bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ward nurses' experiences and perceptions of the critical care outreach service: A qualitative study undertaken in a large teaching hospital in the West of Ireland
Authors: Hession Caroline Anne , Meaney Teresa
Published: July 2021

Background

The critical care outreach service (CCOS) was established in a large teaching hospital in the West of Ireland in 2014 to provide an extension of CCOS between the intensive care unit (ICU) and the wards outside ICU. With the ever‐increasing pressure on ICU resources, CCOS seems to offer an additional service to patients who are critically ill and deteriorating in hospital wards.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore ward nurses' experiences and perceptions of the CCOS.

Study design

A qualitative descriptive methodology aimed to obtain a descriptive account of ward nurses' experiences of the CCOS. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews. Twelve nurses from the West of Ireland participated in the study. Braun and Clarke's six‐step thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Three core themes identified in this study included clinical support and decision‐making; sharing knowledge and skills, and communication. All 12 nurses identified the positive impacts that they felt the current outreach service provided to them on a daily basis.

Conclusions

Study findings indicate that nurses value the role of the CCOS in supporting the care of the critically ill and deteriorating patients at ward level. The CCOS has become invaluable to the ward nurses in their daily practice especially at a time when resources are lacking and patient acuity is on the rise.
DASH cryptochrome 1, a UV‐A receptor, balances the photosynthetic machinery of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Rredhi Anxhela , Petersen Jan , Schubert Melvin , Li Wei , Oldemeyer Sabine , Li Wenshuang , Westermann Martin , Wagner Volker , Kottke Tilman , Mittag Maria
Published: July 2021

Drosophila, Arabidopsis, Synechocystis, Homo (DASH) cryptochromes belong to the cryptochrome/photolyase family and can act as DNA repair enzymes. In bacteria and fungi, they also can play regulatory roles, but in plants their biological functions remain elusive. Here, we characterize CRY‐DASH1 from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

We perform biochemical and in vitro photochemical analysis. For functional characterization, a knock‐out mutant of cry‐dash1 is used.

CRY‐DASH1 protein is localized in the chloroplast and accumulates at midday. Although the photoautotrophic growth of the mutant is significantly reduced compared to the wild‐type (WT), the mutant has increased levels of photosynthetic pigments and a higher maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PS II). Hyper‐stacking of thylakoid membranes occurs together with an increase in proteins of the PS II reaction center, D1 and its antenna CP43, but not of their transcripts. CRY‐DASH1 binds fully reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide and the antenna 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolate, leading to an absorption peak in the UV‐A range. Supplementation of white light with UV‐A increases photoautotrophic growth of the WT but not of the cry‐dash1 mutant.

These results suggest a balancing function of CRY‐DASH1 in the photosynthetic machinery and point to its role as a photoreceptor for the UV‐A range separated from the absorption of photosynthetic pigments.
Impact of microclimatic conditions and resource availability on spring and autumn phenology of temperate tree seedlings
Authors: Vitasse Yann , Baumgarten Frederik , Zohner Constantin M. , Kaewthongrach Rungnapa , Fu Yongshuo H. , Walde Manuel G. , Moser Barbara
Published: July 2021

Microclimatic effects (light, temperature) are often neglected in phenological studies and little information is known about the impact of resource availability (nutrient and water) on tree’s phenological cycles.

Here we experimentally studied spring and autumn phenology in four temperate trees in response to changes in bud albedo (white‐painted vs black‐painted buds), light conditions (nonshaded vs c. 70% shaded), water availability (irrigated, control and reduced precipitation) and nutrients (low vs high availability).

We found that higher bud albedo or shade delayed budburst (up to +12 d), indicating that temperature is sensed locally within each bud. Leaf senescence was delayed by high nutrient availability (up to +7 d) and shade conditions (up to +39 d) in all species, except oak. Autumn phenological responses to summer droughts depended on species, with a delay for cherry (+7 d) and an advance for beech (−7 d).

The strong phenological effects of bud albedo and light exposure reveal an important role of microclimatic variation on phenology. In addition to the temperature and photoperiod effects, our results suggest a tight interplay between source and sink processes in regulating the end of the seasonal vegetation cycle, which can be largely influenced by resource availability (light, water and nutrients).
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the rights of the child in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Arisa , Hosozawa Mariko , Hasegawa Ayaka , Okubo Yusuke , Sampei Makiko , Sawada Naomi , Piedvache Aurelie , Morisaki Naho , Hangai Mayumi , Tanaka Kyoko , Yamaoka Yui
Published: July 2021

Background

Few studies have used direct reports by children to assess how the rights documented in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) have been affected during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

Data were obtained from the CORONA‐CODOMO Survey, a web‐based survey conducted from April to May 2020 in Japan, targeting children aged 7–17 and parents/guardians of children aged 0–17. We focused on self‐reports from children, including two open‐ended questions asking their needs and opinions. The results were analyzed according to the five categories of rights defined by the CRC: education, health, safety, play, and participation.

