bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late first acute rejection in pediatric kidney transplantation: A North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies special study
Authors: Barton Kevin T. , Halani Khalif , Galbiati Shirley , Dandamudi Raja , Hmiel Stanley Paul , Dharnidharka Vikas R. ,   the NAPRTCS investigators
Published: December 2020

Rates of early AR in pediatric kidney transplantation have declined in every era but the most recent NAPRTCS cohort has shown an increase in late first AR rates. We hypothesized this was due to an increased proportion of deceased donor utilization and early steroid taper utilization. Using the NAPRTCS database, we compared the most recent three cohorts of patients transplanted between 2002‐2006, 2007‐2011, and 2012‐2017. To determine variables that predict late first AR, we used two multivariable models: a standard Cox regression model and LASSO model. From the LASSO model, deceased donor source (P = .002), higher recipient age (P = .019), black race (P = .010), and transplant cohort 2012‐17 (P = .014) were all significant predictors of more late first AR. On standard Cox regression analysis, those same variables, minus donor source, were significant, in addition to mycophenolates usage (P = .007) and lower eGFR at 12 months (P = .02). The most recent 2012‐2017 cohort remains an independently significant risk factor for late first AR, suggesting unmeasured variables. Further research is needed to determine whether these higher late first AR rates will impact long‐term graft survival in the most recent cohort.
The American State Administrators Project: A New 50‐State, 50‐Year Data Resource for Scholars
Authors: Yackee Jason Webb , Yackee Susan Webb
Published: December 2020

We present the American State Administrators Project (ASAP), a decades‐long survey of state agency leaders. This remarkable dataset provides a 50‐state chronological portrait of state administrative leaders, what they think, and what their agencies do. The dataset has traditionally been closely held but is now being shared with the broader scholarly community for the first time. We use this article to demonstrate the dataset's potential to advance theory and knowledge of the modern administrative state through the example of principal‐agent theory. As we show, the ASAP data allow us to reorient scholarship away from an empirical focus on how the president/governor, legislature, and other political principals try to influence the bureaucracy and toward a fuller appreciation of how bureaucrats formulate and administer public policy in a political environment. Such a refocusing is critical because it better recognizes the “agency” held by bureaucratic agents within modern governance.
The novel HLA‐A allele, HLA‐A*24:516, first described in two unrelated Brazilian individuals
Authors: Vianna Romulo , Lopes Giovanna , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: December 2020

The novel HLA‐A*24:516 allele, first described in two unrelated potential bone marrow donors from Brazil.
Estimation of the window period of human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 and 2 tests by a lookback study of seroconverters among Japanese voluntary blood donors
Authors: Sagara Yasuko , Nakamura Hitomi , Yamamoto Midori , Ezaki Toshinobu , Koga Tomohide , Shimamura Masuhiro , Satake Masahiro , Irita Kazuo
Published: December 2020

Background

Japan is endemic for human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1), and the horizontal transmission of HTLV‐1 is often reported. However, the window period (WP) for serologic or molecular screening is unclear.

Study Design and Methods

Results for anti–HTLV‐1 screening and confirmatory tests obtained from 648 591 repeated blood donors in the Kyushu district, one of the most endemic areas of HTLV‐1 in the world, were evaluated. A lookback study was conducted for seroconverters.

Results

During 2012 to 2019, 436 seroconverters (155 men, 281women) were identified with use of a screening chemiluminescence enzyme‐immunoassay (CLEIA) and multiple confirmatory tests. Because the period between the latest seronegative donation and seroconversion was highly variable (2.1‐276.7 months), 19 cases that seroconverted within 6 months were subjected to the analysis. The WP of the particle agglutination assay and CLEIA was estimated to be 2.2 ± 0.6 and 2.6 ± 1.7 months, respectively. The WP of the indirect immunofluorescence assay was 4.8 ± 6.5 months. Although the WP of western blotting was estimated to be 6.3 ± 8.7 months, four cases were still indeterminate through the study period. Chemiluminescence and line immunoassays, the current screening and confirmatory tests used in the Japanese blood program, showed the shortest WP of 2.2 ± 0.6 months. The WP of real‐time polymerase chain reaction for HTLV‐1 was estimated to be 4.1 ± 7.8 months.

