bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale analysis of single and double maternal-zygotic Myh9 and Myh10 mutants during mouse preimplantation development
Authors: Schliffka Markus Frederik , Tortorelli Anna-Francesca , Özgüç Özge , de Plater Ludmilla , Polzer Oliver , Pelzer Diane , Maître Jean-Léon
Published: September 2020

During the first days of mammalian development, the embryo forms the blastocyst, the structure responsible for implanting the mammalian embryo. Consisting of an epithelium enveloping the pluripotent inner cell mass and a fluid-filled lumen, the blastocyst results from a series of cleavages divisions, morphogenetic movements and lineage specification. Recent studies identified the essential role of actomyosin contractility in driving the morphogenesis, fate specification and cytokinesis leading to the formation of the blastocyst. However, the preimplantation development of contractility mutants has not been characterized. Here, we generated single and double maternal-zygotic mutants of non-muscle myosin-II heavy chains (NMHC) to characterize them using multiscale imaging. We find that Myh9 (NMHC II-A) is the major NMHC during preimplantation development as its maternal-zygotic loss causes failed cytokinesis, increased duration of the cell cycle, weaker embryo compaction and reduced differentiation, whereas Myh10 (NMHC II-B) maternal-zygotic loss is much less severe. Double maternal-zygotic mutants for Myh9 and Myh10 show a much stronger phenotype, failing most attempts of cytokinesis. We find that morphogenesis and fate specification are affected but nevertheless carry on in a timely fashion, regardless of the impact of the mutations on cell number. Strikingly, even when all cell divisions fail, the resulting single-celled embryo can initiate trophectoderm differentiation and lumen formation by accumulating fluid in increasingly large vacuoles. Therefore, contractility mutants reveal that fluid accumulation is a cell-autonomous process and that the preimplantation program carries on independently of successful cell division.
Complete mapping of mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain that escape antibody recognition
Authors: Greaney Allison J. , Starr Tyler N. , Gilchuk Pavlo , Zost Seth J. , Binshtein Elad , Loes Andrea N. , Hilton Sarah K. , Huddleston John , Eguia Rachel , Crawford Katharine H.D. , Dingens Adam S. , Nargi Rachel S. , Sutton Rachel E. , Suryadevara Naveenchandra , Rothlauf Paul W. , Liu Zhuoming , Whelan Sean P.J. , Carnahan Robert H. , Crowe James E. , Bloom Jesse D.
Published: September 2020

Antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) are being developed as therapeutics and make a major contribution to the neutralizing antibody response elicited by infection. Here, we describe a deep mutational scanning method to map how all amino-acid mutations in the RBD affect antibody binding, and apply this method to 10 human monoclonal antibodies. The escape mutations cluster on several surfaces of the RBD that broadly correspond to structurally defined antibody epitopes. However, even antibodies targeting the same RBD surface often have distinct escape mutations. The complete escape maps predict which mutations are selected during viral growth in the presence of single antibodies, and enable us to design escape-resistant antibody cocktails–including cocktails of antibodies that compete for binding to the same surface of the RBD but have different escape mutations. Therefore, complete escape-mutation maps enable rational design of antibody therapeutics and assessment of the antigenic consequences of viral evolution.
Revealing the functional traits that are linked to hidden environmental factors in community assembly
Authors: Pillar Valério D. , Sabatini Francesco Maria , Jandt Ute , Camiz Sergio , Bruelheide Helge
Published: September 2020

Aim

To identify functional traits that best predict community assembly without knowing the driving environmental factors.

Methods

We propose a new method that is based on the correlation r(XY) between two matrices of potential community composition: matrixXis fuzzy-weighted by trait similarities of species, and matrixYis derived by Beals smoothing using the probabilities of species co-occurrences. Since matrixXis based on one or more traits, r(XY) measures how well the traits used for fuzzy-weighting reflect the observed co-occurrence patterns. We developed an optimization algorithm that identifies those traits that maximize this correlation, together with an appropriate permutational test for significance. Using metacommunity data generated by a stochastic, individual-based, spatially explicit model, we assessed the type I error and the power of our method across different simulation scenarios, varying environmental filtering parameters, number of traits and trait correlation structures. We then applied the method to real-world community and trait data of dry calcareous grassland communities across Germany to identify, out of 49 traits, the combination of traits that maximizes r(XY).

Results

The method correctly identified the relevant traits involved in the community assembly mechanisms specified in simulations. It had high power and accurate type I error and was robust against confounding aspects related to interactions between environmental factors, strength of limiting factors, and correlation among traits. In the grassland dataset, the method identified five traits that best explained community assembly. These traits reflected the size and the leaf economics spectrum, which are related to succession and resource supply, factors that may not be always measured in real-world situations.

