bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling wildfire activity in the western United States with machine learning
Authors: Buch Jatan , Williams A. Park , Juang Caroline S , Hansen Winslow D. , Gentine Pierre
Published: December 2022

The annual area burned due to wildfires in the western United States
(WUS) increased by more than 300% between 1984 and 2020. However,
accounting for the nonlinear, spatially heterogeneous interactions
between climate, vegetation, and human predictors driving the trends in
fire frequency and sizes at different spatial scales remains a
challenging problem for statistical fire models. Here we introduce a
novel stochastic machine learning (ML) framework to model observed fire
frequencies and sizes in 12 km x 12 km grid cells across the WUS. This
framework is implemented using Mixture Density Networks trained on a
wide suite of input predictors. The modeled WUS fire frequency
corresponds well with observations at both monthly (r= 0.94) and annual
(r= 0.85) timescales, as do the monthly (r= 0.90) and annual (r= 0.88)
area burned. Moreover, the annual time series of both fire variables
exhibit strong correlations (r >= 0.6) in 16 out of 18
ecoregions. Our ML model captures the interannual variability and the
distinct multidecade increases in annual area burned for both forested
and non-forested ecoregions. Evaluating predictor importance with
Shapley additive explanations, we find that fire month vapor pressure
deficit (VPD) is the dominant driver of fire frequencies and sizes
across the WUS, followed by 1000-hour dead fuel moisture (FM1000), total
monthly precipitation (Prec), mean daily maximum temperature (Tmax), and
fraction of grassland cover in a grid cell. Our findings serve as a
promising use case of ML techniques for wildfire prediction in
particular and extreme event modeling more broadly.
AXIN2 germline testing in a French cohort validates pathogenic variants as a rare cause of predisposition to colorectal polyposis and cancer
Authors: Leclerc Julie , Beaumont Marie , Vibert Roseline , Pinson Stéphane , Vermaut Catherine , Flament Cathy , Lovecchio Tonio , Delattre Lucie , Demay Christophe , Coulet Florence , Guillerm Erell , Hamzaoui Nadim , Benusiglio Patrick R. , Brahimi Afane , Cornelis François , Delhomelle Hélène , Fert‐Ferrer Sandra , Fournier Benjamin P. J. , Hovnanian Alain , Legrand Clémentine , Lortholary Alain , Malka David , Petit Florence , Saurin Jean‐Christophe , Lejeune Sophie , Colas Chrystelle , Buisine Marie‐Pierre
Published: December 2022

Only a few patients with germline AXIN2 variants and colorectal adenomatous polyposis or cancer have been described, raising questions about the actual contribution of this gene to colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility. To assess the clinical relevance for AXIN2 testing in patients suspected of genetic predisposition to CRC, we collected clinical and molecular data from the French Oncogenetics laboratories analyzing AXIN2 in this context. Between 2004 and June 2020, 10 different pathogenic/likely pathogenic AXIN2 variants were identified in 11 unrelated individuals. Eight variants were from a consecutive series of 3322 patients, which represents a frequency of 0.24%. However, loss‐of‐function AXIN2 variants were strongly associated with genetic predisposition to CRC as compared with controls (odds ratio: 11.89, 95% confidence interval: 5.103–28.93). Most of the variants were predicted to produce an AXIN2 protein devoid of the SMAD3‐binding and DIX domains, but preserving the β‐catenin‐binding domain. Ninety‐one percent of the AXIN2 variant carriers who underwent colonoscopy had adenomatous polyposis. Forty percent of the variant carriers developed colorectal or/and other digestive cancer. Multiple tooth agenesis was present in at least 60% of them. Our report provides further evidence for a role of AXIN2 in CRC susceptibility, arguing for AXIN2 testing in patients with colorectal adenomatous polyposis or cancer.
Development of Songliao Basin by Palaeo‐Pacific slab rollback: Evidence from Early Cretaceous rhyolites in SK2 Borehole, NE China
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Huang Feng , Xu Jifeng , Liu Xijun , Zhang Liying , Zhang Man , Yang Xuli , Zeng Yunchuan , Liu Qian
Published: December 2022

