bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle alterations are independently associated with significant fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hsieh Yun‐Cheng , Joo Sae Kyung , Koo Bo Kyung , Lin Han‐Chieh , Kim Won 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground & AimAnthropometric data are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development and progression. We investigated whether the quantity and quality of muscle and visceral fat assessed by computed tomography (CT) are associated with fibrosis severity in NAFLD.MethodsIn a prospective biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD cohort of 521 patients, we measured skeletal muscle index (SMI), muscle attenuation (MA) and visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) via CT. Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) was defined using previously validated cut‐offs. Myosteatosis and visceral adiposity were defined as the lowest and highest quartile, respectively. Significant fibrosis was defined as F2‐F4 in liver histology.ResultsPatients with significant fibrosis had lower SMI and MA and higher VATI than those without. The significant fibrosis prevalence was significantly higher in subjects with LSMM (45.1% vs 30.8%, P = .005), myosteatosis (46.1% vs 29.7%, P = .001) and visceral adiposity (46.9% vs 29.9%, P = .001) than those without. The significant fibrosis risk increased with increasing numbers of body composition components (24.5%, 35.6%, 53.0% and 72.7% in patients with 0, 1, 2 and 3 components respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that LSMM (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.05‐2.84), myosteatosis (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.01‐2.68) and visceral adiposity (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.09‐2.83) were independent predictors of significant fibrosis. Subjects with sarcopenia had a higher risk of significant fibrosis (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.03‐4.56).ConclusionMuscle alterations and visceral adiposity assessed by CT are associated with significant fibrosis in NAFLD. LSMM and myosteatosis have additive values in prediction of significant fibrosis.
A review of big data analysis methods for baleen whale passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Kowarski Katie A. , Moors‐Murphy Hilary 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMany organizations collect large passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data sets that need to be efficiently and reliably analyzed. To determine appropriate methods for effective analysis of big PAM data sets, we undertook a literature review of baleen whale PAM analysis methods. Methodologies from 166 studies (published between 2000–2019) were summarized, and a detailed review was performed on the 94 studies that recorded more than 1,000 hr of acoustic data (“big data”). Analysis techniques for extracting baleen whale information from PAM data sets varied depending on the research observed. A spectrum of methodologies was used and ranged from manual analysis of all acoustic data by human experts to completely automated techniques with no manual validation. Based on this assessment, recommendations are provided to encourage robust research methods that are comparable across studies and sectors, achievable across research groups, and consistent with previous work. These include using automated techniques when possible to increase efficiency and repeatability, supplementing automation with manual review to calculate automated detector performance, and increasing consistency in terminology and presentation of results. This work can be used to facilitate discussion for minimum standards and best practices to be implemented in the field of marine mammal PAM.
COVID‐19: The regional impact of COVID‐19 on the certification of vision impairment in Northern Ireland
Authors: Jackson Jonathan , Silvestri Giuliana , Stevenson Michael , Sinton Janet , Witherow Jacqueline , McCann Roseleen , Moutray Tanya , Cushley Laura 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeIn this paper we highlight the impact which the disruption of secondary care ophthalmic services, resulting from COVID‐19, has had on Sight Impairment (SI) and Severe Sight Impairment (SSI) certification in Northern Ireland.MethodsRegional data on SI and SSI certification in the period after the onset of the lockdown (19 March 2020–18 June 2020) were compared to the period immediately before lockdown (1 January 2020–18 March 2020) and to the same periods in 2019. Change documented was compared to post‐lockdown reductions in primary and secondary ophthalmic care activity.ResultsIn 2019, during the 3‐month period (19 March 2019–18 June 2019), 115 individuals were certified as sight impaired (SI 36, SSI 75, unspecified 4). Of those certified, 65 were female, 49 male. Principal causes of certification were: Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) (N = 45), glaucoma (N = 20) and diabetic eye disease (DED) (N = 10). Mean VA, recorded from the better eye of those certified, was 0.96 LogMAR. In the 3 months following the onset of lockdown (19 March 2020–18 June 2020), only 37 individuals were certified (SI 6, SSI 31), 12 female and 25 male. AMD was the most frequent cause of sight impairment (N = 20). There were only two DED certifications and one due to glaucoma. Mean VA in the better eye of those certified was 1.15LogMAR. The numbers of CVI certifications completed following the introduction of COVID‐19 lockdown fell by 68%, compared to the 2019 data. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of female certifications (p = 0.01), and in certifications due to glaucoma (p = 0.02). The proportion of those certified as SSI as opposed to SI in the period after the onset of lockdown rose from 68% in 2019 to 84% in 2020. The mean VA of those certified in the period after the onset of lockdown, when compared to those certified in the other three periods, was worse by between 0.21 and 0.19 LogMAR (p = 0.06). Reductions reflected change in overall primary and secondary ophthalmic care activity.ConclusionsIt is inconceivable that COVID‐19 has reduced the incidence of sight‐threatening eye disease. We must therefore assume that a flood of newly presenting sight loss will present once the pandemic has passed. New presentations will include those who would normally have attended during the lockdown period, and patients who, had they accessed ophthalmic care at the appropriate time, would have been saved from severe levels of blindness. The implications of the predicted increase in demand for medical, social and low vision related services are huge.
