet systems (four, five, and six planets) detected orbiting main-sequence stars to build 750 dynamically analogous templates that we evolve to the WD phase. Our exploration of parameter space, although not exhaustive, is guided and restricted by observations and we find that the higher the multiplicity of the planetary system, the more likely it is to have a dynamical instability (losing planets, orbit crossing, and scattering), that eventually will send a planet (or small object) through a close periastron passage. Indeed, the fraction of unstable four- to six-planet simulations is comparable to the 25–50${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ fraction of WDs having atmospheric pollution. Additionally, the onset of instability in the four- to six-planet configurations peaks in the first Gyr of the WD cooling time, decreasing thereafter. Planetary multiplicity is a natural condition to explain the presence of close-in planets to WDs, without having to invoke the specific architectures of the system or their migration through the von Zeipel–Lidov–Kozai effects from binary companions or their survival through the common envelope phase.
Social diversity and bridging identity
Authors: García-Alonso María D C , Wahhaj Zaki
Published: December 2020

We investigate within a model of cultural transmission how policies or shocks that affect social diversity within a population affect social cohesion and segregation. We develop the concept of ‘bridging identity’, an individual trait that (i) positively affects utility in culturally diverse social groups but is immaterial in homogeneous groups and (ii) is fostered in those born in culturally diverse social groups but not in those born in homogeneous groups. We show that medium levels of immigration lead to higher bridging identity in the population; and, for a given immigration target, social segregation is decreasing in the time allowed for achieving this target. If the level and pace of immigration are attuned to existing levels of bridging identity, it is possible to sustain, for the long run, social groups that are culturally diverse. This contrasts with Schelling’s models of residential segregation that typically lead to increasing segregation over time.
The sociocultural context of pediatric pain: an examination of the portrayal of pain in children's popular media
Authors: Mueri Kendra , Kennedy Madison , Pavlova Maria , Jordan Abbie , Lund Tatiana , Neville Alexandra , Belton Joletta , Noel Melanie
Published: December 2020

Pain (eg, needle injections, injuries, and chronic pain) is highly prevalent in childhood and occurs in social contexts. Nevertheless, broader sociocultural influences on pediatric pain, such as popular media, have not been empirically examined. This study examined how pain is portrayed and gendered in children's popular media. A cross-section of children's media targeted towards 4- to 6-year-old children was selected based on popularity, including 10 movies and the first season of 6 television shows. Pain instances were extracted and coded using 2 established observational coding systems assessing sufferer pain characteristics and observer responses (eg, empathic responses). Findings identified 454 instances of pain across the selected media. Violent pain (ie, intentionally inflicted) and injuries were most commonly represented, whereas everyday, chronic-type, and procedural pains were infrequently portrayed. Pain instances were more commonly experienced by boy characters, who also expressed greater distress; yet, observers were more responsive (eg, expressed greater concern) towards girl characters' pain. Overall, observer responses to pain were infrequent, with observers witnessing but not responding to nearly half of pain instances. Observers who did respond expressed an overall lack of empathy towards sufferers. These findings reveal a very narrow depiction of pain presented in children's popular media, with an overall underrepresentation of pain, numerous maladaptive portrayals of pain, and gender differences in both sufferer and observer responses. This study underscores the need for further research to inform how children's popular media is perceived by parents and children and how media may be transformed and harnessed for effective pain education in childhood.
Frequent User System Engagement
Authors: Smith Michelle A. , Moyer Donna
Published: December 2020

Background:

Patterns of frequent emergency department (ED) use correlate with a variety of care needs. Health care systems should address these needs in collaboration with community health partners.

Local Problem:

Approximately 600 patients frequent a local ED for nonemergent needs. Approximately 15% of those patients are homeless.

Methods:

A program consistent with the Corporation for Supportive Housing's Frequent User System Engagement (FUSE) model was developed and implemented in a community setting. Eleven participants were enrolled in this pilot program.

Interventions:

Eligible candidates enrolled in the program received coordinated multidisciplinary care and stable housing.

Results:

ED visits, primary care provider visits, and number of diagnostic tests and costs changed significantly over time.

Conclusion:

The FUSE program is equipped to address the needs of the whole person, resulting in a meaningful impact on overall health while decreasing frequency of ED visits.
Implementing Prone Positioning for COVID-19 Patients Outside the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Francisco Mary Ann , Pierce Nicole L. , Ely Elizabeth , Cerasale Matthew T. , Anderson Daniela , Pavkovich David , Puello Frances , Tummala Sandeep , Tyker Albina , D'Souza Felicia R.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Proning intubated intensive care unit patients for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome is an accepted standard of practice. We examined the nursing climate in 4 units and its impact on implementing a novel self-proning protocol to treat COVID-19 patients outside the intensive care unit.

