bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Categorization of precipitation changes in China under 1.5 °C and 3 °C global warming using the bivariate joint distribution from a multi-model perspective
Authors: Qiu Liying , Im Eun-Soon , Kwon Hyun-Han 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study examines the changes in the intensity and frequency of precipitation in China from a multi‐model perspective on 20 statistically downscaled fine-scale climate projections and categorizes them into four distinct patterns in response to globally targeted warming (1.5 °C and 3 °C). In a multivariate setting, the asymmetric responses of frequency and intensity to different levels of warming can be considered jointly. This study focuses on relatively moderate precipitation to determine if the ensemble of a subset of climate models, which are selected based on the categorization, can provide a better interpretation of the changing patterns compared to that from the conventional unweighted ensemble mean. The results show that the spatial distribution of the predominant category and inter-model agreement are dependent mainly on the degree of warming. As warming becomes more extensive, the projected change in precipitation tends to converge to the category that indicates an increase in both the intensity and frequency of precipitation, from the mixed-mode and even decreasing pattern. The use of subsampling to produce an ensemble of joint probability (or return period) has potential benefits in detecting asymmetric changes in the intensity and frequency of precipitation that is seen in the majority of models but hidden by the unweighted ensemble average particularly for regions where different models show mixed signals. A substantial portion of the region in China is likely to experience a transition of changes in precipitation frequency and (or) intensity under continuous warming, which would not be revealed clearly by univariate analysis.
Quantum and semi-classical aspects of confined systems with variable mass
Authors: Gazeau Jean-Pierre , Hussin Véronique , Moran James , Zelaya Kevin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We explore the quantization of classical models with position-dependent mass terms constrained to a bounded interval in the canonical position. This is achieved through the Weyl–Heisenberg covariant integral quantization by properly choosing a regularizing function Π(q, p) on the phase space that smooths the discontinuities present in the classical model. We thus obtain well-defined operators without requiring the construction of self-adjoint extensions. Simultaneously, the quantization mechanism leads naturally to a semi-classical system, that is, a classical-like model with a well-defined Hamiltonian structure in which the effects of the Planck’s constant are not negligible. Interestingly, for a non-separable function Π(q, p), a purely quantum minimal coupling term arises in the form of a vector potential for both the quantum and semi-classical models.
Wear assessment of 3–D printed parts of PLA (polylactic acid) using Taguchi design and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique
Authors: Pant Meena , Singari Ranganath M , Arora Pawan Kumar , Moona Girija , Kumar Harish 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing technology with promising results and challenges. The aim of this study is to optimize the process parameters of fused deposition modeling (FDM) by exploring the wear performance of Polylactic acid (PLA). In this work, variation of process parameters like layer thickness, orientation and extruder temperature has been investigated. Based on these parameters wear specimen (accordance to ASTM G99) was printed by using FDM. The wear behavior of polymer pin under low sliding speed was investigated. Taguchi Design of experiments by using L9 orthogonal array is applied to optimize the process parameters at which minimum wear rate is obtained and the same has also been investigated by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and artificial neural network (ANN) technique for rigorous validation / optimization. Results shows that build orientation have major influence on the wear performance of polymer pin. The paper is presented with the display of results, discussion, and conclusions drawn.
Development of a finite element biomechanical whole spine model for analyzing lumbar spine loads under caudocephalad acceleration
