Estimated number of deaths directly averted in people 60 years and older as a result of COVID-19 vaccination in the WHO European Region, December 2020 to November 2021

Since December 2019, over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2-related fatalities have been recorded in the World Health Organization European Region - 90.2% in people ≥ 60 years. We calculated lives saved in this age group by COVID-19 vaccination in 33 countries from December 2020 to November 2021, using weekly reported deaths and vaccination coverage. We estimated that vaccination averted 469,186 deaths (51% of 911,302 expected deaths; sensitivity range: 129,851–733,744; 23–62%). Impact by country ranged 6–93%, largest when implementation was early.

Spinning guest fields during inflation: leftover signatures

We consider the possibility of extra spinning particles during inflation, focussing on the spin-2 case. Our analysis relies on the well-known fully non-linear formulation of interacting spin-2 theories. We explore the parameter space of the corresponding inflationary Lagrangian and identify regions therein exhibiting signatures within reach of upcoming CMB probes. We provide a thorough study of the early and late-time dynamics ensuring that stability conditions are met throughout the cosmic evolution. We characterise in particular the gravitational wave spectrum and three-point function finding a local-type non-Gaussianity whose amplitude may be within the sensitivity range of both the LiteBIRD and CMB-S4 experiments.

Computed tomography (CT) features of pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in children

Background: Currently, there are few literature reports on the CT features of pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma, most of which exist in the form of case reports, and some literature reports have suggested that CT features of pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma lack specificity. This study was designed to investigate the CT features of pelvic RMS in children to provide imaging evidence for clinical diagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed radiographic and clinical data of all paediatric patients with pelvic neoplastic lesions pathologically proven to be malignant in our hospitals from January 2012 through March 2021. The data of the included paediatric patients were divided into two groups according to whether the pathology results indicated RMS. CT features of RMS (n= 37) and non-RMS (n= 91) were compared by two abdominal radiologists. Results: A total of 9 CT features were statistically significant for the diagnosis of pelvic RMS in children (p＜0.05). The sensitivity (range, 0.64–0.74) and specificity (range, 0.86–0.93) of the CT features showing multinodular fusion, surrounding blood vessels, and heterogeneous progressive centripetal enhancement were both relatively high. The CT features indicating lower than muscle density, necrosis, non-calcification and non-haemorrhage exhibited high specificity (range, 0.86–0.97), but the sensitivity (range, 0.32–0.40) was relatively low, while the sensitivity (range, 0.37–0.46) and specificity (range, 0.75–0.83) of other CT features used for diagnosing pelvic RMS, namely, lobulated and lymphatic metastasis, were both relatively low. Conclusion: Pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma in children has its own specific CT features.

A Robustness Test Protocol for Applied QCA: Theory and R Software Application

The robustness of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) results features high on the agenda of methodologists and practitioners. This article aims at advancing this debate on several fronts. First, in line with the extant literature, we take a comprehensive view on robustness arguing that decisions on calibration, consistency, and frequency thresholds should all be tested. Second, we introduce the notion of “sensitivity range” as the range of values for any of these parameters within which the solution formula remains unchanged. Third, we argue that interpreting robustness is more intricate than simply checking if solutions remain unchanged. Beyond sensitivity ranges, researchers should assess robustness by evaluating changes in parameters of fit and the classification of cases as robust, shaky, or possible. Fourth, we enable researchers to perform more than one robustness test at a time by proposing the notions of a “test set”: the overlap between conceptually plausible alternative solutions that can be generated; and of a “robust core”: that part of a QCA solution that withstands the robustness checks. Fifth, we present functionalities implemented in the R package SetMethods that enable researchers to put in practice our proposals. These advancements are integrated into a comprehensive QCA Robustness Test Protocol consisting of three main tests: sensitivity ranges, fit-oriented robustness, and case-oriented robustness. We illustrate the protocol’s implementation with an example on high life expectancy across the globe.

Accessing tens-to-hundreds femtoseconds nuclear state lifetimes with low-energy binary heavy-ion reactions

A novel Monte Carlo technique has been developed to determine lifetimes of excited states in the tens-to-hundreds femtoseconds range in products of low-energy heavy-ion binary reactions, with complex velocity distributions. The method is based on a detailed study of Doppler-broadened $$\gamma $$ γ -ray lineshapes. Its relevance is demonstrated in connection with the $$^{18}\text {O}(7.0\, \text {MeV/u})+\,^{181}\text {Ta}$$ 18 O ( 7.0 MeV/u ) + 181 Ta experiment, performed at GANIL with the AGATA+VAMOS+PARIS setup, to study neutron-rich O, C, N, ... nuclei. Excited states in $$^{17}\text {O}$$ 17 O and $$^{19}\text {O}$$ 19 O , with known lifetimes, are used to validate the method over the $$\sim 20{-}400\,\text {fs}$$ ∼ 20 - 400 fs lifetime-sensitivity range. Emphasis is given to the unprecedented position resolution provided by $$\gamma $$ γ -tracking arrays, which turns out to be essential for reaching the required accuracy in Doppler-shift correction. The technique is anticipated to be an important tool for lifetime investigations in exotic neutron-rich nuclei, produced with intense ISOL-type beams.

Gravitational waves in neutrino plasma and NANOGrav signal

The recent finding of the gravitational wave (GW) signal by the NANOGrav collaboration in the nHZ frequency range has opened up the door for the existence of stochastic GWs. In the present work, we have argued that in a hot dense neutrino asymmetric plasma, GWs could be generated due to the instability caused by the finite difference in the number densities of the different species of the neutrinos. The generated GWs have amplitude and frequency in the sensitivity range of the NANOGrav observation. We have shown that the GWs generated by this mechanism could be one of the possible explanations for the observed NANOGrav signal. We have also discussed generation of GWs in an inhomogeneous cosmological neutrino plasma, where GWs are generated when neutrinos enter a free streaming regime. We show that the generated GWs in an inhomogeneous neutrino plasma cannot explain the observed NANOGrav signal. We have also calculated the lower bound on magnetic fields’ strength using the NANOGrav signal and found that to explain the signal, the magnetic fields’ strength should have at least value $$\sim 10^{-12}$$ ∼ 10 - 12 G at an Mpc length scale.

