bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A paradigm shift in our view of species drives current trends in biological classification
Authors: Padial José M. , De la Riva Ignacio
Published: December 2020

Discontent about changes in species classifications has grown in recent years. Many of these changes are seen as arbitrary, stemming from unjustified conceptual and methodological grounds, or leading to species that are less distinct than those recognised in the past. We argue that current trends in species classification are the result of a paradigm shift toward which systematics and population genetics have converged and that regards species as the phylogenetic lineages that form the branches of the Tree of Life. Species delimitation now consists of determining which populations belong to which individual phylogenetic lineage. This requires inferences on the process of lineage splitting and divergence, a process to which we have only partial access through incidental evidence and assumptions that are themselves subject to refutation. This approach is not free of problems, as horizontal gene transfer, introgression, hybridisation, incorrect assumptions, sampling and methodological biases can mislead inferences of phylogenetic lineages. Increasing precision is demanded through the identification of both sister relationships and processes blurring or mimicking phylogeny, which has triggered, on the one hand, the development of methods that explicitly address such processes and, on the other hand, an increase in geographical and character data sampling necessary to infer/test such processes. Although our resolving power has increased, our knowledge of sister relationships – what we designate as species resolution – remains poor for many taxa and areas, which biases species limits and perceptions about how divergent species are or ought to be. We attribute to this conceptual shift the demise of trinominal nomenclature we are witnessing with the rise of subspecies to species or their rejection altogether; subspecies are raised to species if they are found to correspond to phylogenetic lineages, while they are rejected as fabricated taxa if they reflect arbitrary partitions of continuous or non‐hereditary variation. Conservation strategies, if based on taxa, should emphasise species and reduce the use of subspecies to avoid preserving arbitrary partitions of continuous variation; local variation is best preserved by focusing on biological processes generating ecosystem resilience and diversity rather than by formally naming diagnosable units of any kind. Since many binomials still designate complexes of species rather than individual species, many species have been discovered but not named, geographical sampling is sparse, gene lineages have been mistaken for species, plenty of species limits remain untested, and many groups and areas lack adequate species resolution, we cannot avoid frequent changes to classifications as we address these problems. Changes will not only affect neglected taxa or areas, but also popular ones and regions where taxonomic research remained dormant for decades and old classifications were taken for granted.
Response of dung beetle taxonomic and functional diversity to livestock grazing in an arid ecosystem
Authors: Guerra Alonso Celeste Beatriz , Zurita Gustavo Andrés , Bellocq Maria Isabel
Published: December 2020

1. The consequences of cattle raising on biodiversity have been extensively explored in the humid forests; however, its impact in dry forests is less understood. The Dry Chaco is the largest dry forest in South America and deforestation rates in this region are one of the highest in the world. Dung beetles play a key role in cattle dung burial, leading to improved soil quality and reducing parasite incidence. Consequently, sustainable management of cattle should preserve this taxon and associated ecosystem services.

2. We compared the taxonomic and functional response of dung beetles to two different livestock managements with different conservation of tree cover (open pastures and silvopastoral systems) in the Dry Chaco.

3. Through GLMM analysis, we compared richness, species abundance, taxonomic and functional composition, and three indices of functional diversity between native forest and cattle systems and explored the role of environmental variables to explain changes.

4. We captured 2838 individuals of 45 species. Taxonomic and functional richness and functional composition were similar among habitats. Total abundance was greater in the native forest than in silvopastoral systems and pastures. However, functional evenness and dispersion were greater in pastures than in the native forest.

5. Previous studies in humid forests showed the strong impact of cattle raising on dung beetle communities; however, the results of this study suggest that in dry forests ranching could have a low impact on native dung beetle diversity; however, reduced population abundance could result in impoverishment of dung beetle communities over time.
LncRNA COL1A2‐AS1 promotes skin fibroblast apoptosis by repressing p‐Smad3 and promoting β‐catenin expression
Authors: Li Jun , Gao Yanli , Li Qian , Chen Ling , Chen Yajun , Li Jingyun
Published: December 2020

LncRNA COL1A2‐AS1 has been demonstrated to inhibit fibroblast proliferation of hypertrophic scars. However, the function of COL1A2‐AS1 in normal skin fibroblasts remains poorly studied. Here, we report that overexpression of COL1A2‐AS1 promoted normal skin fibroblast apoptosis. On the basis of mRNA‐seq data and gene set enrichment analysis plus Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis, 16 upregulated and 125 downregulated mRNAs were found; TGF‐β, Wnt, and MAPK pathways were potentially involved. Western blot assay confirmed that overexpression of COL1A2‐AS1 repressed p‐Smad3 expression and promoted β‐catenin expression. Furthermore, COL1A2‐AS1 overexpression combined with either TGF‐β1 or siRNA against β‐catenin reversed the upregulation of apoptosis in the COL1A2‐AS1 overexpression group. In conclusion, our study revealed the roles of COL1A2‐AS1 in normal skin fibroblast apoptosis, with COL1A2‐AS1 functioning by repressing p‐Smad3 expression and promoting β‐catenin expression.
An overlap graph model for large‐scale group decision making with social trust information considering the multiple roles of experts
Authors: Liao Huchang , Tan Runzhi , Tang Ming
Published: December 2020

