bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Semi-Empirical Water and Energy Analysis of Industrial Production of Nickel From Mineral Ores: Comparative Analysis Between Two Different Technologies of Calcination
Authors: Ruiz Janneth , Ardila Antonio , Rueda Bernardo , Echeverri Jorge , Quintero Daniel , Corredor Lesme , González Arturo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the ferronickel production process, mineral calcination is one of the most energy-intensive stages. In a typical rotary kiln calciner, particulate solids and combustions gases move counter currently, while solids undergo drying, pre-reduction, and partial reduction reactions. The combustion of natural gas provides the thermal energy for drying and reduction reactions. About 80 to 85% of the incoming laterite ore leaves the reactor as calcined ore, while the flue gases entrain part of the solids as dust. This work presents a theoretical analysis contrasted with experimental results to evaluate the partial reduction of laterite ores in two rotary kilns of 185 m and 135 m length. The study focused on the water formed in the process, including a comparative analysis of water consumption by two different solids recovery technologies, a gas scrubber and an electrostatic precipitator. Simulations allowed evaluating the water and greenhouse gas formation in the main streams of the process. Among the tested operation conditions, the moisture content in the pellets, consisting of agglomerated dust, strongly influenced the amount of water released in the process and the energy consumption. Furnace RK-2 needs approximately 56% more energy to evaporate the moisture content in the feedstock. Furthermore, furnace RK-2 released 55.4 m3h−1 of water into the atmosphere, which represented two times the amount released by furnace RK-1. Gas scrubber analysis showed that as the liquid water increased, more H2O in the gases was condensed; however, the destroyed exergy also increased. Electrostatic precipitators appear as an adequate technology for reducing water and energy consumption in the ferronickel industry.
Development and Testing of a 20 kW Moving Packed-Bed Particle-To-sCO2 Heat Exchanger and Test Facility
Authors: Albrecht Kevin J. , Laubscher Hendrik F. , Carlson Matthew D. , Ho Clifford K. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a facility for evaluating the performance of small-scale particle-to-sCO2 heat exchangers, which includes an isobaric sCO2 flow loop and an electrically heated particle flow loop. The particle flow loop is capable of delivering up to 60 kW of heat at a temperature of 600 °C and flow rate of 0.4 kg/s. The loop was developed to facilitate long duration off-sun testing of small prototype heat exchangers to produce model validation data at steady-state operating conditions. Lessons learned on instrumentation, control, and system integration from prior testing of larger heat exchangers with solar thermal input were used to guide the design of the test facility. In addition, the development and testing of a novel 20-kWt moving packed-bed particle-to-sCO2 heat exchanger using the integrated flow loops is reported. The prototype heat exchanger implements many novel features for increasing thermal performance and reducing pressure drop which include integral porting of the sCO2 flow, unique bond/braze manufacturing, narrow plate spacing, and pure counter-flow arrangement. The experimental data collected for the prototype heat exchanger was compared to model predictions to verify the sizing, thermal performance, and pressure drop which will be extended to multi-megawatt heat exchanger designs in the future.
