bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the novel SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern and its global perspective
Authors: Saxena Shailendra K. , Kumar Swatantra , Ansari Saniya , Paweska Janusz T. , Maurya Vimal K. , Tripathi Anil K. , Abdel‐Moneim Ahmed S. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs the latest identified novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variant of concern (VOC), the influence of Omicron on our globe grows promptly. Compared with the last VOC (Delta variant), more mutations were identified, which may address the characteristics of Omicron. Considering these crucial mutations and their implications including an increase in transmissibility, COVID‐19 severity, and reduction of efficacy of currently available diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, Omicron has been classified as one of the VOC. Notably, 15 of these mutations reside in the receptor‐binding domain of spike glycoprotein, which may alter transmissibility, infectivity, neutralizing antibody escape, and vaccine breakthrough cases of COVID‐19. Therefore, our present study characterizes the mutational hotspots of the Omicron variant in comparison with the Delta variant of SARS‐CoV‐2. Furthermore, detailed information was analyzed to characterize the global perspective of Omicron, including transmission dynamic, effect on testing, and immunity, which shall promote the progress of the clinical application and basic research. Collectively, our data suggest that due to continuous variation in the spike glycoprotein sequences, the use of coronavirus‐specific attachment inhibitors may not be the current choice of therapy for emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 VOCs. Hence, we need to proceed with a sense of urgency in this matter.
Early Last Interglacial environmental changes recorded by speleothems from Katerloch (south‐east Austria)
Authors: Honiat Charlotte , Festi Daniela , Wilcox Paul S. , Edwards R. Lawrence , Cheng Hai , Spötl Christoph 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn the European Alps, the Last Interglacial (LIG, ~129–116 ka) has been primarily studied using pollen preserved in mires and lake sediments. These records document the vegetation succession across the LIG, but are poorly constrained chronologically. Here, we present a precisely dated stable isotope record for the early LIG (129.6 ± 0.4 to 125.0 ± 0.8 ka) based on two stalagmites from Katerloch, a cave located on the south‐eastern side of the Alps. The onset of the interglacial is marked by a sharp rise in the oxygen isotope values at 129.4 ± 0.4 ka, consistent within dating uncertainty with the timing of Termination II as recorded by other Alpine speleothems. Carbon isotope values show an equally prominent drop at Termination II and the establishment of a forest ecosystem. Although concentrations are low, pollen from these stalagmites provide insights into how the local vegetation changed across the first five millennia of the LIG. The spectra indicate a vegetation optimum recorded by the occurrence of warm‐demanding taxa typical of the Eemian mesocratic phase. By combining stable isotopes and pollen data, we propose an absolutely dated chronological framework for peri‐Alpine pollen successions from lacustrine sediments covering the first half of the LIG.
An African adder (Bitis arietans complex) at Qafzeh Cave, Israel, during the early Late Pleistocene (MIS 5)
Authors: Biton Rebecca , Bailon Salvador 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTWe studied Viperidae remains from Qafzeh Cave, Israel, to understand past dispersal timing and range expansion of Afro‐Arabian taxa to the Southern Levant during the early Late Pleistocene (Marine Isotope Stage 5). A total of 62 African adder (Bitis) snake remains were retrieved from multiple layers at Qafzeh Cave, alongside five non‐Bitis ‘Oriental viper’ taxa vertebrae. These are the only available specimens of Bitis ever reported in the Southern Levant. The morphology of the maxilla and vertebrae corresponds well to that of the Bitis arietans complex. Qafzeh Cave thus becomes the northernmost boundary of the B. arietans complex expansion ever recorded outside Africa. The unprecedented occurrence of Bitis at Qafzeh Cave, in conjunction with other archaeozoological evidence at the site, attest to exceptional climatic and environmental conditions in the surroundings of the cave during the Mousterian Homo sapiens occupations. It reinforces previous evidence for taxa expanding from sub‐Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean biome of the Southern Levant through the now hyper‐arid Saharo‐Arabian desert belt. The environmental conditions following deposition of the early Late Pleistocene layers were probably not favourable for the establishment of the snake, and eventually the B. arietans complex became locally extirpated.