Social network analysis is an efficient tool to investigate the relationships of decision‐makers in large‐scale group decision making (LSGDM). Existing social network‐based LSGDM studies generally assumed that each decision‐maker has a single role or belongs to only one subgroup. The assumption that a decision‐maker has multiple roles or belongs to multiple subgroups is rarely taken into consideration. In this regard, this study proposes an overlap graph model (OGM) in which decision‐makers can participate in the decision‐making process in multiple roles to solve LSGDM problems with social trust information. In the OGM, decision‐makers are firstly divided into two types: multiple‐role decision‐makers and single‐role decision‐makers. Since it is unpractical for a decision‐maker to evaluate all others in a LSGDM problem, we then investigate how to construct a complete social trust network based on an Agent mechanism. A two‐stage consensus reaching process is proposed to reduce the discrepancies among decision‐makers: The first stage is for single‐role decision‐makers within a subgroup while the second stage is for Agents and multiple‐role decision‐makers. Finally, an illustrative example regarding selecting treatment plans for critical patients in COVID‐19 is provided to test the applicability and rationality of the proposed model.
Ultrahigh resolution electroanatomical mapping of the transverse conduction of the right atrial posterior wall in cases with and without typical atrial flutter
Authors: Sekihara Takayuki , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Nagao Moeko , Kakehashi Shota , Mukai Moe , Aoyama Daisetsu , Nodera Minoru , Eguchi Tomoya , Hasegawa Kanae , Uzui Hiroyasu , Tada Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The right atrial posterior wall (RAPW) is known to form a conduction barrier during typical atrial flutter (AFL). We evaluated the transverse conduction properties of RAPW in patients with and without typical AFL using an ultrahigh resolution electroanatomical mapping system.

Methods and Results

This study included 41 patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF, typical or atypical AFL, in whom we performed RAPW mapping with an ultrahigh resolution mapping system during typical AFL and coronary sinus ostial pacing with three different pacing cycle lengths (PCLs) (1) PCL1: PCL within 40 ms of the AFL cycle length in patients with typical AFL or 250–300 ms for those without, (2) PCL2: 400 ms, (3) PCL3: PCL just faster than the sinus rate. Local RAPW conduction block was evaluated by propagation mapping and local double potentials separated by an isoelectric line. The functional block was defined as areas blocked during shorter PCLs but conductive during longer PCLs. The degree of blockade was calculated by dividing the blocked length by RAPW length (%blockade). Only two patients demonstrated a fixed complete RAPW block (100%, %blockade). Thirty‐one patients demonstrated a partial block of RAPW, and the %blockade during PCL1‐3 was 49.4 ± 19.8%, 39.5 ± 19.2%, and 35.0 ± 22.9% in this group, respectively. Functional block areas were frequently observed above the fixed block area adjacent to the RA‐inferior vena cava junction. Transverse conduction block was more frequently observed in patients with typical AFL at any longitudinal level of RAPW.

Conclusion

RAPW transverse conduction block is lower‐side dominant and greater in patients with typical AFL than those without.
Community Medication Education, Data, & Safety (C‐MEDS): Findings from a Pilot Project
Authors: Meyer Marsha , Enguidanos Susan , Zhu Yujun , Likar Denise , Batra Romilla
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Medication‐related problems remain one of the largest health risks for older adults, yet there are few resources available to effectively reduce medication‐related problems for community dwelling older adults. The aim of this pilot program was to determine the effectiveness of a multifaceted medication intervention on medication adherence and self‐efficacy in medication use.

Design

A single sample, pre‐post‐test design.

Setting

This pilot study was conducted at Independence at Home, a Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) community service in Southern California.

Participants

One hundred and eighty community‐dwelling, diverse older adults with potential medication‐related problems and their caregivers.

Intervention

The Community Medication Education, Data, & Safety (C‐MEDS) Program identified community‐dwelling older adults with potential medication‐related problems and provided in‐depth personalized medication safety, management and support, based on an in‐home assessment and interventions delivered by trained geriatrics experts including pharmacists, nurses, a community health worker, and a pharmacy technician.

Measurements

The primary outcomes included medication use self‐efficacy, measured by the MUSE, and select medication adherence measures. Adherence was measured via pill count and via the MedAdhIR tool, a scale that measures risk for medication non‐adherence.

Results

Following participation in the C‐MEDS program, community‐dwelling older adult C‐MEDS graduates (n = 105) had higher self‐efficacy in managing medications (P < .001). Additionally, C‐MEDS graduates also exhibited increased adherence to three types of medications (statins, diabetes‐related, and certain hypertension drugs; P < .001). Moreover, risk of non‐adherence declined significantly following C‐MEDS graduation (P < .001).