Authors: Goertz Alan R , Yang King H , Viano David C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background: Spine injury risk due to military conflict is an ongoing concern among defense organizations throughout the world. A better understanding of spine biomechanics could assist in developing protection devices to reduce injuries caused by caudocephalad acceleration (+Gz) in under-body blasts (UBB). Although some finite element (FE) human models have demonstrated reasonable lumbar spine biofidelity, they were either partial spine models or not validated for UBB-type loading modes at the lumbar functional spinal unit (FSU) level, thus limiting their ability to analyze UBB-associated occupant kinematics. Methods: An FE functional representation of the human spine with simplified geometry was developed to study the lumbar spine responses under +Gz loading. Fifty-seven load curves obtained from post mortem human subject experiments were used to optimize the model. Results: The model was cumulatively validated for compression, flexion, extension, and anterior-, posterior-, and lateral-shears of the lumbar spine and flexion and extension of the cervical spine. The thoracic spine was optimized for flexion and compression. The cumulative CORrelation and Analysis (CORA) rating for the lumbar spine was 0.766 and the cervical spine was 0.818; both surpassed the 0.7 objective goal. The model’s element size was confirmed as converged. Conclusions: An FE functional representation of the human spine was developed for +Gz lumbar load analysis. The lumbar and cervical spines were demonstrated to be quantitatively biofidelic to the FSU level for multi-directional loading and bending typically experienced in +Gz loading, filling the capability gap in current models.
Magnetic structure and phase transition at the surface region of Fe3O4(100)
Authors: Kawauchi Taizo , Miura Yoshio , Asakawa Kanta , Fukutani Katsuyuki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The magnetic structure and phase transition of the near-surface region of Fe3O4(100) was investigated by 57Fe conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) and theoretical calculations. It is revealed that at 300 K the magnetization is in-plane in the surface region and cants from the in-plane to the 〈111〉 direction in a deeper region suggesting the presence of a noncollinear magnetic structure. The critical exponents for the tetrahedral and octahedral sites are estimated to be 0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.28 ± 0.01, respectively. Near the critical temperature, furthermore, the magnetization direction in the surface region was found to deviate from the in-plane direction.
‘Think of All the Differences!’: Mixed Marriages in Transcultural Adaptations of Chaucer’s ‘Man of Law’s Tale’
Authors: O’Connell Brendan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
At a historical moment in which we attempt to come to grips with the legacy of racial inequality, this essay considers two twenty-first-century adaptations of Chaucer’s ‘Man of Law’s Tale’, which respond to the xenophobic and imperialist ideology of the original by representing its noble white heroine as a black asylum seeker, and replacing the dynastic genealogy of Chaucer’s tale with a celebration of an inter-racial marriage that defies cultural norms. Chaucer’s text might not seem promising for modern adaptation: its passive heroine embodies the abstract principle of constancy, and the action of the tale serves an ideological purpose that seems, to modern eyes, to be profoundly and unpleasantly imperialist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic. And yet, the 2003 BBC adaptation made the work remarkably legible for a twenty-first-century audience, by highlighting, rather than suppressing, the tale’s concerns with issues of family, race, and religion, and by imagining its central heroine as a Nigerian Christian, fleeing religious persecution. These concerns with migration and racial and religious intolerance are developed brilliantly in Patience Agbabi’s Telling Tales, a poetic revision of Chaucer’s work as filtered through the lens of the television adaptation. In these texts, mixed marriages become a powerful tool with which to challenge the racist legacy of the past and to interrogate the relationship of the adaptation to its canonical forebears.
Life in lockdown: a telephone survey to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the lives of older people (≥75 years)
Authors: Brown Lesley , Mossabir Rahena , Harrison Nicola , Brundle Caroline , Smith Jane , Clegg Andrew 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the UK government introduced social distancing measures and identified specific populations at high risk from the virus. People ≥70 were deemed ‘Clinically Vulnerable’. Distancing measures were introduced to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, these may have a negative impact on older people who are vulnerable to social isolation and may have challenges accessing services and provisions.