Conclusions

The WP in commercially available testing systems for HTLV‐1/2 was determined for natural infection among repeated blood donors. Considering the HTLV‐1 WP will help increase transfusion safety and facilitate the accurate diagnosis of HTLV‐1 infection.
A Tool/Part/Human Interaction Model for Assembly in Virtual Environments
Authors: Jayaram Uma , Tirumali Hrishikesh , Jayaram Sankar , Lyons Kevin
Published: December 2020

Current virtual assembly environments primarily allow assembly operations involving pick and place manipulations with hands. In some applications, assembly tools snap onto screws and are constrained. Some non-immersive systems create tool motion script models for the tool to execute the assembly operation. The inclusion of tools and realistic tool operations is a significant step in creating a better virtual assembly environment. We propose a technique to model hand held tools and the corresponding assembly operations in a virtual environment. Intermediate-location constraints and tool engagement constraints obtained from the CAD model are used to model the intermediate positions and engagements of a fastener tool, tool-part, and base-part. In addition, tool-based motion dependent on the rotation of the tool and the pitch of the thread has been achieved for a fastener part This allows us to simulate the physical reality of these interactions without using expensive collide, penetrate, correct, and align methods. The tools and tool/hand/part interactions have been modeled and tested in a virtual assembly and design environment successfully. This capability also allows tool accessibility and tool operability to be verified.
Solid Model Streaming As a Basis for a Distributed Design Environment
Authors: Wu Di , Bhargava Swati , Sarma Radha
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes an algorithm for streaming manifold solid models and NURBS geometry. A neutral streaming representation consisting of a nodes graph is encoded by a one-dimensional dynamic stack. The encoded model is transmitted over the Internet, where a two-dimensional dynamic stack decodes and reconstructs the solid model. The time and storage complexity of the algorithm are investigated. An example of streaming a solid model, resulting from a proof-of-concept implementation, is demonstrated.
Artificial Life Algorithm for Function Optimization
Authors: Yang Bo-Suk , Lee Yun-Hi
Published: December 2020

This paper presents an enhanced artificial life algorithm for function optimization. As artificial life organisms have a sensing system, they can find the resource they want and metabolize it. The characteristics of artificial life are emergence and dynamic interaction with the environment. In other words, the micro-interaction with each other in the artificial life’s group results in emergent colonization in the whole system. The optimizing ability and convergent characteristics of this proposed algorithm is verified by using three well-known test functions. The numerical results also show that the proposed algorithm is superior to the genetic algorithm and immune genetic algorithm for the multimodal function.
Game-Based Design: A Game Theoretic Extension to Decision-Based Design
Authors: Marston Matthew , Mistree Farrokh
Published: December 2020

In this paper we consider an approach to design in which the decisions made by one designer have a strategic aspect in that they affect the decision made by other designers. The approach taken is inclusion of the mathematics of game theory into a model we call Game-Based Design. Game-Based Design builds on the already established mathematics of utility theory in Decision-Based Design. The models within Game-Based Design are based on the interaction of the designers: (1) whether or not they share math models and information and (2) how they cooperate with one another. In this paper we show four math models for designs involving (1) two designers that are restricted in their communication, (2) three or more designers that are restricted in their communication, (3) two designers with unrestricted communication, and (4) three or more designers with a combination of unrestricted and restricted communication. The design of a universal electric motor product family is used to show the mathematics of three designers with restricted communication and three designers with a combination of restricted and unrestricted communication. The three designers are a configuration design, a power designer, and a product family designer each with their own objectives.
Product Family Configuration Reasoning Using Discrete Design Spaces
Authors: Siddique Zahed , Rosen David W.
Published: December 2020

In the current market place companies need to deliver more variety with reduced time to market, lower prices and higher quality. These challenges have introduced the concept of developing a set of similar products using a common platform. Development of common platforms to support a family of products requires configuration reasoning. Configuration design spaces can be defined to facilitate platform and product family reasoning. For configuration design problems, the design space is much more difficult to define precisely (than the typical design space which is a subset of Rn, where n is the number of continuous variables), particularly when constraints are present. The purpose of this paper is to present a configuration design method that can be applied to two related problems: develop a common platform that satisfies requirements from multiple viewpoints, and generate members of a product family that also satisfy these requirements. To accomplish this objective, first design spaces are developed to model connectivity, functionality and assemblability considerations, then a common design space is developed to consider constraints from multiple viewpoints simultaneously. These design spaces are developed for both platforms and for product families. The application of this configuration design reasoning methodology is illustrated using a coffee maker product family.
Experiments in the Commutation and Motion Planning of a Spherical Stepper Motor
Authors: Stein David , Chirikjian Gregory S.
Published: December 2020

This paper addresses the commutation and motion planning of a spherical stepper motor in which the poles of the stator are electromagnets and the poles of the rotor (rotating ball) are permanent magnets. The stator only overlaps a very small area of the rotor, leading to a design that has a much wider range of unhindered motion than other spherical stepper motors in the literature. The problem with having a small stator is that it makes commutation and motion planning a difficult problem. We first explore the techniques and model used to construct the proper sequence of stator activations that result in the desired rotor trajectory. Experimental results are then presented for the model and prototype we have constructed.
Genetic Algorithm Based Design for Gear Trains
Authors: Chong Tae Hyong , Lee Joung Sang
Published: December 2020