As the largest petroliferous basin in northeast (NE) China, Songliao Basin preserves continuous Cretaceous sedimentary‐volcanic records, providing an excellent opportunity to recover the palaeo‐environment. The Yingcheng Formation in the Songliao Basin contains ample gas reservoirs that attract widespread attention. Whereas the timing, petrogenesis and geodynamic mechanism of the volcanic rocks in the Yingcheng Formation are still controversial, which largely constrain our understanding of the formation and evolution of the Songliao Basin. Here, we present an integrated investigation of zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope, as well as whole‐rock elements and Sr‐Nd isotopes data for a suite of rhyolites of Yingcheng Formation from the SK2 Borehole of NE China. Zircon U–Pb age dating results of nine samples have yielded a concentrated age of ~110 Ma. These Yingcheng rhyolites are characterized by high SiO2 (66–78 wt%) and alkali (Na2O + K2O = 7.80–11.70 wt%) content, high 10000*Ga/Al (1.26–3.82, mostly >2.6) and FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) ratios (0.81–0.95), which show geochemical affinities with A‐type rhyolites. They have relatively low Y/Nb (0.69–1.78, average 1.19) and Rb/Nb (1.58–6.52, average 4.34) ratios, suggesting that the Yingcheng volcanic samples belong to A1‐type rhyolites which formed in an intraplate environment. These Yingcheng rhyolites show depleted Nd‐Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = 2.43–4.87 and zircon εHf(t) = 4.22–9.88) comparable with the Early Cretaceous A‐type and I‐type rhyolites in the Songliao Basin, suggesting that they were originated from a juvenile continental crust. They were most likely derived from the partial melting of anhydrous lower crust instead of differentiation of mantle‐derived or mixing with alkaline basaltic magma, due to their low Mg# and absence of the coeval mafic rocks. Combined with the previous studies, A‐type rhyolites in the Yingcheng Formation erupted lasting at least 10 Myr and were widely distributed in the rifts of the Songliao Basin. We propose that the Yingcheng rhyolites were most likely generated from the rollback of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate in the Early Cretaceous, thus highlighting the significance of the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate during the secular evolution of the Songliao Basin.
Effect of arc‐shaped vertical control plate on heat and mass transfer in uniform flow past an isothermally heated circular cylinder
Authors: Ray Rajendra K. , Haty Amarjit
Published: December 2022

The current work investigates the effect of an arc‐shaped vertical control plate on the heat and mass transfer in uniform flow past an isothermally heated circular cylinder. The control plate is positioned downstream at various distances from the circular cylinder's surface. The governing equations are discretized by the higher order compact (HOC) finite difference scheme, and then this system of discretized equations is solved by using a bi‐conjugate gradient stabilized iterative method for Prandtl number , Reynolds number . To investigate the effect of an arc‐shaped control plate on heat and mass transfer, we consider a range of nondimensional distances between the circular cylinder and the control plate, , where is the control plate's distance and is the cylinder's radius. The exact timing and location of the bifurcation points are calculated by using topological aspect‐based structural bifurcation analysis. Significant effects of various locations of the control plate on periodic wake and heat transfer are observed. It is found that the increasing distance of the control plate from the cylinder delays the occurrence of the structural bifurcation and shifts the bifurcation points upwards in the upper half and downwards in the lower half of the cylinder. Our study shows that the specific location of the control plate can fully suppress the vortex shedding. Time‐averaged total Nusselt number can be drastically reduced by increasing the distance between the control plate and the cylinder. With proper positioning, the vertical control plate can lessen the time‐averaged drag force by up to when compared to a cylinder without a control plate. Overall, this work presents many new phenomena that have not been reported before.
Sample size determination: A practical guide for health researchers
Authors: Althubaiti Alaa
Published: December 2022

Although sample size calculations play an essential role in health research, published research often fails to report sample size selection. This study aims to explain the importance of sample size calculation and to provide considerations for determining sample size in a simplified manner. Approaches to sample size calculation according to study design are presented with examples in health research. For sample size estimation, researchers need to (1) provide information regarding the statistical analysis to be applied, (2) determine acceptable precision levels, (3) decide on study power, (4) specify the confidence level, and (5) determine the magnitude of practical significance differences (effect size). Most importantly, research team members need to engage in an open and realistic dialog on the appropriateness of the calculated sample size for the research question(s), available data records, research timeline, and cost. This study aims to further inform researchers and health practitioners interested in quantitative research, so as to improve their knowledge of sample size calculation.
Multimodal Ultrasonography Features of Breast Lymphomas
Authors: Wang Xiuhua , Liu Cong , Shang Gongqun , Xiong Jiajia , Zhou Hui , Tang Wenjuan , Qin Xiaojuan
Published: December 2022

To investigate the multimodal ultrasonography (US) features of breast lymphomas (BLs). Multimodal ultrasonography was performed on three patients who had been diagnosed BLs by pathology in our hospital. Two cases of primary BLs appeared hyper hyperechoic and hypoechoic, and one case of second BL appeared isoechoic and hypoechoic. Elastography of two lesions was soft elasticity and the elasticity score was 2 points. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) revealed rapid uniform high enhancement with clearly defined after injection. There are some common features in ultrasound. Combined with those features can help to improve the sonographer's understanding and diagnosis of the BLs.
Quantitative Analysis of Ultrasonography for de Quervain's Disease: Comparison of the Affected Side With the Asymptomatic Side
Authors: Morisaki Shinsuke , Tsuchida Shinji , Oda Ryo , Takahashi Kenji
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The pathology of de Quervain's disease affects the tenosynovium and rarely the tendons. The ultrasonographic features of de Quervain's disease unresponsive to conservative treatment are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the morphological differences between patients with de Quervain's disease that is refractory to conservative treatment and patients who respond to conservative treatment.

Methods

de Quervain's disease unresponsive to conservative treatment was evaluated in 51 patients. The bilateral wrists underwent preoperative ultrasonographic assessments. The asymptomatic side was presumed to be the patient's anatomical baseline and was used for comparison. We measured the diameter and cross‐sectional area of the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), and the thickness of the tendon sheath and the intercompartmental septum, if present. The affected side and asymptomatic side were compared.

