bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient and hospital factors influencing discharge destination following hip fracture
Authors: Ryder Tayhla , Close Jacqueline , Harris Ian , Cameron Ian D. , Seymour Hannah , Armstrong Elizabeth , Bell Jack , Hurring Sarah , Mitchell Rebecca ,   ANZHFR Steering Group
Published: January 2021

Objective

To compare demographics, treatment and health outcomes for individuals hospitalised with a hip fracture and examine predictors of postacute discharge destination.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry of individuals aged ≥50 years hospitalised with a hip fracture from 2015 to 2018 (n = 29 881). Multinominal logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with discharge destination for individuals from private residences.

Results

Advancing age, impaired cognition, reduced walking ability and poorer pre‐operative health were predictors for discharge to residential aged care. The odds of discharge to a rehabilitation unit were higher for individuals with extracapsular fractures, treated at major trauma centres or at hospitals with home‐based rehabilitation. Individuals in rural areas had higher odds of discharge to another hospital or ward.

Conclusion

In addition to well‐known demographics, injury and treatment factors, non‐clinical factors including geographic area of residence also affect discharge destination.
Is two‐incision approach superior to the mini‐posterior approach in total hip arthroplasty?: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lei Ting , Qian Hu , Ye Zhimin , Lei Pengfei , Hu Yihe
Published: January 2021

Background

Whether there is any clinical superiority for the two‐incision total hip arthroplasty (THA) over the mini‐posterior THA remains controversial. The present meta‐analysis aimed to comprehensively compare the clinical outcomes between the two mini‐invasive THAs.

Methods

Two authors searched the database of Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library to screen eligible studies individually. The quality evaluation of included studies was performed according to the principle of risk‐of‐bias of the Cochrane Library. The pooled results were analysed by Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results

A total of seven prospective studies (including five randomized controlled trials) with 423 hips were finally included for meta‐analysis. The pooled results revealed that the mini‐posterior THA outperformed the two‐incision THA in shortening operative times, reducing blood loss and postoperative fracture risks, while no significant difference was found between the two surgery methods with respect to HSS scoring, SF‐12 scoring, postoperative function recovery and other postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Based on the pooled results, we suggested the mini‐posterior THA as a preferable choice for patients suffering from severe advanced hip diseases.
Changing parenting style between two generations and its impacts on the severity of behavioral and emotional symptoms
Authors: Ghorbani Sareh , Gharraee Banafsheh , Hosseini Fariba , Maghami Sharif Zahra , Aghebati Asma
Published: January 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare the perceived parenting dimensions in mothers and their daughters (differences between two generations), and study the relationship between these dimensions and the severity of daughters' behavioral and emotional symptoms.

Materials and Methods

300 participants (150 daughters with their mothers) participated in this study. They responded to the perceived parenting styles questionnaire (PSQ), and mothers were additionally asked to answer the child symptoms inventory‐4 (CSI‐4). Data analysis was done by the SPSS using the paired sample t‐test and multiple regressions.

Results

The results indicated a significant difference between perceived parenting dimensions in mothers and their daughters; specifically, acceptance and control dimensions increased through generation. It was also found that daughters' acceptance‐rejection dimension could predict the severity of the symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, depression, dysthymia, conduct disorders, and opposite defiant disorders. The control‐autonomy dimension could also predict the severity of schizophrenia symptoms.

Conclusion

The results indicate the different parenting styles between two generations and the critical role of parenting in developing the children's psychopathology symptoms.
Quantifying the global threat to native birds from predation by non‐native birds on small islands
Authors: Evans Thomas
Published: January 2021

Although invasive non‐native species can adversely affect biodiversity in many ways, predation of native species by non‐native species on islands can be severely damaging. Results of numerous studies document non‐native birds preying on birds on islands, but our understanding of the number and type of species affected has been limited by the lack of a global review of these impacts. I identified the non‐native bird species that have been recorded preying on birds, the locations where this predation occurred, and the bird species affected. Because the impacts of non‐native birds can be particularly severe on small islands, I then identified the islands <500 km2 around the world that are occupied by predatory non‐native birds. By taking into account their life‐history traits and predation history, I also identified the near‐threatened and threatened bird species on these islands that they may prey on. The results indicated that predation by non‐native birds was primarily a concern for threatened bird conservation on small islands; almost all predation impacts (91%) on near‐threatened and threatened birds were recorded on islands, and median island size was 106 km2. I also found non‐native bird predation was a poorly known and widespread potential threat to avian biodiversity; worldwide, 194 islands of <500 km2 were occupied by predatory non‐native birds, but information on their impacts was unavailable for most of these islands. On them, where the impacts of non‐native species can be severe, non‐native birds may be preying on approximately 6% of the world's near‐threatened and threatened bird species. Four non‐native bird species I identified have been successfully eradicated from islands. If they were eradicated from the small islands they occupy, 70% of the near‐threatened and threatened bird species I identified would no longer be affected by nest predation by non‐native birds on small islands.
Changes in microbial utilization and fate of soil carbon following the addition of different fractions of anaerobic digestate to soils
Authors: Cattin Marta , Semple Kirk T. , Stutter Marc , Romano Gaetano , Lag‐Brotons Alfonso J. , Parry Chris , Surridge Ben W. J.
Published: January 2021

