bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc isotope evidence for paleoenvironmental changes during Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Event 2
Authors: Chen Xi , Sageman Bradley B. , Yao Hanwei , Liu Sheng’Ao , Han Kaibo , Zou Yi , Wang Chengshan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPaleoclimate during the Cenomanian-Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE 2, 94.5–93.9 Ma) was characterized by elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations and peak global temperatures. In this study, we employ δ66Zn measured on samples spanning OAE 2 in an expanded hemipelagic section in Tibet to trace changes in the major fluxes that influence biogeochemical cycles. The prominent feature of the δ66Zn record in the studied section is a continuous decrease from ∼1‰ at the onset of OAE 2 to a minimum of ∼0.2‰ within the Plenus Cold Event (ca. 94.3 Ma), followed by a stepwise recovery through the upper part of OAE 2. The negative shift in δ66Zn corresponds with higher terrigenous inputs, as revealed by previously published detrital index and TOC/TN (total organic carbon to total nitrogen) ratio records, and covaries with a notable decreasing trend recorded in compiled pCO2 data of different basins. We propose that influx of isotopically light Zn from weathered volcanic rocks associated with submarine large igneous provinces and/or (sub)tropic Indian continental volcanics is likely responsible for the δ66Zn decrease. We infer that the recovery of δ66Zn was caused by continued high primary production and an inevitable decline in the flux of light Zn as volcanic terrains were progressively weathered. The ultimate cessation of OAE 2 may have been a consequence of the same effect, with the nutrient supply from weathering reaching a minimum threshold to maintain productivity-anoxia feedback.
Patients’ experiences regarding self-monitoring of the disease course: an observational pilot study in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases at a rheumatology outpatient clinic in The Netherlands
Authors: Renskers Lisanne , Rongen-van Dartel Sanne AA , Huis Anita MP , van Riel Piet LCM 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesSelf-monitoring the disease course is a relatively new concept in the management of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). The aims of this pilot study were to obtain patients’ experiences with online self-monitoring, to assess information about the agreement between the disease course assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and an objectively measured Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) by the rheumatologist, and to assess adherence to predetermined PROM frequency intervals.DesignObservational study using qualitative and quantitative methods.SettingThe rheumatology outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital in The Netherlands (secondary care).Participants47 patients with an IRD who regularly attended the outpatient clinic.MethodsPatients completed PROMs by using an online self-monitoring program. Their experiences regarding self-monitoring were qualitatively assessed through a focus group discussion and telephone interviews using a thematic analysis approach. Adherence to the predefined PROM frequency (completed PROM assessments within the predetermined frequency) and the agreement between the DAS28 course and PROM values (Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID)) were quantitatively assessed using descriptives.ResultsForty-seven patients participated, most of them diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (n=38, 80.9%). Three themes were identified: knowledge about and insight into the disease (activity), patient–professional interaction and functionality of the program. Mean adherence to the predetermined PROM frequency was 68.1%. The RAID showed the best agreement with the DAS28 course. Mean participation time was 350 days.ConclusionPatients were predominantly positive about online self-monitoring. They indicated that they gained more knowledge about their disease, felt less dependent on the healthcare professional and valued the insight into their long-term disease course. Barriers were mostly related to technical factors. Patients were able to and willing to self-monitor their disease, which could contribute to a more efficient allocation of outpatient consultations in the future.
Restrictive transfusion strategy for critically injured patients (RESTRIC) trial: a study protocol for a cluster-randomised, crossover non-inferiority trial
Authors: Hayakawa Mineji , Tagami Takashi , IIjima Hiroaki , Kudo Daisuke , Sekine Kazuhiko , Ogura Takayuki , Yumoto Tetsuya , Kondo Yutaka , Endo Akira , Ito Kaori , Matsumura Yosuke , Kushimoto Shigeki 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionResuscitation using blood products is critical during the acute postinjury period. However, the optimal target haemoglobin (Hb) levels have not been adequately investigated. With the restrictive transfusion strategy for critically injured patients (RESTRIC) trial, we aim to compare the restrictive and liberal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion strategies.Methods and analysisThis is a cluster-randomised, crossover, non-inferiority trial of patients with severe trauma at 22 hospitals that have been randomised in a 1:1 ratio based on the use of a restrictive or liberal transfusion strategy with target Hb levels of 70–90 or 100–120 g/L, respectively, during the first year. Subsequently, after 1-month washout period, another transfusion strategy will be applied for an additional year. RBC transfusion requirements are usually unclear on arrival at the emergency department. Therefore, patients with severe bleeding, which could lead to haemorrhagic shock, will be included in the trial based on the attending physician’s judgement. Each RBC transfusion strategy will be applied until 7 days postadmission to the hospital or discharge from the intensive care unit. The outcomes measured will include the 28-day survival rate after arrival at the emergency department (primary), the cumulative amount of blood transfused, event-free days and frequency of transfusion-associated lung injury and organ failure (secondary). Demonstration of the non-inferiority of restrictive transfusion will emphasise its clinical advantages.Ethics and disseminationThe trial will be performed according to the Japanese and International Ethical guidelines. It has been approved by the Ethics Committee of each participating hospital and The Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma (JAST). Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients or their representatives. The results of the trial will be disseminated to the participating hospitals and board-certified educational institutions of JAST, submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication, and presented at congresses.Trial registration numberUMIN Clinical Trials Registry; UMIN000034405. Registered 8 October 2018.
Study protocol for a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial evaluating clinical effects of platelet-rich plasma injection for acute grade-2 hamstring tear among high performance athletes