Conclusions

Our method successfully identified the relevant traits mediating community assembly driven by environmental factors which may be hidden for not being measured or accessible at the spatial or temporal scale of the study.
Distinct place cell dynamics in CA1 and CA3 encode experience in new environments
Authors: Dong Can , Madar Antoine D. , Sheffield Mark E. J.
Published: September 2020

When exploring new environments animals form spatial memories that are updated with experience and retrieved upon re-exposure to the same environment. The hippocampus is thought to support these memory processes, but how this is achieved by different subnetworks such as CA1 and CA3 remains unclear. To understand how hippocampal spatial representations emerge and evolve during familiarization, we performed 2-photon calcium imaging in mice running in new virtual environments and compared the trial-to-trial dynamics of place cells in CA1 and CA3 over days. We find that place fields in CA1 emerge rapidly but tend to shift backwards from trial-to-trial and remap upon re-exposure to the environment a day later. In contrast, place fields in CA3 emerge gradually but show more stable trial-to-trial and day-to-day dynamics. These results reflect different roles in CA1 and CA3 in spatial memory processing during familiarization to new environments and constrain the potential mechanisms that support them.
Self-assembly of progenitor cells under the aegis of platelet factors facilitates human skin organoid formation and vascularized wound healing
Authors: Peking Patricia , Krisch Linda , Wolf Martin , Hoog Anna , Vári Balázs , Muigg Katharina , Poupardin Rodolphe , Scharler Cornelia , Russe Elisabeth , Stachelscheid Harald , Schneeberger Achim , Schallmoser Katharina , Strunk Dirk
Published: September 2020

Stem/progenitor cells can self-organize into organoids modelling tissue function and regeneration. Here we demonstrate that human platelet-derived factors can orchestrate 3D self-assembly of clonally expanded adult skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes and endothelial progenitors forming skin organoids within three days. Organoids showed distinct signaling patterns in response to inflammatory stimuli that clearly differed from separated cell types. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived skin cell progenitors also self-assembled into stratified human skin within two weeks, healing deep wounds of immune-deficient mice. Co-transplantation of endothelial progenitors significantly accelerated vascularization. Mechanistically, platelet-derived extracellular vesicles mediated the platelet-derived trophic effects. Long-term fitness of epidermal cells was accelerated further by keratinocyte growth factor mRNA transfection. No tumorigenesis was observed upon xenografting. This permits novel rapid 3D skin-related pharmaceutical testing opportunities and facilitates development of iPSC-based skin regeneration strategies.
A very short O—H...O hydrogen bond in the structure of clozapinium hydrogen bis(3,5-dinitrobenzoate)
Authors: Shaibah Mohammed A. E. , Kavitha Channappa N. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Foro Sabine , Glidewell Christopher
Published: September 2020

In the title salt {systematic name: 4-[6-chloro-2,9-diazatricyclo[9.4.0.03,8]pentadeca-1(15),3(8),4,6,9,11,13-heptaen-10-yl]-1-methylpiperazin-1-ium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate–3,5-dinitrobenzic acid (1/1)}, C18H20ClN4
+·C7H3N2O6
−·C7H4N2O6, there is a very short, asymmetric, O—H...O hydrogen bond [O...O = 2.453 (3) Å] within the anion. The oxygen atoms of one of the nitro groups of the anion are disordered over two sets of sites having occupancies of 0.56 (3) and 0.44 (3). The fused tricyclic portion of the cation adopts a butterfly conformation, with a dihedral angle of 45.59 (6)° between the planes of the two aryl rings. In the crystal, a combination of O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds links the component species into a three-dimensional framework. Comparisons are made with the structures of some related compounds.
Unsanctioned user-generated content: student perceptions of academic brand parody
Authors: Larson Lindsay R.L. , Salvador Jordan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

While universities and colleges engage in marketing their brands through official communications, there also exists the unique case of social media accounts created by and for university students, which have the sole purpose of disseminating humorous parody content about the university. These accounts and their content are neither managed nor sanctioned by the university. While user-generated satire has been studied in the areas of politics and popular culture, it has not often been considered within the realm of universities and their student stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 200 undergraduates at a large public university in the southeastern United States were surveyed regarding their engagement with and thoughts about parody accounts associated with their school.

Findings

All students surveyed were aware of these parody accounts associated with their university; however, results suggest that enjoyment of and engagement with these accounts varies. Those students engaged with university parody accounts experience heightened identification with, but reduced concern over this satirical (and often unprofessional) community, which could be harmful to their university's image.

Practical implications

Although educational institutions aim to convey an outward-facing message of academic excellence and professionalism, their student population may create, engage with and disseminate alternative messaging that must be considered.

