bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of decadal experimental drought and climate extremes on vegetation growth in Mediterranean forests and shrublands
Authors: Liu Daijun , Zhang Chao , Ogaya Romà , Estiarte Marc , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIncreased drought combined with extreme episodes of heatwaves is triggering severe impacts on vegetation growth, particularly for plant communities in arid and semiarid ecosystems. Although there is an abundance of short‐term field drought experiments in natural ecosystems, remaining knowledge gaps limit the understanding and prediction of vegetation growth to ongoing and future climate scenarios. Here, we assessed the impacts of long‐term (1999–2016) experimental drought (ca. −30% rainfall) on the vegetation growth of a Mediterranean high (H) and low (L)‐canopy forests and an early‐successional shrubland, as indicated by above‐ground biomass increment (ABI) and standing density, respectively. We found habitat context (impact of historical climate change, soil depth and successional status) of the study sites significantly affected the magnitude of climate impacts; there were synergistic effects of experimental drought and meteorological drought (Standardised Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index, SPEI) as well as extreme dry years on vegetation growth. Long‐term experimental drought decreased the ABI for the two forest canopy types and the standing density for the shrubland. Water availabilities in winter–spring (SPEIs) were positively correlated with the ABI and standing density. Moreover, experimental drought decreased the vegetation growth in extreme dry years for the shrubland. We propose that future work not only study the vegetation dynamics with physiological, phenological and demographical changes in long‐term processes and across climate gradients, but also should explore the changes of multiple functions simultaneously (e.g. multifunctionality) under long‐term processes and extremes. This type of analysis of long‐term data is essential to understand and predict biodiversity loss, composition shifts, declines in ecosystem function and carbon budgets at temporal and spatial scales, to enable policy makers to design and implement strategies for the maintenance of sustainable ecosystem function under future climate change scenarios.
Effects of N2 and 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoropropane (C3H2F6) on Inhibition of Coal Flames
Authors: Lei Baiwei , He Binbin , Xiao Bowem , Du Peiying , Wu Bing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTwo gaseous fire-extinguishing agents, N2 and C3H2F6, were used to suppress open-flame coal combustion, and their inhibitory effects as well as the corresponding mechanisms were probed by simulations and confined-space experiments. The influence of N2 on the flame surface area linearly increased with increasing N2 concentration, while a sudden increase in reduction was observed from C3H2F6. In addition, C3H2F6 was capable of inducing well-pronounced flame flash-off and featured an extinguishing time smaller than that of N2, thus being a more efficient extinguishing agent. The above findings were rationalized by numerical simulations, which revealed that whereas N2 extinguished the flame mainly by dilution of reactive intermediates, C3H2F6 decomposed to produce F-containing species that competed with coal for OH, H, and O free radicals and thus cut off the free-radical chain reaction.
Quarter-Point Elements Are Unnecessary for the VCCT
Authors: Farkash Elad , Banks-Sills Leslie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) is a well-established method for determining energy release rates and stress intensity factors in homogeneous, isotropic materials. It has been implemented with four-noded, eight-noded, quarter-point, and other higher order elements. It is most convenient and accurate when used with eight-noded, isoparametric elements. VCCT produces less accurate results when used with quarter-point elements. Yet, this method continues to be employed with quarter-point elements. It is strongly recommended to use VCCT with regular eight-noded elements. Three examples will be presented to illustrate the inaccuracy when using quarter-point elements with VCCT.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Line Contact Based on Surface Elasticity Theory
Authors: Su Jie , Song Hong-Xia , Ke Liao-Liang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Using surface elasticity theory, this article first analyzes the surface effect on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) line contact between an elastic half-plane and a rigid cylindrical punch. In this theory, the surface effect is characterized with two parameters: surface elastic modulus and residual surface stress. The density and viscosity of the lubricant, considered as Newtonian fluid, vary with the fluid pressure. A numerical iterative method is proposed to simultaneously deal with the flow rheology equation, Reynolds equation, load balance equation, and film thickness equation. Then, the fluid pressure and film thickness are numerically determined at the lubricant contact region. Influences of surface elastic modulus, residual surface stress, punch radius, resultant normal load, and entraining velocity on the lubricant film thickness and fluid pressure are discussed. It is found that the surface effect has remarkable influences on the micro-/nano-scale EHL contact of elastic materials.
Pacemaker Implantation After Balloon‐ or Self‐Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Bisson Arnaud , Bodin Alexandre , Herbert Julien , Lacour Thibaud , Saint Etienne Christophe , Pierre Bertrand , Clementy Nicolas , Deharo Pierre , Babuty Dominique , Fauchier Laurent 
Published: May 2020

Background

The incidence of conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (
PPI
) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (
TAVR
) with early and later generation prostheses remains debated.

