bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety Method for the Pre-conceptual Phase of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors
Authors: Ehster Sophie , Ammirabile Luca , Bubelis Evaldas , Carluec Bernard , Droin Jean-Baptiste , Girardi Enrico 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The ESFR-SMART European project (Contract number: 754501) focuses on the development of innovative safety design options for future Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs). The goal of this paper is to show how the Objective Provision Tree (OPT) method, which is part of the Integrated Safety Analysis Methodology (ISAM) developed by Generation IV Forum (GIF), can help in defining safety guidelines for the definition and the study of ESFR-SMART innovative design options. The OPT method provides a view of the implementation of main safety functions in accordance with defence-in-depth principle and has been adapted to ESFR-SMART needs. Guidance for a consistent and homogeneous application has been developed. The method is applied to each safety function with a specific adaptation for the confinement function. Beyond the allocation of the main equipment ensuring the safety functions to the different levels of defence-in-depth, the adapted method proposes a systematic identification of the mechanisms likely to degrade them. Then, safety features to cope with these mechanisms are investigated as well as the potential common cause failures of main equipment belonging to different levels of defence-in-depth. This adapted method allows to study and then to improve the independence between the levels of defence-in-depth as required for future reactors in Europe by Western European Nuclear Regulators' Association (WENRA). The paper provides the outline of guidance for OPT method adaptation to ESFR-SMART project needs, examples of application and main outcomes of the use of the method.
Evaluation of Sodium Boiling Models Using KNS-37 Loss of Flow Experiments
Authors: Perez-Martin Sara , Anderhuber Marine , Laborde Laurent , Girault Nathalie , Lombardo Calogera , Ammirabile Luca , Mikityuk Konstantin , Mimouni Stephane , Péniguel Christophe , Pfrang Werner 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The computational codes used in the evaluation of the European sodium fast reactor—safety measures assessment and research tools(ESFR-SMART) reactor performance and specifically their sodium boiling models are assessed using two KNS-37 loss of flow (LOF) experiments, i.e., L22 and L29 tests, where boiling onset and two-phase flow regime up to dry-out occurred. The well-equipped KNS-37 experimental facility provided very valuable information for understanding the physical phenomena occurring in a 37-pin subassembly under LOF conditions, as well as experimental data to be used for computational tools validation. NATOF-2D, SAS-SFR, TRACE, ASTEC-Na, CATHARE-2, CATHARE-3, and NEPTUNE_CFD codes have been used in this exercise in order to compare the various boiling models and conclude on the advantages and limitations of them based on the comparison against the experimental data. Beyond boiling onset, the various sodium two-phase flow approaches determine the ability of the code to correctly represent the rewetting and voiding phases as well as cladding dry-out onset. A simulation performed by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach (NEPTUNE_CFD code) taking into account liquid–vapor interfaces by an interface-tracking method is also shown and compared with the others approaches. Conclusions on each code performance are presented where the improvements needed to solve the issues encountered are included. This paper provides a first step in the process to investigate the required evaluation of the sodium two-phase flow models able to assess the safety of new SFR core designs (e.g., low void cores) under accidental conditions such as unprotected loss of flow (ULOF) transients.
Resistance Training Affects Neuromuscular Fatigue But Not Efficiency in Elite Rowers
Authors: van den Bogaard Timo B. , Bastiaans Jabik-Jan , Hofmijster Mathijs J. 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To investigate how resistance training (RT) in a regular training program affects neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) and gross efficiency (EGROSS) in elite rowers. Methods: Twenty-six elite male rowers performed 4 RT sessions within 10 days. At baseline and after the first and fourth RT, EGROSS and NMF were established. From breathing gas, EGROSS was determined during submaximal rowing tests. Using a countermovement jump test, NMF was assessed by jump height, flight time, flight-to-contraction-time ratio, peak power, and time to peak power. Muscle soreness was assessed using a 10-cm-long visual analog scale. Results: No significant differences were found for EGROSS (P = .565, ω2 = .032). Muscle soreness (P = .00, ω2 = .500) and time to peak power (P = .08, ω2 = 0.238) were higher compared with baseline at all test moments. Flight-to-contraction-time ratio, jump height, and peak power after the fourth RT differed from baseline (P < .05, ω2 = .36, ω2 = .38, and ω2 = .31) and from results obtained after the first RT (P < .05, ω2 = .36, ω2 = .47, and ω2 = .22). Conclusions: RT in general does not influence EGROSS, but large individual differences (4.1%–14.8%) were observed. NMF is affected by RT, particularly after multiple sessions. During periods of intensified RT, imposed external load for low-intensity endurance training need not be altered, but rowers are recommended to abstain from intensive endurance training. Individual monitoring is strongly recommended.