Originality/value

While this unique form of online brand engagement is potentially harmful to the university image due to its humorous nature, it also can be seen as a form of brand community, lending to feelings of group identification for students. Brand parody within social media remains a largely ignored topic within higher education marketing.
A triadic longitudinal assessment of multiple supply chain participants’ performance and the extended enterprise concept
Authors: Ellinger Alexander E. , Adams Frank G. , Franke George R. , Herrin Gregory D. , deCoster Tyler E. , Filips Karli E.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Supply chain management (SCM) proficiency is generally associated with superior business performance. Yet, SCM research continues to focus predominantly on the performance of individual firms, rather than on the collective performance of multiple supply chain participants as espoused by the extended enterprise (EE) concept. In response to calls for quantitative studies that examine the collective performance of multiple supply chain participants, this research study compares the combined performance of triads comprising focal firms recognized for their relative SCM proficiency and their upstream (supplier) and downstream (customer) supply chain partners with that of their close industry competitors' triads.

Design/methodology/approach

The triadic, longitudinal examination of multiple supply chain participants' collective performance utilized archival financial data of the period 2007–2017 from the Compustat database and the supply chain (SPLC) function of Bloomberg.

Findings

Findings of this study indicated that supply chain triads that included focal firms recognized for their relative SCM proficiency experienced significantly lower sales and general administrative expenses and significantly higher productivity, return on assets and profitability over time than their close industry competitors' triads. However, contrary to expectations, the performance advantages identified did not extend to revenue growth.

Research limitations/implications

Supply chain triads cannot fully represent entire supply chains or EEs. However, this study’s triadic analysis can be viewed as a practically achievable proxy for further validating the EE concept. Moreover, based on assertions that triadic studies are suitable for SCM research and on empirical studies that consistently show individual firms recognized for their relative SCM proficiency outperform competitors, the authors contend that the study’s findings appropriately corroborate the value of the EE concept.

Practical implications

Because such empirical evidence is so rare, the consistent, collective performance advantages identified in this study should be highly significant to managers.

Originality/value

Robust, longitudinal evidence that supply chain triads which include focal firms recognized for relative SCM proficiency collectively outperform their close industry competitors' triads extends generally accepted associations between SCM proficiency and business performance, suggesting that the application of extended resource-based view (ERBV) in supply chain contexts warrants further examination and further substantiates the efficacy of the EE concept.
Does video games’ popularity affect unemployment rate? Evidence from macro-level analysis
Authors: Parshakov Petr , Paklina Sofiia , Coates Dennis , Chadov Aleksei
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Video games are considered as a leisure activity that makes being unemployed more attractive than before. In this study, the authors use eSports prizes as a proxy for the popularity of video games to analyze its influence on total and youth unemployment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a theoretical model and empirically test it using the total prize money won by representatives of a country in a given season in eSports tournaments, via a panel regression model with the country-year as a unit of observation. The data set includes information about 191 countries between 2000 and 2015.

Findings

The authors’ results of regression analysis show a positive influence of the popularity of video games on the unemployment rate. In addition, the authors analyze this effect for countries with different levels of income and labor productivity. The authors found a significant inverse relationship between income level and the effect of the popularity of video games on total and youth unemployment.

Originality/value

While previous studies rely mostly on self-reported data, the authors suggest a new approach to measure video game popularity. This paper contributes to existing knowledge with empirical evidence on how leisure activities affect unemployment at the country level.
Do ownership structures affect risk disclosure in Islamic banks? International evidence
Authors: Grassa Rihab , Moumen Nejia , Hussainey Khaled
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Previous works assessing the determinants of banks’ risk disclosure in emerging economies focused on one aspect of risk reporting such as market risk disclosure or operational risk disclosure. While banks’ transparency about other major risk types (e.g. capital adequacy, liquidity risk…) is important for both market discipline and for their financial stability, no previous research has tried to discuss their determinants for Islamic banks. This paper aims to fill the gap by assessing the effects of deposits structure and ownership concentration on risk disclosure for Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors based on a sample of 71 Islamic banks operating in 12 emerging economies and observed over the period 2009–2014. The authors used a risk disclosure index covering nine dimensions, and the authors used both generalized least squares (GLS) regression and generalized method of moments (GMMs) as econometric tools.

Findings

The findings suggests that the level of risk disclosure is lower for Islamic banks with higher ownership concentration, leveraged bank, listed banks and Islamic banks. However, risk disclosure is higher for Islamic banks with higher concentration of profit sharing investment account (PSIA) and higher foreign ownership, large Islamic banks, aged banks, Islamic banks operating in country with higher country transparency index, positively correlated to gross domestic products and Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) adoption. By disaggregating total risk disclosure into the nine sub-categories, the authors are able to specify, also, the components of risk disclosure impacted by various determinants.