Applying digestate, the residue from anaerobic digestion, to soil as a replacement for inorganic fertiliser is of growing interest in agriculture. However, the impacts of different fractions of digestate on the soil carbon (C) cycle remain unclear and provide the focus for the research reported here. We examined the effects of applying whole digestate (WD) and solid digestate (SD) on carbon dioxide (CO2C) efflux, the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass C (Cmicro) and phospholipid fatty acids, alongside carbon use efficiency (CUE). A 21‐day laboratory microcosm incubation was used to investigate the impacts of digestate when applied to two grassland soils of high versus low initial nutrient content. Application rates for SD and WD were based on recommended nitrogen (N) inputs to grassland soils for these organic materials. Compared to control treatments, cumulative CO2C efflux and the concentration of DOC increased significantly after WD and SD application, although only within the low nutrient soil. Both Cmicro and the fungal‐to‐bacterial ratio increased significantly following SD application, regardless of the initial soil nutrient content. These observations are likely to reflect the larger input of C, alongside the dominance of more strongly lignified compounds, associated with SD compared to WD to achieve a constant N application rate. Our results also indicate that the two digestate fractions generated significantly different CUE. The application of SD led to increases in Cmicro and positive values of CUE, whereas decreases in Cmicro and negative values of CUE were observed following WD application. These findings emphasize the need to carefully plan the management of digestate in agricultural production systems, to minimize negative impacts on C storage within soils whilst maximizing the agronomic value derived from digestate.

Highlights

Past research has not fully elucidated the impacts of digestate fractions on the soil C cycle.

Soil nutrient status + digestate fraction shown to impact microbial community and CO2C efflux.

Solid digestate fraction has positive impacts on microbial biomass and carbon use efficiency.
Root‐derived inputs are major contributors to soil carbon in temperate forests, but vary by mycorrhizal type
Authors: Keller Adrienne B. , Brzostek Edward R. , Craig Matthew E. , Fisher Joshua B. , Phillips Richard P.
Published: January 2021

Roots promote the formation of slow‐cycling soil carbon (C), yet we have a limited understanding of the magnitude and controls on this flux. We hypothesised arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)‐ and ectomycorrhizal (ECM)‐associated trees would exhibit differences in root‐derived C accumulation in the soil, and that much of this C would be transferred into mineral‐associated pools. We installed δ13C‐enriched ingrowth cores across mycorrhizal gradients in six Eastern U.S. forests (n = 54 plots). Overall, root‐derived C was 54% greater in AM versus ECM‐dominated plots. This resulted in nearly twice as much root‐derived C in putatively slow‐cycling mineral‐associated pools in AM compared to ECM plots. Given that our estimates of root‐derived inputs were often equal to or greater than leaf litter inputs, our results suggest that variation in root‐derived soil C accumulation due to tree mycorrhizal dominance may be a key control of soil C dynamics in forests.
Consistency of faecal scoring using two canine faecal scoring systems
Authors: Cavett C. L. , Tonero M. , Marks S. L. , Winston J. A. , Gilor C. , Rudinsky A. J.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To determine the agreement of canine faecal scoring between individuals with different levels of experience using two available faecal scoring systems.

Materials and Methods

Naturally‐voided, undisturbed bowel movements from 126 dogs were evaluated by veterinarians (n = 3) and members of the lay public (n = 126) within 15 minutes of defecation. Each participant was provided a copy of the Purina and Waltham faecal scoring charts in order to characterise the faeces. Agreement between veterinarians and lay people was assessed with kappa statistics, Bland‐Altman analysis and visualised with Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Variable levels of consistency were observed in assessing faecal form among individuals with varying degrees of experience. Fair to substantial agreement existed between individual veterinarians scoring the same bowel movement (kappa statistic ranging from 0.40 to 0.77 on the Purina Scale and 0.54 to 0.61 on the Waltham Scale), while the agreement scores between the veterinarian and the lay public was fair (kappa statistic of 0.38 on the Purina Scale and 0.34 on the Waltham Scale). Disagreement in faecal scores occurred more frequently with lay people versus veterinarians.