Results

Among the 2,591 children who participated in the survey, 1,292 children (49.9%) answered at least one of the two open‐ended questions. The most frequent concern was COVID‐19 infecting members of their families (78.2%), followed by the inability to see their friends (74.3%). There were 1,523 direct comments from children. The comments covered a wide range of the rights in the CRC, including reopening of schools, disparities in education, access to health information, alternatives for playing and seeing friends, and needs for participation and being heard. Few comments were related to safety whereas a certain proportion of children were victimized within households.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the rights outlined in the CRC have been restricted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Health and educational professionals working with children and policymakers should introduce the rights‐based approach to protect the best interests of children during and after the pandemic.
Time-Resolved Measurements of the Unsteady Boundary Layer in an Annular Low-Pressure Turbine Configuration With Perturbed Inlet
Authors: Sinkwitz Martin , Winhart Benjamin , Engelmann David , di Mare Francesca
Published: July 2021

In this study, the unsteady behavior of the boundary layers developing on a low-pressure turbine (LPT) stator profile and their effect on secondary flow patterns in a 1.5-stage turbine configuration are investigated under the influence of periodic inflow perturbations. The experimental setup previously employed to analyze the unsteady secondary flow in the stator wake has been enhanced by hot-film sensor arrays placed on the stator profiles at different blade height positions to provide time-resolved data from within the passage. The stator inflow is perturbed by a rotating wake generator, and a modified T106 profile has been considered for the blading. The modified profile, labeled as T106RUB, was developed for matching the transition and separation characteristics of the popular original T106 profile at low flow speeds, thus facilitating measurements to be taken in a large-scale test rig with its improved accessibility. The transition phenomena occurring in the profile boundary layers are investigated under both unperturbed and periodically perturbed inflow by means of spectral analysis, the semi-quantitative characterization of the wall-stress system, and an evaluation of the statistic quantities. In particular, the periodic changes of the suction-side boundary layer flow region toward the trailing edge are studied in detail. Furthermore, time-resolved hot-film measurements at different blade height positions facilitate a detailed comparison of the quasi two-dimensional mid-span profile flow and the near end-wall profile flow, which is subject to the influence of secondary flow structures. These information are employed to assess to which extent the additional turbulence originating from the wakes affects the blade boundary layers and thus the secondary flow structures. Furthermore, the role of the perturbation frequency on the coupled system of boundary layers and secondary flow structures is evaluated.
Phase shift approach for engineering desired radiation force: Acoustic pulling force example
Authors: Fan Xu-Dong , Zhang Likun
Published: July 2021

Phase shifts from scattering are used to analyze and engineer acoustic radiation forces. With the aid of phase shifts, analytical results for acoustic radiation forces can be simplified into compact and physically meaningful expressions, which can be used to develop a simplified procedure for the engineering of the radiation force. The desired radiation force can be fulfilled by a specific set of phase shifts up to a certain order, and then the required phase shifts can be fulfilled by engineering object and beam parameters. As an example, the phase shift approach is used to engineer the inner-to-outer radius ratio and the outer radius of a spherical shell to show how to use the phase shift method for the design of acoustic radiation forces. The example here is a force that is desired to pull particles against the propagation of a Bessel beam. A small paraxial parameter to pull a spherical shell is satisfied by in-phase scattering of monopole, dipole, quadrupole, octupole, and beyond. The example presented here is relatively simple yet reveals the advantages of the phase shift approach. The phase shift method can provide a simplified route for the design of acoustic tweezers using either traveling beams or standing waves.
tinselR—an R Shiny Application for Annotating Phylogenetic Trees
Authors: Hamlin Jennafer A. P. , Nakov Teofil , Williams-Newkirk Amanda
Published: July 2021

Public health laboratories obtain whole-genome sequences of pathogens to confirm outbreaks and identify transmission routes. Here, we present tinselR, an open-source and user-friendly application for visualization and annotation of relatedness among pathogens with phylogenetic trees. By combining annotation and phylogenetics, we simplify one critical step in the pathogen analysis workflow.
Molecular Characterization of Southern African Territories 2 (SAT2) Serotype of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus from Nigeria in 2017 to 2018
Authors: Fomenky Bridget , Hole Kate , Ularamu Hussaini , Wungak Yiltawe , Ehizibolo David , Nebroski Michelle , Kruczkiewicz Peter , Buchanan Cody , Lung Oliver , Nfon Charles
Published: July 2021