Exploring the links between psychological flexibility, individual well‐being, and relationship quality
Authors: Twiselton Karen , Stanton Sarah C. E. , Gillanders David , Bottomley Ewan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe ability to engage flexibly with thoughts and behavior in line with the demands of a situation—termed psychological flexibility—has been linked to individual well‐being. This registered report presents two studies that investigate the links between psychological flexibility, individual well‐being, and relationship quality. Using structural equation modeling, Study 1 found that people who were more psychologically flexible reported higher levels of positive affect and lower levels of negative affect, which in turn were associated with higher relationship quality. Using dyadic mediation analysis, Study 2 replicated and extended these findings in a sample of 200 romantic couples, revealing both actor and partner effects. This research offers insight into the implications of psychological flexibility for relationship functioning.
A theoretical model for understanding relationship functioning in intercultural romantic couples
Authors: Fonseca Ana Laura , Ye Tony , Koyama Jill , Curran Melissa , Butler Emily A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntercultural romantic relationships have increased worldwide. Yet, there is a lack of empirical knowledge about intercultural couples. The studies that do suggest that intercultural couples have higher rates of conflict and long‐term instability, but most studies have measured intercultural couples using categorical responses of race/ethnicity, which limits theoretical insight to the interpersonal characteristics that make up high‐quality intimate relationships. This review integrates findings from several research fields into a new model, called the culturally based romantic relationship (CBR2) model, to understand how similarities/differences in within‐person emotional processes and relationship norms relate to between‐person emotional functioning, and in turn relationship quality. Theoretical models of this nature are essential because they can impact therapy and counseling programs developed for diverse groups of people, but also advance research fields that are related to culture, emotions, and interpersonal relationships.
Modelling Time-varying Mobility Flows Using Function-on-Function Regression: Analysis of a Bike Sharing System in the City of Milan
Authors: Torti Agostino , Pini Alessia , Vantini Simone 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn today's world, bike sharing systems are becoming increasingly common in all main cities around the world. To understand the spatiotemporal patterns of how people move by bike through the city of Milan, we apply functional data analysis to study the flows of a bike sharing mobility network. We introduce a complete pipeline to properly analyse and model functional data through a concurrent functional-on-functional model taking into account the effects of weather conditions and calendar on the bike flows. In the end, we develop an interactive interface to explore the results of the analyses.
Changes in facial signs due to age and their respective weights on the perception of age and skin plumpness among differently aged Korean women
Authors: Flament Frederic , Prunel Anne , Keufer Benjamin , Abric Aurelie , Wang Yang , Reni Alexandra , Cassier Matthieu , Delaunay Caroline 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the respective weights of certain facial signs on the assessment of perceived age and plumpness on Korean women of different ages.Material and MethodsPhotographs were taken of the faces of 112 Korean women of different ages (18‐80 years) under standardized conditions. These photographs allowed to focus and define 19 facial signs, which were then graded by 15 experts and dermatologists, using standardized scales provided by a reference Skin Aging Atlas. The facial signs were dispatched into 5 clusters, namely Wrinkles/Texture, Ptosis/Sagging, Pigmentation disorders, Vascular disorders, and Cheek skin pores. A naïve panel, composed of 92 Korean women, of similar age range were asked, when viewing full‐face photographs, to: (a) attribute on a 0‐10 scale their perception of the skin plumpness (ie supple/hydrated/nourished) and (b) estimate the age of the subject.ResultsWith the exception of Vascular disorders, the severity of all 4 clusters increased with age, although at different rates. The Wrinkles/Texture or Ptosis/Sagging showed a rather regular progression. Although perceived ages and real ages were found highly correlated, half of the subjects were judged older by 2‐12 years. The facial signs/clusters were significantly correlated with perceived age, with the exceptions of vascular disorders, size of pigmentary spots and cheek skin pores. The weights in perceived ages of Wrinkles/Texture and Ptosis/Sagging represent 37% each and Pigmentation disorders at 26%. Skin plumpness was logically found significantly anti‐correlated with perceived age. If, surprisingly, Vascular disorders were found not impacting the plumpness aspect, Cheek skin pores presented a clear influence.ConclusionWithin facial clinical clusters, Wrinkles/Texture, Ptosis/Sagging, and Pigmentation disorders are major factors in the assessment of perceived age in Korean women. The perception of a decreased skin plumpness is significantly associated with increased perceived age.