A prospective comparison of costs between robotics, laparoscopy, and laparotomy in endometrial cancer among women with Class III obesity or higher
Authors: Kosa Sarah D. , Ferguson Sarah E. , Panzarella Tony , Lau Susie , Abitbol Jeremie , Samouëlian Vanessa , Giede Christopher , Steed Helen , Renkosinski Benjamin , Gien Lilian T. , Bernardini Marcus Q. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo compare the immediate operating room (OR), inpatient, and overall costs between three surgical modalities among women with endometrial cancer (EC) and Class III obesity or higher.MethodsA multicentre prospective observational study examined outcomes of women, with early stage EC, treated surgically. Resource use was collected for OR costs including OR time, equipment, and inpatient costs. Median OR, inpatient, and overall costs across surgical modalities were analyzed using an Independent‐Samples Kruskal–Wallis Test among patients with BMI ≥ 40.ResultsOut of 520 women, 103 had a BMI ≥ 40. Among women with BMI ≥ 40: median OR costs were $4197.02 for laparotomy, $5524.63 for non‐robotic assisted laparoscopy, and $7225.16 for robotic‐assisted laparoscopy (p < 0.001) and median inpatient costs were $5584.28 for laparotomy, $3042.07 for non‐robotic assisted laparoscopy, and $1794.51 for robotic‐assisted laparoscopy (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the median overall costs: $10 291.50 for laparotomy, $8412.63 for non‐robotic assisted laparoscopy, and $9002.48 for robotic‐assisted laparoscopy (p = 0.185).ConclusionThere was no difference in overall costs between the three surgical modalities in patient with BMI ≥ 40. Given the similar costs, any form of minimally invasive surgery should be promoted in this population.
Glycerol‐Based Polyurethane Nanoparticles Reduce Friction and Wear of Lubricant Formulations
Authors: Uebel Fabian , Thérien‐Aubin Héloïse , Landfester Katharina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe relative motion of two surfaces in direct contact results in friction and wear. This affects every moving surface, contributing to a quarter of the worldwide energy consumption. The addition of lubricant can reduce friction by separating the surfaces, making more energy‐efficient systems. Lubricants are composed of a base oil and a series of additives. Molecules like glycerol can improve the efficiency of a lubricant system. However, the direct addition of hydrophilic molecules to hydrophobic lubricant oils is challenging due to their poor miscibility. The encapsulation of glycerol, or other hydrophilic additives, in nanocarriers will enable the design of additive systems delivering poorly miscible molecules to the lubricant. Here, glycerol is encapsulated in cross‐linked glycerol nanocapsules. The nanocarrier is dispersed in a lubricant oil and placed between two metal surfaces. The release of the additive, from the nanocarriers, is triggered by the force applied on the nanocarriers by the metal surfaces in contact. The release observed is dependent on the applied force and mechanical properties of the nanocarrier, which can be controlled during the synthesis. The addition of those mechanoresponsive nanocarriers improved the long‐term performance of the lubricant and represents a step toward the reduction of friction between metal–metal contacts.
A comparison of node‐based and arc‐based hop‐indexed formulations for the Steiner tree problem with hop constraints
Authors: Fortz Bernard , Gouveia Luis , Moura Pedro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe study the relation between the linear programming relaxation of two classes of models for the Steiner tree problem with hop constraints. One class is characterized by having hop‐indexed arc variables. Although such models have proved to have a very strong linear programming bound, they are not easy to use because of the huge number of variables. This has motivated some studies with models involving fewer variables that use, instead of the hop‐indexed arc variables, hop‐indexed node variables. In this article, we contextualize the linear programming relaxation of these node‐based models in terms of the linear programming relaxation of known arc‐based models. We show that the linear programming relaxation of a general node‐based model is implied by the linear programming relaxation of a straightforward arc‐based model.