The Inclusion of Sprints in Low-Intensity Sessions During the Transition Period of Elite Cyclists Improves Endurance Performance 6 Weeks Into the Subsequent Preparatory Period
Authors: Taylor Madison , Almquist Nicki , Rønnestad Bent , Tjønna Arnt Erik , Kristoffersen Morten , Spencer Matt , Sandbakk Øyvind , Skovereng Knut 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of including repeated sprints in a weekly low-intensity (LIT) session during a 3-week transition period on cycling performance 6 weeks into the subsequent preparatory period (PREP) in elite cyclists. Methods: Eleven elite male cyclists (age = 22.0 [3.8] y, body mass = 73.0 [5.8] kg, height = 186 [7] cm, maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] = 5469 [384] mL·min−1) reduced their training load by 64% and performed only LIT sessions (CON, n = 6) or included 3 sets of 3 × 30-second maximal sprints in a weekly LIT session (SPR, n = 5) during a 3-week transition period. There was no difference in the reduction in training load during the transition period between groups. Physiological and performance measures were compared between the end of the competitive period and 6 weeks into the PREP. Results: SPR demonstrated a 7.3% (7.2%) improvement in mean power output during a 20-minute all-out test at PREP, which was greater than CON (−1.3% [4.6%]) (P = .048). SPR had a corresponding 7.0% (3.6%) improvement in average VO2 during the 20-minute all-out test, which was larger than the 0.7% (6.0%) change in CON (P = .042). No change in VO2max, gross efficiency, or power output at blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1 from competitive period to PREP occurred in either group. Conclusion: Including sprints in a weekly LIT session during the transition period of elite cyclists provided a performance advantage 6 weeks into the subsequent PREP, which coincided with a higher performance VO2.
Outer forearc uplift and exhumation during high-flux magmatism: Evidence from detrital zircon geochemistry of the Nacimiento forearc basin, California, USA
Authors: Johnston Scott M. , Kylander-Clark Andrew R.C. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We present new coupled detrital zircon trace-element and U–Pb age data from Valanginian–Santonian strata of the Nacimiento forearc basin (California, USA) to enhance provenance discrimination and investigate the evolution of the late Mesozoic California margin. Our data document at least five different Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous zircon populations with variable U/Yb ratios, and zircon that displays systematically increasing U/Yb from 130 to 80 Ma. Based on the presence of a distinctive population of geochemically primitive, 168–157 Ma low-U/Yb zircon that is found in Albian–Lower Cenomanian strata but not in older Valanginian strata, we infer a period of uplift and Albian–early Cenomanian erosion of forearc basement (the Coast Range ophiolite) that was coincident with increasing Cordilleran arc magmatic flux.
Improving mealtimes for patients and staff within an eating disorder unit: understanding of the problem and first intervention during the pandemic—an initial report
Authors: Gardner Lucy , Trueman Hayley 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundMealtimes occur six times a day on eating disorder (ED) inpatient units and are a mainstay of treatment for EDs. However, these are often distressing and anxiety provoking times for patients and staff. A product of patients’ distress is an increase in ED behaviours specific to mealtimes. The aim of this quality improvement project was to decrease the number of ED behaviours at mealtimes in the dining room through the implementation of initiatives identified through diagnostic work.MethodsThe Model for Improvement was used as the systematic approach for this project. Baseline assessment included observations in the dining room, gathering of qualitative feedback from staff and patients and the development of an ED behaviours form used by patients and staff. The first change idea of a host role in the dining room was introduced, and the impact was assessed.ResultsThe introduction of the host role has reduced the average number of ED behaviours per patient in the dining room by 35%. Postintervention feedback demonstrated that the introduction of the host role tackled the disorganisation and chaotic feeling in the dining room which in turn has reduced distress and anxiety for patients and staff.ConclusionsThis paper shows the realities of a quality improvement (QI) project on an ED inpatient unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results are positive for changes made; however, a large challenge, as described has been staff engagement.
Clinical and subclinical findings in heterozygous ABCC6 carriers: results from a Belgian cohort and clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Nollet Lukas , Campens Laurence , De Zaeytijd Julie , Leroy Bart , Hemelsoet Dimitri , Coucke Paul J , Vanakker Olivier M 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundBiallelic pathogenic variants in the ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 6 (ABCC6) gene cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a multisystemic ectopic calcification disorder, while heterozygous ABCC6 variants are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. As the prevalence of pathogenic ABCC6 variants in the general population is estimated at ~1%, identifying additional ABCC6-related (sub)clinical manifestations in heterozygous carriers is of the utmost importance to reduce this burden of disease. Here, we present a large Belgian cohort of heterozygous ABCC6 carriers with comprehensive clinical, biochemical and imaging data. Based on these results, we formulate clinical practice guidelines regarding screening, preventive measures and follow-up of ABCC6 carriers.MethodsThe phenotype of 56 individuals carrying heterozygous pathogenic ABCC6 variants was assessed using clinical (eg, detailed ophthalmological examinations), biochemical, imaging (eg, cardiovascular and abdominal ultrasound) and genetic data. Clinical practice guidelines were then drawn up.ResultsWe found that ABCC6 heterozygosity is associated with distinct retinal alterations (‘comet-like’) (24%), high prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia (>75%) and diastolic dysfunction (33%), accelerated lower limb atherosclerosis and medial vascular disease, abdominal organ calcification (26%) and testicular microlithiasis (28%), though with highly variable expression.ConclusionIn this study, we delineated the multisystemic ABCC6 heterozygosity phenotype characterised by retinal alterations, aberrant lipid metabolism, diastolic dysfunction and increased vascular, abdominal and testicular calcifications. Our clinical practice guidelines aimed to improve early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of ABCC6-related health problems.