Research limitations/implications

This paper’s findings are subject, also, to a number of limitations. First, there was manual scoring of annual reports (subjectivity). Second, while some items might have higher information content or be more useful than others for users of Islamic banks’ annual reports, no weighting is assigned to items. Third, the research focuses exclusively on the 12 countries and excludes the other Middle East, Southeast Asia and Far East countries where ownership structure and deposits structure might affect risk disclosure differently.

Originality/value

The findings suggest many policy implications. First, regulators have to improve corporate governance mechanisms in Islamic banking system through the optimization of ownership structure (dispersed ownership) to promote transparency and disclosure. Second, regulators and policymakers should revise guidelines in the main purpose to protect PSIAs holders (considered as minor shareholders without voting power) through promoting disclosure and transparency. Third, the findings can be useful for many international supervisory bodies such as the IFSB and AAOIFI to evaluate transparency and disclosure standards.
Harvesting reflective knowledge exchange for inbound open innovation in complex collaborative networks: an empirical verification in Europe
Authors: Papa Armando , Chierici Roberto , Ballestra Luca Vincenzo , Meissner Dirk , Orhan Mehmet A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of open innovation (OI) and big data analytics (BDA) on reflective knowledge exchange (RKE) within the context of complex collaborative networks. Specifically, it considers the relationships between sourcing knowledge from an external environment, transferring knowledge to an external environment and adopting solutions that are useful to appropriate returns from innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the connection between the number of patent applications and the amount of OI, as well as the association between the number of patent applications and the use of BDA. Data from firms in the 27 European Union countries were retrieved from the Eurostat database for the period 2014–2019 and were investigated using an ordinary least squares regression analysis.

Findings

Because of its twofold lens based on both knowledge management and OI, this study sheds light on OI collaboration modes and highlights the crucial role they could play in innovation. In particular, the results suggest that OI collaboration modes have a strong effect on innovation performance, stimulating the search for RKE.

Originality/value

This study furthers a deeper understanding of RKE, which is shown to be an important mechanism that incentivizes firms to increase their efforts in the innovation process. Further, RKE supports firms in taking full advantage of the innovative knowledge they generate within their inter-organizational network.
Does origin matter? The impact of the institutional environment of the origin country on the internationalization of franchise chains
Authors: Lanfranchi Andrea Giovani , Strehlau Suzane , Borini Felipe Mendes , Melo Pedro Lucas de Resende
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify the impacts of the country of origin of a franchise chain on its commitment in the destination countries, verifying the institutional particularities between the chains from emerging and developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is descriptive and quantitative and involved 724 franchise chains from 10 countries of origin (Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, Argentina, USA, Germany, Australia, Spain and Portugal), spread over 174 destination countries, totaling 3,513 cases.

Findings

The results indicate that institutional preferences do not vary according to the country of origin of the franchise chain but rather vary according to the destination country.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to institutional theory by identifying a set of characteristics that explains the selection of international markets and the commitment of franchise chains.

Practical implications

The results obtained in the study can help managers of franchise chains to make decisions related to the selection of destination countries for international expansion based on the institutional characteristics of the markets and their compatibility with the objectives of the franchise chains.

Originality/value

Companies in emerging countries internationalize according to different management logics from those of companies from developed countries. Thus, it is possible that the process of selecting countries for internationalization is also based on different criteria that reflect different institutional preferences. The thesis defended in the paper is that market potential is more important to franchisees from emerging markets, whereas contract enforcement is more important to franchisees from developed markets.
Entrepreneurs’ planning behavior and new firm performance
Authors: Contin-Pilart Ignacio , Larraza-Kintana Martin , Martin-Sanchez Victor
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Drawing on institutional logics theory, this paper aims to examine the determinants of entrepreneurs’ planning behavior in the first years of 212 Spanish new firms. Additionally, this study identifies four different planning profiles: systematic planner, early planner, late planner and non-planner.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s data structure is a (yearly) pooled cross-sectional time series. This paper investigates the determinants of planning behaviors among entrepreneurs, as well as the impact of that activity on new firm performance (i.e. employment growth).

Findings

The results confirm the relevance of institutional forces in explaining the involvement of founders of new firms upon planning activities. Institutional factors, in the form of public external support seem to explain early- and systematic-planner behavior while the influence of entrepreneurial family background does so with late-planner behavior.