Data‐driven optimal fault‐tolerant‐control and detection for a class of unknown nonlinear discrete‐time systems
Authors: Treesatayapun Chidentree 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe design of optimal fault‐tolerant control with actuator and sensor faults is investigated. The system dynamics and faults are considered as a class of unknown nonlinear discrete‐time systems when the data‐driven equivalent model is formulated by a multi‐input fuzzy rule emulated network (MiFREN). The multi‐gradient learning law is developed with the proposed fault‐detection algorithm to enchant the performance of MiFREN. By employing only pieces of information from the equivalent model, the proposed controller is designed and the closed‐loop performance is analyzed through the rigorous theorem. Simulation systems and comparison results are provided to validate the performance of the proposed scheme.
Prostate weight and prostate cancer outcomes after radical prostatectomy: Results from the SEARCH cohort study
Authors: Barlow Sean Kennedy , Oyekunle Taofik , Janes Jessica L. , De Hoedt Amanda M. , Aronson William J. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher L. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Klaassen Zachary W. , Terris Martha K. , Freedland Stephen J , Csizmadi Ilona 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSmaller prostates have been linked to unfavorable clinical characteristics and poor short‐term outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP). We examined the relation between prostate weight at RP and prostate cancer (PC) outcomes post‐RP.MethodsMen in the SEARCH cohort undergoing RP between 1988 and 2017 (N = 6242) were studied for PC‐specific mortality (PCSM) as the primary outcome, and for biochemical recurrence (BCR), castration‐resistant PC (CRPC) and metastasis as secondary outcomes. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for associations between prostate weight and outcomes using Fine‐Gray competing risk regression multivariable analyses. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out following exclusion of: (i) men with extreme prostate weights (<20 g and ≥100 g); and (ii) men with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels.ResultsMedian values for age, pre‐RP PSA and prostate weight were 63 years, 6.6 ng/ml, and 42.0 g, respectively. During a median follow‐up of 7.9 years, 153 (3%) died from PC, 2103 (34%) had BCR, 203 (3%) developed CRPC, and 289 (5%) developed metastases. Prostate weight was not associated with PCSM in the main analyses (multivariable HR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.87–2.34) or in sensitivity analyses. Prostate weight was inversely associated with BCR in the main analyses (multivariable HR = 0.70; 95%CI: 0.61–0.79) which was unchanged in sensitivity analyses. HRs for prostate weight and CRPC and metastasis were elevated but statistical significance was not attained. Similar results were observed in sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsInconsistent results for prostate weight and short‐term vs longer‐term outcomes highlight the need to better understand the complex biology leading to prostate size and the relevance of prostate size as a predictor of PC outcomes.
Mechanical properties and energy absorption capability of a new multi‐cell lattice honeycomb paperboard under out‐plane compression: Experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Li Kun , Wang Jun , Lu Lixin , Qin Qinghua , Chen Junzhong , Shen Chao , Jiang Mi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a new multi‐cell lattice honeycomb paperboard was designed based on the expansion manufacturing process, aiming to improve the load‐bearing capacity and energy absorption of the honeycomb paperboard. Quasi‐static axial crush experiments were conducted on multi‐cell lattice honeycomb paperboard (MHC) and standard honeycomb paperboard (HC), and the out‐of‐plane crushing response and energy absorption of MHC and HC are compared. The deformation mode of MHC is discussed in detail. A typical folding element is selected, and a theoretical model is developed to predict the plateau stress of the MHC. The results show that under the same structural and cell length dimensions, the peak stress of MHC is 3.3 times higher than that of HC, the plateau stress and energy absorption are 3.9 times higher than that of HC. Under the same relative density conditions, the peak stress of MHC is enhanced by 10% over HC, and the plateau stress and energy absorption are enhanced by 30% and 29%, respectively. The predicted plateau stress from the theoretical model compares well with the experimental values. The great potential for industrial applications of multi‐cell lattice honeycomb paperboard based on an expansion manufacturing process is demonstrated, with minimal modifications to the manufacturing process but with a significant increase in load‐bearing capacity and energy absorption. These results could be used as a reference for the design and improvement of honeycomb structures and other similar structures.