Results

The APL and EPB cross‐sectional area was significantly larger on the affected side than on the asymptomatic side (APL: 13 mm2 versus 8.3 mm2; P < .0001; EPB: 5.4 mm2 versus 3.9 mm2; P = .031). The tendon sheath was significantly thicker on the affected side (1.5 mm) than on the asymptomatic side (0.95 mm) (P < .0001). The intercompartmental septum was significantly thicker on the affected side (1.1 mm) than on the asymptomatic side (0.72 mm) (P = .0004). Operative findings revealed 41 (80%) patients had an intercompartmental septum.

Conclusions

The ultrasonographic features of de Quervain's disease requiring surgical treatment were a significantly thickened tendon sheath, an intercompartmental septum, and increased cross‐sectional area of the APL and EPB.
Effect of cropland withdrawal on soil organic carbon in China, 1990–2018
Authors: Yan Ziyan , Tan Minghong
Published: December 2022

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the most important soil attributes responsible for the sustainable maintenance of soil quality. In recent years, cropland withdrawal (CWD) (i.e., conversion into natural landscapes) in China has become a remarkable phenomenon of land use changes, driven by the spontaneous cropland abandonment by rural households and government‐led conversion of cropland to forest and grassland. The CWD may affect SOC content and storage in China. Therefore, this study estimated the variation in SOC caused by CWD between 1990 and 2018 based on the grid data of land use and soil organic matter (SOM). The results showed that CWD had a significant effect on SOC. (1) From 1990 to 2018, the total area of CWD was about 358 × 103 km2, an area that represented about 20% of the total area of cropland in China in 1990. In addition, within the total area of CWD, the proportions represented by the conversion of cropland to forest and grassland were the highest, reaching 58% and 39%, respectively. The former was mainly distributed in the southern part of China, especially in the southwestern mountainous area. The latter was largely concentrated in the northern part of China, especially in the Loess Plateau; (2) From 1990 to 2018, the average SOC content of CWD increased by about 10%, representing an increase of 193 Tg in soil organic carbon storage (SOCS). This is equivalent to six times the carbon emissions from agricultural land in China in 2019; (3) Among eight agricultural regions in China, the middle‐lower Yangtze Plain had the largest area of CWD, which accounted for 19.9% of the total CWD of the whole country.
2023 business strategy trends for nonprofits
Authors: Jolley Nicole M.
Published: December 2022

Nonprofits depend on donations from individuals and households, which means when the economy is bad, they suffer along with those individuals and households. With a recession looming in early 2023, nonprofits are understandably concerned about how to stay afloat. Historically, government grants have tended to be lower during periods of slower economic growth.
Preparation and properties of poly(lactic acid)/g‐titanium dioxide electrospinning membranes based on thiol‐ene click chemistry
Authors: Shao Tengfei , Zhen Weijun , Chen Junwu
Published: December 2022

The g‐titania functional additives were prepared via thiol‐ene click chemical reaction, and then the polylactic acid/g‐titania nanofiber membrane was prepared via electrospinning technology. Characterization via scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption showed that the average fiber diameter of the TP4 fiber membrane was 489 nm, the specific surface area was 34.69 m2·g−1, and the average pore size was 22.31 nm. The adsorption mechanism, photocatalytic degradation performance, and reusability of polylactic acid/g‐titania nanofibrous membranes were characterized. The results showed that the adsorption of methylene blue by TP4 nanofiber membrane followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, which could be represented by the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 35.44 mg·g−1. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by TP4 nanofiber membrane followed a first‐order kinetic model and exhibited high reusability. Therefore, polylactic acid/g‐titania nanofiber membrane, as an efficient dye removal material, shows a good application prospect in wastewater treatment.
Incorporating historical information to improve dose optimization design with toxicity and efficacy endpoints: iBOIN‐ET
Authors: Zhao Yunqi , Liu Rachael , Takeda Kentaro
Published: December 2022

In modern oncology drug development, adaptive designs have been proposed to identify the recommended phase 2 dose. The conventional dose finding designs focus on the identification of maximum tolerated dose (MTD). However, designs ignoring efficacy could put patients under risk by pushing to the MTD. Especially in immuno‐oncology and cell therapy, the complex dose‐toxicity and dose‐efficacy relationships make such MTD driven designs more questionable. Additionally, it is not uncommon to have data available from other studies that target on similar mechanism of action and patient population. Due to the high variability from phase I trial, it is beneficial to borrow historical study information into the design when available. This will help to increase the model efficiency and accuracy and provide dose specific recommendation rules to avoid toxic dose level and increase the chance of patient allocation at potential efficacious dose levels. In this paper, we propose iBOIN‐ET design that uses prior distribution extracted from historical studies to minimize the probability of decision error. The proposed design utilizes the concept of skeleton from both toxicity and efficacy data, coupled with prior effective sample size to control the amount of historical information to be incorporated. Extensive simulation studies across a variety of realistic settings are reported including a comparison of iBOIN‐ET design to other model based and assisted approaches. The proposed novel design demonstrates the superior performances in percentage of selecting the correct optimal dose (OD), average number of patients allocated to the correct OD, and overdosing control during dose escalation process.
YOLOv4‐tiny‐based robust RGB‐D SLAM approach with point and surface feature fusion in complex indoor environments
Authors: Chang Zhanyuan , Wu Honglin , Li Chuanjiang
Published: December 2022