Design, construction, and testing of an accurate low-cost humidistat for laboratory-scale applications
Authors: Veldscholte Lars B. , Horst Rens J. , de Beer Sissi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractStable and precise control of humidity is imperative for a wide variety of experiments. However, commercially available humidistats (devices that maintain a constant humidity) are often prohibitively expensive. Here, we present a simple yet effective humidistat for laboratory-scale applications that can be easily and affordably (<€250) constructed based on an Arduino Uno as microcontroller, a set of proportional miniature solenoid valves, a gas washing bottle, and a humidity sensor. The microcontroller implements a PID controller that regulates the ratio of a dry and humid airflow. The design and implementation of the device, including a custom driver circuit for the solenoids, are described in detail, and the firmware is freely available online. Finally, we demonstrate its proper operation and performance through step response and long-term stability tests, which shows settling times of approx. 30 s and an attainable relative humidity range of 10–95%
Covid-19 Thrives in Larger Cities, Not Denser Ones
Authors: Angel Shlomo , Blei Alejandro 
Published: April 2021

The findings introduced in this longitudinal study of cumulative Covid-19 cases and deaths are based on reported data for 384 US Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) for 20 weeks, starting on March 6, 2020 and ending on July 23, 2020. We look at the variation in the 7-day averages of the cumulative numbers of reported cases and deaths in each city at the end of every week as a function of its total population, its ‘urbanized area,’ and its average population density (the ratio of its population and its urbanized area). We find that during the last 10 weeks, the numbers have tended to converge: (1) a city with double the population of a smaller one can be expected to have 17 percent more cases per capita and 28 percent more deaths per capita than the smaller city; (2) a city with double the urbanized area of a smaller one can be expected to have 19 percent more cases per capita and 38 percent more deaths per capita than the smaller city; and, finally, (3) a city with double the population density of a smaller one can be expected to have 4.1 percent fewer cases per capita and 7.4 percent fewer deaths per capita than the smaller city. Larger cities have more than their share of cases and deaths in part because the larger the city, the larger the number of possible interactions among its inhabitants. And it is this larger number, rather than the overall average proximity of people to each other — expressed by the average density in the city — that accounts for that larger share. In fact, when it pertains to Covid-19 cases and deaths, denser metropolitan areas appear to be better able to contain their numbers than more spread out ones.
Drying Kinetics and Quality of Whole, Halved, and Pulverized Tiger Nut Tubers (Cyperus esculentus)
Authors: Abano Ernest Ekow , Akanson Joshua , Kizzie-Hayford Nazir 
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to provide the optimum drying conditions to produce high-quality dried tiger nuts using hot-air drying. For this, we evaluated the effect of the whole, halved, and pulverized tiger nuts and air temperature (50 to 70°C) on the drying kinetics and quality of tiger nuts. The drying process generally followed a constant rate in the first 3 hours and a falling regime. We found the optimum drying conditions for tiger nuts to be crushed before convective hot-air drying at a temperature of 70°C. At this optimum condition, the predicted drying time, vitamin C content, reducing sugars, browning, brightness, redness, and yellowness was 780 min, 22.9 mg/100 mg dry weight, 157.01 mg/100 g dry weight, 0.21 Abs unit, 56.97, 1.6, and 17.0, respectively. The tiger nut’s reducing sugars increased from the 130.8 mg/100 dry weight in the raw tiger nuts to between 133.11 and 158.18 mg/100 dry weight after drying. The vitamin C degradation rate was highest in the uncut tiger nuts (32-35%) while in the halved and the pulverized samples, it was between 12 and 17%. The crushed samples’ effective moisture removal increased between 5.6- and 6.75-fold at the different air temperatures than that of the intact tiger nuts. The activation energy was 18.17 kJ/mol for the unbroken, 14.78 kJ/mol for the halved, and 26.61 kJ/mol for the pulverized tiger nut samples. The model

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was the most suitable thin-layer drying model among the models examined for convective hot-air drying of tiger nuts. It is advisable to crush tiger nut before hot-air drying to produce better-quality flour for making milk beverages, cakes, biscuits, bread, porridge, and tiger nut-based breakfast cereals.