Conclusion

C‐MEDS holds promise as an effective intervention among community‐dwelling older adults in improving medication self‐efficacy, medication adherence among select medications, and reducing risk for non‐adherence. Additional studies are needed to assess replicability and impact on clinical outcomes.
Isolated isoquercitrin from Green ball apple peel inhibits photoaging in CCD‐986Sk fibroblasts cells via modulation of the MMPs signaling
Authors: Lee Eun‐Ho , Park Hye‐Jin , Kim Han‐Hyuk , Jung Hee‐Young , Kang In‐Kyu , Cho Young‐Je
Published: December 2020

Background

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is viewed as the main factor of skin aging, associated with acceleration of elastin, collagen degradation and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Apples are one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the world, and isoquercitrin is the main active ingredient in new bred varieties “Green ball” apple. Therefore, we are studying the functionality of the active ingredient of apple, a natural raw material that does not have toxicity or sensitivity problems.

Objectives

The aim of this study, we scrutinized the effects of isoquercitrin on skin photoaging in UVB‐exposed human fibroblasts (CCD‐986Sk).

Methods

To investigate the inhibition effect on photoaging factor regulation, isolated isoquercitrin were treated with UVB, which induces photoaging‐related factors in CCD‐986Sk fibroblast cells. Pro‐inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA, Western blotting and real‐time PCR.

Results

Isoquercitrin exhibited antioxidant activity and UVB‐induced generation of photoaging‐related factor inhibition without showing any toxicity. Anti‐photoaging effect for protein levels using Isoquercitin was competent, of both the combate MMP‐1 and MMP‐9. Also, effect of COL1A2 product significantly increase, from up regulating the TIMP‐1 mediated pathway in CCD‐986Sk cells via the inhibition of MMPs. Isoquercitrin also downregulated the mRNA gene expression of MMPs while upregulating type I procollagen, HAS2 by modulating TIMP‐1 and TGF‐β in UVB‐irradiated CCD‐986Sk cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results show that isoquercitrin might be useful as a functional food while being a good candidate in the development of cosmetic products and medicines for the remedy of UVB‐induced skin photoaging.
The relationship between lichen planus and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Daye Munise , Temiz Selami Aykut , Isık Begüm
Published: December 2020

Objective

Lichen planus (LP) is an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases can cause metabolic complications. In the literature, data related to the relationship between lichen planus and metabolic syndrome (MS) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between MS and lichen planus with disease activity.

Methods

The patients diagnosed with lichen planus at the dermatology outpatient clinic between January 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. 98 lichen planus cases, age‐ and sex‐matched 99 controls, 197 cases in total were included in the study.

Results

Of the 98 lichen planus cases included in the study, 60 (61%) were women. The mean age of the patients was 49.3 ± 14.4, and the average disease duration was 33.5 ± 31.4 months. 55 (55%) of the patients in the control group were female, and the mean age of the control group was 50 ± 13.2. The body mass index of LP cases was 29.5 ± 5.8, in the control group was 25.8 ± 3.7.

Metabolic syndrome was found in 47 (48%) of 98 cases with lichen planus and 32.3% in the control group. MS in the lichen planus group was significantly higher than the control group (P = .025). Metabolic syndrome was detected in the oral lichen planus at the rate of 60% (12 cases). Although the incidence of MS was more common in the oral lichen planus, it was not statistically significant (P = .29). While no significant relationship was found between oral disease severity and metabolic syndrome (P = .19), a significant correlation was found between cutaneous disease severity and metabolic syndrome (P = .023).

Discussion

The risk of mucosal malignancy that can occur when following LP cases has been known for a long time. According to our results, caution should be taken in terms of metabolic complications in the follow‐up of LP cases, especially oral LP cases.
Autologous whole fat injection stimulates hair growth in resistant Androgenetic Alopecia: Report of nine cases
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Lotfi Elaheh , Heidari‐Kharaji Maryam , Torkamaniha Elham , Hanifnia Amir Reza
Published: December 2020

Background

The changes in morphology of hair follicle and aberrant cycling of hair follicle are the main reasons of the most common forms of hair loss (alopecia). However, existing alopecia treatments do not specifically target these processes.

Aims

Autologous whole fat injection suggests a paradigm shift that may offer alternative therapies that can be used to prevent hair loss. This study aimed to present clinical cases for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia by autologous whole fat injection in the scalp.

Methods

Nine patients with androgenetic alopecia (7 women and 2 men) were enrolled to our study. After lipoaspiration, autologous whole fat was injected into the patient's scalp. Hair regeneration was evaluated by three clinical tests: the pull test, hair quality, and hair density.

Results

For all patients, before and after treatment, the number (density) and diameter of hair were calculated using trichograms. The pull test was also performed. The pictures were obtained before after treatment.