This report describes the nucleotide sequences of eight Southern African Territories 2 (SAT2) serotype foot-and-mouth disease virus strains from 2017 to 2018 outbreaks in cattle in Nigeria. These viruses belong to topotype VII of SAT2 and were closely related to previous isolates from Nigeria and other West African countries.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus succinus Strain GN1, Isolated from a Basement Floor in Milwaukee, WI
Authors: Nickolson Grant P. , Maghboli Balasjin Nasim , Marshall Christopher W.
Published: July 2021

A strain of
Staphylococcus succinus
was sampled from the floor of the basement of a house and isolated in an undergraduate classroom in Milwaukee, WI. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain.
COVID-19: Myths and Reality
Authors: Kordyukova Larisa V. , Shanko Andrey V.
Published: July 2021

COVID‑19, a new human respiratory disease that has killed nearly 3 million people in a year since the start of the pandemic, is a global public health challenge. Its infectious agent, SARS‑CoV‑2, differs from other coronaviruses in a number of structural features that make this virus more pathogenic and transmissible. In this review, we discuss some important characteristics of the main SARS‑CoV‑2 surface antigen, the spike (S) protein, such as (i) ability of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) to switch between the “standing-up” position (open pre-fusion conformation) for receptor binding and the “lying-down” position (closed pre-fusion conformation) for immune system evasion; (ii) advantage of a high binding affinity of the RBD open conformation to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for efficient cell entry; and (iii) S protein preliminary activation by the intracellular furin-like proteases for facilitation of the virus spreading across different cell types. We describe interactions between the S protein and cellular receptors, co-receptors, and antagonists, as well as a hypothetical mechanism of the homotrimeric spike structure destabilization that triggers the fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane at physiological pH and mediates the viral nucleocapsid entry into the cytoplasm. The transition of the S protein pre-fusion conformation to the post-fusion one on the surface of virions after their treatment with some reagents, such as β-propiolactone, is essential, especially in relation to the vaccine production. We also compare the COVID‑19 pathogenesis with that of severe outbreaks of “avian” influenza caused by the A/H5 and A/H7 highly pathogenic viruses and discuss the structural similarities between the SARS‑CoV‑2 S protein and hemagglutinins of those highly pathogenic strains. Finally, we touch on the prospective and currently used COVID‑19 antiviral and anti-pathogenetic therapeutics, as well as recently approved conventional and innovative COVID‑19 vaccines and their molecular and immunological features.
Requirement of interventional treatment in a patient being conservatively managed for persistent pneumothorax over a prolonged period
Authors: Brenac Sophia , Ahmad Nawaid
Published: July 2021

An 85-year-old ex-smoker being managed conservatively over 2 years for a small right apical pneumothorax presented to the respiratory clinic with suddenly worsening shortness of breath and chest pain. A chest radiograph demonstrated sudden deterioration in the size of his pneumothorax. Previous CT scans had found emphysematous cystic changes within the lungs, and his new presentation warranted definitive surgical intervention with a right bullectomy and talc pleurodesis through a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedure. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged from clinic a year later. This case demonstrates the importance of follow-up in patients with unresolved pneumothoraces due to the potential for sudden deterioration, and highlights the significance of respecting patient involvement and autonomy in the decision-making process.
Discrimination capability of pretest probability of stable coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis suggesting how to improve validation procedures
Authors: Mincarone Pierpaolo , Bodini Antonella , Tumolo Maria Rosaria , Vozzi Federico , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Pelosi Gualtiero , Caselli Chiara , Sabina Saverio , Leo Carlo Giacomo
Published: July 2021

Objective

Externally validated pretest probability models for risk stratification of subjects with chest pain and suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD), determined through invasive coronary angiography or coronary CT angiography, are analysed to characterise the best validation procedures in terms of discriminatory ability, predictive variables and method completeness.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Global Health (Ovid), Healthstar (Ovid) and MEDLINE (Ovid) searched on 22 April 2020.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies validating pretest models for the first-line assessment of patients with chest pain and suspected stable CAD. Reasons for exclusion: acute coronary syndrome, unstable chest pain, a history of myocardial infarction or previous revascularisation; models referring to diagnostic procedures different from the usual practices of the first-line assessment; univariable models; lack of quantitative discrimination capability.

Methods

Eligibility screening and review were performed independently by all the authors. Disagreements were resolved by consensus among all the authors. The quality assessment of studies conforms to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). A random effects meta-analysis of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values for each validated model was performed.

Results

27 studies were included for a total of 15 models. Besides age, sex and symptom typicality, other risk factors are smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. Only one model considers genetic profile. AUC values range from 0.51 to 0.81. Significant heterogeneity (p<0.003) was found in all but two cases (p>0.12). Values of I2>90% for most analyses and not significant meta-regression results undermined relevant interpretations. A detailed discussion of individual results was then carried out.