Clinical Significance

The consistency of faecal scoring improved based on the level of experience with the highest agreement consistently noted between veterinarians. In all comparisons, there was inconsistency in faecal scoring which might have implications for veterinarians managing diarrhoeic canine patients. Further studies are needed to better investigate how faecal scoring can be optimised for use in clinical and research settings.
Two ATAF transcription factors ANAC102 and ATAF1 contribute to the suppression of cytochrome P450‐mediated brassinosteroid catabolism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Peng Hao , Neff Michael M.
Published: January 2021

PHYB ACTIVATION TAGGED SUPPRESSOR 1 (BAS1) and SUPPRESSOR OF PHYB‐4 7 (SOB7) are two cytochrome P450 enzymes that inactivate brassinosteroids (BRs) in Arabidopsis. The NAC transcription factor (TF) ATAF2 (ANAC081) and the core circadian clock regulator CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) both suppress the expression of BAS1 and SOB7 via direct promoter binding. Additionally, BRs cause feedback suppression on ATAF2 expression. Here, we report that two ATAF‐subgroup TFs, ANAC102 and ATAF1 (ANAC002), also contribute to the transcriptional suppression of BAS1 and SOB7. ANAC102 and ATAF1 gene‐knockout mutants exhibit elevated expression of both BAS1 and SOB7, expanded tissue‐level accumulation of their protein products and reduced hypocotyl growth in response to exogenous BR treatments. Similar to ATAF2, both ANAC102 and ATAF1 are transcriptionally suppressed by BRs and white light. Neither BAS1 nor SOB7 expression is further elevated in ATAF double or triple mutants, suggesting that the suppression effect of these three ATAFs is not additive. In addition, ATAF single, double, and triple mutants have similar levels of BR responsiveness with regard to hypocotyl elongation. ATAF2, ANAC102, ATAF1, and CCA1 physically interact with itself and each other, suggesting that they may coordinately suppress BAS1 and SOB7 expression via protein–protein interactions. Despite the absence of CCA1‐binding elements in their promoters, ANAC102 and ATAF1 have similar transcript circadian oscillation patterns as that of CCA1, suggesting that these two ATAF genes may be indirectly regulated by the circadian clock.
Reopening elite sport during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Experiences from a controlled return to elite football in Denmark
Authors: Pedersen Lars , Lindberg Jens , Lind Rune Rasmussen , Rasmusen Hanne
Published: January 2021

As the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection rate decreased in spring 2020, phased reopening of Danish society began, including a reopening of elite football (soccer), adhering to a strict protocol. In this study, we report the consequences of resumption of competitive play in the two best football (soccer) leagues for men in Denmark measured by number of SARS‐CoV‐2 positive players. The players were tested weekly for SARS‐CoV‐2 for 11 consecutive weeks. The test protocol comprised 26 teams with 748 players. In total, 6511 tests were done with a positivity rate of 0.06%. The incidence rate of players testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 was 0.53% (4/748). There were no signs of a chain of infection. We found a low incidence rate of SARS‐CoV‐2, and based on this, a controlled reopening of professional football strictly following a detailed protocol appears safe for the players.
Radiographically confirmed outcomes after fracture repair with a PLS polyaxial locking system in 40 dogs and cats
Authors: Bassanino Jean , Kaczmarek Jakub , Boursier Jean‐François , Mindner Julia , Paton Rory , Bedu Anne Sophie , Unger Martin , Scharvogel Stefan , Meiler Diane , Leperlier Dimitri
Published: January 2021

Objective

To report radiographic findings and complications after fracture repair with a new polyaxial locking plate system (PLS polyaxial locking system; Aesculap/B Braun, Tuttlingen, Germany) in dogs and cats.

Study design

Retrospective case review from four veterinary practices.

Sample population

Twenty‐six dogs and 14 cats (40 long bone fractures).

Methods

Medical and radiographic records of dogs and cats with long bone fractures treated with the PLS were reviewed. Cases were included when operative records were complete and included documentation of radiographic union or complications. Phone interviews of owners were performed for long‐term follow‐up. Ancillary methods of fracture fixation and associated complications were recorded.

Results

Only two complications were recorded, one of which required a revision surgery. Radiographic follow‐up was performed for all fractures. Radiographic union without complications was achieved in 38 of 40 (95%) fractures. Radiographic union was documented before 60 days in 19 of 40 (47.5%) fractures, between 61 and 90 days in 15 of 40 (37.5%) fractures, and after 90 days in six of 40 (15%) fractures. A functional union was observed at a mean time ± SD of 70.8 ± 38.9 days (range, 32‐182). One or more ancillary fixation methods were used in 27 of 40 (67.5%) fractures.

Conclusion

The PLS polyaxial locking system was often used with adjunct fixation in this series, and radiographically confirmed healing without complications was documented in most cases.