Conclusion

Our results showed that whole fat injection enormously can increase the level of hair growth.
Treatment of pincer nail deformity with 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Daye Munise , Durmaz Koray
Published: December 2020

Pincer nail (PN) is a nail disorder that cannot resolve spontaneously and sometimes necessitates surgical intervention. The etiological factors and gold standard treatment for the PN are still uncertain. We present a 24‐year‐old woman suffering from the PN and were treated with 1064‐nm long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser. There were PN deformities in the left and right thumbnails. The left one was treated with four sessions of 1064‐nm. Nd:YAG laser.
Differences in the response in the dermis of the tails of young and old SD rats to treatment with bipolar RF
Authors: Beltrán‐Frutos E. , Ferrer C. , Seco‐Rovira V. , Martínez‐Hernández J. , Serrano‐Sánchez M. I. , Pastor L. M.
Published: December 2020

Background

The passing of the years is marked by intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic aging, caused by photoaging, which is characterized by a decrease in collagen and the deposition of abnormal elastic fibers in the dermis. The use of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) increases fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, accompanied by collagen synthesis and a subsequent increase in connective tissue, and it is not known whether the biological effects of this type of radiofrequency on the dermis are similar regardless of the age of the individual or whether such effects are altered by the aging process itself.

Aims

The objective was to perform a histological study of the changes in the tail dermis of young and old rats after submitting them to bipolar RF, to determine cell proliferation and volume of connective tissue.

Methods

One part of the rat tail was fixed in formol and processed for light microscopy and another part processed for electron microscopy.

Results

The number of fibroblasts/unit area and cells positive to nuclear proliferation antigen was higher in young animals. Significant differences were observed regarding expression of HSP‐47 protein, and the value was always lower in old rats. No significant differences were observed in the percentage of connective tissue. No histological alterations were observed in any rats.

Conclusion

Treatment with RF increased the number of fibroblasts located in the connective tissue of the young rats. In addition, the effect of a single treatment on the population of fibroblasts in young animals was sufficient to activate the synthesis of new collagen.
The periplasmic domains of Vibriocholerae ToxR and ToxS are forming a strong heterodimeric complex independent on the redox state of ToxR cysteines
Authors: Gubensäk Nina , Wagner Gabriel E. , Schrank Evelyne , Falsone Fabio S. , Berger Tamara Margot Ismael , Pavkov‐Keller Tea , Reidl Joachim , Zangger Klaus
Published: December 2020

The transmembrane protein ToxR plays a key role in the virulence expression system of Vibrio cholerae. The activity of ToxR is dependent on its periplasmic sensor domain (ToxRp) and on the inner membrane protein ToxS. Herein, we present the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance NMR solution structure of the sensory ToxRp containing an intramolecular disulfide bond. The presented structural and dynamic experiments with reduced and oxidized ToxRp propose an explanation for the increased proteolytic sensitivity of reduced ToxR. Additionally, for the first time, we could identify the formation of a strong heterodimer complex between the periplasmic domains of ToxR and ToxS in solution. NMR interaction studies reveal that binding of ToxS is not dependent on the redox state of ToxR cysteines, and formed complexes are structurally similar. By monitoring the proteolytic cleavage of ToxRp with NMR, we additionally provide a direct evidence of ToxS protective function. Taken together our results suggest that ToxR activity is regulated by its stability which is, on the one hand, dependent on the redox states of its cysteines, influencing the stability of its fold, and on the other hand, on its interaction with ToxS, which binds independent on the cysteines and acts as a protection against proteases.
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of tinea capitis in northern Taiwan during 2014‐2019: An unusual bimodal distribution of patients and comparison of paediatric and adult cases
Authors: Wang Hsuan‐Ning , Shang Chuin‐Shee , Yang Shih‐Jyun , Shih I‐Hsin , Hui Chung‐Yee Rosaline , Yang Chin‐Yi , Lu Chun‐Wei , Sun Pei‐Lun
Published: December 2020

Tinea capitis (TC) mainly occurs in children, and related studies in adults are rare. We aimed to investigate the current epidemiological, clinical and mycological characteristics of TC and to compare adult and paediatric patients in northern Taiwan. We conducted a retrospective study at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, from 2014 to 2019. The dataset included age, sex, records of underlying diseases, animal contact history, frequent hair salon visits, clinical patterns, treatment and outcome via chart or phone call reviews. The average ages of 72 children and 104 adults recruited were 6.0 and 74.0 years, respectively. A female predominance was noted in both groups, and the ratio of females was significantly higher in adults (94.2% vs 59.7%, P < .0001). Microsporum canis (76.4%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (11.1%) in children, and M. canis (49.0%) and T. violaceum (31.7%) in adults were the most common pathogens. Adults were more likely to be infected with T. violaceum (OR = 10.14, 95% CI = 2.04‐50.26) than children. In contrast, adults were less likely to be infected with M. canis than children (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11‐0.90). Furthermore, adults visited hair salons more, had less animal contact and were more immunosuppressed than children. TC is not unusual in the adult population. Dermatologists are advised to realise risk factors such as immunosuppression and regular hair salon visit in adult TC.
A brief intervention to standardize postanesthetic clinical handoff
Authors: Njambi Margaret , Rawson Helen , Redley Bernice
Published: December 2020