Originality/value

The authors focus their attention on two key moments of a new venture’ life: the first year of operation and once the firm has overcome the four-year hurdle that is often used to distinguish new from established businesses. Four different patterns emerge: systematic planner (those who consistently plan over time), early planner (those who engage in planning activities in the early moments of the firm’s life but not later), late planner (those who do not plan at the beginning but end up conducting planning activities a few years later) and non-planner (those who never get involved in planning activities). This new division is an interesting additional feature of this study.
Edge effect of streets in old residential areas in Chengdu, China
Authors: Zhong Lingyan , Tan Ming
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Taking the streets of an old residential area in Chengdu, China, as an example, this study aims to analyse street as a transitional space that combines adjacent heterogeneous spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The study framework of this paper consists of two parts. The first part focusses on the methods of landscape pattern analysis. The street spatial attributes are analysed, including the geometric and data characteristics of the city space. The second part involves a study of the stated preferences. The social attributes of space and the preferences of respondents regarding landscape properties are studied.

Findings

The study reports that the streets in the old residential area have characteristics of a fringe zone. The mechanisms of their edge effect improve the comprehensive quality of the urban space, stimulate a value-added effect and promote the overall development of the district economy.

Originality/value

The use of the spatial synergy of the edge effect can help us identify problems more accurately, enable streets to become suitable as public spaces, safeguard the rights of local residents to develop and eliminate the factors of instability.
Physicochemical characterization of cow horn ash and its effect as filler material on the mechanical property of polyester-banana fibre composite
Authors: Ezeh Ernest Mbamalu , Onukwuli O.D.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to observe the effect of cheap cow horn ash particles (CHAp) filler as a possible replacement for expensive fillers on the mechanical properties of polyester-banana peduncle fibre (BPF) composites were evaluated using standard procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite was developed using CHAp as a filler component, polyester resin and BPF, with the filler of varying percentage weights (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%), at particle sizes of 125 µm, using hand lay-up technique. The physicochemical properties of CHAp were examined through x-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersion spectrometric analysis (EDS) and density. Mechanical properties of the developed composites were also examined.

Findings

The results showed that the tensile properties and impact strength of the composites reduced marginally with the incorporation of the cow horn ash particle as a filler. However, the flexural strength of the composites increased progressively with the incorporation of BPF as the fibre loading increased. The major constituents of CHAp were CaO from XRF study, calcite (CaCO3) from XRD study and Ca in EDS study in accordance with the analytical parameter, which showed a major component of calcium. The high value of CaCO3 in CHAp improved flexural and impact strengths of the composites. CHAp presented around solid and irregular shape particle characteristic of most fillers with an average particle size of 98.13 nm. The tensile and flexural strengths of the polyester matrix composites obtained at 7.5% BPF: 7.5% CHAp was 117.87 MPa depicting satisfactory mechanical characteristics.

Originality/value

Generally, cow horn ash particle exhibited adequate filler component potential in composite production in keeping with its property effects on the mechanical properties of polyester-BPF composites.
Technological advancements to address elderly loneliness: practical considerations and community resilience implications for COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Conroy Kristina M. , Krishnan Srikripa , Mittelstaedt Stacy , Patel Sonny S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Loneliness has been a known severe public health concern among the elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to discuss the practicalities of using emerging technologies to address elderly loneliness and its implications and adaptations to the outbreak of corona virus disease–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on examples from the literature and their own observations from working with older adults, to provide an overview of possible ways technology could help this population in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Technological advancements have offered remarkable opportunities to deliver care and maintain connections despite the need to stay physically separated. These tools can be integrated into crisis communications, public health responses and care programs to address loneliness among the elderly. However, it must be done strategically and informed by the type of loneliness at play, environmental factors, socioeconomics and technological literacy.

Practical implications

Care-providing organizations and policymakers should consider the risk of loneliness while responding to COVID-19 outbreak, particularly within elderly populations. As a part of a broader plan, technological solutions and low-tech approaches can make a difference in mitigating loneliness. Solutions should be accessible to and usable by older adults. Provision of equipment, training and guidance may be necessary to execute a technology-centric plan; for some communities and individuals, approaches that do not rely on advanced technology may be more effective.

Originality/value

Technological advancements can be a valuable tool in addressing known public health concerns, such as loneliness among the elderly populations. However, the use of this tool should be governed by the specific situation at hand, taking into consideration individual needs and environmental factors, especially the compounded effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Different technological programs and approaches are appropriate for different types of loneliness. For example, online therapy such as internet-based cognitive behavior therapy may mitigate loneliness caused by fear and online interaction such as videoconferencing may relieve loneliness caused by lack of social engagement.
Impact of societal restrictions and lockdown on trauma admissions during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a single‐centre cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Jacob Susan , Mwagiru Derek , Thakur Ishaan , Moghadam Alireza , Oh Thomas , Hsu Jeremy
Published: September 2020

Background

Societal restrictions and lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic have had a significant impact on the volume and nature of trauma admissions. We assessed the impact of COVID‐19 related societal restrictions and lockdown on trauma admissions to single level 1 trauma centre in Westmead, Australia. We hypothesized that the number of trauma admissions would decrease and number of admissions due to self‐harm and assault (specifically domestic violence) would increase.