Conclusions

We recommend a clearer statement of endpoints, their consistent measurement both in the derivation and validation phases, more comprehensive validation analyses and the enhancement of threshold validations to assess the effects of pretest models on clinical management.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019139388.
Prevalence and distribution of HPV infection and subtypes in oral squamous cell carcinoma in Africa: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Holmes Haly Karen , Afrogeh Amir , Adeola Henry , Kimmie-Dhansay Faheema , Engel Mark E
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an established risk factor for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, regardless of a history of other known risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco. While cases of HPV-related oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) are increasing in the USA, Europe and South Central Asian countries, little is known about the impact of the disease on the African continent.

Methods and analysis

We describe a protocol for a systematic review to synthesise the best current evidence to assess the disease burden in Africa. Electronic databases including EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ACADEMIC SEARCH COMPLETE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, SciCENTRAL, Cochrane Library, International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) and WorldCAT will be comprehensively searched for studies reporting on the defined outcomes, in Africa, published from 1985 (when HPV was first reported) to the latest current entries, with no language restriction. Supplemental handsearching of grey literature, conference abstract proceedings, reference lists of included studies and citations in Google Scholar will be conducted. Authors will be contacted, where necessary, to assist with missing data. A customised data extraction form, with specified criteria, will be used for data extraction. Overall study quality assessment will be done using an appropriate risk of bias tool suited to the study design. Where available, qualitative data from studies reporting on the outcomes will be captured on the data extraction form. Using Stata software, we will apply the random-effects meta-analysis model to aggregate prevalence estimates with 95% CI, incorporating the Freeman-Tukey transformation to account for between-study variability. A narrative report of the findings will be presented where data are insufficient in terms of the outcome/s. Subgroup analysis will be done subject to sufficient available data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval or written consent is not required as the review will be conducted using published data. The findings will be distributed through a peer-review publication and conference presentation.
Quality management systems in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services: a review of the literature
Authors: Darr Jenifer Olive , Franklin Richard C , McBain-Rigg Kristin Emma , Larkins Sarah , Roe Yvette , Panaretto Kathryn , Saunders Vicki , Crowe Melissa
Published: July 2021

Background

A national accreditation policy for the Australian primary healthcare (PHC) system was initiated in 2008. While certification standards are mandatory, little is known about their effects on the efficiency and sustainability of organisations, particularly in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) sector.

Aim

The literature review aims to answer the following: to what extent does the implementation of the International Organisation for Standardization 9001:2008 quality management system (QMS) facilitate efficiency and sustainability in the ACCHS sector?

Methods

Thematic analysis of peer-reviewed and grey literature was undertaken from Australia and New Zealand PHC sector with a focus on First Nations people. The databases searched included Medline, Scopus and three Informit sites (AHB-ATSIS, AEI-ATSIS and AGIS-ATSIS). The initial search strategy included quality improvement, continuous quality improvement, efficiency and sustainability.

Results

Sixteen included studies were assessed for quality using the McMaster criteria. The studies were ranked against the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Three central themes emerged: accreditation (n=4), quality improvement (n=9) and systems strengthening (n=3). The accreditation theme included effects on health service expenditure and clinical outcomes, consistency and validity of accreditation standards and linkages to clinical governance frameworks. The quality improvement theme included audit effectiveness and value for specific population health. The theme of systems strengthening included prerequisite systems and embedded clinical governance measures for innovative models of care.

Conclusion

The ACCHS sector warrants reliable evidence to understand the value of QMSs and enhancement tools, particularly given ACCHS (client-centric) services and their specialist status. Limited evidence exists for the value of standards on health system sustainability and efficiency in Australia. Despite a mandatory second certification standard, no studies reported on sustainability and efficiency of a QMS in PHC.
COVIDTrach: a prospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheostomy in the UK
Authors:   COVIDTrach collaborative
Published: July 2021

Objectives

COVIDTrach is a UK multicentre prospective cohort study project that aims to evaluate the outcomes of tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 receiving mechanical ventilation and record the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers involved in the procedure.

Design

Data on patient demographic, clinical history and outcomes were entered prospectively and updated over time via an online database (REDCap). Clinical variables were compared with outcomes, with logistic regression used to develop a model for mortality. Participants recorded whether any operators tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 2 weeks of the procedure.

Setting

UK National Health Service departments involved in treating patients with COVID-19 receiving mechanical ventilation.

Participants

The cohort comprised 1605 tracheostomy cases from 126 UK hospitals collected between 6 April and 26 August 2020.

Main outcome measures

Mortality following tracheostomy, successful wean from mechanical ventilation and length of time from tracheostomy to wean, discharge from hospital, complications from tracheostomy, reported SARS-CoV-2 infection among operators.