The design of gear train is a kind of mixed problems which have to determine various types of design variables; i.e., continuous, discrete, and integer variables. Therefore, the most common practice of optimum design using the derivative of objective function has difficulty in solving those kinds of problems and the optimum solution also depends on initial guess because there are many sophisticated constraints. In this study, the Genetic Algorithm is introduced for the optimum design of gear trains to solve such problems and we propose a genetic algorithm based gear design system. This system is applied for the geometrical volume (size) minimization problem of the two-stage gear train and the simple planetary gear train to show that genetic algorithm is better than the conventional algorithms for solving the problems that have continuous, discrete, and integer variables. In this system, each design factor such as strength, durability, interference, contact ratio, etc. is considered on the basis of AGMA standards to satisfy the required design specification and the performance with minimizing the geometrical volume (size) of gear trains.
Design Method of Vibrationally Optimum Tooth Flank Form for Involute Helical Gears With Scattering in Pressure Angle and Helix Angle Deviation
Authors: Komori Masaharu , Kubo Aizoh , Kawasaki Yoshiki
Published: December 2020

The detail in geometrical shape of each tooth flank of a mass-production gear is usually not the same. Even a slight deviation of tooth flank form of several micrometers has a big influence on the running vibration/noise of transmission gear box. The influence of scattering in tooth flank form on the vibrational characteristics of gears must therefore be taken into consideration at the design stage to achieve low vibration gears. In this report, the influence of typical types of scattering, i.e. in pressure angle deviation and helix angle deviation, on the vibrational excitation is clarified in terms of the relationship between vibrational excitation and actual contact ratio. Those types of scattering decrease the actual contact ratio of a gear pair from that value of the tooth flank form designed on a draft. Gears with scattering in tooth flank form can run silenter, when some less amount of tooth flank form modification than the optimum one for gears without scattering is given. The design algorithm for optimum modification of tooth flank form with scattering is proposed.
Influence of Tooth Spacing Error on Gears With and Without Profile Modifications
Authors: Padmasolala Giri , Lin Hsiang H. , Oswald Fred B.
Published: December 2020

A computer simulation was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of profile modification for reducing dynamic loads in gears with different tooth spacing errors. The simulation examined varying amplitudes of spacing error and differences in the span of teeth over which the error occurs. The modification considered included both linear and parabolic tip relief. The analysis considered spacing error that varies around most of the gear circumference (similar to a typical sinusoidal error pattern) as well as a shorter span of spacing errors that occurs on only a few teeth. The dynamic analysis was performed using a revised version of a NASA gear dynamics code, modified to add tooth spacing errors to the analysis.

Results obtained from the investigation show that linear tip relief is more effective in reducing dynamic loads on gears with small spacing errors but parabolic tip relief becomes more effective as the amplitude of spacing error increases. In addition, the parabolic modification is more effective for the more severe error case where the error is spread over a longer span of teeth. The findings of this study can be used to design robust tooth profile modification for improving dynamic performance of gear sets with different tooth spacing errors.
Introduction of an Economical Diaphragm Coupling for Mid-Range Applications
Authors: Herbstritt William R. , Konopka Donald J. , Slagle Tom L.
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses the design, development, and testing of the NC diaphragm coupling. It also outlines the advantages of this coupling and its use in various applications.

Non-lubricated couplings have become commonplace in the Power Transmission Industry. There are currently two main types of non-lubricated couplings, disc and diaphragm. Disc couplings are typically applied across the entire range of power transmission applications. Manufacturing costs of existing diaphragm coupling designs typically limit their use to the higher performance applications, such as gas turbines. By combining the flexibility of the multiple convoluted diaphragm design with the simplicity of the single contour diaphragm and the cost effectiveness of the disc, the Power Transmission Industry is now provided with a reliable economic alternative for mid-range applications. The multiple contoured, non-convoluted (NC) diaphragm coupling.
A Revised Matrix FMEA Technique Based on Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Sankar Nune Ravi , Prabhu Bantwal S.
Published: December 2020

A methodology combining the benefits of matrix FMEA and fuzzy logic is presented in this paper. The matrix approach is improved to develop a pictorial representation retaining all relevant qualitative and quantitative information of a several FMEA element relationships, which can be described as many-to-many. For example, one failure mode may result in several effects, and one effect may result from several failure modes. The methodology presented also extends the risk prioritization beyond the conventional Risk Priority Number (RPN) method. Fuzzy logic is used for prioritizing failures for corrective actions in FMEA. In RPN method, the criticality assessment is based on the severity, frequency of occurrence and detectability of failure. However, these parameters are here represented as members of a fuzzy set, combined by matching them against rules in a rule base, evaluated with min-max inferencing, and then defuzzified to assess the riskness of the failure. The fundamental problem with RPN technique is that it attempts to quantify risk without adequately quantifying the factors that contribute to risk. In particular cases, RPNs can be misleading. This deficiency can be eliminated by introducing the new technique to calculate criticality rank based on fuzzy logic. The methodology presented is demonstrated by application to an illustrative example.
Rabi oscillations, Floquet states, Fermi's golden rule, and all that: Insights from an exactly solvable two-level model
Authors: Merlin R.
Published: December 2020