This naturalistic, pre‐ and post‐design study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a brief patient safety intervention to introduce a tool to standardize interdisciplinary communication processes at patient handoff between anesthetists and postanesthesia nurses in the postanesthetic care unit. Observation and interview data were collected pre‐ and post‐intervention from a convenience sample of 27 nurses and 23 anesthetists in a large tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Following the intervention, significant improvement was observed in nurses' performance of several patient safety behaviors, but trends in nurses' interdisciplinary communication behaviors such as asking questions and escalation of care were nonsignificant. This research provides evidence that tools to standardize clinical handoff communication may empower nurses to perform desired patient safety behaviors during interprofessional handoff. It underpins future research to explore strategies to empower nurses to advocate for patient safety during interdisciplinary communication, and provides a foundation for patient handoff improvement, education, and further research.
Disorientation in the unmaking of high‐rise homes
Authors: Dorignon Louise , Nethercote Megan
Published: December 2020

This paper expands our understanding of vertical urbanism, and specifically the experience of home in high‐rise housing, by assessing and mobilising a “disorientated geographies” approach. It follows Bissell and Gorman‐Murray's recent call for researchers to better account for the logics of disconnection and undoing in geographical inquiry. Building on their exploration of “disorientated geographies,” this paper examines the lived experience of three single men living in high‐rise housing to revisit the high‐rise as home. It aims to advance prevailing understandings of urban vertical living and more specifically of the processes through which these homes are made and unmade. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with apartment dwellers in new high‐rise housing in London and Melbourne, we explore residents' loss of orienting relations through their feelings of frustration, restlessness, and disappointment. We consider how these emotional states contribute to destabilise their homes as these three men struggle to comprehend and orient themselves within the socio‐spatial environment of the high‐rise, and specifically an environment compromised by design and build quality issues. We argue that disorientation provides a useful but undervalued vantage point from which to understand the making and unmaking of vertical homes. In so doing, we foreground and sharpen understandings of the role of verticality, in particular, in these processes of home‐unmaking. The contribution of the paper is two‐fold. Conceptually, it both expands the application of disorientated geographies into a novel urban setting and broadens its frames of reference by examining other bodily experiences and emotions. Empirically, we advance understandings of the lived experience of vertical urbanisms by drawing new and productive links between verticality and disorientation that move us beyond consideration of purely physiological responses, such as vertigo or dizziness, to high‐rise living, to better account for a fuller range of bodily, emotional, and social practices.
Vibration Analyses of an Axial Turbine Wheel With Intentional Mistuning
Authors: Beirow Bernd , Kühhorn Arnold , Weber Robby , Popig Frederik
Published: December 2020

The last-stage bladed disk of a steam turbine is analyzed with respect to both flutter susceptibility and limitation of forced response. Due to the lack of variable stator vanes, unfavorable flow conditions may occur, which can lead to flow separation in some circumstances. Consequently, there is the risk of flutter in principle, particularly at nominal speed under part load conditions. For this reason, intentional mistuning is employed by the manufacturer with the objective to prevent any self-excited vibrations. A first step in this direction is done by choosing alternate mistuning, which keeps the manufactural efforts in limits since only two different blade designs are allowed. In this sense, two different series of blades have been made. However, it is well known that small deviations from the design intention are unavoidable due to the manufacturing procedure, which could be proved by bonk tests carried out earlier. The influence of these additional but unwanted deviations is considered in numerical simulations. Moreover, the strong dependence of blade frequencies on the speed is taken into account since centrifugal stiffening effects significantly attenuate the blade-to-blade frequency difference in this particular case. Focusing on the first flap mode, it could be shown that a mitigation of flutter susceptibility is achieved by prescribing alternate mistuning, which indeed evokes an increase of originally small aerodynamic damping ratios. Nevertheless, the occurrence of negative damping ratios could not be completely precluded at part load conditions. That is why optimization studies are conducted based on genetic algorithms with the objective function of maximizing the lowest aerodynamic damping ratios. Again, only two different blade designs are admitted. Finally, mistuning patterns could be identified causing a tremendous increase of aerodynamic damping ratios. The robustness of the solutions found could be proved by superimposing additional random mistuning.
Force Directed Design of a Voluntary Closing Hand Prosthesis
Authors: Herder Just L. , de Visser Hans
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the design of a body powered voluntary closing prosthetic hand. It is argued that the motion of the fingers before establishing a grip is much less relevant for good control of the object held than the distribution of forces once the object has been contacted. Based on this notion, the configurations of forces on the fingers and the force transmission through the whole mechanism were taken as point of departure for the design, rather than motion characteristics. For a good distribution of pinching forces on the object and a natural behavior, the prosthesis is made adaptive and flexible. To achieve good force feedback, the disturbing influences of the cosmetic glove are strongly reduced by a compensation mechanism. To further improve the transmission of forces, friction is reduced by furnishing the whole mechanism with rolling links. This force directed design approach has led to a simple mechanism with low operating force and good feedback of the pinching force.
Rapid Prototyping of Lower-Pair, Geared-Pair and Cam Mechanisms
Authors: Laliberté Thierry , Gosselin Clément M. , Côté Gabriel
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a framework for the rapid prototyping of lower-pair, geared-pair and cam mechanisms using a commercially available CAD package and a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) rapid prototyping machine is presented. A database of lower kinematic pairs (joints) is developed experimentally. Geared-pair and cam mechanisms are also developed. These mechanisms are then used in the design of the prototypes. Examples are presented in order to demonstrate the potential of this technique. Physical prototypes can be of great help in the design of mechanisms by allowing the 3D visualization of the mechanism as well as providing an experimental validation of the geometric and kinematic properties.
Constraint Representation Based on Lie Algebra in a Kinematic Model and Synthesis of Mechanisms
Authors: Tokunaga Hitoshi , Imamura Satoshi
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with a new method for structural synthesis of mechanisms in a conceptual design as follows: first, using the Lie algebra-based representation of constraint on degrees of freedom, we propose an analysis procedure of the degrees of freedom between components in mechanisms of mechanical products. Second, this analysis procedure makes it possible to propose a structural synthesis procedure. Third, in order to select one of the mechanisms generated by the synthesis procedure, we introduce the concept of manipulatability as a criterion for the evaluation. Finally, to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed method, it is applied to an example of structural synthesis.
Seismic velocity structure of the Queen Charlotte terrace off western Canada in the region of the 2012 Haida Gwaii Mw 7.8 thrust earthquake
Authors: Riedel M. , Yelisetti S. , Papenberg C. , Rohr K.M.M. , Côté M.M. , Spence G.D. , Hyndman R.D. , James T.
Published: December 2020