Results

The median time from intubation to tracheostomy was 15 days (IQR 11, 21). 285 (18%) patients died following the procedure. 1229 (93%) of the survivors had been successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation at censoring and 1049 (81%) had been discharged from hospital. Age, inspired oxygen concentration, positive end-expiratory pressure setting, fever, number of days of ventilation before tracheostomy, C reactive protein and the use of anticoagulation and inotropic support independently predicted mortality. Six reports were received of operators testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 2 weeks of the procedure.

Conclusions

Tracheostomy appears to be safe in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 and to operators performing the procedure and we identified clinical parameters that are predictive of mortality.

Trial registration number

The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT04572438).
European Guideline on IgG4-related digestive disease: UEG and SGF evidence-based recommendations
Authors: On Wei , Huggett Matthew T
Published: July 2021

Immunoglobulin subclass 4 related disease (IgG4-RD) is an increasingly recognised autoimmune disease with the potential of affecting various organs. It has a predilection for certain anatomical hotspots and the pancreatobiliary tract is the the most common area involved. Due to the relative novelty of IgG4-RD, the understanding of the disease process continues to involve. Recent European guidelines on IgG4-RD have been published by a working group collaboration between the United European Gastroenterology and Swedish Society of Gastroenterology. In our commentary, we aim to extract the key practical points with an emphasis on diagnosis and management of IgG4-RD with specific focus on the pancreatobiliary tract.
Analysis of microRNA signatures in ischemic stroke thrombus
Authors: Kim Jeong-Min , Byun Jun-Soo , Kim Jiah , Park Moo-Seok , Hong Soon Auck , Nam Taek-Kyun , Choi Hyun Ho , Hong Sungguan , Han Su-Hyun , Jeong Hae-Bong , Park Kwang-Yeol , Kim Hye Ryoun
Published: July 2021

Background

We investigated the microRNA expression pattern from thrombus retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke patients to understand the stroke mechanism.

Methods

This study included acute ischemic stroke patients who had undergone intra-arterial thrombectomy at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea between February 2016 and March 2019. The thrombus was retrieved and stored at −70℃ after obtaining informed consent. MicroRNA microarray analysis was performed for the patients with identified stroke mechanisms including (1) large artery atherosclerosis, (2) cardioembolism with atrial fibrillation, and (3) cardioembolism with valvular heart disease. The microRNAs derived from microarray analysis were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) from different patient populations. The correlation analysis was performed between microRNA levels and laboratory data to understand the functional relevance of the altered microRNA.

Results

In total, 55 thrombi were obtained from 74 patients, and the microRNAs were analyzed in 45 samples. Microarray analysis of 2578 microRNAs revealed that 50 microRNAs were significantly altered among the three groups. Validation using qRT-PCR showed that miR-378f and miR-450b-5p were significantly elevated among the cardioembolic thrombi; both microRNAs were inversely correlated with the ejection fraction from echocardiography. Thrombi from patients with early neurological deterioration exhibited higher levels of miR-93-5p and lower levels of miR-629-5p than those from neurologically stable patients.

Conclusions

The microRNA expression pattern can provide information regarding the mechanism of stroke by reflecting the underlying pathological status of the organ from which the thrombus was derived.
Monteggia equivalent lesion in children: a narrative review
Authors: Xu Lujie , Ye Wensong , Li Haibing , Xu Jingfang , Zhu Weiwei , Zhen Zhefeng , Yang Yi
Published: July 2021

Background

Monteggia equivalent lesion represents a group of injury or combined injury patterns that resemble the Monteggia lesion in its presentations and mechanisms. Unlike Monteggia lesions, the equivalent ones, which share vague definitions and mostly occur as sporadic single case reports in the literature, have not been thoroughly reviewed since Bado first proposed the term, especially in the pediatric population. The objective of this review was to elucidate the definition by elaborating on its clinical styles and thus analyzing the mechanism, diagnosis, and management through related literature.

Data sources

Based on the terms of ‘Monteggia equivalent’, ‘radial neck fracture’ and ‘pediatric’, all of the related literature was searched on the PubMed and Google Scholar search engine.

Results

The advance of the definitions for pediatric Monteggia equivalent lesion (PMEL) was reviewed. The functional roles of the ulnar and the related mechanism theories in this injury were analyzed. The status of the radiocapitellar joint in this injury was emphasized. According to the previous statements, a new classification model was proposed and proper diagnosis and treatment approaches were suggested.