Methods

Data was collected from the prospectively maintained Westmead Hospital Trauma Registry. The primary outcome compared was the average number of trauma admissions during March and April during years 2016 to 2020. Analysis of variance was used to analyse means. Pairwise differences among group means were evaluated with Tukey's honestly significant difference test. Secondary outcomes compared were in‐hospital interventions and patient outcomes.

Results

There was a 23–34% decrease (P = 0.018) in the mean monthly average trauma admissions during March/April 2020 compared with previous years 2016–2019. In addition, there was a 40–52% decrease (P = 0.025) and 13–29% decrease (P = 0.020) in admissions due to road traffic collisions and falls respectively.

Conclusion

There was a significant decrease in the overall number of trauma‐related admissions during the COVID‐19‐related period of societal restrictions and lockdown. This was due to a decrease in minor traumas, falls and road traffic collisions. There was no difference in the number of admissions secondary to major traumas, self‐harm or assault.
Pathoanatomy and Injury Mechanism of Typical Maisonneuve Fracture
Authors: He Jin‐quan , Ma Xin‐long , Xin Jing‐yi , Cao Hong‐bin , Li Nan , Sun Zhen‐hui , Wang Gui‐xin , Fu Xin , Zhao Bin , Hu Fang‐ke
Published: September 2020

Objective

Maisonneuve fracture is a special type of injury which are rare in clinic. The manifestation of such fractures is variable. The aim of this study is to describe the pathoanatomical features of typical Maisonneuve fracture on the basis of radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and intraoperative exploration findings, and to investigate the injury mechanism of this variety.

Methods

The data of 41 patients with Maisonneuve fracture from April 2014 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and nine females, the average age was 37.9 years (range, 18 to 61 years), the fractures occurred on the left side in 20 patients and on the right side in 21 patients. The cause of injuries were traffic accident in five patients, sprain injury in 20 patients, and falling injury from height in 16 patients. All patients underwent posteroanterior and lateral X‐ray examinations of the ankle and calf. CT scan of the ankle was performed in 38 patients, including three‐dimensional reconstruction in 33 patients. MRI examination of the ankle and calf was performed in 28 and five patients, respectively. Forty patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The features of proximal fibular fracture, injuries of the medial and posterior structures of the ankle, injuries of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and the interosseous membrane were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Forty‐one patients had proximal one‐third fractures of the fibula including six patients with fracture involving the fibular neck, 30 with proximal one‐third fractures of the fibular shaft, and five with proximal–medial one‐third junction fracture of the fibular shaft. Thirty‐five patients (35/41, 85.37%) with injury of posterior structures, 34 patients had posterior malleolar fracture (34/41, 82.93%), and one patient had posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament rupture (1/41, 2.44%). There were 20 patients with type I fracture, four patients with type II fracture, and 10 patients with type III fracture according to the Haraguchi classification of posterior malleolus fracture. The fracture of the medial malleolus was in 30 patients (30/41, 73.17%), rupture of the deltoid ligament was in 10 patients (10/41, 24.39%), and medial structures intact were in one patient (1/41, 2.44%). All 41 patients had injury of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament.

Conclusions

Maisonneuve fracture is characterized by fractures of the proximal fibula and the complete rupture of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. Pronation–external rotation is the main injury mechanism. The manifestations of typical Maisonneuve fracture including that the fibular fracture located in proximal one‐third diaphysis and the fracture line was from anterosuperior to posteroinferior.
Influence of Property Variation on Natural Convection in an Isothermal Vertical Finned Channel: An Extended Study
Authors: Roy Krishna , Das Biplab
Published: September 2020