Clinical significance

Use of the PLS can result in high success rates for fracture repair in dogs and cats, but ancillary fixation should be strongly considered.
Rural Land Market, Livelihood and Welfare among Households in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Alawode Olubunmi O.
Published: January 2021

With rapid population growth and resulting increased land fragmentation, landholding becomes smaller, negatively impacting on the living standard of rural households. Thus, the need to understand the potentials of land markets to improve rural households’ access to land through the adjustment of households’ landholding for livelihood activities, and its consequent effect on their welfare. This paper examined the relationship between rural land market, livelihood and welfare among households in Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria. Using a structured questionnaire, a survey was conducted on a sample of 200 respondents, who were selected through multistage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, Land Market Index (LMI), Tobit model and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the primary data. Results show that majority (74.0%) of households were involved in crop farming with mean income of ₦53 833.33 (±26 784.560), which was relatively higher than livestock ₦31 567.08 (±20 897.47). The mean total monthly expenditure was ₦26 548.50 (±8945.5692). Identified land transaction methods include purchase (76.3%), lease (19.8%), and rent (3.9%). On the average, 97.0% of land held by households were acquired through market (LMI=0.97). Sex and household status had significant positive effects on the extent of households’ participation in land market at p<0.01. Also, LMI, crop farming and livestock farming had significant positive effect on households’ welfare. Obtaining land through market for livelihood activities promotes households’ welfare. Rural land market and livelihood activities have significant positive effects on the welfare of farmers. There is need for Government to facilitate formal land markets in rural areas.
Identification of the infrasound signals emitted by explosive eruption of Mt. Shinmoedake by three-dimensional ray tracing
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Yamamoto Tetsuo , Nakajima Kensuke , Kuramoto Kiyoshi , Yamamoto Masa-yuki
Published: January 2021

Mt. Shinmoedake, a part of the Mt. Kirishima cluster of volcanoes in Kyushu, Japan, erupted on 10 March 2018. Our infrasound sensor network located at a distance of more than 200 km from the source detected signals emitted by an explosive eruption of Mt. Shinmoedake. The arrival time of the signals is divided into three time intervals. To reveal how the observed infrasound signals propagated from the source to the sensors, we carry out three-dimensional ray tracing on the basis of the Hamilton equations including the vertical profiles of the temperature and wind around the ray path. We present formulas for calculating travel time and distance of infrasound from a source to an observation site and its turning altitude in the atmosphere. We have identified four kinds of signals, namely, the waves propagated in the troposphere undergoing multiple refraction and those refracting from the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the lower thermosphere. Brief discussion is devoted to some of the unidentified signals.
Making climate projections conditional on historical observations
Authors: Ribes Aurélien , Qasmi Saïd , Gillett Nathan P.
Published: January 2021

Historical temperature record narrows uncertainty on past and future human-induced warming leading to refined climate projections.
Metabolic differentiation and intercellular nurturing underpin bacterial endospore formation
Authors: Riley Eammon P. , Lopez-Garrido Javier , Sugie Joseph , Liu Roland B. , Pogliano Kit
Published: January 2021

Sporulation entails intercellular metabolic dependency and nutrient exchange, providing a bacterial case of progeny nurturing.
A microneedle platform for buccal macromolecule delivery
Authors: Caffarel-Salvador Ester , Kim Soyoung , Soares Vance , Tian Ryan Yu , Stern Sarah R. , Minahan Daniel , Yona Raissa , Lu Xiaoya , Zakaria Fauziah R. , Collins Joy , Wainer Jacob , Wong Jessica , McManus Rebecca , Tamang Siddartha , McDonnell Shane , Ishida Keiko , Hayward Alison , Liu Xiewen , Hubálek František , Fels Johannes , Vegge Andreas , Frederiksen Morten Revsgaard , Rahbek Ulrik , Yoshitake Tadayuki , Fujimoto James , Roxhed Niclas , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Microneedles with high drug-loaded tips allow fast and painless delivery of biologics into the buccal mucosa.
Systematic engineering of artificial metalloenzymes for new-to-nature reactions
Authors: Vornholt Tobias , Christoffel Fadri , Pellizzoni Michela M. , Panke Sven , Ward Thomas R. , Jeschek Markus
Published: January 2021

An
E. coli
platform for systematic engineering of artificial metalloenzymes that catalyze new-to-nature reactions is described.
Antigen identification for HLA class I– and HLA class II–restricted T cell receptors using cytokine-capturing antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Lee Mark N. , Meyerson Matthew
Published: January 2021

Cytokine-capturing antigen-presenting cells allow screening of complex DNA libraries for CD8
+
and CD4
+
T cell–targeted epitopes.
Interaction of Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii during
In Vitro
β-Lactam Exposure
Authors: Smith Nicholas M. , Ang Alexa , Tan Fanny , Macias Katelyn , James Sarah , Sidhu Jasleen , Lenhard Justin R.
Published: January 2021

We sought to determine if
Acinetobacter baumannii
is capable of altering the pharmacodynamics of an antistaphylococcal β-lactam. Two strains of methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) and two
A. baumannii
isolates were studied in 24-h static time-killing experiments under monoculture or coculture conditions.
TLR7 Expression Aggravates Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis by Suppressing Anti-
Aspergillus
Immunity of Macrophages
Authors: Xu Banglao , Luo Qin , Gong Yi , Li Jiaxi , Cao Ju
Published: January 2021