Classical and objective Bayesian estimation and confidence intervals of an asymmetric loss based capability index Cpmk′$\mathcal {C}^{\prime }_{pmk}$
Authors: Dey Sanku , Saha Mahendra , Zhang Shen , Wang Min 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce a new process capability index, based on an asymmetric loss function (linear exponential) for normal process. To estimate , we first obtain eight different classical methods of estimation and then consider objective Bayesian methods of estimation under the squared error loss function and the linear exponential loss function. Extensive simulations are carried out to investigate the performance of these estimation methods in terms of the mean squared errors. In addition, we compare the performance of four bootstrap confidence intervals and the highest posterior density interval of in terms of average width and coverage probability. Finally, three real‐data applications from electronic industries are provided for illustrative purposes.
A new double exponentially weighted moving average control chart for monitoring both location and dispersion
Authors: Chatterjee Kashinath , Koukouvinos Christos , Lappa Angeliki 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this article, we extend the single exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) semicircle (EWMA‐SC) chart to a single double EWMA semicircle chart, called the DEWMA‐SC control chart. The run length (RL) characteristics of the proposed chart are computed through Monte‐Carlo simulations. A detailed comparative study is conducted to compare the performance of the proposed chart with that of the EWMA‐SC and GWMA‐SC charts with time‐varying control limits. The comparison results reveal that the DEWMA‐SC chart outperforms the competing charts in detecting most of the considered shifts in the process mean and/or variability. Additionally, the DEWMA‐SC chart shows very satisfactory overall performance for detecting a wide range of shift combinations of the process mean and dispersion, compared with the EWMA‐SC and GWMA‐SC charts assuming various control chart parameter values. Finally, real and simulated datasets are considered to present the implementation of the new chart.
WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition: Key Shifts and Emerging Tensions
Authors: Grapin Scott E. , Lee Okhee 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn December 2020, the WIDA Consortium released the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. In the coming years, the 2020 Edition will be implemented across 36 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories and agencies in the US. The 2020 Edition also arrives at a time when the field of TESOL is grappling with multiple theoretical perspectives on how to provide an equitable education to the nation’s fast‐growing population of multilingual learners. As the WIDA Standards and their updates over multiple editions reflect evolving conceptions of language, language development, and the integration of language and content learning, the 2020 Edition offers an opportunity to take stock of where the field has been, how it has shifted, and what challenges might lie ahead. The purpose of this article is to inform TESOL educators, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, of the 2020 Edition and its differences from its immediate predecessor (2012 Edition). We begin by providing a brief overview of the U.S. K‐12 policy context. Next, we describe key conceptual shifts embodied by the 2020 Edition. Finally, we highlight emerging tensions that TESOL educators are likely to grapple with as the standards get implemented in K‐12 classrooms with multilingual learners. Although this article is situated in the U.S. policy context, its relevance extends to the international community of TESOL educators, as the shifts and tensions inherent in the standards resonate with broader shifts and tensions in the TESOL literature.
Powering transformative practices against food poverty with urban planning
Authors: Simón‐Rojo Marian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFood is back on the agenda. After the global financial crisis of 2008, food insecurity became rampant even in high‐income countries, and COVID‐19 has only worsened the situation. Action is needed to build emancipatory practices dealing with food insecurity. The cultural and technical legacy of urban planning can be seized and enriched with the principles of the commons and the ethics of care. A case study in Madrid, Spain, provides clues about how to envision a future in which urbanism backs agroecological and right to food movements to design resilient urban food systems. More than 400 free food distribution nodes operate in the city, yet over 14% of the population is food insecure. This study analyzes public, private, and community programs to address food poverty, as well as community gardens, municipal markets, food‐related business incubators, and public centers with potential community kitchens. Urban planning helps broadening horizons of possibilities, activating the collective imagination of new ways to connect needs and—often unnoticed—resources. Such an approach contributes to progress in reducing dependencies from the large industrial food sector. Urban planning provides tools for applying the qualities of agroecological food systems supported by the community to define strategies adapted to each specific context. In mature contexts, it helps transposing the social reorganization into the material space in the neighborhood.