Objectives
To investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the lives of older people.

Study design and setting
Cross-sectional telephone survey.

Participants
Community-dwelling older people, 76–97 years.

Outcomes
Health anxiety; General health (RAND Short-form 36 Survey); Physical activity; Depression (PHQ-8); Anxiety (GAD-2); Loneliness; Access to services; Challenges, concerns and positive experiences.

Data analysis
Counts (%), means (SDs). Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from open questions.

Results
n = 142. 52% did not worry about their health; 76% rated their health as ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’; &lt;10% met the criteria indicative of depression (PHQ-8), or anxiety (GAD-2); 42% were less active than before lockdown; and 27% were lonely at least some of the time. Over half of participants identified positive aspects.

Conclusions
Most participants reported good health with low levels of health anxiety, anxiety and depression. Many were able to identify positive aspects to lockdown and may be better equipped to deal with lockdown than anticipated. Strategies may be required to ameliorate the negative impact of loneliness for a minority of older people, and help some resume previous activity levels and pursuits.
Serum 25(OH)D Level on Hospital Admission Associated With COVID-19 Stage and Mortality
Authors: De Smet Dieter , De Smet Kristof , Herroelen Pauline , Gryspeerdt Stefaan , Martens Geert A 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesVitamin D deficiency was previously correlated with incidence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We investigated the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level on admission and radiologic stage and outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia.MethodsA retrospective observational trial was done on 186 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–infected individuals hospitalized from March 1, 2020, to April 7, 2020, with combined chest computed tomography (CT) and 25(OH)D measurement on admission. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to study if vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D &lt;20 ng/mL) correlates with survival independently of confounding comorbidities.ResultsOf the patients with COVID-19, 59% were vitamin D deficient on admission: 47% of females and 67% of males. In particular, male patients with COVID-19 showed progressively lower 25(OH)D with advancing radiologic stage, with deficiency rates increasing from 55% in stage 1 to 74% in stage 3. Vitamin D deficiency on admission was not confounded by age, ethnicity, chronic lung disease, coronary artery disease/hypertension, or diabetes and was associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-11.55), independent of age (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14), chronic lung disease (OR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.18-11.09), and extent of lung damage expressed by chest CT severity score (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.25).ConclusionsLow 25(OH)D levels on admission are associated with COVID-19 disease stage and mortality.
Macroevolutionary variation and environmental correlates of scalation traits in Eurasian vipers (Serpentes: Viperinae)
Authors: Martínez-Castro Alba , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni , Freitas Inês , Martínez-Freiría Fernando 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUnderstanding how phenotypic variation across species is shaped by the combination of shared evolutionary history and environmental factors is key to elucidating the processes that underlie biodiversity. In reptiles, morphological traits have traditionally been used to delimit species and make systematic inferences. Recent studies highlight the possibility that phenotypic variation, particularly in scalation traits, might instead be driven by environmental factors and therefore not reflect the phylogenetic relationships among species. In this study, we combined morphological and ecological data in a macroevolutionary framework, in order to describe the morphological variation across species of Eurasian vipers (Serpentes: Viperinae), investigate the phylogenetic structure of scalation traits and test the contribution of environmental factors in shaping morphological patterns. We found considerable variation in all examined traits, which, in most cases, agreed with the phylogenetic relationships among species, reinforcing their usefulness for taxonomic inferences. Interestingly, however, the number of ventral scales exhibited lower phylogenetic signal and a tight association with environmental factors of geographical ranges, suggesting potential adaptive or developmental sources of variation in the trait. This is the first comparative study of macroevolutionary variation in scalation traits in Eurasian vipers, validating the use of most of them for systematic inferences, but also indicating possible environmental factors that might shape phenotypic variation across species.
Women’s Refuges and Critical Social Work: Opportunities and Challenges in Advancing Social Justice
Authors: Theobald J , Watson J , Murray S , Bullen J 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWomen’s refuges play a crucial role in responding to the needs of women and children experiencing family violence; yet there has been limited research conducted into their operations, practices and challenges faced. This article is informed by critical social work’s theoretical tradition of seeking to end social injustice and analyses key opportunities and challenges of providing refuge amidst a neo-liberal context. We draw on interviews and focus groups with service providers and women who had sought access to a refuge, from a study that was undertaken following the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence in Australia. We found widespread practices by refuges to support social justice for women and children experiencing family violence, as well as challenges and constraints, substantially linked to resource limitations consistent with neo-liberal policies. This research shines a light on innovative refuge practice in local contexts identifying feminist social justice and intersectional practices aligned with critical social work.
Colitis-induced IL11 promotes colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Wang Hong , Wang David H , Yang Xu , Sun Yuhai , Yang Chung S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Colitis increases the risk of colorectal cancer; however, the mechanism of the association between colitis and cancer remains largely unknown. To identify colitis-associated cancer promoting factors, we investigated gene expression changes caused by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. By analyzing gene expression profiles, we found that IL11 was upregulated in DSS-induced colitis tissue and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]-pyridine (PhIP)/DSS-induced colon tumours in mice as well as in human colorectal cancer. By characterizing the activation/phosphorylation of STAT3 (pSTAT3), we found that pSTAT3 was induced transiently in colitis, but maintained at higher levels from hyper-proliferative dysplastic lesions to tumours. Using the IL11 receptor (IL11Rα1) knockout mice, we found that pSTAT3 in the newly regenerated crypt epithelial cells in colitis is abolished in IL11Rα1+/− and −/− mice, suggesting that colitis-induced IL11 activates STAT3 in colon crypt epithelial cells. Moreover, colitis-promoted colon carcinogenesis was significantly reduced in IL11Rα1+/− and −/− mice. To determine the roles of the IL11 in colitis, we found that the inhibition of IL11 signalling by recombinant IL11 antagonist mutein during colitis was sufficient to attenuate colitis-promoted carcinogenesis. Together, our results demonstrated that colitis-induced IL11 plays critical roles in creating cancer promoting microenvironment to facilitate the development of colon cancer from dormant premalignant cells.
The Influence of Disease Activity on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Min-A , Kim Young-Han , Chun Jaeyoung , Lee Hye Sun , Park Soo Jung , Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Tae Il , Kim Won Ho , Park Jae Jun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
Robust evidence regarding the impact of disease activity on pregnancy outcomes in women with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is crucial for both clinicians and patients in preparing a birth plan. We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the pooled influences of disease activity on pregnancy outcomes in women with IBD.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the COCHRANE library to identify articles comparing pregnancy outcomes between active and inactive IBD at the time of conception or during pregnancy. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to pool estimates and report odds ratios [ORs].