Algorithm frameworks based on feature point matching are mature and widely used in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). However, in the complex and changeable indoor environment, feature point matching‐based SLAM currently has two major problems, namely, decreased accuracy of pose estimation due to the interference caused by dynamic objects to the SLAM system and tracking loss caused by the lack of feature points in weak texture scenes. To address these problems, herein, we present a robust and real‐time RGB‐D SLAM algorithm that is based on ORBSLAM3. For interference caused by indoor moving objects, we add the improved lightweight object detection network YOLOv4‐tiny to detect dynamic regions, and the dynamic features in the dynamic area are then eliminated in the algorithm tracking stage. In the case of indoor weak texture scenes, while extracting point features the system extracts surface features at the same time. The framework fuses point and surface features to track camera pose. Experiments on the public TUM RGB‐D data sets show that compared with the ORB‐SLAM3 algorithm in highly dynamic scenes, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the absolute path error of the proposed algorithm improved by an average of 94.08%. Camera pose is tracked without loss over time. The algorithm takes an average of 34 ms to track each frame of the picture just with a CPU, which is suitably real‐time and practical. The proposed algorithm is compared with other similar algorithms, and it exhibits excellent real‐time performance and accuracy. We also used a Kinect camera to evaluate our algorithm in complex indoor environment, and also showed high robustness and real‐time. To sum up, our algorithm can not only deal with the interference caused by dynamic objects to the system but also stably run in the open indoor weak texture scene.
Silver Nanoparticles, Synthesized using Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit and their Antifungal Activity against Candida spp.
Authors: Malathi Selvaraj , Manikandan Dhayalan , Nishanthi Ramasami , Jagan Enthai Ganeshan , Riyaz Savaas Umar Mohammed , Palani Perumal , Simal‐Gandara Jesus
Published: December 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), due to their interesting properties and many potential applications have attracted enormous interests in recent years. An attempt has been made in this present study to synthesize AgNPs through biological reduction of silver nitrate, with leaf extract of Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit serving as a reducing agent. AgNPs formed were characterized with spectral (UV‐Vis, XRD, FTIR) and electron microscopic investigations. Dispersed spherical nanosilver particles in the range of 2 nm–85 nm were observed through microscopic analysis and the crystalline nature was evidenced through XRD analyses. Anticandidal activity of biosynthesised AgNPs was evaluated against two Candida albicans strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for AgNPs against the two clinical strains were 0.27±0.03 μg/ml and 0.97±0.13 μg/ml. AgNPs were found to be more effective than the amphotericin‐B used as control against the strains of the test pathogens. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses of the Candida cells treated with AgNPs shows change in the surface morphology, suggesting cell wall disruption to be a potential mode of anticandidal activity. Based on our observations, AgNPs synthesized with leaf extract of Hyptis suaveolens could be potentially used in combating candidal infections.
Effects of Electron‐Withdrawing and ‐Donating Substituents in N‐Donor Scorpionate Ligands and the Metal 5 f/4 f Orbitals on Am(III)/Eu(III) Complexation and Separation
Authors: Wu Shouqiang , Zhang Yiying , Li An Yong
Published: December 2022

The separation of trivalent lanthanides and actinides remains a challenge in the processing of nuclear waste because of their chemical similarities. Revealing the bonding nature of the lanthanide/ actinide ions with ligands in the complexes is essential for designing robust ligands for lanthanides/ actinides separation. In this work, the bonding and separation properties of the scorpion‐type ligands (tri(1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)methane) with Am(III)/Eu(III) were studied using a relativistic density functional method. To study the substituent effect the electron‐withdrawing (−Br and −CF3) and electron‐donating (−CH3 and −OCH3) substituents are introduced into the pyrazole ring to regulate the electron density of the coordinating N atom. The NBO, AIM and thermodynamic analyses show that Am(III) formed stronger bonds with the ligands than Eu(III), and the difference between Am(III) and Eu(III) was mainly due to the stronger bonding ability of Am 5 f orbitals than Eu 4 f orbitals. Analysis of the properties of the ligand and the metal‐N bond in the complex shows that the electron‐donating substituents increase the electron density on the donor N atom and thus make the formed metal‐N bond shorter and stronger, while the electron‐withdrawing substituents have the opposite effect. Thermodynamic analysis showed that these ligands had good separation effect for Am and Eu.
Synthesis and Biological Activities Assessment of 4‐, 6‐, and 9‐Phenylphenalenone Derivatives
Authors: Song Xun , Ku Chuen‐Fai , Si Tong‐Xu , Jaiswal Yogini S. , Williams Leonard L. , Lu De‐Yu , Huang Jia‐Jun , He Zhen‐Dan , Wang Ming‐Zhong
Published: December 2022