Rabi oscillations and Floquet states are likely the most familiar concepts associated with a periodically time-varying Hamiltonian. Here, we present an exactly solvable model of a two-level system coupled to both a continuum and a classical field that varies sinusoidally with time, which sheds light on the relationship between the two problems. For a field of the rotating-wave-approximation form, results show that the dynamics of the two-level system can be mapped exactly onto that for a static field, if one shifts the energy separation between the two levels by an amount equal to ℏω, where ω is the frequency of the field and ℏ is Planck's constant. This correspondence allows one to view Rabi oscillations and Floquet states from the simpler perspective of their time-independent-problem equivalents. The comparison between the rigorous results and those from perturbation theory helps clarify some of the difficulties underlying textbook proofs of Fermi's golden rule, and the discussions on quantum decay and linear response theory.
Equilibrium probability distribution for number of bound receptor-ligand complexes
Authors: Chakrabortty Tuhin , Varma Manoj M.
Published: December 2020

The phenomenon of molecular binding, where two molecules, referred to as a receptor and a ligand, bind together to form a ligand-receptor complex, is ubiquitous in biology and essential for the accurate functioning of all life-sustaining processes. The probability of a single receptor forming a complex with any one of L surrounding ligand molecules at thermal equilibrium can be derived from a partition function obtained from the Gibbs-Boltzmann distribution. We extend this approach to a system consisting of R receptors and L ligands to derive the probability density function pr;R,L to find r bound receptor-ligand complexes at thermal equilibrium. This extension allows us to illustrate two aspects of this problem which are not apparent in the single receptor problem, namely, (a) a symmetry to be expected in the equilibrium distribution of the number of bound complexes under exchange of R and L and (b) the number of bound complexes obtained from chemical kinetic equations has an exact correspondence to the maximum probable value of r from the expression for pr;R,L. We derive the number fluctuations of r and present a practically relevant molecular sensing application which benefits from the knowledge of p(r;R,L).
Of balls, bladders, and balloons: The time required to deflate an elastic sphere
Authors: Lemons Don S. , Lipscombe Trevor C.
Published: December 2020

Experience teaches us that a large balloon takes longer to deflate than a small one of the same kind. But what is the quantitative relation between the deflation time τ and the radius R of a balloon? A simple analysis, depending only upon elementary physics, shows that τ∼R7/2—a prediction that is surprisingly easy to illustrate with a party balloon, a tape measure, and a smart-phone app.
Thermal Diffusion Separation of Petroleum Diamondoids and
Protodiamondoids
Authors: Gadzhiev G. A. , Badmaev Ch. M. , Gordadze G. N. , Giruts M. V.
Published: December 2020

Diamondoids were separated from protodiamondoids (precursors of diamondoids)
in a saturated fraction (150–350°C) of crude oil by thermal diffusion. It was
found that in the course of thermal diffusion separation,
C10–C13 adamantanes
(tricyclo[3,3,1,13,7]decanes) and
C14–C16 diamantanes
(pentacyclo[7,3,1,14,12,02,7,06,11]tetradecanes)
are separated from the corresponding protoadamantanes and protodiamantanes and
descend to the lower sections of the thermal diffusion column. In contrast to
adamantanes and diamantanes,
C18–C19 triamantanes
(heptacyclo[7,7,1,13,15,01,12,02,7,04,13,06,11]octadecanes)
are not separated from prototriamantanes and are concentrated in the lower
sections of the thermal diffusion column. Catalytic isomerization of this
thermal diffusion fraction with aluminum bromide was carried out to further
confirm that the numerous compounds that have the same characteristic ions as
triamantanes but elute later are polycyclic (most likely bridged) hydrocarbons,
specifically prototriamantanes. As a result, all these polycyclic compounds were
isomerized into triamantanes. Similarly, in the course of isomerization of
thermal diffusion fractions containing protoadamantanes and protodiamantanes,
all of these turned into adamantanes and diamantanes, respectively.
Domain binding and isotype dictate the activity of anti-human OX40 antibodies
Authors: Griffiths Jordana , Hussain Khiyam , Smith Hannah L , Sanders Theodore , Cox Kerry L , Semmrich Monika , Mårtensson Linda , Kim Jinny , Inzhelevskaya Tatyana , Penfold Chris A , Tutt Alison L , Mockridge C Ian , Chan HT Claude , English Vikki , French Ruth F , Teige Ingrid , Al-Shamkhani Aymen , Glennie Martin J , Frendeus Bjorn L , Willoughby Jane E , Cragg Mark S
Published: December 2020

Background

Previous data suggests that anti-OX40 mAb can elicit anti-tumor effects in mice through deletion of Tregs. However, OX40 also has powerful costimulatory effects on T cells which could evoke therapeutic responses. Human trials with anti-OX40 antibodies have shown that these entities are well tolerated but to date have delivered disappointing clinical responses, indicating that the rules for the optimal use of anti-human OX40 (hOX40) antibodies is not yet fully understood. Changes to timing and dosages may lead to improved outcomes; however, here we focus on addressing the role of agonism versus depleting activity in determining therapeutic outcomes. We investigated a novel panel of anti-hOX40 mAb to understand how these reagents and mechanisms may be optimized for therapeutic benefit.