Association of the Age at Menarche with Site-Specific Cancer Risks in Pooled Data from Nine Cohorts
Authors: Fuhrman Barbara J. , Moore Steven C. , Byrne Celia , Makhoul Issam , Kitahara Cari M. , Berrington de González Amy , Linet Martha S. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Adami Hans-Olov , Freedman Neal D. , Liao Linda M. , Matthews Charles E. , Stolzenberg-Solomon Rachael Z. , Gaudet Mia M. , Patel Alpa V. , Lee I-Min , Buring Julie E. , Wolk Alicja , Larsson Susanna C. , Prizment Anna E. , Robien Kim , Spriggs Michael , Check David P. , Murphy Neil , Gunter Marc J. , Van Dusen Harold L. , Ziegler Regina G. , Hoover Robert N. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe average age at menarche declined in European and U.S. populations during the 19th and 20th centuries. The timing of pubertal events may have broad implications for chronic disease risks in aging women. Here we tested for associations of recalled menarcheal age with risks of 19 cancers in 536,450 women [median age, 60 years (range, 31–39 years)] in nine prospective U.S. and European cohorts that enrolled participants from 1981 to 1998. Cox regression estimated multivariable-adjusted HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of the age at menarche with risk of each cancer in each cohort and random-effects meta-analysis was used to generate summary estimates for each cancer. Over a median 10 years of follow-up, 60,968 women were diagnosed with a first primary incident cancer. Inverse linear associations were observed for seven of 19 cancers studied. Each additional year in the age at menarche was associated with reduced risks of endometrial cancer (HR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.89–0.94), liver cancer (HR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85–0.99), melanoma (HR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.98), bladder cancer (HR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–0.99), and cancers of the colon (HR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99), lung (HR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99), and breast (HR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93–0.99). All but one of these associations remained statistically significant following adjustment for baseline body mass index. Similarities in the observed associations between menarche and seven cancers suggest shared underlying causes rooted early in life. We propose as a testable hypothesis that early exposure to sex hormones increases mid-life cancer risks by altering functional capacities of stem cells with roles in systemic energy balance and tissue homeostasis.Significance:Age at menarche is associated with risk for seven cancers in middle-aged women, and understanding the shared underlying causal pathways across these cancers may suggest new avenues for cancer prevention.
Circulating Tumor Cell Chromosomal Instability and Neuroendocrine Phenotype by Immunomorphology and Poor Outcomes in Men with mCRPC Treated with Abiraterone or Enzalutamide
Authors: Brown Landon C. , Halabi Susan , Schonhoft Joseph D. , Yang Qian , Luo Jun , Nanus David M. , Giannakakou Paraskevi , Szmulewitz Russell Z. , Danila Daniel C. , Barnett Ethan S. , Carbone Emily A. , Zhao Jimmy L. , Healy Patrick , Anand Monika , Gill Audrey , Jendrisak Adam , Berry William R. , Gupta Santosh , Gregory Simon G. , Wenstrup Richard , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , George Daniel J. , Scher Howard I. , Armstrong Andrew J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
While the detection of AR-V7 in circulating tumor cells (CTC) is associated with resistance to abiraterone or enzalutamide in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), it only accounts for a minority of this resistance. Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation or chromosomal instability (CIN) may be additional mechanisms that mediate resistance.

Experimental Design:
PROPHECY was a multicenter prospective study of men with high-risk mCRPC starting abiraterone or enzalutamide. A secondary objective was to assess Epic CTC CIN and NE phenotypes before abiraterone or enzalutamide and at progression. The proportional hazards (PH) model was used to investigate the prognostic importance of CIN and NE in predicting progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) adjusting for CTC number (CellSearch), AR-V7, prior therapy, and clinical risk score. The PH model was utilized to validate this association of NE with OS in an external dataset of patients treated similarly at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC; New York, NY).

Results:
We enrolled 118 men with mCRPC starting on abiraterone or enzalutamide; 107 were evaluable on the Epic platform. Of these, 36.4% and 8.4% were CIN positive and NE positive, respectively. CIN and NE were independently associated with worse OS [HR, 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–4.0 and HR 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2–12.3, respectively] when treated with abiraterone/enzalutamide. The prognostic significance of NE positivity for worse OS was confirmed in the MSKCC dataset (n = 173; HR, 5.7; 95% CI, 2.6–12.7).

Conclusions:
A high CIN and NE CTC phenotype is independently associated with worse survival in men with mCRPC treated with abiraterone/enzalutamide, warranting further prospective controlled predictive studies to inform treatment decisions.