Methods and Results

Based on the administrative hospital‐discharge database, we collected information for all patients treated with
TAVR
between 2010 and 2019 in France. We compared the incidence of
PPI
after
TAVR
according to the type and generation of valve implanted. A total of 49 201 patients with aortic stenosis treated with
TAVR
using the balloon‐expandable (
BE
) Edwards
SAPIEN
valve (early Sapien
XT
and latest Sapien 3) or the self‐expanding (
SE
) Medtronic CoreValve (early CoreValve and latest Evolut R) were found in the database. Mean (
SD
) follow‐up was 1.2 (1.5 years) (median [interquartile range] 0.6 [0.1–2.0] years).
PPI
after the procedure was reported in 13 289 patients, among whom 11 010 (22.4%) had implantation during the first 30 days. In multivariable analysis, using early
BE TAVR
as reference, adjusted odds ratio (95%
CI
) for
PPI
during the first 30 days was 0.88 (0.81–0.95) for latest
BE TAVR
, 1.40 (1.27–1.55) for early
SE TAVR
, and 1.17 (1.07–1.27) for latest
SE TAVR
. Compared with early
BE TAVR
, the adjusted hazard ratio for
PPI
during the whole follow‐up was 1.01 (0.95–1.08) for latest
BE TAVR
, 1.30 (1.21–1.40) for early
SE TAVR
, and 1.25 (1.18–1.34) for latest
SE TAVR
.

Conclusions

In patients with aortic stenosis treated with
TAVR
, our systematic analysis at a nationwide level found higher rates of
PPI
than previously reported.
BE
technology was independently associated with lower incidence rates of
PPI
both at the acute and chronic phases than
SE
technology. Recent generations of
TAVR
were not independently associated with different rates of
PPI
than early generations during the overall follow‐up.
Reading Rahab with Larsen: towards a New Direction in African American Biblical Hermeneutics
Authors: Russaw Kimberly D. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This article explores what it might look like to read the biblical story of Rahab alongside literature from the African American literary canon. Specifically, the article examines the biblical account of Rahab found in Joshua 2 through the lens of identity and argues that, like characters in Harlem Renaissance author Nella Larsen’s novels Quicksand and Passing, Rahab is passing in Joshua 2. The characters Helga Crane from the novel Quicksand and Clare Kendry from the novel Passing serve as exemplars for passing (the act of presenting as of a different racial group than one’s own), and the markers of passing are mapped on to Rahab. This article is a womanist work, as it seeks to center the experiences of Black women.
Contracts and Care of Oneself in the Book of Ruth
Authors: Williams Jennifer Johnson 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This essay utilizes Foucault’s concept of the “technology of the self” to argue the ethical content of Ruth’s actions. In this way, my essay challenges reading the book of Ruth in a way that supports the Western and Christian technology of self and moral principle of self-sacrifice. Paying careful attention to the three episodes of contract-making in the book of Ruth (1:16-17, 3:9-13, 4:1-12), it is evident that Ruth’s actions demonstrate profound resourcefulness and care of oneself rather than self-sacrifice. This hermeneutical lens of “care of oneself” is constituted in the three elements of immanence, vigilant introspection and distance. The character of Ruth possesses the virtue of חֶ֔סֶד, repeatedly and secretly transgresses norms and expectations and creates an ethic that benefits and transforms her self and others.
State Legitimacy and Religious Accommodation
Authors: Prinz Janosch , Rossi Enzo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we put forward a realist account of the problem of accommodation of conflicting claims over sacred places. Our argument takes its cue from the empirical finding that modern, Western-style states necessarily mould religion into shapes that are compatible with state rule. At least in the context of modern states, there is no pre-political morality of religious freedom that states ought to follow when adjudicating claims over sacred spaces. Liberal normative theory on religious accommodation which starts from the assumption of a pre-political morality of religious freedom is therefore of limited value. As an alternative, we suggest that the question of contested sacred places should be settled with reference to the purposes of the state, at least as long as one is committed to the existence of modern states. If one finds the treatment of religion by the state unsatisfactory, our argument provides a pro tanto reason for seeking alternative forms of political organization.
The Nietzschean Body and the Death of God
Authors: Chehayed Nibras 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
“God is dead!” This is one of the most famous claims in Nietzsche’s philosophy, difficult to fully affirm. While the higher men fail to overcome the ghost of God, Zarathustra joyfully affirms God’s death. This affirmation deconstructs the metaphysical and moral concept of “divinity,” turning it into a metaphor. The new metaphor of the divine, mainly developed through the figure of Dionysius, expresses the capacity of affirming life beyond the old values, related to the dead God. It also involves the creation of a higher body beyond the body of despair, associated with these values. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between the death of God and the body in Nietzsche’s account by analyzing the meanings of this death for the higher men, the question of the divine in Zarathustra’s account, and the status of the Dionysian body.
Successful treatment with thalidomide for pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Zhang Bingjie , Mao Xuming , Zhao Wenling , Jin Hongzhong , Li Li 
Published: May 2020