Effects of intravenous butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin to late pregnant ewes on the metabolic indices around parturition and weight gain of their lambs after birth
Authors: Mohammadi Barimanloo Azizollah , Chalmeh Aliasghar , Pourjafar Mehrdad , Mirzaei Abdolah 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundManagement and control of metabolic disorders in sheep around parturition is important. and various researchers have suggested different managerial solutions. Butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin are widely used for curing metabolic disorders resulting from poor nutrition, inadequate management or diseases.ObjectivesIt was hypothesised that butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin could improve the metabolism of ewes around parturition.MethodsTwenty‐eight clinically healthy 3‐year‐old pregnant Afshari ewes from 21 days before parturition were enrolled into four equal groups: control (Ctrl), B+C1, B+C2 and B+C3. The Ctrl group only received intravenous normal saline and B+C1, B+C2 and B+C3 ewes, respectively, received an intravenous combination of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin at 2, 4 and 6 ml/ewe, on Days 19–21, 10–12 and 1–3 before parturition. Blood samples were taken from all the ewes on Days 21, 12 and 3 before lambing at parturition day and on days 3, 12 and 21 after parturition. A body condition score of all the ewes was assessed at blood sampling days, and lambs born from the ewes were weighed at birth and every 2 weeks up to 3 months. Serum concentrations of glucose, cortisol, non‐esterified fatty acids, beta‐hydroxy butyric acid, triglyceride, cholesterol, high‐, low‐ and very‐low‐density lipoproteins, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured.ResultsThis drug combination decreased circulating glucose, cortisol, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes via dose‐dependent manner, 6 ml of this drug compound/ewe was more potent than 4 and 2 ml/ewe. The lambs’ weight from mothers receiving 6 ml of this combination was significantly higher than those of the others.ConclusionsIt may be suggested that the intravenous administration of 6 ml/ewe of this combination for 3 consecutive days in three states before parturition had prophylactic effects on metabolic disorders of ewes and enhanced the lambs weight gain after birth.
Introduction: International Issues and Debates Concerning Adoption
Authors: Ward Harriet , Moggach Lynne , Tregeagle Susan , Trivedi Helen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA history of systemic injustices and a lack of transparency have influenced public perceptions of domestic adoption. This book aims to introduce more empirical evidence into the debate by exploring the value of open adoption, as practised in Australia, as a route to permanence for abused and neglected children in out-of-home care who cannot safely return to their birth families. International evidence about the outcomes of adoption and foster care is discussed. The chapter introduces the Barnardos Australia Find-a-Family programme which has been finding adoptive homes since 1986 for non-Aboriginal children in care who are identified as ‘hard to place’. Regular post-adoption face-to-face contact with birth family members is an integral part of the adoption plan. The methodology for evaluating the outcomes for 210 children placed through the programme included case and court file analysis, a follow-up survey and interviews with adoptive parents and adult adoptees.
The Adoptive Parents
Authors: Ward Harriet , Moggach Lynne , Tregeagle Susan , Trivedi Helen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe chapter draws on case file data and papers presented to the court at the time of the adoption order. The 210 adoptees were placed in 138 adoptive homes. The adoptive parents were on average ten years older than birth parents and had more stable relationships. They were also better educated. Most lived in owner-occupied homes and the secondary carer was generally in full-time work. Attempts to match children with families of the same ethnicity and culture and to place siblings together were mostly successful: 77% of children with siblings were placed in intact groups; only 8% were placed alone. Almost half (44%) the parents adopted more than one child; 9% adopted three or more; many also had biological children still living with them. While adoptive parents had considerable resources, they also faced challenges including helping children overcome the sequelae of early adverse experiences and parenting several children with diverse needs.