Conclusions

PMEL should be defined as an ulnar fracture at any level combined with a proximal radial fracture. According to the status of the radiocapitellar joint, it could be divided into three groups. The occult ulnar bowing and delayed radial head dislocation should be a serious concern of orthopedists. Surgical need is usually warranted. Maintaining the ulnar length and securing the radiocapitellar joint are highly recommended.
Uncovering the fragility of large-scale engineering projects
Authors: Santolini Marc , Ellinas Christos , Nicolaides Christos
Published: July 2021

Engineering projects are notoriously hard to complete on-time, with project delays often theorised to propagate across interdependent activities. Here, we use a novel dataset consisting of activity networks from 14 diverse, large-scale engineering projects to uncover network properties that impact timely project completion. We provide empirical evidence of perturbation cascades, where perturbations in the delivery of a single activity can impact the delivery of up to 4 activities downstream, leading to large perturbation cascades. We further show that perturbation clustering significantly affects project overall delays. Finally, we find that poorly performing projects have their highest perturbations in high reach nodes, which can lead to largest cascades, while well performing projects have perturbations in low reach nodes, resulting in localised cascades. Altogether, these findings pave the way for a network-science framework that can materially enhance the delivery of large-scale engineering projects.
Accelerating quantum computer developments
Authors: Alberts Garrelt J. N. , Rol M. Adriaan , Last Thorsten , Broer Benno W. , Bultink Cornelis C. , Rijlaarsdam Matthijs S. C. , Van Hauwermeiren Amber E.
Published: July 2021

Product development

Given the recent breakthroughs in quantum technology development in R& D labs all over the world, the perspective of high-tech companies has changed.Productdevelopment is initiated next to the existingresearchandtechnologydevelopment activities.

Quantum computer product roadmap

Considering the quantum computer as a product requires standardization and integration of all its building blocks and a mature supply chain that can provide high-quality components and can ensure security of supply. The product development approach puts focus on functionality and performance requirements of the product and uses state-of-the-art technology to build the product. Based on the expected requirements of future products it is possible to outline a product development roadmap.

It is expected that a fully functional quantum computer will be available within a decade from now, and will be used by the High Performance Computing (HPC) market, where it will replace (part of) the supercomputers that are currently used for complex calculations and data management. In the short term, a partly functional quantum computer will be available and of interest to the R&D market, which has a need for such a product to expedite their quantum technology developments.

ImpaQT project

In this paper, we present the product development approach and roadmap for quantum computers, based on superconducting circuits as an example. A group of companies in the Dutch quantum ecosystem (Quantum Delta) have joined forces and have started theImpaQTproject. The companies of the ImpaQT consortium form a local supply chain for key components of quantum computers.

This paper shows that quantum community has reached the next level of maturity and that the quantum computer as a commercial product looks set to become a reality.
Adaptive Diagnosis of Hamiltonian Networks under the Comparison Model
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Li Wenjun
Published: July 2021

Adaptive diagnosis is an approach in which tests can be scheduled dynamically during the diagnosis process based on the previous test outcomes. Naturally, reducing the number of test rounds as well as the total number of tests is a major goal of an efficient adaptive diagnosis algorithm. The adaptive diagnosis of multiprocessor systems under the PMC model has been widely investigated, while adaptive diagnosis using comparison model has been independently discussed only for three networks, including hypercube, torus, and completely connected networks. In addition, adaptive diagnosis of general Hamiltonian networks is more meaningful than that of special graph. In this paper, the problem of adaptive fault diagnosis in Hamiltonian networks under the comparison model is explored. First, we propose an adaptive diagnostic scheme which takes five to six test rounds. Second, we derive a dynamic upper bound of the number of fault nodes instead of setting a value like normal. Finally, we present an algorithm such that at least one sequence obtained from cycle partition can be picked out and all nodes in this sequence can be identified based on the previous upper bound.
A new approach to anomalous axial vector field theory – II
Authors: Kapoor A. K.
Published: July 2021

This work is continuation of a stochastic quantization program reported earlier. In this paper, we propose a consistent scheme of doing computations directly in four dimensions using conventional quantum field theory methods.
On the solvability of graded Novikov algebras
Authors: Umirbaev Ualbai , Zhelyabin Viktor
Published: July 2021