Results
A total of 28 studies were identified as eligible for the meta-analysis. In women with active IBD, the pooled ORs for low birth weight [LBW], preterm birth, small for gestational age [SGA], spontaneous abortion and stillbirths were respectively 3.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.81–8.02), 2.42 [95% CI 1.74–3.35], 1.48 [95% CI 1.19–1.85], 1.87 [95% CI 1.17–3.0] and 2.27 [95% CI 1.03–5.04] compared to women with inactive IBD. In the subgroup analysis based on disease type, women with active ulcerative colitis had an increased risk of LBW, preterm birth and spontaneous abortion. Women with active Crohn’s disease had a higher risk of preterm birth, SGA and spontaneous abortion.

Conclusions
Active IBD during the periconception period and pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our data suggest that pregnancy should be planned when the disease is quiescent, and continuous disease control is important even during pregnancy.
Serum proteomic profiling at diagnosis predicts clinical course, and need for intensification of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kalla R , Adams A T , Bergemalm D , Vatn S , Kennedy N A , Ricanek P , Lindstrom J , Ocklind A , Hjelm F , Ventham N T , Ho G T , Petren C , Repsilber D , Söderholm J , Pierik M , D’Amato M , Gomollón F , Olbjorn C , Jahnsen J , Vatn M H , Halfvarson J , Satsangi J 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Success in personalized medicine in complex disease is critically dependent on biomarker discovery. We profiled serum proteins using a novel proximity extension assay [PEA] to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD].

Methods
We conducted a prospective case-control study in an inception cohort of 552 patients [328 IBD, 224 non-IBD], profiling proteins recruited across six centres. Treatment escalation was characterized by the need for biological agents or surgery after initial disease remission. Nested leave-one-out cross-validation was used to examine the performance of diagnostic and prognostic proteins.

Results
A total of 66 serum proteins differentiated IBD from symptomatic non-IBD controls, including matrix metallopeptidase-12 [MMP-12; Holm-adjusted p = 4.1 × 10–23] and oncostatin-M [OSM; p = 3.7 × 10–16]. Nine of these proteins are associated with cis-germline variation [59 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms]. Fifteen proteins, all members of tumour necrosis factor-independent pathways including interleukin-1 (IL-1) and OSM, predicted escalation, over a median follow-up of 518 [interquartile range 224–756] days. Nested cross-validation of the entire data set allowed characterization of five-protein models [96% comprising five core proteins ITGAV, EpCAM, IL18, SLAMF7 and IL8], which define a high-risk subgroup in IBD [hazard ratio 3.90, confidence interval: 2.43–6.26], or allowed distinct two- and three-protein models for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease respectively.

Conclusion
We have characterized a simple oligo-protein panel that has the potential to identify IBD from symptomatic controls and to predict future disease course. Further prospective work is required to validate our findings.
Case report: Buddy wire technique to facilitate atrial septal crossing during transcatheter transseptal mitral valve implantation
Authors: Mangla Ashvarya , Musa Ameer , Kavinsky Clifford J , Suradi Hussam S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation (MVIV) has emerged as a viable treatment option in patients at high risk for surgery. Occasionally, despite appropriate puncture location and adequate dilation, difficulty is encountered in advancing the transcatheter heart valve across interatrial septum.

Case summary
We describe a case of a 79-year-old woman with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prior surgical bioprosthetic aortic and mitral valve replacement implanted in 2007, atrial fibrillation, and Group II pulmonary hypertension who presented with progressively worsening heart failure symptoms secondary to severe bioprosthetic mitral valve stenosis and moderate-severe mitral regurgitation. Her symptoms had worsened over several months, with multiple admissions at other institutions with treatment for both COPD exacerbation and heart failure. Transoesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated preserved ejection fraction, normal functioning aortic valve, and dysfunctional mitral prosthesis with severe stenosis (mean gradient 13 mmHg) and moderate-severe regurgitation. After a multi-disciplinary heart team discussion, the patient underwent a transcatheter MVIV implantation. During the case, inability in advancing the transcatheter heart valve (THV) across interatrial septum despite adequate septal balloon pre-dilation was successfully managed with the support of a stiff ‘buddy wire’ anchored in the left upper pulmonary vein using the same septal puncture. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home.

Discussion
Operators should be aware of potential strategies to advance the THV when difficulty is encountered in crossing the atrial septum despite adequate septal preparation. One such strategy is the use of stiff ‘buddy wire’ for support which avoids the need for more aggressive septal dilatation.