Authors: A Hamid Mohamad Shariff , Hussein Kamarul Hashimy , Helmi Salim Ahmad Munawwar , Puji Arshad , Mat Yatim Rosnah , Yong Chin Chee , Sheng Thomas Wong Yong 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionHamstring injury among athletes often results in significant morbidity. Currently, there are controversies regarding the clinical use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of acute hamstring injury.Methods and analysisThis study is a single-centre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. Sixty-eight patients will be randomised to receive under ultrasound guidance either a single injection of leucocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) or normal saline. All patients will undergo a standardised hamstring rehabilitation programme under the supervision of a sports physiotherapist. Outcome data will be collected before intervention (baseline), and thereafter on a weekly basis. The primary outcome measure is the duration to return-to-play. It is defined as the duration (in days) from the date on which the injury occurred until the patients were pain-free, able to perform the active knee extension test and have regained hamstring muscle strength. Secondary outcome measures include assessment of pain intensity and the effect of pain on to day-to-day functions using the self-reported Brief Pain Inventory—Short Form questionnaire. Both the primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline and thereafter once a week until return to play. Also, hamstring injury recurrence within the first 6 months after recovery will be monitored via telephone. The results of this study will provide insights into the effect of LR-PRP in muscle and may help to identify the best PRP application protocol for muscle injuries.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval were obtained from the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Results of this trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberISRCTN76844299.
Cost-effectiveness of antiviral treatment in adult patients with immune-tolerant phase chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Kim Hye-Lin , Kim Gi-Ae , Park Jae-A , Kang Hye-Rim , Lee Eui-Kyung , Lim Young-Suk 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe cost-effectiveness of antiviral treatment in adult immune-tolerant (IT) phase chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is uncertain.DesignWe designed a Markov model to compare expected costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of starting antiviral treatment at IT-phase (‘treat-IT’) vs delaying the therapy until active hepatitis phase (‘untreat-IT’) in CHB patients over a 20-year horizon. A cohort of 10 000 non-cirrhotic 35-year-old patients in IT-phase CHB (hepatitis B e antigen-positive, mean serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels 7.6 log10IU/mL, and normal alanine aminotransferase levels) was simulated. Input parameters were obtained from previous studies at Asan Medical Center, Korea. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between the treat-IT and untreat-IT strategies was calculated.ResultsFrom a healthcare system perspective, the treat-IT strategy with entecavir or tenofovir had an ICER of US$16 516/QALY, with an annual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence of 0.73% in the untreat-IT group. With the annual HCC risk ≥0.54%, the treat-IT strategy was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$20 000/QALY. From a societal perspective considering productivity loss by premature death, the treat-IT strategy was extremely cost-effective, and was dominant (ICER <0) if the HCC risk was ≥0.43%, suggesting that the treat-IT strategy incurs less costs than the untreat-IT strategy. The most influential parameters on cost-effectiveness of the treat-IT strategy were those related with HCC risk (HBV DNA levels, platelet counts and age) and drug cost.ConclusionStarting antiviral therapy in IT phase is cost-effective compared with delaying the treatment until the active hepatitis phase in CHB patients, especially with increasing HCC risk, decreasing drug costs and consideration of productivity loss.
Disentangling contributions of demographic, family, and socioeconomic factors on associations of immigration status and health in the United States
Authors: Bacong Adrian , Sohn Heeju 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIn the United States, immigration policy is entwined with health policy, and immigrants’ legal statuses determine their access to care. Yet, policy debates rarely take into account the health needs of immigrants and potential health consequences of linking legal status to healthcare. Confounding from social and demographic differences and lack of individual-level data with sensitive immigration variables present challenges in this area of research.MethodsThis article used the restricted California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) to assess differences in self-rated health, obesity, and severe psychological distress. Between US-born citizens, naturalised citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPR), undocumented immigrants, and temporary visa holders living in California.ResultsResults show that while immigrant groups appear to have poorer health on the surface, these differences were explained predominantly by older age among naturalised citizens and by lower-income and education among LPRs and undocumented immigrants. Favourable family characteristics acted as protective factors for immigrants’ health, especially among disadvantaged immigrants.ConclusionImmigration policy that limits access to healthcare and family support may further widen the health disadvantage among immigrants with less legal protection.
Long-term functional decline of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage survivors
Authors: Pasi Marco , Casolla Barbara , Kyheng Maeva , Boulouis Grégoire , Kuchcinski Gregory , Moulin Solène , Labreuche Julien , Henon Hilde , Leys Didier , Cordonnier Charlotte 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveTo identify in patients who survived 6 months after a spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) baseline characteristics and new clinical events associated with functional decline.MethodsIn a single-centre study, we prospectively included 6-month survivors with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–3. We defined functional decline by a transition to mRS 4–5. We evaluated associations of baseline characteristics and new clinical events with functional decline, using univariate and multivariable models.ResultsOf 560 patients, 174 (31%) had an mRS score 0–3 at 6 months. During a median follow-up of 9 years (IQR 8.1–9.5), 40 (23%) converted to mRS 4–5. Age, diabetes mellitus, ICH volume and higher mRS scores at 6 months were independently associated with functional decline. Among baseline MRI markers, presence of strictly lobar cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and mixed lobar and deep CMBs were independently associated with functional decline. When new clinical events occurring during follow-up were added in multivariable models, age (cause-specific HR (CSHR): 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.11), ICH volume (CSHR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.06), mRS score at 6 months (CSHR per 1 point increase 1.61, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.43), occurrence of dementia (CSHR: 3.81, 95% CI: 1.78 to 8.16) and occurrence of any stroke (CSHR: 4.29, 95% CI: 1.80 to 10.22) remained independently associated with transition to mRS 4–5.InterpretationAlmost one-fourth of patients with spontaneous ICH developed a functional decline over time. Age, ICH volume, higher mRS score at 6 months and new clinical events after ICH are the major determinants.
Structural optimization of the heavy haul wagon body based on MPSO-BP algorithm
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Zhang Yongju , Liu Qitai , Zhang Bo , Fu Qiangxiao 
Published: November 2020