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in early immune recognition of
Aspergillus
, which can regulate host defense during invasive pulmonary
Aspergillosis
(IPA). However, the role of TLR7 in the pathogenesis of IPA remains unknown.
A Scalable, Easy-to-Deploy Protocol for Cas13-Based Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Material
Authors: Rauch Jennifer N. , Valois Eric , Solley Sabrina C. , Braig Friederike , Lach Ryan S. , Audouard Morgane , Ponce-Rojas Jose Carlos , Costello Michael S. , Baxter Naomi J. , Kosik Kenneth S. , Arias Carolina , Acosta-Alvear Diego , Wilson Maxwell Z.
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has created massive demand for widespread, distributed tools for detecting SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. The hurdles to scalable testing include reagent and instrument accessibility, availability of highly trained personnel, and large upfront investment.
“In cities, it’s not far, but it takes long”: comparing estimated and replicated travel times to reach life-saving obstetric care in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Wong Kerry L M , Ayomoh Francis Ifeanyi , Giwa-Ayedun Rokibat Olabisi , Benova Lenka
Published: January 2021

Background

Travel time to comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC) facilities in low-resource settings is commonly estimated using modelling approaches. Our objective was to derive and compare estimates of travel time to reach CEmOC in an African megacity using models and web-based platforms against actual replication of travel.

Methods

We extracted data from patient files of all 732 pregnant women who presented in emergency in the four publicly owned tertiary CEmOC facilities in Lagos, Nigeria, between August 2018 and August 2019. For a systematically selected subsample of 385, we estimated travel time from their homes to the facility using the cost-friction surface approach, Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) and Google Maps, and compared them to travel time by two independent drivers replicating women’s journeys. We estimated the percentage of women who reached the facilities within 60 and 120 min.

Results

The median travel time for 385 women from the cost-friction surface approach, OSRM and Google Maps was 5, 11 and 40 min, respectively. The median actual drive time was 50–52 min. The mean errors were >45 min for the cost-friction surface approach and OSRM, and 14 min for Google Maps. The smallest differences between replicated and estimated travel times were seen for night-time journeys at weekends; largest errors were found for night-time journeys at weekdays and journeys above 120 min. Modelled estimates indicated that all participants were within 60 min of the destination CEmOC facility, yet journey replication showed that only 57% were, and 92% were within 120 min.

Conclusions

Existing modelling methods underestimate actual travel time in low-resource megacities. Significant gaps in geographical access to life-saving health services like CEmOC must be urgently addressed, including in urban areas. Leveraging tools that generate ‘closer-to-reality’ estimates will be vital for service planning if universal health coverage targets are to be realised by 2030.
Investigating online psychological treatment for adolescents with a visible difference in the Dutch YP Face IT study: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: van Dalen Marije , Pasmans Suzanne G M. A , Aendekerk Marie-Louise , Mathijssen Irene , Koudstaal Maarten , Timman Reinier , Williamson Heidi , Hillegers Manon , Utens Elisabeth M W. J , Okkerse Jolanda
Published: January 2021

Introduction

This paper outlines the study protocol for the Dutch Young People (YP) Face IT Study. Adolescents with a visible difference (ie, disfigurement) often experience challenging social situations such as being stared at, receiving unwanted questions or being teased. As a consequence, some of these adolescents experience adverse psychosocial outcomes and appearance-related distress. To address this appearance-related distress, an online psychotherapeutic intervention, YP Face IT, has been developed. YP Face IT uses social interaction skills training and cognitive–behavioural therapy. The Dutch YP Face IT Study tests whether this intervention is effective in reducing social anxiety and improving body esteem.

Methods and analysis

Participants are adolescents aged 12–18 with a visible difference and experiencing appearance-related distress. In this two-armed randomised controlled trial, 224 adolescents will be randomised to care as usual or YP Face IT. Adolescents will complete questionnaires at baseline, at 13 weeks and at 25 weeks. Primary outcomes are differences in social anxiety and body esteem between YP Face IT and care as usual. Secondary outcomes are differences in aspects of self-worth, perceived stigmatisation, health-related quality of life, life engagement, appearance-related distress and depressive symptoms between the two groups.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval was obtained from the medical ethics review committee in Rotterdam (reference number MEC-2018-052/NL63955.078.18). Findings will be disseminated through academic peer-reviewed publications, conferences and newsletters to patient associations and participants of the study.

Trial registration number

The Netherlands Trial Register (NL7626).
Development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks delivering early defibrillation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) in areas lacking timely access to emergency medical services (EMS) in Germany: a comparative economic study
Authors: Bauer Jan , Moormann Dieter , Strametz Reinhard , Groneberg David A
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This study wants to assess the cost-effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). Especially in rural areas with longer response times of emergency medical services (EMS) early lay defibrillation could lead to a significant higher survival in OHCA.

Participants

3296 emergency medical stations in Germany.

Setting

Rural areas in Germany.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Three UAV networks providing 80%, 90% or 100% coverage for rural areas lacking timely access to EMS (ie, time-to-defibrillation: >10 min) were developed using a location allocation analysis. For each UAV network, primary outcome was the cost-effectiveness using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) calculated by the ratio of financial costs to additional life years gained compared with current EMS.