Local Problem:

Nursing units previously designated for medical/surgical populations had to adjust quickly to provide evidence-based care for COVID-19 patients attempting self-proning.

Methods:

Nurses from 4 nursing units were surveyed about the implementation process on the self-proning protocol. Their perception of unit implementation was assessed via the Implementation Climate Scale.

Interventions:

A new self-proning nursing protocol was implemented outside the intensive care unit.

Results:

Consistent education on the protocol, belief in the effectiveness of the intervention, and a strong unit-based climate of evidence-based practice contributed to greater implementation of the protocol.

Conclusions:

Implementation of a new nursing protocol is possible with strong unit-based support, even during a pandemic.
Reflections on Ambulatory Care Nursing and the Impact of the Clinical Nurse Specialist
Authors: Cavanaugh Kati Jo , Kronebusch Beckie Jean , Luedke Tabitha Crystal , Pike Marsha Lynn
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aims of this study were to identify and discuss reflections of ambulatory care nursing and the integral role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in defining nursing practice in the ambulatory care setting.

Description of Project

Three CNSs and a CNS student, all assigned to the ambulatory care setting, discussed their experiences supporting nursing practice in the ambulatory care setting. Major reflections were identified, organized, and then expounded from personal experiences and published studies to highlight the impacts of the CNS in ambulatory care nursing.

Outcomes

Four major reflections were identified: ambulatory nursing is complex, ambulatory care nursing is in its infancy, ambulatory care nursing adds value, and opportunities exist for measuring the impact of ambulatory care nursing. Progress is being made in determining the role of the nurse in the ambulatory care setting, but more work is required. The CNS is prepared to define nursing practice in the ambulatory care setting and develop nursing-specific resources that support nurses in practicing to the full extent of their licensure.

Conclusion

The ambulatory care setting is expected to support the majority of the healthcare needs of the future. Ambulatory care nurses are well suited to meaningfully contribute to patient care. Evidence-based nursing practice in this setting is vital to ensure safe, quality patient care.
Confirmation and fine mapping of the resistance locus Ren9 from the grapevine cultivar ‘Regent’
Authors: Zendler Daniel , Töpfer Reinhard , Zyprian Eva
Published: December 2020

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) is a major fruit crop with high economic importance. Due to its susceptibility towards fungal pathogens such as Erysiphe necator and Plasmopara viticola, the causal agents of powdery and downy mildew (PM, DM), grapevine growers annually face a major challenge in coping with shortfall of yield caused by these diseases. Here we report the confirmation of a genetic resource for grapevine resistance breeding against PM. During the delimitation process of Ren3 on chromosome 15 from the cultivar ‘Regent’, a second resistance-encoding region on chromosome 15 termed Ren9 was characterized. It mediates a trailing necrosis associated with the appressoria of E. necator and restricts pathogen growth. In this study, we confirm this QTL in a related mapping population of ‘Regent’ x ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’. The data show that this locus is located at the upper arm of chromosome 15 between markers GF15-58 (0.15 Mb) and GF15-53 (4 Mb). The efficiency of the resistance against one of the prominent European PM isolates (EU-B) is demonstrated. Based on fine-mapping and literature knowledge we propose two possible regions of interest and supply genetic markers to follow both regions in marker assisted selection.
Computational prediction of protein subdomain stability inMYBPC3enables clinical risk stratification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and enhances variant interpretation
Authors: Thompson Andrea D. , Helms Adam S. , Kannan Anamika , Yob Jaime , Lakdawala Neal K. , Wittekind Samuel G. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Jacoby Daniel L. , Colan Steven D. , Ashley Euan A. , Saberi Sara , Ware James S. , Ingles Jodie , Semsarian Christopher , Michels Michelle , Mazzarotto Francesco , Olivotto Iacopo , Ho Carolyn Y. , Day Sharlene M. ,   SHaRe investigators
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Variants inMYBPC3causing loss-of-function are the most common cause of HCM. However, a substantial number of patients carry missense variants of uncertain significance (VUS) inMYBPC3.We hypothesize that a structural-based algorithm, STRUM, which estimates the effect of missense variants on protein folding, will improve clinical risk stratification of patients with HCM and aMYBPC3VUS.