Rural–urban differences in preferences for influenza vaccination among women of childbearing age: implications for local vaccination service implementation in Vietnam
Authors: Le Xuan T. T. , Nguyen Hien T. , Le Huong T. , Do Toan T. T. , Nguyen Thang H. , Vu Linh G. , Nguyen Cuong T. , Hoang Men T. , Tran Bach X. , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesPregnant women and new mothers are among the most vulnerable to seasonal influenza; however, little is known about their preferences for flu vaccination. We examined the rural–urban differences in uptake, demand and willingness to pay (WTP) for influenza vaccination among women of childbearing age, to assess the feasibility of implementing locally produced vaccines in Vietnam.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed in both urban and rural areas of Hanoi in 2018. Socio‐demographic characteristics, history of vaccination, demand and WTP for influenza vaccines were obtained. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify the associated factors.ResultsOf 750 participants, 29.9% had had flu shots in the current or previous flu season and 64.3% indicated demand for this vaccine. The median of the maximum amount of WTP for influenza vaccination services was US$ 8.5 (IQR: 8.5–17.0). Women living in rural areas had a significantly lower uptake and higher demand, and were willing to pay less than women in urban locations (21.1% vs. 36.6%; 69% vs. 60.2%; and US $8.5 vs. US $11.7, respectively). For urban participants, factors associated with higher demand and WTP for flu shots included having ANC in health facilities and having been vaccinated against influenza in the past; for rural women, these factors were having suffered from influenza and hearing about it.ConclusionsThis study informs the feasibility of implementing locally produced influenza vaccines in Vietnam. Educational programs, along with counselling services and government subsidies, should be implemented to improve the coverage, demand and WTP for the vaccine.
Research initiatives of blood services worldwide in response to the covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: O'Brien Sheila F. , Lieshout‐Krikke Ryanne W. , Lewin Antoine , Erikstrup Christian , Steele Whitney R. , Uzicanin Samra , Custer Brian ,   the Surveillance, Risk Assessment, Policy Sub‐group of the ISBT Transfusion Transmitted Infectious Diseases Working Party
Published: November 2020

Background and ObjectivesWhile coronavirus (COVID‐19) is not transfusion‐transmitted, the impact of the global pandemic on blood services worldwide is complex. Convalescent plasma may offer treatment, but efficacy and safety are not established. Measuring seroprevalence in donors would inform public health policy. Here, we survey blood services around the world to assess the different research programmes related to COVID‐19 planned or in progress.Materials and MethodsBlood collection services were surveyed in June 2020 to determine whether they were participating in serosurveys or convalescent plasma collection and clinical trials.ResultsA total of 48 countries (77% of those contacted) responded. Seroprevalence studies are planned or in progress in 73% of countries surveyed and in all continents, including low‐ and middle‐income countries. Most aimed to inform public health policy. Convalescent plasma programmes have been initiated around the globe (79% of surveyed), about three quarters as clinical trials in high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries.ConclusionBlood services around the world have drawn upon their operational capacity to provide much‐needed seroprevalence data to inform public health. They have rapidly implemented preparation of potential treatment when few treatments are available and mostly as clinical trials. At the same time, they must continue to provide blood products for recipients despite challenges of working in a state of emergency. It is important to track and coordinate research efforts across jurisdictions to gain a composite evidence‐based view that will influence future practice and preparative strategies.
Study on Radial Clearance Sealing Performance of Graphite Ring
Authors: Xianjun Zhou , Chunlei Chen , Jianhua Li , Yanze Wu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Firstly, the suitable forming method of graphite ring was screened according to compression deformation test, considering the characteristics of radial clearance seal. Then, the compression resilience, radial contact stress and axial sealing performance of graphite packing rings with different density were researched by testing. Research shows: 25% compressibility is the limit of radial clearance compensation ability of graphite packing ring; And the radial contact stress of graphite packing ring on the pipe wall is linearly positively correlated with the axial load, density has little effect on it. Based on the porous media model of gaskets, axial leakage models of three kinds of graphite rings with different density were obtained by experimental fitting and the influence of external working conditions on leakage mode was analyzed, which provide a theoretical basis for the design of graphite ring seal based on leakage rate.