High-sensitivity biosensor for simultaneous detection of cancer and diabetes using photonic crystal microstructure

In this study, we propose a refractive index sensor for the simultaneous detection of cancer and diabetes based on photonic crystals (PhC). The proposed PhC composed of silicon rods in the air bed arranged in a hexagonal lattice forms the fundamental structure, and two tubes are used to place the cancerous or diabetic samples for measurement. The sensor's transmission characteristics are simulated and analyzed by solving Maxwell's electromagnetic equations using the finite-difference time-domain method for samples under study. The diagnosis of three types of cancer and diabetes is based on changing the samples' refractive index by applying the laser source centered at 1550 nm. Our results demonstrate that the proposed structure's quality factor and sensitivity can be adjusted by changing the sensor's geometry. They reveal that the transmission power is between 91% ~ 100%, depending on the sample. The sensitivity range is also between 1294 and 3080 nm/RIU. The maximum figure of merit is about 1550.11 RIU− 1 with a detection range of 31×10− 6 RIU. The small biosensor area of ​​ 61.56 µm2 makes it a suitable device for various applications in compact photonic integrated circuits.

Leveraging community mortality indicators to infer COVID-19 mortality and transmission dynamics in Damascus, Syria

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial mortality worldwide. However, to date, countries in the Middle East and Africa have reported considerably lower mortality rates than in Europe and the Americas. Motivated by reports of an overwhelmed health system, we estimate the likely under-ascertainment of COVID-19 mortality in Damascus, Syria. Using all-cause mortality data, we fit a mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission to reported mortality, estimating that 1.25% of COVID-19 deaths (sensitivity range 1.00% – 3.00%) have been reported as of 2 September 2020. By 2 September, we estimate that 4,380 (95% CI: 3,250 – 5,550) COVID-19 deaths in Damascus may have been missed, with 39.0% (95% CI: 32.5% – 45.0%) of the population in Damascus estimated to have been infected. Accounting for under-ascertainment corroborates reports of exceeded hospital bed capacity and is validated by community-uploaded obituary notifications, which confirm extensive unreported mortality in Damascus.

On the feasibility of hearing electrons in a 1D device through emitted phonons

This work investigates the vibrational power that may potentially be delivered by electron-emitted phonons at the terminals of a device with a 1D material as the active channel. Electrons in a 1D material traversing a device excite phase-limited acoustic and optical phonon modes as they undergo streaming motion. At ultra-low temperature (4 K in this study, for example), in the near absence of background phonon activity, the emitted traveling phonons may potentially be collected at the terminals before they decay. Detecting those phonons is akin to hearing electrons within the device. Results here show that traveling acoustic phonons can deliver up to a fraction of a nW of vibrational power at the terminals, which is within the sensitivity range of modern instruments. The total vibrational power from traveling optical and acoustic phonons is found to be in order of nW. In this work, Ensemble Monte Carlo (EMC) simulations are used to model the behavior of a gate-all-around (GAA) field-effect transistor (FET), with a single-wall semiconducting carbon nanotube (SWCNT) as the active channel, and a free-hanging SWCNT between two contacts. Electronic band structure of the SWCNT is calculated within the framework of a tight-binding (TB) model. The principal scattering mechanisms are due to electron–phonon interactions using 1st order perturbation theory. A continuum model is used to determine the longitudinal acoustic (LA) and optical (LO) phonons, and a single lowest radial breathing mode (RBM) phonon is considered.

20 Comparison of Six Frailty Screening Tools in Patients Aged 65+ with An Arm Fragility Fracture

Introduction Frailty is associated with an increased risk of falling and fracture, but not routinely assessed in fracture clinic. Early identification and management of frailty among older people with arm fragility fracture could help avoid further falls and fractures, especially of the hip. We evaluated the feasibility of assessing frailty in a busy fracture clinic. Methods People aged 65+ years with an arm fracture in one acute trust were recruited. Frailty was assessed in fracture clinics using six tools: Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP), FRAIL scale, PRISMA-7, electronic Frailty Index (e-FI), Clinical Frailty Score (CFS), and Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF). The sensitivity and specificity of each tool was compared against FFP as a reference. Participants identified as frail by 2+ tools were referred for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Results 100 patients (mean age 75 years±7.2; 20 men) were recruited. Frailty prevalence was 9% (FRAIL scale), 13% (SOF), 14% (CFS > 6), 15% (FFP; e-FI > 0.25), and 25% (PRISMA-7). Men were more likely to be frail than women. Data were complete for all assessments and completion time ranged from one minute (PRISMA-7; CFS) to six minutes for the FFP which required most equipment. Comparing with FFP, the most accurate instrument for stratifying frail from non-frail was the PRISMA-7 (sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 87%) while the remaining tools had good specificity (range 93%–100%) but average sensitivity (range 40%–60%). Twenty patients were eligible for CGA. Five had recently had CGA and 11/15 referred were assessed. CGA led to 3–6 interventions per participant including medication changes, life-style advice, investigations, and onward referrals. Conclusion It was feasible to assess frailty in fracture clinic and to identify patients who benefitted from CGA. Frailty prevalence was 9%—25% depending on the tool used and was higher among men. PRISMA-7 could be a practical tool for routine use in fracture clinics.