Methods

Among 7,963 patients in the multi-center Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry, 120 unique missense VUSs inMYBPC3were identified. Variants were evaluated for their effect on subdomain folding and a stratified time-to-event analysis for an overall composite endpoint (first occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure, all-cause mortality, atrial fibrillation, and stroke) was performed for patients with HCM and aMYBPC3missense VUS.

Results

We demonstrated that patients carrying aMYBPC3VUS predicted to cause subdomain misfolding (STRUM +, ΔΔG ≤-1.2 kcal/mol) exhibited a higher rate of adverse events compared to those with a STRUM-VUS (Hazard Ratio=2.29, P=0.0282).In silicosaturation mutagenesis ofMYBPC3identified 4,943/23,427 (21%) missense variants that were predicted to cause subdomain misfolding.

Conclusions

STRUM enables clinical risk stratification of patients with HCM and aMYBPC3VUS and has the capacity to improve prognostic predictions and clinical decision making.
Metabolic selection of a homologous recombination mediated loss of glycosomal fumarate reductase inTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Wargnies Marion , Plazolles Nicolas , Schenk Robin , Villafraz Oriana , Dupuy Jean-William , Biran Marc , Bachmaier Sabine , Baudouin Hélène , Clayton Christine , Boshart Michael , Bringaud Frédéric
Published: December 2020

The genome of trypanosomatids is rearranged at the level of repeated sequences, where serve as platforms for amplification or deletion of genomic segments. We report here that thePEPCKgene knockout (Δpepck) leads to the selection of such a deletion event between theFRDgandFRDm2genes to produce a chimericFRDg-m2gene in the Δpepck*cell line. FRDg is expressed in peroxisome-like organelles, named glycosomes, expression of FRDm2 has not been detected to date, and FRDg-m2 is a non-functional cytosolic FRD. Re-expression of FRDg significantly impaired growth of the Δpepck*cells, while inhibition ofFRDg-m2expression had no effect, which indicated that this recombination event has been selected in the Δpepck*cells to eliminate FRDg. FRD activity was not involved in the FRDg-mediated negative effect, while its auto-flavinylation motif is required to impair growth. Considering that (i) FRDs are known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) by transferring electrons from their flavin moiety(ies) to oxygen, (ii) intracellular ROS production is essential for the differentiation of procyclic to epimastigote forms of the parasite and (iii) the fumarate reductase activity is not essential for the parasite, we propose that the main role of FRD is to produce part of the ROS necessary to complete the parasitic cycle in the tsetse fly. In this context, the negative effect of FRDg expression in the PEPCK null background is interpreted as an increased production of ROS from oxygen since fumarate, the natural electron acceptor of FRDg, is no longer produced in glycosomes.
Cross-Modality Protein Embedding for Compound-Protein Affinity and Contact Prediction
Authors: You Yuning , Shen Yang
Published: December 2020

Compound-protein pairs dominate FDA-approved drug-target pairs and the prediction of compound-protein affinity and contact (CPAC) could help accelerate drug discovery. In this study we consider proteins as multi-modal data including 1D amino-acid sequences and (sequence-predicted) 2D residue-pair contact maps. We empirically evaluate the embeddings of the two single modalities in their accuracy and generalizability of CPAC prediction (i.e. structure-free interpretable compound-protein affinity prediction). And we rationalize their performances in both challenges of embedding individual modalities and learning generalizable embedding-label relationship. We further propose two models involving cross-modality protein embedding and establish that the one with cross interaction (thus capturing correlations among modalities) outperforms SOTAs and our single modality models in affinity, contact, and binding-site predictions for proteins never seen in the training set.
Muscle specific translational control of Cand2 by mTORC1 regulates adverse cardiac remodeling
Authors: Gorska Agnieszka A. , Sandmann Clara , Riechert Eva , Hofmann Christoph , Malovrh Ellen , Varma Eshita , Kmietczyk Vivien , Jürgensen Lonny , Kamuf-Schenk Verena , Stroh Claudia , Furkel Jennifer , Konstandin Matthias H. , Sticht Carsten , Boileau Etienne , Dieterich Christoph , Katus Hugo A. , Doroudgar Shirin , Völkers Mirko
Published: December 2020