A well-recorded Mw 7.8 megathrust earthquake occurred on 27 October 2012 under the Queen Charlotte terrace off the west coast of Haida Gwaii, western Canada. In this study, we supplement limited earlier seismic refraction work on the offshore velocity structure off Haida Gwaii with data from ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) operating between 6 December 2012 and 5 January 2013. The OBS recorded a portion of the aftershock sequence, and an active-source seismic survey was conducted in January 2013 to acquire seismic refraction data in the region of the Haida Gwaii earthquake across the Queen Charlotte terrace. P-wave velocity analyses using first-arrival tomography showed relatively shallow (2.0–3.0 km below seafloor) high-velocity material with values up to 4.0 km/s beneath the terrace. At the one OBS station seaward of the deformation front on the abyssal plain, refraction velocities of ∼4.5 km/s indicated the top of the oceanic plate at ∼1–2 km below the seafloor. At several OBS stations, converted shear-wave velocities were determined within the sediment cover using reflected arrivals. The S-wave velocities ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 km/s, and the corresponding P/S velocity ratio was between 3.0 and 4.2. The new refraction data confirm earlier interpretations of high-velocity material in the shallow terrace that may indicate fractured oceanic crustal material lies significantly above the location where a subducted slab is thought to occur under the terrace. Transpressive deformation of the Pacific plate may explain these observations.
Military trauma and orthopaedics experience of the UK COVID-19 pandemic: a lesson in versatility and how it can influence our deployed role
Authors: Packer Tim , McMenemy L , Kendrew J , Stapley S A
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated unprecedented change within the NHS. Some medical staff have been deployed into unfamiliar roles, while others have been exposed to innovative ways of working. The embedded military Trauma and Orthopaedic (T&O) cadre have been integral to this change. Many of these new skills and ways of working learnt will be transferable to deployed environments. Feedback from the T&O military cadre highlighted key areas of learning as changes in T&O services, use of technology, personal protective equipment, redeployment and training. This paper aims to discuss how these changes were implement and how they could be used within future military roles. The T&O cadre played important roles within their NHS trusts and the skills they learnt will broaden their skills and knowledge for future deployments.
Burns management in the military and humanitarian setting
Authors: Sandhu Amritpal , Herron J B T , Martin N A
Published: December 2020

Burns are an unpredictable element of the modern battlespace and humanitarian operations. Most military burns are small and may not be a significant challenge for deployed healthcare assets but usually render the individual combat ineffective until healed. However, larger burns represent a more significant challenge because of the demand for fluid resuscitation therapy, early surgical intervention and regular wound management that can rapidly deplete surgical capabilities. Beyond the initial injury, longer-term consequences, such as psychological morbidity and loss of functional independence, are rarely considered as part of an ongoing care plan. Globally, most of the morbidity and mortality associated with burns are seen in less economically developed countries and are frequently associated with conflicts and natural disasters, but with simple interventions and resources, outcomes in these environments can be markedly improved. Prehospital providers should be confident to manage the initial assessment of a burn, including triaging for evacuation and packaging for safe transfer. This article provides an overview for prehospital providers on the management of thermal burns in military and humanitarian settings, with additional considerations for the management of chemical and electrical injuries.
Prevalence of peritonitis and mortality in patients with ESKD treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Okpechi Ikechi G , Ekrikpo Udeme , Moloi Mothusi W , Noubiap Jean Jacques , Okpechi-Samuel Ugochi S , Bello Aminu K
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of peritonitis and mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Africa.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

Africa.