Results

Current EMS with 3926 emergency stations was able to gain 1224 life years on annual average in the study area. The UAV network providing 100% coverage consisted of 1933 UAV with average annual costs of €43.5 million and 1845 additional life years gained on annual average (ICER: €23 568). The UAV network providing 90% coverage consisted of 1074 UAV with average annual costs of €24.2 million and 1661 additional life years gained on annual average (ICER: €14 548). The UAV network providing 80% coverage consisted of 798 UAV with average annual costs of €18.0 million and 1477 additional life years gained on annual average (ICER: €12 158).

Conclusion

These results reveal the relevant life-saving potential of all modelled UAV networks. Furthermore, all analysed UAV networks could be deemed cost-effective. However, real-life applications are needed to validate the findings.
Comparison of self-report and objective measures of male sexual dysfunction in a Japanese primary care setting: a cross-sectional, self-administered mixed methods survey
Authors: Takeuchi Yuki , Otsuka Ryohei , Kojima Hajime , Fetters Michael D
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among middle-aged males and men often do not talk about sexual problems with their primary care physicians (PCPs). We hypothesised that many Japanese men who meet the criteria for ED would not recognise their condition based on responses to an internationally validated scale. Our secondary aims were to examine potential barriers to seeking treatment for ED by their PCPs. We sought to elucidate their perspectives about male sexual dysfunction qualitatively. Through merging of the quantitative and qualitative findings, we sought an enhanced understanding of the factors affecting sexual dysfunction treatment.

Design

A cross-sectional, self-administered mixed methods survey was distributed at a suburban family medicine clinic in Sapporo, Japan. Eligible participants were 40 to 69-year-old men who came for routine scheduled visits from 5 November to 21 December 2018. During the office visit, participants completed a confidential 11-item survey addressing sexual dysfunction including the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function scale and open-ended questioning.

Setting

Teine Family Medicine Clinic, a suburban family medicine clinic in Sapporo, Japan.

Participants

We enroled 66 male patients aged 40–69 years who presented for routine outpatient care in the Teine Family Medicine Clinic.

Results

Of surveyed participants, 39% (26/66) reported having sexual dysfunction, but 92% (61/66) met ED criteria. Of respondents, 48% (16/33) had desire for treatment, but only one man had discussed sexual dysfunction with his PCP. Among the 12 desiring treatment from PCPs, the main barriers to discussing were shame (n=7) and lack of awareness that PCPs can treat ED (n=5). These men’s perspectives about sexual dysfunction included viewing sexual dysfunction as normal ageing, attributing sexual dysfunction to decreased libido, considering sexual activity for a healthy life, having good rapport with PCPs, having incomplete knowledge about treatment and lacking an intimate relationship. Through a resulting model, the merged mixed methods findings illustrate how patient perceptions can reinforce or attenuate issues of awareness, desire for treatment and barriers to access.

Conclusions

In a Japanese primary care setting, the majority of participating male patients met ED criteria on an internationally validated measure, namely, the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function, but many were not aware of their ED. Misperceptions, lack of knowledge and personal factors are barriers to treatment. The mixed methods findings suggest misperceptions and personal attributes reinforce or attenuate awareness, preference for treatment and barriers to access. We conclude PCPs should routinely inquire about sexual dysfunction of men at risk and offer treatment to men who would benefit.
DDX58(RIG-I)-related disease is associated with tissue-specific interferon pathway activation
Authors: Prasov Lev , Bohnsack Brenda L , El Husny Antonette S , Tsoi Lam C , Guan Bin , Kahlenberg J Michelle , Almeida Edmundo , Wang Haitao , Cowen Edward W , De Jesus Adriana A , Jani Priyam , Billi Allison C , Moroi Sayoko E , Wasikowski Rachael , Almeida Izabela , Almeida Luciana N , Kok Fernando , Garnai Sarah J , Mian Shahzad I , Chen Marcus Y , Warner Blake M , Ferreira Carlos R , Goldbach-Mansky Raphaela , Hur Sun , Brooks Brian P , Richards Julia E , Hufnagel Robert B , Gudjonsson Johann E
Published: January 2021

Background

Singleton-Merten syndrome (SGMRT) is a rare immunogenetic disorder that variably features juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG), psoriasiform skin rash, aortic calcifications and skeletal and dental dysplasia. Few families have been described and the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum is poorly defined, with variants in DDX58 (DExD/H-box helicase 58) being one of two identified causes, classified as SGMRT2.

Methods

Families underwent deep systemic phenotyping and exome sequencing. Functional characterisation with in vitro luciferase assays and in vivo interferon signature using bulk and single cell RNA sequencing was performed.