Fatigue cracks usually occur at the welded joints of the heavy haul wagon body. To effectively limit the occurrence of such problems at the design stage, this study moves from the structural design strategy to the structural optimization method. First, when analyzing the results of the finite element simulation, the new structural design strategy not only considers the maximum stress, which can reflect the stress concentration position, but also focuses on the stress distributions at the key welded joints. Second, in order to further reduce the stress at the key positions, the study presents an optimization method that integrates an orthogonal experimental design, BP network, and MPSO algorithm. Finally, an 80 t gondola car body is optimized from the whole structure to the local area by the proposed method. Further, it is also verified that the structural optimization method of the heavy haul wagon body is reasonable and feasible.
Realizing unification in two different SO(10) models with one intermediate breaking scale
Authors: Ohlsson Tommy , Pernow Marcus , Sönnerlind Erik 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe derive the threshold corrections in $$\text {SO}(10)$$

SO
(
10
)

grand unified models with the intermediate symmetry being flipped $$\,\text {SU}(5)\times \text {U}(1)$$

SU
(
5
)
×
U
(
1
)

or $$\,\text {SU}(3)\times \,\text {SU}(2)\times \text {U}(1)\times \text {U}(1)$$

SU
(
3
)
×

SU
(
2
)
×
U
(
1
)
×
U
(
1
)

, with the masses of the scalar fields set by the survival hypothesis. These models do not achieve gauge coupling unification if the matching conditions do not take threshold corrections into account. We present results showing the required size of threshold corrections for any value of the intermediate and unification scales. In particular, our results demonstrate that both of these models are disfavored since they require large threshold corrections to allow for unification with a predicted proton lifetime above current experimental bounds.
Principles of KLM-style Defeasible Description Logics
Authors: Britz Katarina , Casini Giovanni , Meyer Thomas , Moodley Kody , Sattler Uli , Varzinczak Ivan 
Published: November 2020

The past 25 years have seen many attempts to introduce defeasible-reasoning capabilities into a description logic setting. Many, if not most, of these attempts are based on preferential extensions of description logics, with a significant number of these, in turn, following the so-called KLM approach to defeasible reasoning initially advocated for propositional logic by Kraus, Lehmann, and Magidor. Each of these attempts has its own aim of investigating particular constructions and variants of the (KLM-style) preferential approach. Here our aim is to provide a comprehensive study of the formal foundations of preferential defeasible reasoning for description logics in the KLM tradition.We start by investigating a notion ofdefeasible subsumptionin the spirit of defeasible conditionals as studied by Kraus, Lehmann, and Magidor in the propositional case. In particular, we consider a natural and intuitive semantics for defeasible subsumption, and we investigate KLM-style syntactic properties for bothpreferentialandrationalsubsumption. Our contribution includes two representation results linking our semantic constructions to the set of preferential and rational properties considered. Besides showing that our semantics is appropriate, these results pave the way for more effective decision procedures for defeasible reasoning in description logics. Indeed, we also analyse the problem of non-monotonic reasoning in description logics at the level ofentailmentand present an algorithm for the computation ofrational closureof a defeasible knowledge base. Importantly, our algorithm relies completely on classical entailment and shows that the computational complexity of reasoning over defeasible knowledge bases is no worse than that of reasoning in the underlying classical DLALC.
The Weisfeiler-Leman algorithm
Authors: Kiefer Sandra 
Published: November 2020