Boussineśq and non-Boussineśq fluid with thermo-physical property variation have been investigated for a vertical fin array. Computations are executed for the range of parameter such as Grashof number 1.86 × 105 and 4.42 × 105, non-dimensional S* = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5, and non-dimensional clearance C* = 0.10, 0.15, and 0.40. The axial development of various fluid flow quantities, such as the pressure defect (P*), local Nusselt number (Nul), and the bulk temperature of the fluid (θb) has been presented for each of the property combinations. Nul is observed to have reduced by 70% near the exit from the Boussineśq fluid with fixed viscosity and thermal conductivity to the non-Boussineśq fluid with the variable property. Furthermore, the overall Nusselt number (Nu) at S* = 0.2 in an isothermal vertical fin array for an increase in Gr from 1.86 × 105 to 4.42 × 105 with different combination of properties such as Boussineśq fluid with fixed viscosity and thermal conductivity (ρb μc kc), Boussineśq fluid with variable viscosity and thermal conductivity (ρb μv kv), non-Boussineśq fluid with fixed viscosity and thermal conductivity (ρv μc kc), and non-Boussineśq fluid with variable viscosity and thermal conductivity (ρv μv kv) are observed to have an increase of 138%, 148%, 150%, and 160%, respectively.
A Double-Layered Elbow Exoskeleton Interface With 3-PRR Planar Parallel Mechanism for Axis Self-Alignment
Authors: Awad Mohammad I. , Hussain Irfan , Ghosh Shramana , Zweiri Yahya , Gan Dongming
Published: September 2020

Designing a mechanism for elbow self-axis alignment requires the elimination of undesirable joint motion and tissue elasticity. The novelty of this work lies in proposing a double-layered interface using a 3-PRR planar parallel mechanism as a solution to the axis alignment problem. 3-PRR planar parallel mechanisms are suitable candidates to solve this as they can span the desired workspace in a relatively compact size. In this paper, we present the modeling, design, prototyping, and validation of the double-layered elbow exoskeleton interface for axis self-alignment. The desired workspace for the self-axis alignment mechanism is specified based on the estimated maximum possible misalignment between the exoskeleton joint and the human anatomical elbow joint. Kinematic parameters of the 3-PRR planar mechanism are identified by formulating an optimization problem. The goal is to find the smallest mechanism that can span the specified workspace. The orientation angle of the mechanism’s plane addresses the frontal frustum vertex angle of the elbow’s joint, while the translational motion allows the translational offsets between the user’s elbow and the exoskeleton joint. The designed exoskeleton axis can passively rotate around the frontal plane ±15 deg and translate along the workspace 30 mm in the frontal plane. Experimental results (quantitative and qualitative) confirmed the capability of the proposed exoskeleton in addressing the complex elbow motion, user’s satisfaction, and ergonomics.
Usage of Data Provenance Models in Collaborative Multidisciplinary Aero-Engine Design
Authors: Reitenbach Stanislaus , Vieweg Maximilian , Hollmann Carsten , Becker Richard G.
Published: September 2020

The collaborative multidisciplinary design of aircraft engines is a complex and highly iterative process. An essential characteristic of this design process is the involvement of a large number of experts from different disciplines, as well as the usage of numerous tools and workflows. Large amounts of data are produced and need to be exchanged via a multitude of interfaces. Furthermore, the data undergo various transformations in the course of the design process. Understanding where a certain piece of data originates from and how it is connected to other datasets becomes therefore progressively essential. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to apply data provenance models in collaborative multidisciplinary aero-engine design, supported by an approach for data standardization and identification. Besides the methodology, the software implementation to support this approach is presented in detail, including automated capturing and storage of provenance data, as well as methods for data investigation. In addition, the presented methodology is evaluated by means of practical examples from the field of preliminary aero-engine design.
Attenuation characteristics of an extended-wear hearing aid: Impulse and continuous noise
Authors: Brungart Douglas S. , Spencer Nathaniel J. , Pryor Nina , Abouzahra Nourhan , McKenna Elizabeth A. , Iyer Nandini
Published: September 2020

The extended-wear hearing aid (EWHA) is a hearing assistive device that combines a low-power analog amplification circuit with a soft biocompatible foam plug that allows it to remain in the ear canal for several months at a time without replacement. EWHAs fit snugly in the ear canal and are not vented and so produce insertion losses comparable to a passive earplug when inserted into the ear canal with the active circuitry turned off. However, EWHAs are not marketed as hearing protection devices, and other than a general warning to users that the device will have impaired auditory awareness when the device is inserted in the “off” mode, relatively little has been reported about the attenuation characteristics of EWHAs. In this study, commercially-available EWHAs were evaluated using the ANSI standard procedures for measuring hearing protector attenuation in impulse noise [ANSI (2010). S1242-2010, Methods for the Measurement of Insertion Loss of Hearing Protective Devices in Continuous or Impulsive Noise Using Microphone-In-Real-Ear or Acoustic Text Fixture Procedures (American National Standards Institute, New York)] and in continuous noise [ANSI (2006). S12.6, Methods for Measuring the Real-Ear Attenuation of Hearing Protectors (American National Standards Institute, New York)]. Attenuation values were also measured in double and triple protection conditions that combined EWHAs with traditional earplugs and earmuffs. The results show that properly-fit EWHAs can provide passive attenuation comparable to conventional passive earplugs, which may make it possible to use them to provide persistent protection from intermittent noise sources.
Gender Differences in Hungarian Basketball Coaches’ Views on Their Pedagogical and Professional Roles and Responsibilities
Authors: Balogh Judit , Trzaskoma-Bicsérdy Gabriella
Published: September 2020