By means of a facile method, sixty analogs of 4‐, 6‐, and 9‐phenylphenalenone were synthesized, of which forty‐nine compounds are novel. These synthesized compounds were first evaluated for their biological activities against phytopathogenic fungi(Alternaria solani,Cercospora arachidicola,Fusarium omysporum,Gibberella zeae, andPhysalospora piricola), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), as well as human cancer cells (p53‐wild‐type HCT‐116 colon cancer cells, p53‐mutated HT‐29 colon cancer cells, PANC‐1 pancreatic cancer cells, and PC‐3 prostate cancer cells) systematically.9 owas sufficiently effective against all the tested phytofungal strains and is worth further structural optimization for developing into a more potent fungicidal agent. Some effects of6 oand9 d(inactivation, curing, or protection) against TMV infection were more efficient than the commercial antiviral agents ribavirin and ningnanmycin. These could be selected as potential antiviral lead compounds. With regards to cytotoxicity, the cytotoxic compounds6 p(IC501.6 μM in HCT‐116 cells) and9 c(IC502.6 μM in PC‐3 cells) are worth further structural modification to achieve a higher antitumor potency.
Comprehensive Model for Charge Carrier Recombination in Czochralski‐Grown Silicon Due to Oxygen Precipitation in Industrial Solar Cell Manufacturing
Authors: Maus Stephan , Mack Sebastian , Schön Jonas , Meßmer Marius , Wolf Andreas , Paul Oliver
Published: December 2022

Oxygen precipitates are among the most detrimental oxygen‐related silicon bulk defects formed during solar cell manufacturing. These defects are formed only during high‐temperature processes, impeding an identification of prone materials during incoming inspection. Moreover, the prediction of oxygen‐precipitate‐related bulk charge carrier recombination currently requires advanced numerical simulation. This work presents an easily implementable model to predict the bulk carrier lifetime limit, using the temperature–time profile of a high‐temperature process as well as the material properties as the input data. In addition to published analytical descriptions of oxygen precipitation, an empirical description of the retarded growth of small precipitates is included. Furthermore, the time‐lag in nucleation is explicitly considered, which is, to our knowledge, not implemented in oxygen precipitation modeling so far. The calibration of the two free parameters of the model is achieved using the experimental data of 19 different thermal process combinations performed using a single material. This results in a good agreement not only for the material used for calibration but also for other silicon materials. A validation based on passivated emitter and rear cells as well as on test structures confirms the ability of the model to predict bulk carrier lifetimes after solar cell processing.
Post‐Annealing Treatment on Hydrothermally Grown Antimony Sulfoselenide Thin Films for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Rijal Suman , Adhikari Alisha , Awni Rasha A. , Xiao Chuanxiao , Li Deng-Bing , Dokken Briana , Ellingson Anna , Flores Ernesto , Bista Sandip S. , Pokhrel Dipendra , Neupane Sabin , Irving Richard E. , Phillips Adam B. , Jungjohann Katherine , Jiang Chun-Sheng , Al-Jassim Mowafak , Ellingson Randy J. , Song Zhaoning , Yan Yanfa
Published: December 2022

Herein, antimony sulfoselenide (Sb2(S, Se)3) thin‐film solar cells are fabricated by a hydrothermal method followed by a post‐deposition annealing process at different temperatures and the impact of the annealing temperature on the morphological, structural, optoelectronic, and defect properties of the hydrothermally grown Sb2(S, Se)3 films is investigated. It is found that a proper annealing temperature leads to high‐quality Sb2(S, Se)3 films with large crystal grains, high crystallinity, preferred crystal orientation, smooth and uniform morphology, and reduced defect density. These results show that suppressing deep‐level defects is crucial to enhance solar cell performance. After optimizing the annealing process, Sb2(S, Se)3 solar cells with an improved power conversion efficiency 2.04 to 8.48% are obtained.
Simulating the influences of bat curtailment on power production at wind energy facilities
Authors: Hayes Mark A. , Lindsay Stephen R. , Solick Donald I. , Newman Christian M.
Published: December 2022

The development and expansion of wind energy is considered a key threat to bat populations in North America and globally. Several approaches to mitigating the impacts of wind energy development on bat populations have been developed, including curtailing wind turbine operation at night during lower wind speeds when bats are thought to be more active. Blanket curtailment approaches have shown substantial promise in reducing bat fatalities at wind energy facilities, but they also reduce the amount of energy extracted from the wind by turbines. A related approach, referred to as smart curtailment, uses bat activity and other variables to predict when bats will be at the greatest risk at a given wind facility. In some contexts, a smart curtailment approach might reduce bat fatalities while also reducing energy loss relative to blanket curtailment. However, it has not been clear how to compare blanket curtailment and smart curtailment approaches in terms of annual energy production at wind facilities. Here, we describe a new approach to simulating the influence of blanket and smart curtailment approaches on energy production at wind energy facilities, and demonstrate the approach using 6 wind energy development areas in the Canadian province of Alberta. We show how stakeholders involved can explore the potential influences of various kinds of bat activity on energy production. We present the results of our Alberta analysis and conclude with some caveats and recommendations for future work on simulating the influences of bat curtailment on energy production at wind energy facilities.
Linoleic acid functions as a quorum‐sensing molecule in Monascus purpureus–Saccharomyces cerevisiae co‐culture
Authors: Shi Ruoyu , Gong Pengfei , Liu Yutong , Luo Qiaoqiao , Chen Wei , Wang Chengtao
Published: December 2022