Methods

This study examines the binding activity and in vitro activity of a panel of anti-hOX40 antibodies. They were further evaluated in several in vivo models to address how isotype and epitope determine mechanism of action and efficacy of anti-hOX40 mAb.

Results

Binding analysis revealed the antibodies to be high affinity, with epitopes spanning all four cysteine-rich domains of the OX40 extracellular domain. In vivo analysis showed that their activities relate directly to two key properties: (1) isotype—with mIgG1 mAb evoking receptor agonism and CD8+ T-cell expansion and mIgG2a mAb evoking deletion of Treg and (2) epitope—with membrane-proximal mAb delivering more powerful agonism. Intriguingly, both isotypes acted therapeutically in tumor models by engaging these different mechanisms.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the significant impact of isotype and epitope on the modulation of anti-hOX40 mAb therapy, and indicate that CD8+ T-cell expansion or Treg depletion might be preferred according to the composition of different tumors. As many of the current clinical trials using OX40 antibodies are now using combination therapies, this understanding of how to manipulate therapeutic activity will be vital in directing new combinations that are more likely to improve efficacy and clinical outcomes.
Hearing the voices of Australian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ananda-Rajah Michelle , Veness Benjamin , Berkovic Danielle , Parker Catriona , Kelly Greg , Ayton Darshini
Published: December 2020

Background

The statistics of healthcare worker (HCW) COVID-19 infections do not convey the lived experience of HCWs during the pandemic. This study explores the working conditions and issues faced by Australian HCWs.

Methods

Qualitative analysis of free-text responses from Australian HCWs from 3 August to 26 October 2020 from an open letter calling for better respiratory protection for HCWs, transparent reporting of HCW COVID-19 infections and diversity in national infection control policy development. The open letter was sent to an email list of 23 000 HCWs from a previous campaign and promoted on social media.

Results

Among 3587 HCWs who signed the open letter during the study period, 569 free-text responses were analysed. Doctors and nurses accounted for 58% and 33% of respondents, respectively. Most respondents came from Victoria (48%), New South Wales (20%), Queensland (12%) or Western Australia (11%). Dominant themes included concerns about: work health and safety standards; guidelines on respiratory protection including the omission of fit-testing of P2/N95 respirators; deficiencies in the availability, quality, appropriateness and training of personal protective equipment; and a command-and-control culture that enabled bullying in response to concerns about safety that culminated a loss of trust in leadership, self-reported COVID-19 infections in some respondents and moral injury.

Conclusion

Deficiencies in work health and safety, respiratory protection, personal protective equipment and workplace culture have resulted in a loss of psychological and physical safety at work associated with an occupational moral injury. The challenge for healthcare leaders is to repair trust by addressing HCW concerns and fast track solutions in collaboration with them.
Systematic review of clinical guidelines for lipid lowering in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease events
Authors: Brown Rosemary Elisabeth , Welsh Paul , Logue Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Background

The WHO recommends that those with established cardiovascular disease should be treated with lipid-lowering therapy, but there is no specific guidance regarding lipid monitoring. Unnecessary general practitioner visits may be a burden for patients and increase healthcare costs. A systematic review of the current guidelines was performed to reveal gaps in the evidence base for optimal lipid monitoring approaches.

Methods

For this systematic review, a search of Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Turning Research Into Practice databases was conducted for relevant guidelines published in the 10 years prior to 31 December 2019. Recommendations surrounding the frequency of testing, lipid-lowering therapies and target cholesterol values were compared qualitatively. Each guideline was assessed using the 2009 Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool.

Results

Twenty-two guidelines were included. All recommended statins as the primary lipid-lowering therapy, with a high level of supporting evidence. Considerable variation was found in the recommendations for cholesterol targets. Seventeen guidelines provided at least one cholesterol target, which for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ranged between 1.0 and 2.6 mmol/L, although the most frequently recommended was <1.8 mmol/L (n=12). For long-term follow-up, many recommended reviewing patients annually (n=9), although there was some variation in recommendations for the interval of between 3 and 12 months. Supporting evidence for any approach was limited, often being derived from clinical opinion.

Conclusions

Further research is required to provide an evidence base for optimal lipid monitoring of the on-statin secondary prevention population.
Diaphragm pacing decreases hospital charges for patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Kerwin Andrew J , Diaz Zuniga Yohan , Yorkgitis Brian K , Mull Jennifer , Hsu Albert T , Madbak Firas G , Ebler David J , Skarupa David J , Shiber Joseph , Crandall Marie L
Published: December 2020

Background

Cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) is devastating and costly. Previous research has demonstrated that diaphragm pacing (DPS) is safe and improves respiratory mechanics. This may decrease hospital stays, vent days, and costs. We hypothesized DPS implantation would facilitate liberation from ventilation and would impact hospital charges.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients with acute CSCI between January 2005 and May 2017. Routine demographics were collected. Patients underwent propensity matching based on age, injury severity score, ventilator days, hospital length of stay, and need for tracheostomy. We then adjusted total hospital charges by year using US Bureau of Labor Statistics annual adjusted Medical Care Prices. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression statistics were performed using STATA V.15.

Results

Between July 2011 and May 2017, all patients with acute CSCI were evaluated for DPS implantation. 40 patients who had laparoscopic DPS implantation (DPS) were matched to 61 who did not (NO DPS). Following DPS implantation, there was a statistically significant increase in spontaneous Vt compared with NO DPS (+88 mL vs −13 mL; 95% CI 46 to 131 vs −78 to 51 mL, respectively; p=0.004). Median time to liberation after DPS was significantly shorter (10 vs 29 days; 95% CI 6.5 to 13.6 vs 23.1 to 35.3 days; p<0.001). Adjusted hospital charges were significantly lower for DPS on multivariate linear regression models controlling for year of injury, sex, race, injury severity, and age (p=0.003).

Discussion

DPS implantation in patients with acute CSCI produces significant improvements in spontaneous Vt and reduces time to liberation, which translated into reduced hospital charges on a risk-adjusted, inflation-adjusted model. DPS implantation for patients with acute CSCI should be considered.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Factors associated with optimal patient outcomes after operative repair of isolated hip fractures in the elderly
Authors: deMeireles Alirio J , Gerhardinger Laura , Oliphant Bryant W , Jenkins Peter C , Cain-Nielsen Anne H , Scott John W , Hemmila Mark R , Sangji Naveen F
Published: December 2020

Background

Increased time to operative intervention is associated with a greater risk of mortality and complications in adults with a hip fracture. This study sought to determine factors associated with timeliness of operation in elderly patients presenting with an isolated hip fracture and the influence of surgical delay on outcomes.

Methods

Trauma quality collaborative data (July 2016 to June 2019) were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥65 years with an injury mechanism of fall, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 2005 diagnosis of hip fracture, and AIS extremity ≤3. Exclusion criteria included AIS in other body regions >1 and non-operative management. We examined the association of demographic, hospital, injury presentation, and comorbidity factors on a surgical delay >48 hours and patient outcomes using multivariable regression analysis.

Results

10 182 patients fit our study criteria out of 212 620 patients. Mean age was 82.7±8.6 years and 68.7% were female. Delay in operation >48 hours occurred in 965 (9.5%) of patients. Factors that significantly increased mortality or discharge to hospice were increased age, male gender, emergency department hypotension, functionally dependent health status (FDHS), advanced directive, liver disease, angina, and congestive heart failure (CHF). Delay >48 hours was associated with increased mortality or discharge to hospice (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.06; p<0.01). Trauma center verification level, admission service, and hip fracture volume were not associated with mortality or discharge to hospice. Factors associated with operative delay >48 hours were male gender, FDHS, CHF, chronic renal failure, and advanced directive. Admission to the orthopedic surgery service was associated with less incidence of delay >48 hours (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.64; p<0.001).

Discussion

Hospital verification level, admission service, and patient volume did not impact the outcome of mortality/discharge to hospice. Delay to operation >48 hours was associated with increased mortality. The only measured modifiable characteristic that reduced delay to operative intervention was admission to the orthopedic surgery service.

Level of evidence

III.
Evaluation of a smartphone‐based electrocardiogram device accuracy in field and in hospital conditions in horses
Authors: Alberti Elena , Stucchi Luca , Pesce Valeria , Stancari Giovanni , Ferro Elisabetta , Ferrucci Francesco , Zucca Enrica
Published: December 2020

Background

Due to compactness and cheapness, smartphone ECG (sECG) could be very useful to equine practitioners. However, previous studies have evaluated the accuracy of sECG in hospitalised horses only. Different conditions in the field could influence the accuracy of the device. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of sECG in field and in hospital conditions.

Methods

This is a prospective study. Paired standard base‐apex ECG (stECG) and sECG were recorded in hospitalised horses and in subjects examined in field conditions. ECGs were analysed for heart rate and rhythm, presence/type of arrhythmias, presence/duration of artefacts, electrocardiographic waves and interval parameters by a blinded clinician. Statistical analysis evaluated the agreement between stECG and sECG and the differences in the prevalence of artefact in field and hospital conditions.

Results

Nineteen (hospital) and 40 (field) paired ECGs were analysed. Agreement between stECG and sECG was found for heart rate and rhythm, evaluation of atrioventricular block and premature complexes, P wave and PQ interval duration, and QRS complex duration and polarity. No differences were found between artefacts recorded in hospital and in field conditions.