Participants

Patients with ESKD in Africa.

Interventions

PD in its varied forms.

Primary and secondary outcomes

PD-related peritonitis rate (primary outcome), time-to-discontinuation of PD, mortality.

Data sources

Four databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Africa Journal Online were systematically searched from 1 January 1980 to 31 December 2019.

Eligibility criteria

Studies conducted in Africa reporting peritonitis rate and mortality in patients treated with PD.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers extracted and synthesised the data using Microsoft Excel. The quality of included data was also assessed.

Results

We included 17 studies from seven African countries representing 1894 patients treated with PD. The overall median age was 41.4 years (IQR: 38.2–44.7) with a median time on PD of 18.0 months (17.0–22.6). An overall median peritonitis rate of 0.75 (0.56–2.20) episodes per patient-year (PPY) was observed and had declined with time; peritonitis rate was higher in paediatric studies than adult studies (1.78 (1.26–2.25) vs 0.63 (0.55–1.87) episodes PPY). The overall median proportion of deaths was 21.1% (16.2–25.8). Culture negative peritonitis was common in paediatric studies and studies that reported combined outcomes of continuous ambulatory PD and automated PD. Both 1-year and 2-year technique survival were low in all studies (83.6% and 53.0%, respectively) and were responsible for a high proportion of modality switch.

Conclusions

Our study identifies that there is still high but declining peritonitis rates as well as low technique and patient survival in PD studies conducted in Africa. Sustained efforts should continue to mitigate factors associated with peritonitis in patients with ESKD treated with PD in Africa.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017072966.
Accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nava Chiara , Modiano Hedenmalm Astrid , Borys Franciszek , Hooft Lotty , Bruschettini Matteo , Jenniskens Kevin
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) could be a valuable instrument for measurement of glucose concentration in preterm neonate. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CGM devices to intermittent blood glucose evaluation methods for the detection of hypoglycaemic or hypoglycaemic events in preterm infants.

Data sources

A structured electronic database search was performed for studies that assessed the accuracy of CGM against any intermittent blood glucose testing methods in detecting episodes of altered glycaemia in preterm infants. No restrictions were used. Three review authors screened records and included studies.

Data extraction

Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. From individual patient data (IPD), sensitivity and specificity were determined using predefined thresholds. The mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of the studied CGM devices was assessed and if those satisfied the accuracy requirements (EN ISO 15197). IPD datasets were meta-analysed using a logistic mixed-effects model. A bivariate model was used to estimate the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve and extract the area under the curve (AUC). The overall level of certainty of the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

Among 4481 records, 11 were included. IPD datasets were obtained for five studies. Only two of the studies showed an MARD lower than 10%, with none of the five CGM devices studied satisfying the European Union (EU) ISO 15197 requirements. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of CGM devices for hypoglycaemia were 0.39 and 0.99, whereas for hyperglycaemia were 0.87 and 0.99, respectively. The AUC was 0.70 and 0.86, respectively. The certainty of the evidence was considered as low to moderate. Limitations primarily related to the lack of representative population, reference standard and CGM device.

Conclusions

CGM devices demonstrated low sensitivity for detecting hypoglycaemia in preterm infants, however, provided high accuracy for detection of hyperglycaemia.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020152248.
Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy. What pressures do we achieve in young children with cystic fibrosis? A single-centre study
Authors: Kiernan Niamh , Johnstone Barry , Anderson Peter , Stewart Ruth
Published: December 2020

This study was a clinical review of infant positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to determine whether pressures of 10–20 cm H2O PEP therapy (recommended by the CF trust) are being achieved with routine airway clearance therapy. This took place at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow a specialist UK CF centre. Values were obtained from 21 young children. Pressures above 10 cm H2O during tidal volume breathing were not achieved within our cohort. Further investigation is required to determine efficacy of lower pressures in PEP therapy with young children.
Patency of arterial repairs from wartime extremity vascular injuries
Authors: Haney Lauren J , Bae Esther , Pugh Mary Jo V , Copeland Laurel A , Wang Chen-Pin , MacCarthy Daniel J , Amuan Megan E , Shireman Paula K
Published: December 2020

Background

Extremity vascular injury (EVI) causes significant disability in Veterans of the Afghanistan/Iraq conflicts. Advancements in acute trauma care improved survival and decreased amputations. The study of wartime EVI has relied on successful limb salvage as a surrogate for vascular repair. We used imaging studies as a specific measure of arterial repair durability.

Methods

Service members with EVI were identified using the Department of Defense Trauma Registry and validated by chart abstraction. Inclusion criteria for the arterial patency subgroup included an initial repair attempt with subsequent imaging reports (duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, and angiogram) documenting initial patency.