Results

We have identified a novel DDX58 variant c.1529A>T p.(Glu510Val) that segregates with disease in two families with SGMRT2. Patients in these families have widely variable phenotypic features and different ethnic background, with some being severely affected by systemic features and others solely with glaucoma. JOAG was present in all individuals affected with the syndrome. Furthermore, detailed evaluation of skin rash in one patient revealed sparse inflammatory infiltrates in a unique distribution. Functional analysis showed that the DDX58 variant is a dominant gain-of-function activator of interferon pathways in the absence of exogenous RNA ligands. Single cell RNA sequencing of patient lesional skin revealed a cellular activation of interferon-stimulated gene expression in keratinocytes and fibroblasts but not in neighbouring healthy skin.

Conclusions

These results expand the genotypic spectrum of DDX58-associated disease, provide the first detailed description of ocular and dermatological phenotypes, expand our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this condition and provide a platform for testing response to therapy.
Model tests on biogrouted granular columns in soft soil
Authors: Mahawish Aamir , Bouazza Abdelmalek , Gates Will P.
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the possible use of a bio-cementation process to reduce excessive bulging that occurs during the loading of granular columns in soft clays. A 12-phase percolation bio-chemical treatment technique was used to bio-cement part of the columns targeting the columns upper section, where bulging usually occurs. Upon application of unit cell surface loads up to 350 kPa, placement of a bio-cemented granular column substantially reduced the vertical strains by 43% to 48% compared with an un-cemented granular column and 56% to 60% compared with unreinforced kaolin clay for just a low replacement ratio of 11%. Bulging was reduced by 62% to 75% following bio-cementation and mostly occurred where bio-cementation was less evident. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy validated the existence of calcium carbonate. This study presents a relatively new alternative to reducing bulging in granular columns using a promising approach.
GeV-scale neutrinos: interactions with mesons and DUNE sensitivity
Authors: Coloma Pilar , Fernández-Martínez Enrique , González-López Manuel , Hernández-García Josu , Pavlovic Zarko
Published: January 2021

The simplest extension of the SM to account for the observed neutrino masses and mixings is the addition of at least two singlet fermions (or right-handed neutrinos). If their masses lie at or below the GeV scale, such new fermions would be produced in meson decays. Similarly, provided they are sufficiently heavy, their decay channels may involve mesons in the final state. Although the couplings between mesons and heavy neutrinos have been computed previously, significant discrepancies can be found in the literature. The aim of this paper is to clarify such discrepancies and provide consistent expressions for all relevant effective operators involving mesons with masses up to 2 GeV. Moreover, the effective Lagrangians obtained for both the Dirac and Majorana scenarios are made publicly available as FeynRules models so that fully differential event distributions can be easily simulated. As an application of our setup, we numerically compute the expected sensitivity of the DUNE near detector to these heavy neutral leptons.
An Experimental Study of Spammer Detection on Chinese Microblogs
Authors: Liang Jialing , Jin Peiquan , Mu Lin , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2021

With the development of Web 2.0, social media such as Twitter and Sina Weibo have become an essential platform for disseminating hot events. Simultaneously, due to the free policy of microblogging services, users can post user-generated content freely on microblogging platforms. Accordingly, more and more hot events on microblogging platforms have been labeled as spammers. Spammers will not only hurt the healthy development of social media but also introduce many economic and social problems. Therefore, the government and enterprises must distinguish whether a hot event on microblogging platforms is a spammer or is a naturally-developing event. In this paper, we focus on the hot event list on Sina Weibo and collect the relevant microblogs of each hot event to study the detecting methods of spammers. Notably, we develop an integral feature set consisting of user profile, user behavior, and user relationships to reflect various factors affecting the detection of spammers. Then, we employ typical machine learning methods to conduct extensive experiments on detecting spammers. We use a real data set crawled from the most prominent Chinese microblogging platform, Sina Weibo, and evaluate the performance of 10 machine learning models with five sampling methods. The results in terms of various metrics show that the Random Forest model and the over-sampling method achieve the best accuracy in detecting spammers and non-spammers.
BioScript
Authors: Ott Jason , Loveless Tyson , Curtis Chris , Lesani Mohsen , Brisk Philip
Published: January 2021

This paper introduces
BioScript
, a domain-specific language (DSL) for programmable biochemistry that executes on emerging microfluidic platforms. The goal of this research is to provide a simple, intuitive, and type-safe DSL that is accessible to life science practitioners. The novel feature of the language is its syntax, which aims to optimize human readability; the technical contribution of the paper is the
BioScript
type system. The type system ensures that certain types of errors, specific to biochemistry, do not occur, such as the interaction of chemicals that may be unsafe. Results are obtained using a custom-built compiler that implements the
BioScript
language and type system.
Scalable signal reconstruction for a broad range of applications
Authors: Asudeh Abolfazl , Augustine Jees , Thirumuruganathan Saravanan , Nazi Azade , Zhang Nan , Das Gautam , Srivastava Divesh
Published: January 2021