Turbulent Mixing Process of a Round Jet With Slot Lobes
Authors: Kristo Paul J. , Hoff Coleman D. , Craig Ian G. R. , Kimber Mark L. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Turbulent mixing in the near region of a round jet with three slot lobes is examined via mean velocity and turbulent statistics and structures at a Reynolds number of 15,000. The design utilizes separate flow motivations upstream of each geometric feature, deviating from conventional nozzles or orifice plates. Immediate outlet velocity profiles are heavily influenced by opposing pressure gradients between the neighboring round and slot streams. Spanwise mean velocity profiles reveal the majority of the convective exchange between a given slot and the round center occurs in the immediate near field, but has lasting effects on the axial centerline profiles downstream. This is also reflected by the velocity half-widths, exhibiting asymmetry across the entirety of available measurements. Centerline turbulence intensities exhibit strong and short-lived isotropy. The increasingly anisotropic intensities found downstream are lower than similar geometries from the literature, implying that mixing development is inhibited. Reynolds stresses at the round-slot interface are significantly smaller than the round-stagnant exchange, but achieve a symmetric condition at x/D ≅ 4. Two-point spatial correlations of the fluctuating streamwise velocity exhibit stronger dependence toward the axial centerline at the round-slot interface in comparison to the nominal round radius. In contrast, spanwise velocity fluctuations exhibit nearly identical, localized behaviors on each side of the jet. Corresponding differences in streamwise integral length scale peak in the range 1.0 ≤ x/D ≤ 1.5, and so too do the turbulent structures in this area, as a result of the collated jet geometry.
High Frequency Characteristics of the Near Wake and Vortex Past a Triangular Cylinder
Authors: Sun Lei , Huang Yong , Wang Xiwei , Feng Xiang , Xiao Wei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The flow past a triangular cylinder is one of the fundamental flows and widely utilized in flame stabilization and heat transfer. In this study, the near wake and vortex characteristics of the flow past an equilateral triangular cylinder are experimentally measured by a high frequency particle image velocimetry (PIV) system at 3 kHz. The triangular cylinder is installed in a wind tunnel with Reynolds numbers ranging from 10,700 to 17,700. The Reynolds-averaged and phase-averaged methods are utilized to analyze the flow field. Based on the flow fields, the length of the vortex formation region is about 1.5 times of the length of the equilateral triangle side. The residence time of a vortex in the vortex formation region is equal to a vortex shedding period. The stream wise velocity of the vortex core center downstream the vortex formation is about 0.8 times of the freestream velocity, which is slightly larger than the value about 0.7 for the flow past a circular cylinder at the same Reynolds number. The maximum tangential velocity at the periphery of the vortex core maybe occurs slightly in advance of the vortex reaching the boundary of the vortex formation region. The normalized lengths of the recirculation zone of the triangular cylinder keep nearly unchanged and are about 1.55 to 1.9 times of those of the circular cylinder at the same Reynolds number. The normalized normal wise instead of stream wise turbulence intensity has stronger effects on the distribution of the normalized turbulent kinetic energy.
Association of body temperature with in-hospital mortality among paediatric trauma patients: an analysis of a nationwide observational trauma database in Japan
Authors: Okada Asami , Okada Yohei , Narumiya Hiromichi , Ishii Wataru , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Osamura Toshio , Iiduka Ryoji 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo examine the association between body temperature (BT) on hospital arrival and in-hospital mortality among paediatric trauma patients.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingJapan Trauma Data Bank (JTDB, which is a nationwide, prospective, observational trauma registry with data from 235 hospitals).ParticipantsPaediatric trauma patients <16 years old who were transferred directly from the scene of injury to the hospital and registered in the JTDB from January 2004 to December 2017 were included. We excluded patients >16 years old and those who developed cardiac arrest before or on hospital arrival.Primary outcomeThe association between BT on hospital arrival and in-hospital mortality. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analyses to calculate the adjusted ORs, with their 95% CIs, of the association between BT and in-hospital mortality.ResultsA total of 9012 patients were included (median age: 9 years (IQR, 6.0–13.0 years), mortality: 2.5% (mortality number was 226 in total 9012 patients)). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the corresponding adjusted ORs of BT <36.0°C and BT ≥37.0°C, relative to a BT of 36°C–36.9°C, for in-hospital mortality were 2.83 (95% CI: 1.85 to 4.33) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.53 to 1.63), respectively.ConclusionsIn paediatric patients with hypothermia (BT <36.0°C) on hospital arrival, a clear association with in-hospital mortality was observed; no such association was observed between higher BT values (≥37.0°C) and outcomes.