When Monascus purpureus was co‐cultured with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we noted significant changes in the secondary metabolism and morphological development of Monascus. In yeast co‐culture, although the pH was not different from that of a control, the Monascus mycelial biomass increased during fermentation, and the Monacolin K yield was significantly enhanced (up to 58.87% higher). However, pigment production did not increase. Co‐culture with S. cerevisiae significantly increased the expression levels of genes related to Monacolin K production (mokA–mokI), especially mokE, mokF, and mokG. Linoleic acid, that has been implicated in playing a regulating role in the secondary metabolism and morphology of Monascus, was hypothesized to be the effector. Linoleic acid was detected in the co‐culture, and its levels changed during fermentation. Addition of linoleic acid increased Monacolin K production and caused similar morphological changes in Monascus spores and mycelia. Exogenous linoleic acid also significantly upregulated the transcription levels of all nine genes involved in the biosynthesis of Monacolin K (up to 69.50% higher), consistent with the enhanced Monacolin K yield. Taken together, our results showed the effect of S. cerevisiae co‐culture on M. purpureus and suggested linoleic acid as a specific quorum‐sensing molecule in Saccharomyces–Monascus co‐culture.
Insights into an Action-Oriented Training Program to Promote Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Authors: Bohlayer Carina
Published: December 2022

Recent research has highlighted the ability of entrepreneurs to create sustainable impact and bring about the change required for solving today’s social and environmental challenges. It has also been pointed out that existing entrepreneurship training programs need to be transformed to effectively promote individuals in tackling these challenges and contributing to sustainable development. To address this matter, I developed a training course on sustainable entrepreneurship that builds on an action-oriented entrepreneurship training program (Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP)), which has been shown to increase short- and long-term entrepreneurial actions among students in various contexts. I integrated sustainability as a crosscutting theme into the training program to empower individuals to identify sustainable business opportunities and manage the increasing complexity of sustainable ventures. Pilot studies in Uganda and South Africa show promising results, indicating that STEP Sustainability (STEP S) can increase students’ sustainability-oriented and entrepreneurial mindsets.
Transdisciplinary Learning Experiences in an Urban Living Lab: Practical Seminars as Collaboration Format
Authors: Unger Alexandra , Alcorta de Bronstein Antonieta , Timoschenko Tatjana
Published: December 2022

Transdisciplinary research projects offer practical learning environments and great opportunities for students and project partners to collaborate. This chapter presents two examples of practical seminars that provide open spaces for collaboration within the ENaQ Project in the Helleheide Urban Living Lab in Oldenburg, Germany. In these seminars, students worked directly with the project partners finding answers to actual research questions from within the project. Based on the reflections from all stakeholders and the takeaways from the seminars’ format, the authors introduce an iterative collaboration process. Transdisciplinary research projects can use it to develop the theory-practice interactions further and create a win-win collaboration in a long-term profit for all parties.
Prediction of distal tibial articular extension in tibial shaft fractures: both posterior malleolar fracture and non posterior malleolar fracture intra-articular extension
Authors: Myatt Darren , Stringer Howard , Chapman James , Fischer Ben , Mason Lyndon
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple authors have highlighted the increased incidence of occult posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs) with spiral tibial shaft fractures, although other reported associated risks of intra-articular extension have been limited. The aim of our study is to investigate both PMFs and non-PMFs intra-articular extensions associated with tibial diaphyseal fractures to try to determine any predictive factors.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. The inclusion criteria for this study were any patient who had sustained a diaphyseal tibial fracture, who had undergone surgery during the study period and who had also undergone a CT scan in addition to plain radiographs. The study time period for this study was between 01/01/2013 and 9/11/2021.

Results

Out of 764 diaphyseal fractures identified, 442 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 107 patients had PMF extensions (24.21%), and a further 128 patients (28.96%) had intra-articular extensions that were not PMF’s. On multivariate analysis, spiral tibial fracture subtypes of the AO/OTA classification (OR 4.18, p < 0.001) and medial direction of tibial spiral from proximal to distal (OR 4.38, p < 0.001) were both significantly associated with PMF. Regarding intra-articular fractures, multivariate analysis showed significant associations with non-spiral (OR 4.83, p < 0.001) and distal (OR 15.32, p < 0.001) tibial fractures and fibular fractures that were oblique (OR 2.01, p = 0.019) and at the same level as tibia fracture (OR 1.83, p = 0.045) or no fracture of the fibular (OR 7.02, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In our study, distal tibial articular extension occurs in almost half of tibial shaft fractures. There are very few fracture patterns that are not associated with some type of intra-articular extension, and therefore, a low threshold for preoperative CT should be maintained.