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of pathological remodeling in the heart by activating ribosomal biogenesis and mRNA translation. Inhibition of mTOR in cardiomyocytes is protective, however, a detailed role of mTOR in translational regulation of specific mRNA networks in the diseased heart is largely unknown. A cardiomyocyte genome-wide sequencing approach was used to define mTOR-dependent post-transcriptional gene expression control at the level of mRNA translation. This approach identified the muscle-specific protein Cullin-associated NEDD8-dissociated protein 2 (Cand2) as a translationally upregulated gene, dependent on the activity of mTOR. Deletion of Cand2 protects the myocardium against pathological remodeling. Mechanistically, we found that Cand2 links mTOR signaling to pathological cell growth by increasing Grk5 protein expression. Our data suggest that cell-type-specific targeting of mTOR might have therapeutic value for adverse pathological cardiac remodeling.
Molecular basis for gating of cardiac ryanodine receptor: underlying mechanisms for gain- and loss-of function mutations
Authors: Kobayashi Takuya , Tsutsumi Akihisa , Kurebayashi Nagomi , Saito Kei , Kodama Masami , Sakurai Takashi , Kikkawa Masahide , Murayama Takashi , Ogawa Haruo
Published: December 2020

Cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is a large Ca2+release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and indispensable for excitation-contraction coupling in the heart. RyR2 is activated by Ca2+and RyR2 mutations are implicated in severe arrhythmogenic diseases. Yet, the structural basis underlying channel opening and how mutations affect the channel remain unknown. Here, we addressed gating mechanism of RyR2 by combining high-resolution structures determined by cryo-electron microscopy with quantitative functional analysis of channels carrying various mutations in specific residues. We demonstrated two fundamental mechanisms for channel gating: interactions close to the channel pore stabilize the channel to prevent hyperactivity and a series of interactions in the surrounding regions is necessary for channel opening upon Ca2+binding. Mutations at the residues involved in the former and the latter mechanisms cause gain-of-function and loss-of-function, respectively. Our results reveal gating mechanisms of the RyR2 channel and alterations by pathogenic mutations at the atomic level.
Empty sella syndrome as a window into the neuroprotective effects of prolactin
Authors: Paul David A. , Strawderman Emma , Rodriguez Alejandra , Hoang Ricky , Schneider Colleen L. , Haber Sam , Chernoff Benjamin L. , Shafiq Ismat , Williams Zoë R. , Vates G. Edward , Mahon Bradford Z.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

To correlate structural integrity of visual pathway white matter tracts with prolactin levels in a patient who demonstrates downward herniation of the optic chiasm secondary to medical treatment of a prolactinoma.

METHODS

A 36-year-old woman with a prolactinoma presented with progressive bilateral visual field defects nine years after initial diagnosis and medical treatment. She was diagnosed with empty-sella syndrome and instructed to stop cabergoline. Hormone testing was conducted in tandem with routine clinical evaluations over one year and the patient was followed with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and automated perimetry at three time points. Five healthy controls underwent a complementary battery of clinical and neuroimaging tests at a single time point.

RESULTS

Shortly after discontinuing cabergoline, diffusion metrics in the optic tracts were within the range of values observed in healthy controls. However, following a brief period where the patient resumed cabergoline (of her own volition), there was a decrease in serum prolactin with a corresponding decrease in visual ability and increase in radial diffusivity (p<0.001). Those measures again returned to their baseline ranges after discontinuing cabergoline a second time.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the sensitivity of dMRI to detect rapid and functionally significant microstructural changes in white matter tracts secondary to alterations in serum prolactin levels. The inverse relations between prolactin and measures of diffusion and visual function provide support for a neuroprotective role of prolactin in the injured nervous system.
Four-Dimensional Sparse Bayesian Tensor Decomposition for Gene Expression Data
Authors: Gill Christopher C. , Marchini Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Disease etiology may be better understood through the study of gene expression in four dimensional (4D) experiments that consist of measurements on multiple individuals, genes, tissues and under multiple conditions or through time. We have developed a sparse Bayesian four dimensional tensor decomposition method aimed at uncovering latent components or gene networks that could be linked to genetic variation. We used a Variational Bayes algorithm to fit the model which provides fast and accurate analysis. In this brief note we illustrate the utility of the method using simulated datasets, and show that when 4D data is available our method shows improved performance in estimating the true structure in the dataset, when compared to using a 3D method on a single slice of the 4D dataset. We also compare the results of the 4D method to that of the 3D method on a suitable unfolding of the dataset, demonstrating that similar performance is observed in this case, while the 4D method accurately recovers the additional structure in the data. We provide software that implements the method in R.