More than half a century after its first formulation, the Weisfeiler-Leman (WL) algorithm is still an important combinatorial technique whenever graphs or other relational structures are to be classified. However, despite its simple algebraic description and its variety of applications, we still lack a precise understanding of the expressive power of the algorithm.
This column introduces the reader to the basic concepts of the WL algorithm and discusses its dimension as a parameter to capture the structural complexity of an input graph. Specifically, I present a survey of work regarding the WL dimension conducted with my co-authors. First, I outline the proof that the 3-dimensional WL algorithm (3-WL) is able to identify every planar graph. The proof version presented here relies on strong insights about the ability of 2-WL to decompose graphs. Afterwards, I highlight the most important ingredients of the generalisation of our bound to graphs that are parameterised by their Euler genus.
Further details as well as a study of other aspects of the WL algorithm can be found in my dissertation [Kiefer 2020].
Modeling the Kinetics of Potassium Diffusion in Estima Potato under Different Leaching Conditions
Authors: Adu-Poku David , Saah Selina A. , Agbenorhevi Jacob K. 
Published: November 2020

The diffusion of potassium in potato (Solanum tuberosum) at different leaching conditions was investigated. Two modes of pretreatment of potato samples (cubes and spheres) by preheating to 80°C and leaching at temperatures of 20-80°C were performed using a temperature- and agitation-controlled batch extractor. A Fickian model incorporating the effective diffusion coefficient (

D

eff

), partition coefficient (

K

) between the solute concentration in the potato and medium, and mass transfer coefficient (

kl

) was developed to simulate and predict the fraction of potassium leached from the potato at any temperature. Results showed significant reduction in activation energies from 92 to 25.02 kJ/mol for cubes and from 75.02 to 13.40 kJ/mol for spheres culminating in higher extraction rates when samples were preheated to 80°C. The

D

eff

,

K

, and

kl

values obtained were in the range of

0.02
−
7.33
×

10

−
9

m

2

/
s

,

0.63
−
8.00
×

10

−
2

, and

0.01333.00
×

10

−
4

m
/
s

, respectively. The kinetic parameters showed a change in slope or discontinuity in the gelatinization temperature range as a function of temperature, an indication of a change in the diffusional matrix. The optimum operating conditions were 80°C preheating and leaching at temperatures up to 50°C. The proposed mathematical model offered a satisfactory description of both dynamic and equilibrium mass transfers of potassium by adequately predicting the fraction of potassium from potato cubes and spheres. The present findings could be useful in the pretreatment of potato for renal patients.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Manual Acupuncture Therapy in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Rao Chang , Du Yuzheng , Zhang Lili , Yang Jipeng 
Published: November 2020

Background. Poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common cause of disability among patients with stroke. Meanwhile, acupuncture has increasingly been used to improve motor and cognitive function for stroke patients. The aim of the present study was to summarize and evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating PSCI. Methods. Eight databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, Medline, Embase databases) were searched from January 2010 to January 2020. Meta-analyses were conducted for the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Assessments were performed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), or modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results. A total of 657 relevant RCTs were identified, and 22 RCTs with 1856 patients were eventually included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture appeared to be effective for improving cognitive function as assessed by MMSE (

mean

difference

MD

=
1.73

, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.39, 2.06),

P
<
0.00001

) and MoCA (

MD
=
2.32

, 95% CI (1.92, 2.73),

P
<
0.00001

). Furthermore, it also suggested that acupuncture could improve the activities of daily life (ADL) for PSCI patients as assessed by BI or MBI (

SMD
=
0.97

, 95% CI (0.57, 1.38),

P
<
0.00001

). Conclusions. Compared with nonacupuncture group, acupuncture group showed better effects in improving the scores of MMSE, MoCA, BI, and MBI. This meta-analysis provided positive evidence that acupuncture may be effective in improving cognitive function and activities of daily life for PSCI patients. Meanwhile, long retention time of acupuncture may improve cognitive function and activities of daily life, and twist technique may be an important factor that could influence cognitive function. However, further studies using large samples and a rigorous study design are needed to confirm the role of acupuncture in the treatment of PSCI.