Level of evidence

4.
From Quantum Curves to Topological String Partition Functions
Authors: Coman Ioana , Pomoni Elli , Teschner Jörg
Published: December 2022

This paper describes the reconstruction of the topological string partition function for certain local Calabi–Yau (CY) manifolds from the quantum curve, an ordinary differential equation obtained by quantising their defining equations. Quantum curves are characterised as solutions to a Riemann–Hilbert problem. The isomonodromic tau-functions associated to these Riemann–Hilbert problems admit a family of natural normalisations labelled by the chambers in the extended Kähler moduli space of the local CY under consideration. The corresponding isomonodromic tau-functions admit a series expansion of generalised theta series type from which one can extract the topological string partition functions for each chamber.
Early and Late Postoperative Tachyarrhythmias in Children and Young Adults Undergoing Congenital Heart Disease Surgery
Authors: Joye Raphael , Beghetti Maurice , Wacker Julie , Malaspinas Iliona , Bouhabib Maya , Polito Angelo , Bordessoule Alice , Shah Dipen C
Published: December 2022

The population of patients with congenital heart disease is constantly growing with an increasing number of individuals reaching adulthood. A significant proportion of these children and young adults will suffer from tachyarrhythmias due to the abnormal anatomy, the hemodynamic burden, or as a sequela of surgical treatment. Depending on the underlying mechanism, arrhythmias may arise in the early postoperative period (hours to days after surgery) or in the late postoperative period (usually years after surgery). A good understanding of the electrophysiological characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms is therefore crucial to guide the therapeutic approach. Here, we synthesize the current state of knowledge on epidemiological features, risk factors, pathophysiological insights, electrophysiological features, and therapy regarding tachyarrhythmias in children and young adults undergoing reparative surgery for congenital heart disease. The evolution and latest data on treatment options, including pharmacological therapy, ablation procedures, device therapy decision, and thromboprophylaxis, are summarized. Finally, throughout this comprehensive review, knowledge gaps and areas for future research are also identified.
Spontaneous healing of acute ACL ruptures: rate, prognostic factors and short-term outcome
Authors: Blanke F. , Trinnes K. , Oehler N. , Prall W. C. , Lutter C. , Tischer T. , Vogt S.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is considered the first line treatment in ACL rupture. However, some patients return to high intensity sport activities and show a normal knee function without ACL reconstruction. Therefore, aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and prognostic factors of spontaneous healing in patients with ACL rupture and the short-term functional outcome.

Methods

The rate, prognostic factors and short-term functional results of spontaneous healing in patients with ACL rupture were evaluated in 381 patients. Morphology of ACL rupture and extent of posterior tibial slope (PTS) were classified by MR- and x-ray imaging. In patients with normal knee stability in anesthesia examination and healed ACL during the arthroscopy 6 weeks after trauma ACL reconstruction was canceled. IKDC -, Tegner Activity Score, KT 1000 testing and radiological characteristics were collected 12 months postoperatively in these patients.

Results

14.17% of the patients with ACL rupture showed a spontaneous healing after 6 weeks. Femoral ACL-rupture (p < 0.02) with integrity of ligament stump > 50% (p < 0.001), without bundle separation (p < 0.001) and decreased PTS (p < 0.001) was found significantly more often in patients with a spontaneous healed ACL. The average IKDC score was high at 84,63 in patients with healed ACL at 1 year follow-up, but KT 1000 testing was inferior compared to non-injured side.

Conclusion

Spontaneous healing of a ruptured ACL happened in 14% of the patients. Especially in low-demand patients with femoral single bundle lesions without increased posterior tibial slope delayed ACL surgery should be considered to await the possibility for potential spontaneous ACL healing.
Method Development, Optimization, and Validation of the Separation of Ketamine Enantiomers by Capillary Electrophoresis Using Design of Experiments
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: December 2022

Capillary electrophoresis was chosen as cost-effective and robust method to separate ketamine enantiomers. For the method development, first different native and modified cyclodextrins were tested. The most promising chiral selector was α-cyclodextrin. A design of experiments (DoE) was carried out, which started with the screening of relevant factors. Based on these results, the method was optimized according to the significant factors (buffer, cyclodextrin concentration, pH value, voltage, temperature) of the screening based on the response resolution and migration time of the later migrating enantiomer. The optimized conditions consisted of a background electrolyte with 275 mM TRIS, adjusted with 85% phosphoric acid to a pH of 2.50, and 50 mM α-cyclodextrin, at a temperature of 15 °C, an applied voltage of 30 kV and an injection pressure of 1.0 psi for 10 s. A fused-silica capillary with a total length of 70 cm and an effective length to the detector of 60 cm was used. The method was validated according to ICH guideline Q2 R(1). The limit of quantification was 3.51 µg mL−1 for S-ketamine and 3.98 µg mL−1 for R-ketamine. The method showed good linearity for racemic ketamine with R2 of 0.9995 for S-ketamine and 0.9994 for R-ketamine. The lowest quantifiable content of S-ketamine found in R-ketamine was 0.45%.
Identifying leverage points in climate change migration systems through expert mental models
Authors: Nabong Emily C. , Opdyke Aaron , Walters Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2022