Signal reconstruction problem (SRP) is an important optimization problem where the objective is to identify a solution to an underdetermined system of linear equations that is closest to a given prior. It has a substantial number of applications in diverse areas, such as network traffic engineering, medical image reconstruction, acoustics, astronomy, and many more. Unfortunately, most of the common approaches for solving SRP do not scale to large problem sizes. We propose a novel and scalable algorithm for solving this critical problem. Specifically, we make four major contributions. First, we propose a dual formulation of the problem and develop the DIRECT algorithm that is significantly more efficient than the state of the art. Second, we show how adapting database techniques developed for scalable similarity joins provides a substantial speedup over DIRECT. Third, we describe several practical techniques that allow our algorithm to scale---on a single machine---to settings that are orders of magnitude larger than previously studied. Finally, we use the database techniques of materialization and reuse to extend our result to dynamic settings where the input to the SRP changes. Extensive experiments on real-world and synthetic data confirm the efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability of our proposal.
Extraordinary times now and stretching out as far as the eye can see
Authors: Schuler Douglas
Published: January 2021

As the Chair of SIGCAS, part of my responsibility is to provide periodic updates and perspectives to the SIG membership regarding SIGCAS activities and topics related to computers and society. The "From the Chair" columns appearing in
Computer and Society
provides a medium for presenting these updates and perspectives. It is my honor to contribute my first "From the Chair" column
Thinking like a lawyer
Authors: Blumenthal Johanna
Published: January 2021

Have you ever heard the phrase, thinking like a lawyer? Perhaps the most commonly echoed phrase about law school is that students learn how to "think like a lawyer," but what does that mean? As a lawyer, who went through the initiating ritual of law school, sitting for the bar, and litigating cases, I have allegedly gained this skill called "thinking like a lawyer." As I reflect upon how the experience of becoming a lawyer and practicing law changed my thinking, a few things come to mind. First, I am subconsciously scanning for risks and liability everywhere, fabricating fictitious lawsuits in my head that might occur. Second, I care a lot about words, what exactly was said, and the meaning and truthfulness of the assertion when a strict vs. lenient interpretation of those words is applied. Third, I have the ability to navigate complex systems and to guide others less familiar with those systems through the maze. Finally, I have acquired a sobering view of what the legal system does and does not do, its promise and its shortcomings.
Smart cities
Authors: de Moor Aldo
Published: January 2021

Smart cities - which municipal authority does not want them? The complex societal issues - "wicked problems" - of the 21st century really are made concrete at the city level. Whereas politicians in The Hague, Brussels or Washington can endlessly discuss thorny issues like, say climate change, traffic congestion or their own Wars on Drugs, municipal decision makers need to get their act together now. How are we going to heat our buildings in winter and cool them in summer? How can we make city traffic flow more smoothly while emitting less pollution? How can we prevent social disruption due to drug trafficking in the hoods?
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Rolling Bearings Based on Multiscale Convolutional Neural Network with Integrated Dilated Convolution Blocks
Authors: Wang Ran , Shi Ruyu , Hu Xiong , Shen Changqing
Published: January 2021

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is necessary for guaranteeing machinery’s safe operation. Among deep learning architectures, convolutional neural network (CNN) has shown achievements in RUL prediction because of its strong ability in representation learning. Features from different receptive fields extracted by different sizes of convolution kernels can provide complete information for prognosis. The single size convolution kernel in traditional CNN is difficult to learn comprehensive information from complex signals. Besides, the ability to learn local and global features synchronously is limited to conventional CNN. Thus, a multiscale convolutional neural network (MS‐CNN) is introduced to overcome these aforementioned problems. Convolution filters with different dilation rates are integrated to form a dilated convolution block, which can learn features in different receptive fields. Then, several stacked integrated dilated convolution blocks in different depths are concatenated to extract local and global features. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a bearing dataset prepared from the PRONOSTIA platform. The results turn out that the proposed MS‐CNN has higher prediction accuracy than many other deep learning‐based RUL methods.
A Comparative Study of Over-Current Sensing for Traction Inverters
Authors: Niu He
Published: January 2021

The over-current condition for a traction inverter can indicate flaws on control algorithms, interference on logic signals, hardware aging, or hardware misconduct. Thus, proper detection of over-current conditions during inverter operation is a critical item for inverter development and product validation. This paper reviews several widely used over-current detection methods and a few theoretically approved over-current detection methods. The main focus of this review includes the sensing bandwidth, sensing accuracy, and implementation complexity of the studied over-current detection methods. The advantages of those widely used methods and the application requirements for the theoretically and prototypingly approved methods are concluded by this review.
The Number of Blocks of a Graph with Given Minimum Degree
Authors: Li Lei , Wu Baoyindureng
Published: January 2021

A block of a graph is a nonseparable maximal subgraph of the graph. We denote by

b

G

the number of block of a graph

G

. We show that, for a connected graph

G

of order

n

with minimum degree

k
≥
1

,

b

G

<

2
k
−
3

/

k

2

−
k
−
1

n

. The bound is asymptotically tight. In addition, for a connected cubic graph

G

of order

n
≥
14

,

b

G

≤

n
/
2

−
2

. The bound is tight.