Sports coaching is traditionally a male-dominated profession all over the world, though there is no explicit evidence that either gender outperforms the other in this profession. The current paper aimed to uncover the differences between female and male coaches regarding their pedagogical and professional beliefs. A total of 357 basketball coaches (30.8% women and 69.2% men) working in Hungary responded to an online questionnaire. A background analysis of the sample revealed that most of the coaches manage youth teams and that women coach younger age groups than men. Female coaches proved to be more educated than their male counterparts, both in general and on a professional level. The results showed that, regardless of gender, the coaches were well aware of their pedagogical functions. Significant differences were found in terms of relationships, personal development, motivation, and discipline; the women reported higher values in all cases. Female coaches were also more concerned about factors that help gain respect and appreciation. Based on the results, education, qualifications, and pedagogical and professional views of coaches do not justify the underrepresentation of women in sports coaching. Club managers, sports federation boards, and other decision makers should promote programs that are aimed at engaging more women in sports coaching.
Self-luminescent photodynamic therapy using breast cancer targeted proteins
Authors: Kim Eun Hye , Park Sangwoo , Kim Yun Kyu , Moon Minwoo , Park Jeongwon , Lee Kyung Jin , Lee Seongsoo , Kim Young-Pil
Published: September 2020

Bioluminescence-induced proteinaceous photodynamic therapy enables cancer treatment by self-luminescent ROS generation.
Deconstructing laws of accessibility and facility distribution in cities
Authors: Xu Yanyan , Olmos Luis E. , Abbar Sofiane , González Marta C.
Published: September 2020

Interplay between facilities and population in cities is studied and a universal function is found to model optimal accessibility.
Molecular characterization of ebselen binding activity to SARS-CoV-2 main protease
Authors: Menéndez Cintia A. , Byléhn Fabian , Perez-Lemus Gustavo R. , Alvarado Walter , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: September 2020

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation characterizes ebselen binding activity to SARS-CoV-2 main protease.
Trehalose Degradation by Cellvibrio japonicus Exhibits No Functional Redundancy and Is Solely Dependent on the Tre37A Enzyme
Authors: Garcia Cecelia A. , Narrett Jackson A. , Gardner Jeffrey G.
Published: September 2020

The metabolism of trehalose is becoming increasingly important due to the inclusion of this α-diglucoside in a number of foods and its prevalence in the environment. Bacteria able to utilize trehalose in the human gut possess a competitive advantage, as do saprophytic microbes in terrestrial environments. While the biochemical mechanism of trehalose degradation is well understood, what is less clear is how bacteria acquire this metabolite from the environment. The significance of this report is that by using the model saprophyte
Cellvibrio japonicus
, we were able to functionally characterize the two predicted trehalase enzymes that the bacterium possesses and determined that the two enzymes are not equivalent and are not functionally redundant. The results and approaches used to understand the complex physiology of α-diglucoside metabolism from this study can be applied broadly to other polysaccharide-degrading bacteria.
Permian plume-strengthened Tarim lithosphere controls the Cenozoic deformation pattern of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen
Authors: Xu Xi , Zuza Andrew V. , Yin An , Lin Xiubin , Chen Hanlin , Yang Shufeng
Published: September 2020

The high strength of the Tarim Basin (northwestern China) lithosphere, widely regarded as a Precambrian craton, is evidenced by its resistance to Cenozoic deformation in the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen. However, Neoproterozoic suturing and early Paleozoic shortening within the Tarim Basin suggest that its rigidity is a relatively recent phenomenon with unknown cause. We reprocessed high-resolution magnetic data that show a 300–400-km-diameter radial pattern of linear anomalies emanating from a central region characterized by mixed positive-negative anomalies. We suggest that this pattern was generated by the previously hypothesized Permian (ca. 300–270 Ma) plume beneath the Tarim Basin. Constrained by published geochemical and geochronological data from plume-related igneous rocks, we propose that the ∼30 m.y. Permian plume activity resulted in a more viscous, depleted, thicker, dehydrated, and low-density mantle lithosphere. The resulting stronger lithosphere deflected strain from the Cenozoic India-Asia convergence around Tarim Basin, including Pamir overthrusting to the northwest and Altyn Tagh left-slip displacement to the northeast, thus shaping the geometry of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen.