Showing papers by "Yahoo! published in 2022"

What and How long: Prediction of Mobile App Engagement

Abstract: User engagement is crucial to the long-term success of a mobile app. Several metrics, such as dwell time, have been used for measuring user engagement. However, how to effectively predict user enga...

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on self-harm and violence among patients presenting to the emergency department

Abstract: Importance Considering the resurgence of COVID19 and the rapid spread of new and deadlier strains across the globe understanding the incidence and pattern of violence and self harm tendencies during this period might help in formulating better contingency plans for future lockdowns. A deeper look at the available data shows that there is a significant dearth of research into self-harm & violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To identify the incidence and sociodemographic characteristics of self-harm and violence during the COVID19 lockdown and compare with a control group from the previous year. Design A cross-sectional retrospective observational study. Setting Tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants All patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with self harm and violence during the COVID-19 lockdown period between March 24–June 30, 2020 and March 24–June 30, 2019. Exposure The COVID-19 lockdown period. Main outcome (s) and measure (s) The hypothesis being tested was formulated before the study. The null hypothesis tested was a decline in number of self-harm and violence cases during the lockdown. Results A total of 828 patients were analysed over both the time periods, out of which 30% (248) were females while 70% (580) were males. Increases in self-harm and violence were 12.71% and 95.32% respectively per 1000 ED admissions. A significant correlation was found between the COVID-19 lockdown and the increased incidence (X2 (1, N = 828) = 9.2, p Conclusions Increase in the incidence of cases of self-harm and violence reported to the ED was noted during the lockdown period. Upgradation of health-care and law enforcement infrastructure maybe needed to deal with similar circumstances in a more efficient manner. Trial registration: N/A.

The role of tricuspite annular plane systolic excursion as a marker of hypovolemia in healthy blood donor volunteers.

Abstract: Aim The aim of this study is to compare the diameter of the inferior vena cava with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measurement in order to determine the volume loss before and after blood donation in healthy volunteers. Methods This Institutional Review Board-approved single center, prospective, cross-sectional study included 60 healthy blood donors donating in a tertiary care hospital's blood bank. After obtaining written consent, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures along with pulse rate of the donors were measured in sitting and supine positions by the attending physician, then, inferior vena cava (IVC) and TAPSE measurements were made before and after blood donation. Results Statistically significant differences was found between standing systolic blood pressure and pulse rate, lying systolic blood pressure and pulse rate, IVC and TAPSE values before and after blood donation (p Conclusion Our study revealed that, low IVC and TAPSE values correlated in determining blood loss after blood donation. TAPSE may be useful to predict blood loss in early stages of hypovolemic shock.

Breast cancer incidence by age at discovery of mammographic abnormality in women participating in French organized screening campaigns

Abstract: Statistical modeling was already predicted the occurrence/prognosis of breast cancer from previous radiological findings. This study predicts the breast cancer risk by the age at discovery of mammographic abnormality in the French breast cancer screening program. This was a cohort study. The study included 261,083 women who meet the inclusion criteria: aged 50–74 years, living in French departments (Ain, Doubs, Haute-Saône, Jura, Territoire-de-Belfort, and Yonne), with at least two mammograms between January 1999 and December 2017, of which the first was ‘normal/benign’. The incidence of each abnormality (microcalcifications, spiculated mass, obscured mass, architectural distortion, and asymmetric density) was first estimated, then the breast cancer risk was predicted secondly according to the age at discovery of each mammographic abnormality, using an actuarial life table and a Cox model. Overall breast cancer (6326 cases) incidence was 3.3 (3.0; 3.1)/1000 person-years. The breast cancer incidence increased proportionally with the discovery age of the speculated mass and microcalcifications. The incidence was twice as high when the spiculated mass age of discovery was ≥70 (12.2 [10.4; 14.4]) compared with age 50–54 years (5.8 [5.1; 6.7]). Depending on the spiculated mass discovery age, the breast cancer risk increased by at least 40% between the age groups 55–59 years (1.4 [1.0; 1.8]) and ≥70 years (2.4 [1.9; 3.3]). Whatever the abnormality, the incidence of breast cancer was higher when it was present in only one breast. The study highlights a stable incidence of breast cancer between successive mammograms, an increased risk of breast cancer with the finding age of spiculated mass and microcalcifications. The reduced delay between the abnormality discovery date and the breast cancer diagnosis date would justify a specific follow-up protocol after the finding of these two abnormalities.

Polarimetric Quantum-Strong Correlations with Independent Photons on the Poincaré Sphere

Abstract: Controllable, quantum-strong correlations of polarization states can be implemented with multi-photon independent states. Polarization-based photonic quantum correlations can be traced back to the overlap of the polarization Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere between two polarization filters. The quantum Rayleigh scattering prevents a single photon from propagating in a straight line inside a dielectric medium, and it also provides a mechanism for the projective measurement of polarization. Complexities associated with single-photon sources and detectors can be eliminated because the quantum Rayleigh scattering in a dielectric medium destroys entangled photons. Entanglement-free, identical sources and processing devices give rise to correlations rather than these being caused by “quantum nonlocality”. These analytic developments were prompted by the vanishing expectation values of the Pauli spin vector for a single photon of maximally entangled photonic Bell states.

Instantaneous Quantum Description of Photonic Wavefronts and Applications

Abstract: Three physical elements are missing from the conventional formalism of quantum photonics: 1) the quantum Rayleigh spontaneous and stimulated emissions; 2) the unavoidable parametric amplification; and 3) the mixed time-frequency spectral structure of a photonic field which specifies its duration or spatial extent. As a single photon enters a dielectric medium, the quantum Rayleigh scattering prevents it from propagating in a straight-line, thereby destroying any possible entanglement. A pure dynamic and coherent state composed of two consecutive number states, delivers the correct expectation values for the number of photons carried by a photonic wave front, its complex optical field, and phase quadratures. The intrinsic longitudinal and lateral field profiles associated with a group of photons for any instantaneous number of photons are independent of the source. These photonic properties enable a step-by-step analysis of the correlation functions characterizing counting of coincident numbers of photons or intensities with unity visibility interference, spanning the classical and quantum optic regimes

Instantaneous Quantum Description of Photonic Wavefronts and Applications

Abstract: Three physical elements are missing from the conventional formalism of quantum photonics: 1) the quantum Rayleigh spontaneous and stimulated emissions; 2) the unavoidable parametric amplification; and 3) the mixed time-frequency spectral structure of a photonic field which specifies its duration or spatial extent. As a single photon enters a dielectric medium, the quantum Rayleigh scattering prevents it from propagating in a straight-line, thereby destroying any possible entanglement. A pure dynamic and coherent state composed of two consecutive number states, delivers the correct expectation values for the number of photons carried by a photonic wave front, its complex optical field, and phase quadratures. The intrinsic longitudinal and lateral field profiles associated with a group of photons for any instantaneous number of photons are independent of the source. These photonic properties enable a step-by-step analysis of the correlation functions characterizing counting of coincident numbers of photons or intensities with unity visibility interference, spanning the classical and quantum optic regimes

Volumetric analysis of unmodified and modified amino acids and its application to the detection of post-translational modifications (PTMs) with a nanopore

Abstract: Recently a method was proposed for unambiguous identification of an amino acid (AA) in the bulk or at the single molecule (SM) level with a single binary measurement based on the superspecificity property of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) (doi: 10.36227/techrxiv.19318145.v3). The present report looks at detection of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in single AAs after their identification through their cognate tRNAs. The volumes of AAs with PTMs are computed from crystallographic data for all 20 proteinogenic AAs and three types of PTMs (methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation). The ratio of the spatial volume of a modified AA to that of an unmodified one is then used to assign a PTM to the former. An experimental procedure to obtain these ratios for different PTMs with a nanopore of matching diameter is proposed. AA is freed following its identification via its cognate tRNA as in the procedure mentioned above, separated by a nanofilter, and translocated through a nanopore under electrophoresis. The ratio of the blockade level due to a modified AA to that due to the unmodified AA is compared with the theoretical ratio and a PTM assigned. Because the AA has been unambiguously determined by its cognate tRNA, PTM assignment is horizontal across the set of PTMs, thus the other 19 AA types are not involved in PTM assignment. Computational results are presented for 49 PTMs covering the three types mentioned above. Unlike most methods based on mass spectrometry this is a de novo method that does not require prior knowledge about the parent protein, nor does it use any sequence information from a proteome database.

Digital protein sequencing with one binary measurement per residue

Abstract: <p>Conventional protein sequencing methods and recently reported theoretical and experimental single molecule methods are based on analog measurements. Here a digital method for use in the bulk or with a small number of molecules is introduced. It is based on the superspecificity property of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and requires only one binary measurement per residue/amino acid (AA). When the terminal residues of 20 copies of a protein molecule are cleaved and each brought together with a different tRNA in one of 20 different cavities, tRNA-AA binding occurs in exactly one cavity. The bound AA is chemically separated from the tRNA into a channel where its presence can be detected electrically or optically. The result is a binary high output from the cognate channel that is independent of the AA, the other 19 outputs are low, and the AA's identity is given by the position of the high bit in the 20-bit output. One way to detect the freed AA is to translocate it through a nanopore in an electrolytic cell under electrophoresis. A feasibility and accuracy analysis and related computations and simulation results are presented.</p>

Letter to the Editor

Abstract: I write following my reading with great interest the published article “Physicians and Cognitive Decline: A Challenge for State Medical Boards,” in the Journal of Medical Regulation.1I express my opinion based on my own personal experience as an active practicing physician for 47 years across several states.I agree with the article’s author that “older physicians benefit from their many years of experience and the skills they have developed over decades of practice…,” but feel that the use of the generalization that these physicians “may be at risk of cognitive decline, with job performance deficits…,” may be biased and inaccurate. Such a conclusion could raise concern as not based on significant statistical facts and/or factual finding.We cannot and should not generalize, otherwise our opinions become skewed and invalid.State Medical Boards and Peer Review Boards have their own internal review procedures for checks and balances. They are the regulatory and monitoring authorities overseeing physician performance practices, treatment outcomes, physician patient satisfaction, medical errors, negligence, reporting of patient loss, including outcome of claims litigation.2,3,4Having an outside source beyond internal affairs of State Medical Boards and Peer Review Boards mingle and interfere with their internal and intrinsic procedures, proceedings, legislation, and medical staff by-laws seems like an intrusion by telling assigned medical organizations how to oversee, regulate, and proceed in these matters that are akin to physicians telling state bars how to regulate their member lawyers.2,4,6State Medical Boards do identify, monitor, and pursue physicians who show cognitive decline. These bodies already do a good amount of regulating and overseeing of Quality Assurance, as is the case of the Medical Board of California, following their legal state mandate and ethical obligation to the public and its trust.7Many State Medical Boards and Medical Associations have adopted certain methodology to establish such programs. They also have the wisdom to screen and monitor physicians to establish such programs, and the wisdom to screen and monitor physicians’ late impairment through specific Medical Specialty Tests and comprehensive follow-up tests to best identify any such issues.2,4,6There is no set or agreed upon age when such physicians’ testing program should commence. Due process and its protections are paramount for the process of identifying physician impairment and performance below the standard of care, so that the process can be fair, reasonable, and equitable to all.State medical societies already institute public relations campaigns geared to build support among clinicians and other professional medical organizations, as its relevance also applies to State Medical Boards, who are tasked with regulating and overseeing medical and health care providers as well.5Cognitive decline is not exclusively or only inherent to medical practitioners. It also applies to all in the work force, across the board. The dos and the don’ts are ultimately a matter of due process and the law.Given the current physician shortage crisis we are facing in the US, along with the demographic trends, more primary care providers are likely to be needed to meet the increasing needs of the older population, and the need to avoid forced early retirement of aging, elder physicians in this country.5Ultimately, competence rather than mandatory retirement due to age per se should be the deciding factor regarding whether physicians should be able to continue their practice.4Physicians recognize that they are not alone, and the visible leadership by influential national organizations and accrediting bodies (eg, National Academy of Medicine, American Medical Association, Association of American Medical Colleges, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Joint Commission, American College of Physicians, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) engaging regulators, payers, and other organizations may provide optimism for meaningful change.Respectfully Submitted,Isaac E. Jakubowicz, MD, MPHBeverly Hills, CAgreatpediatrician@yahoo.com

Bibliometric analysis of research relating to gonorrhea reported over the period 1980–2020

Abstract: Abstract Objective and Design: Gonorrhea is an important sexually transmitted disease that threatens public health in the 21st century. Aim of this study was to reveal the current status of literature data about gonorrhea. Methods: A scan of literature was performed on the Web of Science (WoS) database on 17 Aug 2021 to retrieve bibliometric data. The literature search was applied using the search term “gonorrhea” in article titles for the period January 1980–December 2020. Results: After applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1068 articles remained for final evaluation. The number of articles published by year tended first to decrease and then to increase. According to the number of articles, the first three countries were the USA (n=660; 61.80%), England (n=107; 10.02%), and Canada (n=52; 4.87%). The journal with the highest number of articles were the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention organization in the United States produced the largest number of articles on gonorrhea during this specified time period. Conclusions: This holistic data evaluation of analysis of the findings, knowing the trend topics, understanding which topics are cited more, will be of benefit for authors conducting future research.

Instantaneous Quantum Description of Photonic Wavefronts and Applications

Abstract: Three physical elements are missing from the conventional formalism of quantum photonics: 1) the quantum Rayleigh spontaneous and stimulated emissions; 2) the unavoidable parametric amplification; and 3) the mixed time-frequency spectral structure of a photonic field which specifies its duration or spatial extent. As a single photon enters a dielectric medium, the quantum Rayleigh scattering prevents it from propagating in a straight-line, thereby destroying any possible entanglement. A pure dynamic and coherent state composed of two consecutive number states, delivers the correct expectation values for the number of photons carried by a photonic wave front, its complex optical field, and phase quadratures. The intrinsic longitudinal and lateral field profiles associated with a group of photons for any instantaneous number of photons are independent of the source. These photonic properties enable a step-by-step analysis of the correlation functions characterizing counting of coincident numbers of photons or intensities with unity visibility interference, spanning the classical and quantum optic regimes

Polarimetric Quantum-Strong Correlations with Independent Photons on the Poincaré Sphere

Abstract: Controllable, quantum-strong correlations of polarization states can be implemented with multi-photon independent states. Polarization-based photonic quantum correlations can be traced back to the overlap of the polarization Stokes vectors on the Poincar&eacute; sphere between two polarization filters. The quantum Rayleigh scattering prevents a single photon from propagating in a straight line inside a dielectric medium, and it also provides a mechanism for the projective measurement of polarization. Complexities associated with single-photon sources and detectors can be eliminated because the quantum Rayleigh scattering in a dielectric medium destroys entangled photons. Entanglement-free, identical sources and processing devices give rise to correlations rather than these being caused by &ldquo;quantum nonlocality&rdquo;. These analytic developments were prompted by the vanishing expectation values of the Pauli spin vector for a single photon of maximally entangled photonic Bell states.

Exterior decoration at sites belonging to the norman kings

Abstract: The five most complete royal buildings remaining from the post-Conquest period in Britain have exterior decoration resembling that at churches. It is widely appreciated that the scale of royal buildings demonstrated the earthly power of the Norman kings, but their decoration, largely overlooked, can be shown to proclaim that the power of God was also present there. The sacred power of the king was explicit in the coronation rite at the anointing, and the subsequent investiture with regalia was re-staged by the crown-wearing practised in varying degrees by the Norman kings.

Digital chromatography: separating amino acids into spatially discrete containers

Abstract: Separation of amino acids (AAs) in a mixture has been conventionally done with chromatography or electrophoresis; separation usually occurs over some continuous space. The present communication proposes a digital method with a 20-stage pipeline for separating (and counting) single AA molecules in a mixture, with each of the 20 proteinogenic AAs ending up in its own discrete and spatially distinct container. Presently the method is designed for samples with a few molecules on up to the atto-mole level and can be used with samples collected from single cells. It is based on the superspecificity property of transfer RNAs (tRNAs): an AA can bind only with a cognate tRNA and not with any other; the binding error rate is about 1 in 350. Four necessary conditions for accurate separation are noted; it is shown informally that they can be satisfied. The method can also be used for peptide sequencing by feeding terminal residues cleaved from a peptide into the first stage of the pipeline.