Conclusion

sECG is a feasible tool for evaluation of rhythm in horses and is as accurate in field as in ambulatory conditions.
Prospects of measuring the branching fraction of the Higgs boson decaying into muon pairs at the International Linear Collider
Authors: Kawada Shin-ichi , List Jenny , Berggren Mikael
Published: December 2020

The prospects for measuring the branching fraction of$$H \rightarrow \mu ^{+} \mu ^{-}$$H→μ+μ-at the International Linear Collider (ILC) have been evaluated based on a full detector simulation of the International Large Detector (ILD) concept, considering centre-of-mass energies ($$\sqrt{s}$$s) of 250 GeV and 500 GeV with two different beam polarisation configurations of$${\mathcal {P}} (e^{-}, e^{+}) = (-\,80{\%}, +\,30{\%})$$P(e-,e+)=(-80%,+30%)and$$(+\,80{\%}, -\,30{\%})$$(+80%,-30%). For both$$\sqrt{s}$$scases, the two final states$$e^{+} e^{-} \rightarrow q\overline{q}H$$e+e-→qq¯Hand$$e^{+} e^{-} \rightarrow \nu \overline{\nu }H$$e+e-→νν¯Hhave been analyzed. For integrated luminosities of 2$$\hbox {ab}^{-1}$$ab-1at$$\sqrt{s} =250$$s=250GeV and 4$$\hbox {ab}^{-1}$$ab-1at$$\sqrt{s} =500$$s=500GeV, the combined precision on the branching fraction of$$H \rightarrow \mu ^{+} \mu ^{-}$$H→μ+μ-is estimated to be 17%. The impact of the transverse momentum resolution for this analysis is also studied.
Some weighted Hardy and Rellich inequalities on the Heisenberg group
Authors: Xi Lin , Dou Jingbo
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we establish some weighted Hardy and Rellich inequalities and discuss its best constants on the Heisenberg group. Moreover, we also present a class of higher-order weighted Hardy–Rellich inequalities with the remainder term.
Single-particle and collective excitations in quantum wires comprised of vertically stacked quantum dots: Finite magnetic field
Authors: Kushwaha Manvir S.
Published: December 2020

A theoretical investigation has been made of the magnetoplasmon excitations in a quasi-one-dimensional electron system composed of vertically stacked, self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots. The smaller length scales involved in the experiments impel us to consider a perfectly periodic system of two-dimensionally confined InAs quantum dot layers separated by GaAs spacers. Subsequent system is subjected to a two-dimensional confining (harmonic) potential in the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] plane and an applied magnetic field (B) in the symmetric gauge. This scheme defines virtually a system of quantum wire comprised of vertically stacked quantum dots (VSQD). We derive and discuss the Dyson equation, the generalized (nonlocal and dynamic) dielectric function, and the inverse dielectric function for investigating the single-particle and collective (magnetoplasmon) excitations within the framework of (full) random-phase approximation (RPA). As an application, we study the influence of the confinement potential and the magnetic field on the component eigenfunctions, the density of states (DOS), the Fermi energy, the collective excitations, and the inverse dielectric functions. How the B-dependence of DOS validate the VSQD mimicking the realistic quantum wires, the Fermi energy oscillates as a function of the Bloch vector, the intersubband single-particle continuum bifurcates at the origin, a collective excitation emerges and propagates within the gap of the split single-particle continuum, and the alteration in the well- and barrier-widths allows to customize the excitation spectrum in the desired energy range are some of the remarkable features of this investigation. These findings demonstrate, for the very first time, the significance of investigating the system of VSQD subjected to a quantizing magnetic field. Given the edge over the planar quantum dots and the foreseen applications in the single-electron devices and quantum computation, investigating the system of VSQD is deemed vital. The results suggest exploiting magnetoplasmon qubits to be a potential option for implementing the solemn idea of quantum state transfer in devising quantum gates for the quantum computation and quantum communication networks.
Barrow agegraphic dark energy
Authors: Sharma Umesh Kumar , Varshney Gunjan , Dubey Vipin Chandra
Published: December 2020

In this work, we propose a new dark energy (DE) model by applying the Barrow entropy and the holographic principle, with a time scale as IR cut-off. Analyzing the conformal time as well as universe’s age as infrared cut-offs, we explore the cosmological importance of the suggested DE models and examine the universe evolution filled with the proposed DE applicants and a pressure-less matter. We observe that the equation of state, deceleration, the density parameters can present adequate nature, and these models may also explain the late-time acceleration though the proposed models are unstable except for some values of Barrow exponent [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we mention the consequences of the presence of interaction among the universe sectors.
Warped product pointwise bi-slant submanifolds of kenmotsu manifolds
Authors: Hui Shyamal Kumar , Roy Joydeb , Pal Tanumoy
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the study of warped product pointwise bi-slant submanifolds of Kenmotsu manifolds with an example. The characterization for such submanifold is also discussed. An inequality of such submanifold is obtained and its equality case is also considered.
Segmentation of the Caledonian orogenic infrastructure and exhumation of the Western Gneiss Region during transtensional collapse
Authors: Wiest J.D. , Jacobs J. , Fossen H. , Ganerød M. , Osmundsen P.T.
Published: December 2020