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially life-threatening mucocutaneous autoimmune blistering disease characterized by suprabasal acantholysis, causing painful mucocutaneous blisters and erosions. Current mainstay therapy for pemphigus is systemic corticosteroids in combination with or without immunosuppressive adjuvants, which may cause severe adverse effects and seriously impact on the quality of life in pemphigus patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide therapy in patients with PV. Methods: This study examined six PV patients from June 5, 2017, to November 11, 2018, in the dermatology department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Treatment with thalidomide was applied at a dose of 50–100 mg/day for disease control. Results: The mean age of the six patients (two male and four female patients) at the time of thalidomide therapy initiation was 50.2 years (range: 38–67 years), and the total duration of follow-up after thalidomide therapy was 13.2 months (range: 5–25 months). All patients responded favorably to thalidomide treatment, and three patients showed a dramatic reduction in anti-Dsg3 autoantibodies in the serologic examinations within 1 year. Five patients were found to have mucosal involvement. Mild adverse effects were noted in three patients, which could be managed after the application of symptomatic treatment and did not interfere with the pemphigus therapy. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that thalidomide could be an effective and safe option for PV patients, especially those who are concerned about steroid-induced severe complications, and have mucosal diseases.
Low grade albuminuria as a risk factor for subtypes of stroke - the HUNT Study in Norway
Authors: Horn Jens W. , Romundstad Solfrid , Ellekjær Hanne , Janszky Imre , Horn Julie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background and purpose
Albuminuria is a marker for endothelial dysfunction and knowledge on its association with stroke and stroke subtypes are limited.

Methods
Corresponding data from 7261 participants of the population-based HUNT2 study (1995–1997) was linked with hospital records, identified all patients registered and diagnosed with a first-time stroke. Each diagnosis was validated by reviewal of the medical record appertaining to the individual. We then applied Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between albuminuria (measured as albumin-to-creatinine-ratio, ACR) and diagnosis of stroke and stroke subtypes.

Results
703 (9.7%) participants developed a first ischemic stroke during a median follow-up of 15 years. Higher albuminuria was associated with a higher rate for ischemic stroke and the risk rose steadily with increasing ACR (15% increment per unit increase in ACR concentration in mg/mmol). In the fully adjusted model, the HR for all ischemic strokes was 1.56 (95% CI 1.24–1.95) for those with an ACR ≥3 mg/mmol compared to participants with an ACR < 1 mg/mmol. Overall, increasing ACR was associated with a higher risk of all ischemic stroke subtypes. This was seen to be strongest for lacunar stroke (HR 1.75, CI 1.12–2.72, p = 0.019), and also for stroke of undetermined etiology (HR 1.53, CI 1.11–2.11, p = 0.009) and those caused by atherosclerosis in the large arteries (HR 1.51, CI 0.78–2.94, p = 0.186) than for cardio-embolic stroke (HR 1.22, CI 0.64–2.3, p = 0.518).

Conclusions
Albuminuria is an important risk factor, potentially already at low grade, for ischemic stroke especially for lacunar subtype. Measuring albuminuria is both cheap and readily available. This offers the opportunity to evaluate the risk for endothelial dysfunction and thus the subsequent risk for stroke and cerebral small vessel disease.
Production of high-quality two-dimensional gel electrophoresis profile for marine medaka samples by using Trizol-based protein extraction approaches
Authors: Kwok Celia Sze-Nga , Lai Kaze King-Yip , Lam Sai-Wo , Chan Kin-Ka , Xu Steven Jing-Liang , Lee Fred Wang-Fat 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundMarine medaka is among the most popular models of fish species for ecotoxicology and environmental research and proteomic studies are useful tools for understanding the molecular responses of medaka upon exposure to different environmental stressors. The preparation of high-quality protein samples is the key to producing high-quality two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) results for proteomic analysis. In recent years, Trizol-based protein extraction has been gaining popularity because of its promising performance in producing high-quality 2-DE as well as the convenience of the method.MethodsThree Trizol-based approaches (Trizol method, Aliquot Trizol method and Trizol method with a commercial clean-up kit) were used to extract proteins from a marine medaka sample and 2-DE profiles were produced. Quality of the 2-DE profiles and effectiveness of the extraction methods were evaluated. For comparison, two common protein extraction methods (lysis buffer method and trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone precipitation extraction) were also applied in parallel to Trizol-based approaches.ResultsAny of the three Trizol-based approaches produced a high-quality 2-DE profile of marine medaka compared with both lysis buffer method and TCA/acetone precipitation extraction. In addition, Trizol method with a commercial clean-up kit produced the best 2-DE profile in terms of background clarity, number of spots and resolution of proteins.ConclusionsTrizol-based approaches offered better choices than traditional protein extraction methods for 2-DE analysis of marine medaka. The modified version of Trizol method with a commercial clean-up kit was shown to produce the best 2-DE profile.
Do carbon nanoparticles really improve thyroid cancer surgery? A retrospective analysis of real-world data
Authors: Liu Junsong , Xu Chongwen , Wang Rui , Han Peng , Zhao Qian , Li Honghui , Bai Yanxia , Liu Lifeng , Zhang Shaoqiang , Yao Xiaobao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Parathyroid protection and central neck dissection (CND) are basic points of thyroid cancer surgery and draw persistent concern. We aimed to evaluate the value of carbon nanoparticles (CNs) for parathyroid gland protection and CND in thyroid surgery for thyroid cancer patients.