As the impacts of climate change increase, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change advises that global migration will also increase. A deeper understanding of the factors and interactions that influence the migration decision-making of climate-affected populations is needed to more accurately predict migration estimates and adequately inform and prepare future receiving cities. In this study, we survey thirty-two experts in the field of climate migration to explore how demographic, economic, environmental, political, and social factors interact to lead to climate (im)mobility and how these interactions change within sea level rise, drought, flooding, and erosion contexts. We use system mapping and network analysis to determine which factors should be targeted as leverage points for policy makers and their resulting effects within each hazard context. Our findings identify physical infrastructure, social services, social capital, and political stability as places to intervene to increase resiliency in drought, flooding, and erosion climate migration systems. Using hazard context and community consultation, we recommend selecting target factors with direct relationships to other highly influential factors (livelihoods, food security, and financial capital) to elicit the most positive cascading effects through the whole system, leading to changes in migration. We also highlight the sea level rise climate migration system as highly complex in comparison to the other contexts examined and the need for multi-factored interventions in this context to create more resilient migration systems. Our findings contribute to the growing body of work which seeks to better understand the interactions between factors influencing climate migration.
Accuracy of best possible medication histories by pharmacy students: an observational study
Authors: Francis Martina , Deep Louise , Schneider Carl R. , Moles Rebekah J. , Patanwala Asad E. , Do Linda L. , Levy Russell , Soo Garry , Burke Rosemary , Penm Jonathan
Published: December 2022

Background

Medication reconciliation is an effective strategy to prevent medication errors upon hospital admission and requires obtaining a patient’s best possible mediation history (BPMH). However, obtaining a BPMH is time-consuming and pharmacy students may assist pharmacists in this task.

Aim

To evaluate the proportion of patients who have an accurate BPMH from the pharmacy student-obtained BPMH compared to the pharmacist-obtained BPMH.

Method

Twelve final-year pharmacy students were trained to obtain BPMHs upon admission at 2 tertiary hospitals and worked in pairs. Each student pair completed one 8-h shift each week for 8 weeks. Students obtained BPMHs for patients taking 5 or more medications. A pharmacist then independently obtained and checked the student BPMH from the same patient for accuracy. Deviations were determined between student-obtained and pharmacist-obtained BMPH. An accurate BPMH was defined as only having no-or-low risk medication deviations.

Results

The pharmacy students took BPMHs for 91 patients. Of these, 65 patients (71.4%) had an accurate BPMH. Of the 1170 medications included in patients’ BPMH, 1118 (95.6%) were deemed accurate. For the student-obtained BPMHs, they were more likely to be accurate for patients who were older (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03–1.06; p < 0.001), had fewer medications (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75–0.97; p = 0.02), and if students used two source types (administration and supplier) to obtain the BPMH (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.09–2.50; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

It is suitable for final-year pharmacy students to be incorporated into the BPMHs process and for their BPMHs to be verified for accuracy by a pharmacist.
Uranium in phosphate rocks and mineral fertilizers applied to agricultural soils in East Africa
Authors: Mwalongo Dennis A. , Haneklaus Nils H. , Lisuma Jacob B. , Kivevele Thomas T. , Mtei Kelvin M.
Published: December 2022

Phosphate rock, pre-concentrated phosphate ore, is the primary raw material for the production of mineral phosphate fertilizer. Phosphate rock is among the fifth most mined materials on earth, and it is also mined and processed to fertilizers in East Africa. Phosphate ore can contain relevant heavy metal impurities such as toxic cadmium and radiotoxic uranium. Prolonged use of phosphate rock powder as a fertilizer and application of mineral fertilizers derived from phosphate rock on agricultural soils can lead to an accumulation of heavy metals that can then pose an environmental risk. This work assesses the uranium concentrations in four major phosphate rocks originating from East Africa and four mineral phosphate fertilizers commonly used in the region. The concentration measurements were performed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that the uranium concentration in phosphate rock ranged from as low as 10.7 mg kg−1 (Mrima Hill deposit, Kenya) to as high as 631.6 mg kg−1 (Matongo deposit, Burundi), while the concentrations in phosphate fertilizers ranged from 107.9 for an imported fertilizer to 281.0 mg kg−1 for a local fertilizer produced from Minjingu phosphate rock in Tanzania. In this context, it is noteworthy that the naturally occurring concentration of uranium in the earth crust is between 1.4 and 2.7 mg kg−1 and uranium mines in Namibia commercially process ores with uranium concentrations as low as 100–400 mg kg−1. This study thus confirms that East African phosphate rock, and as a result the phosphate fertilizer produced from it can contain relatively high uranium concentrations. Options to recover this uranium are discussed, and it is recommended that public–private partnerships are established that could develop economically competitive technologies to recover uranium during phosphate rock processing at the deposits with the highest uranium concentrations.