Results

The cohort of 527 included 140 Veterans with available imaging studies for 143 arterial repairs; median follow-up from injury time to last available imaging study was 19 months (Q1–Q3: 3–58; range: 1–175). Injury mechanism was predominantly explosions (52%) and gunshot wounds (42%). Of the 143 arterial repairs, 81% were vein grafts. Eight repairs were occluded, replaced or included in extremity amputations. One upper extremity and three transtibial late amputations were performed for chronic pain and poor function averaging 27 months (SD: 4; range: 24–32). Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated patency rates of 99%, 97%, 95%, 91% and 91% at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, with similar results for upper and lower extremity repairs. Explosive and gunshot wound injury mechanisms had similar patency rates and upper extremity injuries repaired with vein grafts had increased patency.

Conclusions

Arterial repair mid-term patency in combat-related extremity injuries is excellent based on imaging studies for 143 repairs. Assertive attempts at acute limb salvage and vascular repair are justified with decisions for amputation versus limb salvage based on the overall condition of the patient and degree of concomitant nerve, orthopedic and soft tissue injuries rather than the presence of arterial injuries.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic/care management, level IV.
Shadows of rotating Hayward–de Sitter black holes with astrometric observables
Authors: He Peng-Zhang , Fan Qi-Qi , Zhang Hao-Ran , Deng Jian-Bo
Published: December 2020

Motivated by recent work on rotating black hole shadow (Chang and Zhu in Phys Rev D 101:084029, 2020), we investigate the shadow behaviours of rotating Hayward–de Sitter black hole for static observers at a finite distance in terms of astronomical observables. This paper uses the newly introduced distortion parameter (Chang and Zhu in Phys Rev D 102:044012, 2020) to describe the shadow’s shape quantitatively. We show that the spin parameter would distort shadows and the magnetic monopole charge would increase the degree of deformation. The distortion will increase as the distance between the observer and the black hole increases, and distortion reduces as the cosmological constant increases. Besides, the increase of the spin parameter, magnetic monopole charge and cosmological constant will cause the shadows shrunken.
Off-shell $${\mathcal {N}}=(1,0)$$ linear multiplets in six dimensions
Authors: Atli Ugur , Guleryuz Omer , Ozkan Mehmet
Published: December 2020

We provide a tensor calculus for n-number of $${\mathcal {N}}= (1,0)$$

N
=
(
1
,
0
)

linear multiplets in six dimensions. The coupling of linear multiplets is encoded in a function $${\mathcal {F}}_{IJ}$$

F

IJ

that is subject to certain constraints. We provide various rigid and local supersymmetric models depending on the choice of the function $${\mathcal {F}}_{IJ}$$

F

IJ

and provide an interesting off-diagonal superinvariant, which leads to an $$R^2$$

R
2

supergravity upon elimination of auxiliary fields.
Modulation instability analysis and optical solitons of the generalized model for description of propagation pulses in optical fiber with four non-linear terms
Authors: Rehman S. U. , Seadawy Aly R. , Younis M. , Rizvi S. T. R. , Sulaiman T. A. , Yusuf A.
Published: December 2020

In this article, we investigate the optical soiltons and other solutions to Kudryashov’s equation (KE) that describe the propagation of pulses in optical fibers with four non-linear terms. Non-linear Schrodinger equation with a non-linearity depending on an arbitrary power is the base of this equation. Different kinds of solutions like optical dark, bright, singular soliton solutions, hyperbolic, rational, trigonometric function, as well as Jacobi elliptic function (JEF) solutions are obtained. The strategy that is used to extract the dynamics of soliton is known as [Formula: see text]-model expansion method. Singular periodic wave solutions are recovered and the constraint conditions, which provide the guarantee to the soliton solutions are also reported. Moreover, modulation instability (MI) analysis of the governing equation is also discussed. By selecting the appropriate choices of the parameters, 3D, 2D, and contour graphs and gain spectrum for the MI analysis are sketched. The obtained outcomes show that the applied method is concise, direct, elementary, and can be imposed in more complex phenomena with the assistant of symbolic computations.
Fast Fault Detection and Location System for Distribution Network Lines Based on Power Electronic Disturbance Signals
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Zhaodong , Wang Jiandong , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2020

The traditional reclosing device cannot distinguish the fault nature of blind reclosing, which will cause secondary damage to the faulty power system. In addition, the existence of fault resistance makes fault location complicated. This paper proposes an automatic reclosing device which enters the fault line through the single-phase AC voltage signal of the power electronic converter. The device responds to the comprehensive utilization of the system harmonic impedance and locates the fault current through the comprehensive utilization of the system harmonic impedance judgment. So, the device can eliminate the influence of fault resistance for positioning the result. Because the measurement is performed only at the head-end circuit, no communication line is required. If a permanent fault is found in the system, the fault information and the latching circuit breaker should be indicated. If there is no fault notification, the circuit breaker should be switched. The equipment has been proved to have accurate identification to detect the results of various fault types, so it can avoid the secondary damage of the power system caused by blind reclosing.