We show that the right ideal of a Novikov algebra generated by the square of a right nilpotent subalgebra is nilpotent. We also prove that a [Formula: see text]-graded Novikov algebra [Formula: see text] over a field [Formula: see text] with solvable [Formula: see text]-component [Formula: see text] is solvable, where [Formula: see text] is a finite additive abelean group and the characteristic of [Formula: see text] does not divide the order of the group [Formula: see text]. We also show that any Novikov algebra [Formula: see text] with a finite solvable group of automorphisms [Formula: see text] is solvable if the algebra of invariants [Formula: see text] is solvable.
A β-tensor on Kaehler manifolds and its geometric characterizations
Authors: Meriç Şemsi Eken
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we first introduce a new notion [Formula: see text]-tensor on Hermitian manifold and particularly, we present some geometric characterizations of such a tensor on the Kaehler manifold. Here, we investigate the Kaehler submersion whose total space is equipped with the [Formula: see text]-tensor and obtain some results. Also, we deal with a Kaehler submersion with totally geodesic fibers such that the total space admits [Formula: see text]-Ricci soliton and [Formula: see text]-tensor. Finally, we give necessary conditions for which any fiber and base manifold of Kaehler submersion is [Formula: see text]-Ricci soliton or [Formula: see text]-Kaehler-Einstein.
Consequences of Outlier Returns for Event Studies: A Methodological Investigation and Treatment
Authors: Theodossiou Panayiotis , Theodossiou Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Stock returns are decomposed into their regular and outlier components using a maximum likelihood outlier-resistant estimation method. Analytical results depicting the impact of outliers on the ordinary least square (OLS) estimated models and cumulative abnormal return (CAR) statistics are derived and validated using Monte Carlo simulations. The implications of outliers for past event studies are investigated using samples drawn randomly from the universe of stocks in the CRSP database. The OLS-CAR statistics fail to forecast about 37% of the negative-impact and 43% of the positive-impact events. These results raise serious concerns about the validity of conclusions of past event studies, especially those that rejected the hypothesis of significant-impact events.
PrioDeX
Authors: Bouloukakis Georgios , Benson Kyle , Scalzotto Luca , Bellavista Paolo , Grant Casey , Issarny Valérie , Mehrotra Sharad , Moscholios Ioannis , Venkatasubramanian Nalini
Published: July 2021

Real-time event detection and targeted decision making for emerging mission-critical applications require systems that extract and process relevant data from IoT sources in smart spaces. Oftentimes, this data is heterogeneous in size, relevance, and urgency, which creates a challenge when considering that different groups of stakeholders (e.g., first responders, medical staff, government officials, etc.) require such data to be delivered in a reliable and timely manner. Furthermore, in mission-critical settings, networks can become constrained due to lossy channels and failed components, which ultimately add to the complexity of the problem. In this article, we propose PrioDeX, a cross-layer middleware system that enables timely and reliable delivery of mission-critical data from IoT sources to relevant consumers through the prioritization of messages. It integrates parameters at the application, network, and middleware layers into a data exchange service that accurately estimates end-to-end performance metrics through a queueing analytical model. PrioDeX proposes novel algorithms that utilize the results of this analysis to tune data exchange configurations (event priorities and dropping policies), which is necessary for satisfying situational awareness requirements and resource constraints. PrioDeX leverages Software-Defined Networking (SDN) methodologies to enforce these configurations in the IoT network infrastructure. We evaluate our approach using both simulated and prototype-based experiments in a smart building fire response scenario. Our application-aware prioritization algorithm improves the value of exchanged information by 36% when compared with no prioritization; the addition of our network-aware drop rate policies improves this performance by 42% over priorities only and by 94% over no prioritization.
CoCo
Authors: Wu Fang-jing , Chen Ying-Jun , Sou Sok-Ian
Published: July 2021

As mobility is an important key to many applications, this work proposes a location-less model to represent mobility that is used to quantify correlations between mobility traces collected by built-in sensors on smartphones. We analyze the mobility correlations from two aspects:
co-direction relationship
and
co-movement relationship
. The former is to quantify the similarity of macroscopic moving directions between mobility traces, whereas the latter is to quantify the similarity of their microscopic vibrations. To verify the merits of the two proposed metrics, an exemplary use case, termed
co-mobility detection
, is considered to determine if two mobile devices share the same journey on the same mobile entity (e.g., carried by the same person). Comprehensive experiments with diverse combinations of mobility traces are conducted in three different environments with different density of Wi-Fi networks. The experimental results indicate that the proposed metrics can effectively evaluate both the coarse-grained similarity of moving directions and the fine-grained similarity of movement variations along mobility traces. The accuracy of the co-mobility detection algorithm can achieve 90% on average for mobility traces with a duration of 70 s.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Mechanically Activated PIEZO Channels
Authors: Syeda Ruhma
Published: July 2021

Nearly all structures in our body experience mechanical forces. At a molecular scale, these forces are detected by ion channels that function as mechanotransducers converting physical forces into electrochemical responses. Here we focus on PIEZOs, a family of mechanically activated ion channels comprising PIEZO1 and PIEZO2. The significance of these channels is highlighted by their roles in touch and pain sensation as well as in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, among others. Moreover, mutations in PIEZOs cause somatosensory, proprioceptive, and blood disorders. The goal here is to present the diverse physiology and pathophysiology of these unique channels, discuss ongoing research and critical gaps in the field, and explore the pharmaceutical interest in targeting PIEZOs for therapeutic development.
Clinical characteristics, risk factors, and cardiac manifestations of cancer patients with COVID-19
Authors: Huang Yan , Hu Zhenhong , Hu Dong , Quan Zhou , Zhou Xiaoyang , Fan Guohua , Chen Xiu , Liu Xiaoxiong , Zhang Zhonghe , Chen Ganxiao , Wu Yanwen , Zhang Fangqi , Mao Congzheng , Xia Hao , Liang Jinjun , Yang Bo , Jiang Hong , Huang Congxin , Barajas-Martínez Hector , Hu Dan
Published: July 2021