The (ultra)high-pressure Western Gneiss Region of the Norwegian Caledonides represents an archetypical orogenic infrastructure of a continent–continent collision zone. To test established exhumation models, we synthesize the geochronology and structures of major basement windows and provide new ages from poorly dated areas. Migmatite U–Pb zircon samples date melt crystallization at
c.
405 Ma in the Øygarden Complex, expanding the spatial extent of Devonian migmatization. Micas from shear zones in the Øygarden and Gulen domes yield
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages mostly between 405 and 398 Ma, recording the exhumation of metamorphic core complexes. On a larger scale, the youngest ages of various geochronometers in different segments of the Western Gneiss Region show abrupt breaks (10–30 myr) across low-angle detachments and sinistral transfer zones, which also correspond to metamorphic and structural discontinuities. We explain the segmentation of the orogenic infrastructure by partitioned post-orogenic transtension due to lateral and vertical rheological contrasts in the orogenic edifice (strong cratonic foreland and orogenic wedge v. soft infrastructure). Differential crustal stretching dragged out deep levels of the orogenic crust below low-angle detachments and became progressively dominated by sinistral transfer zones. Collapse obliterated the syn-collisional structure of the orogenic root and resulted in the diachronous exhumation of distinct infrastructure segments.

Supplementary material:
Complete analytical results are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5241710
The effects of basaltic lava flows on the petrophysical properties and diagenesis of interbedded aeolian sandstones: an example from the Cretaceous Paraná Basin, Brazil
Authors: Bertolini G. , Hartley A. J. , Marques J. C. , Healy D. , Frantz J. C.
Published: December 2020

An analysis of the petrophysical and diagenetic effects of the emplacement of Cretaceous basaltic lava flows (Serra Geral Formation) on aeolian sandstones (Botucatu Formation) has been undertaken on core samples from the Paraná Basin, Brazil. Between 0.1 and 1 m from the contact zone, acoustic wave velocities and porosities in sandstones show a significantly wider scatter than those located >1 m away from the lava contact. Higher P-wave values (average 3759.3 m s
−1
) occur between 0.1 and 1 m from the lava contact in contrast to those areas >1 m away (average 3376.8 m s
−1
), whilst the average porosity is 6.5% near the contact (0.1–1 m) and 10.7% away from the contact (>1 m). Petrographical evaluation reveals two diagenetic pathways responsible for modification of the petrophysical properties: early hydrothermal Mg-rich authigenesis (Type 1) and early chemical dissolution (Type 2). Type 3 diagenesis occurs away from the lava–sediment contact (>1 m), with the appearance of poikilitic calcite and smectite. The sandstone samples associated with Type 1 and Type 2 diagenesis display a decrease in porosity and increased acoustic velocities in relation to Type 3, while Type 3 samples show little or no variation in reservoir properties. The lava-induced diagenetic effects at the sandstone–lava contacts (0.1–1 m) may form a baffle or seal to fluids around the margins of the sandstone bodies. Therefore, whilst diagenesis associated with lava emplacement may hinder reservoir quality around the margins, the original reservoir properties are preserved within these large sandstone bodies.

Supplementary material:
Petrophysical and petrographical data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5244473
Fighting coronavirus with faith
Authors: Sultana Sharifa , Islam A. K. M. Najmul , Ahmed Syed Ishtiaque
Published: December 2020

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.
Forecast and Analysis of Coal Traffic in Daqin Railway Based on the SARIMA-Markov Model
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Liu Shouchen
Published: December 2020

With the continuous advancement of China’s supply-side structural reform, the country’s energy consumption structure has undergone considerable changes, including an overall reduction in fossil energy use and a rapid increase in clean energy application. In the context of China’s coal overcapacity, port and rail capacities are difficult to change in the short term. This study forecasts the monthly coal traffic of Daqin Railway on the basis of the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving-average Markov model and then uses the monthly coal transport data of this railway from September 2009 to November 2019 as samples for model training and verification. Coal traffic from December 2019 to September 2020 is accurately predicted. This study also analyzes the effects of China’s industrial structure adjustment, clean energy utilization, and low-carbon usage on the coal transport volume of Daqin Railway. In addition, the characteristics of seasonal fluctuation and the development trend of Daqin Railway’s coal traffic are explored. This study provides a reference for adjusting the train operation chart of Daqin Railway’s coal transport and developing a special coal train operation plan. It can determine the time of coal transport peak warning, improve the efficiency of coal transport management, and eventually realize a reasonable allocation of resources for Daqin Railway.