Methods
A total of 386 consecutive thyroid cancer patients were enrolled in the retrospective study. Three hundred thirty-four patients using CNs intraoperatively were included in the CN group, and 52 patients without using CNs or any other helping agent were included in the control group. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was examined. Medical records and histopathologic reports were reviewed. Histopathologic examination was performed.

Results
There were no statistical significances in demographic and basic surgical information, preoperative iPTH, and serum calcium between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the CN group, the thyroid tissue and central neck lymph nodes were stained black by CNs, while the parathyroid glands were not. Histopathological examination showed that the carbon nanoparticles might accumulated in the subcapsular sinus of lymph nodes compared with the none-stained samples. The staining with CNs did not impact the histopathological examination. There were no significant differences in postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoPT at day 1, 1 month, and half year after surgery between the two groups, respectively. There was a big decline of iPTH level after surgery, whereas the perioperative decreasing amplitude of PTH was not statistically different between the CNs and control group (57.2 ± 28.6 vs 55.7 ± 27.8, P = 0.710). There were 43 patients occurring incidental parathyroidectomy in the CN group (43/334, 12.9%) and 7 patients in the control group (7/52, 13.5%), without significant difference (P = 0.907). There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes identified by pathology per patient between the CNs and control group regardless of unilateral and bilateral CND.

Conclusions
Carbon nanoparticles help highlight parathyroid glands and lymph nodes in thyroidectomy, but generate no significant benefit for parathyroid glands protection and lymph node dissection. The value of carbon nanoparticles in thyroid cancer surgery should not be exaggerated and needs further evaluation.
Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Akber Ali Naureen , Shahil Feroz Anam 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Cotton workers are exposed to various hazards in the textile industry that might result in different ailments including hypertension (HTN). However, few attempts have been made to systematically review the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factor among cotton textile workers in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The objective of this study will be to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among adult cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods
We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review of descriptive epidemiology data. We will include observational studies (e.g., cross-sectional, cohort, surveys) on the epidemiology of hypertension among adult cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of hypertension. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of risk factors of hypertension. Literature searches will be conducted in multiple electronic databases (from January 2000 onwards), including PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library. Gray literature will be identified through searching conference abstracts, thesis dissertations, and public repositories. Two investigators will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., age, gender, years of service, textile department).

Discussion
This systematic review will identify, evaluate, and integrate evidence on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among adult cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. Our findings will be made publicly available in a repository and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020167175
ВОЕННАЯ ПУБЛИЦИСТИКА НАЧАЛА XX В.: ЯЗЫКОВЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПУБЛИЦИСТИЧЕСКИХ СТАТЕЙ Л. АНДРЕЕВА В СБОРНИКЕ «В СЕЙ ГРОЗНЫЙ ЧАС» (1914-1916)
Authors: Nesterova Tatyana Aleksandrovna , Nesterova Angelina Alekseevna 
Published: May 2020

Цель. Актуальность исследования связана с рассмотрением малоизученной в филологической науке публицистики Л. Андреева, которая является стилистическим образцом военной публицистики периода первой мировой войны. Цель исследования: лингвистический анализ статей сборника «В сей грозный час» (1914–1916) на лексическом, морфологическом, синтаксическом уровнях. Уделяется внимание языковой характеристике статей с точки зрения выражения патриотической идеи.Метод или методология проведения работы:1. Контекстуальный метод анализа элементов текста с точки зрения содержательной нагрузки.2. Стилистический метод анализа языковых средств с учётом сфер функционирования.Результаты исследования:1. Языковые уровни публицистического текста Л. Андреева формируют патриотические идеи, выражающие комплексное понимание военных событий автором.2. Выразительные средства художественной речи, используемые Л. Андреевым в сборнике «В сей грозный час», передают пафос военной публицистики.3. В сборнике «В сей грозный час» Л. Андреев высказывает собственную религиозно-философскую, гражданскую позицию, формирует общественное мнение по вопросу мировой войны.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в сравнительно-исторических литературоведческих исследованиях.