Our study indicates that the 30-day mortality is higher in COVID-19 patients with cancer; more COVID-19 patients with cancer are in severe and critical status; age, respiratory rate, neutrophil count, AST, BUN, MYO, Pro-BNP, disease severity status, underlying diseases, and fever are risk factors for in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 cancer cases; COVID-19 patients with cancer display severely impaired myocardium, damaged heart function, and imbalanced homeostasis of coagulation; what is more, those with both cancer and CVD have more significantly increased Pro-BNP and D-Dimer level.
Surface EMG cross talk quantified at the motor unit population level for muscles of the hand, thigh, and calf
Authors: Germer Carina M. , Farina Dario , Elias Leonardo A. , Nuccio Stefano , Hug François , Del Vecchio Alessandro
Published: July 2021

We proposed a new method for the identification and quantification of cross talk at the motor unit level. We show that surface EMG cross talk can lead to physiological misinterpretations of EMG signals such as overestimations in the muscle activity and intermuscular correlation. Cross talk had little influence on the EMG power spectrum, which indicates that conventional temporal filtering cannot minimize cross talk. Spatial filter (single and double differential) effectively reduces but not abolish cross talk.
[Retracted] Analysis of Influencing Factors of PM2.5 Concentration and Design of a Pollutant Diffusion Model Based on an Artificial Neural Network in the Environment of the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Li Sumin , Pan Xiuqin , Li Qian
Published: July 2021

With the development of the automobile industry, artificial intelligence, big data, 5G, and other technologies, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) industry has entered a stage of rapid development. In this paper, a pollutant diffusion model based on an artificial neural network is designed in the context of a vehicle network. The application of artificial neural networks in haze prediction is studied. This paper first analyzes the causes and influencing factors of haze and selects the most representative and relatively large meteorological factors from temperature, wind, relative humidity, and several pollutant factors. Through training and simulation, a haze prediction model in the Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei regions of China is established. Finally, according to the collected meteorological data, the pollutant diffusion model is established. The model is deduced by a standard mathematical formula, which makes the prediction results more accurate and rigorous, and the main conclusions and feasible scientific suggestions are obtained. The simulation results show that the method is effective. By strengthening the service system of the IoV, meteorological services can be more intelligent, and the information acquisition and service ability of the vehicle network can be effectively improved.
Detecting Portable Executable Malware by Binary Code Using an Artificial Evolutionary Fuzzy LSTM Immune System
Authors: Jiang Jian , Zhang Fen
Published: July 2021

As the planet watches in shock the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, new forms of sophisticated, versatile, and extremely difficult-to-detect malware expose society and especially the global economy. Machine learning techniques are posing an increasingly important role in the field of malware identification and analysis. However, due to the complexity of the problem, the training of intelligent systems proves to be insufficient in recognizing advanced cyberthreats. The biggest challenge in information systems security using machine learning methods is to understand the polymorphism and metamorphism mechanisms used by malware developers and how to effectively address them. This work presents an innovative Artificial Evolutionary Fuzzy LSTM Immune System which, by using a heuristic machine learning method that combines evolutionary intelligence, Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and fuzzy knowledge, proves to be able to adequately protect modern information system from Portable Executable Malware. The main innovation in the technical implementation of the proposed approach is the fact that the machine learning system can only be trained from raw bytes of an executable file to determine if the file is malicious. The performance of the proposed system was tested on a sophisticated dataset of high complexity, which emerged after extensive research on PE malware that offered us a realistic representation of their operating states. The high accuracy of the developed model significantly supports the validity of the proposed method. The final evaluation was carried out with in-depth comparisons to corresponding machine learning algorithms and it has revealed the superiority of the proposed immune system.
Some New Coupled Fixed-Point Findings Depending on Another Function in Fuzzy Cone Metric Spaces with Application
Authors: Waheed Muhammad Talha , Rehman Saif Ur , Jan Naeem , Gumaei Abdu , Al-Rakhami Mabrook
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we introduce the new concept of coupled fixed-point (FP) results depending on another function in fuzzy cone metric spaces (FCM-spaces) and prove some unique coupled FP theorems under the modified contractive type conditions by using “the triangular property of fuzzy cone metric.” Another function is self-mapping continuous, one-one, and subsequently convergent in FCM-spaces. In support of our results, we present illustrative examples. Moreover, as an application, we ensure the existence of a common solution of the two Volterra integral equations to uplift our work.