Temporal trends in the association of social vulnerability and race/ethnicity with county-level COVID-19 incidence and outcomes in the USA: an ecological analysis
Authors: Islam Shabatun J , Nayak Aditi , Hu Yingtian , Mehta Anurag , Dieppa Katherine , Almuwaqqat Zakaria , Ko Yi-An , Patel Shivani A , Goyal Abhinav , Sullivan Samaah , Lewis Tené T , Vaccarino Viola , Morris Alanna A , Quyyumi Arshed A 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the socially vulnerable and minority communities in the USA initially, but the temporal trends during the year-long pandemic remain unknown.ObjectiveWe examined the temporal association of county-level Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), a percentile-based measure of social vulnerability to disasters, its subcomponents and race/ethnic composition with COVID-19 incidence and mortality in the USA in the year starting in March 2020.MethodsCounties (n=3091) with ≥50 COVID-19 cases by 6 March 2021 were included in the study. Associations between SVI (and its subcomponents) and county-level racial composition with incidence and death per capita were assessed by fitting a negative-binomial mixed-effects model. This model was also used to examine potential time-varying associations between weekly number of cases/deaths and SVI or racial composition. Data were adjusted for percentage of population aged ≥65 years, state-level testing rate, comorbidities using the average Hierarchical Condition Category score, and environmental factors including average fine particulate matter of diameter ≥2.5 μm, temperature and precipitation.ResultsHigher SVI, indicative of greater social vulnerability, was independently associated with higher COVID-19 incidence (adjusted incidence rate ratio per 10 percentile increase: 1.02, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.03, p<0.001) and death per capita (1.04, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.05, p<0.001). SVI became an independent predictor of incidence starting from March 2020, but this association became weak or insignificant by the winter, a period that coincided with a sharp increase in infection rates and mortality, and when counties with higher proportion of white residents were disproportionately represented (‘third wave’). By spring of 2021, SVI was again a predictor of COVID-19 outcomes. Counties with greater proportion of black residents also observed similar temporal trends in COVID-19-related adverse outcomes. Counties with greater proportion of Hispanic residents had worse outcomes throughout the duration of the analysis.ConclusionExcept for the winter ‘third wave’, when majority of the white communities had the highest incidence of cases, counties with greater social vulnerability and proportionately higher minority populations experienced worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Risk factors for severe outcomes in people with diabetes hospitalised for COVID-19: a cross-sectional database study
Authors: Ortega Emilio , Corcoy Rosa , Gratacòs Mònica , Cos Claramunt Francesc Xavier , Mata-Cases Manel , Puig-Treserra Ramon , Real Jordi , Vlacho Bogdan , Castelblanco Esmeralda , Domingo Pere , Khunti Kamlesh , Franch-Nadal Josep , Mauricio Didac 
Published: July 2021

AimThis study’s objective was to assess the risk of severe in-hospital complications of patients admitted for COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus (DM).DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.SettingsWe used pseudonymised medical record data provided by six general hospitals from the HM Hospitales group in Spain.Outcome measuresMultiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables associated with mortality and the composite of mortality or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in the overall population, and stratified for the presence or absence of DM. Spline analysis was conducted on the entire population to investigate the relationship between glucose levels at admission and outcomes.ResultsOverall, 1621 individuals without DM and 448 with DM were identified in the database. Patients with DM were on average 5.1 years older than those without. The overall in-hospital mortality was 18.6% (N=301), and was higher among patients with DM than those without (26.3% vs 11.3%; p<0.001). DM was independently associated with death, and death or IMV (OR=2.33, 95% CI: 1.7 to 3.1 and OR=2.11, 95% CI: 1.6 to 2.8, respectively; p<0.001). In subjects with DM, the only variables independently associated with both outcomes were age >65 years, male sex and pre-existing chronic kidney disease. We observed a non-linear relationship between blood glucose levels at admission and risk of in-hospital mortality and death or IMV. The highest probability for each outcome (around 50%) was at random glucose of around 550 mg/dL (30.6 mmol/L), and the risks flattened above this value.ConclusionThe results confirm the high burden associated with DM in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 infection, particularly among men, the elderly and those with impaired kidney function. Moreover, hyperglycaemia on admission was strongly associated with poor outcomes, suggesting that personalised optimisation could help to improve outcome during the hospital stay.
Uterine fibroids and incidence of depression, anxiety and self-directed violence: a cohort study
Authors: Chiuve Stephanie E , Huisingh Carrie , Petruski-Ivleva Natalia , Owens Charlotte , Kuohung Wendy , Wise Lauren A 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are prevalent among women with uterine fibroids (UF). The rate of mental health diagnoses in women with UF has not been studied.MethodsWomen aged 18–50 years with diagnosed UF were identified in the Optum Clinformatics commercial insurance claims database (OptumInsight, Eden Prairie, Minnesota) from 1 May 2000 to 31 March 2020 (n=313 754) and were matched 1:2 on age and calendar time to women without (n=627 539). Cox proportional hazards models estimated HRs and 95% CIs between UF and diagnosed depression, anxiety and self-directed violence, adjusting for demographics and comorbidities. Among women with diagnosed UF, the association between hysterectomy and mental health outcomes was estimated.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, women with diagnosed UF had a higher rate of depression (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.13), anxiety (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.13) and self-directed violence (HR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.29 to 1.64) than women without. Among women with pain symptoms and heavy menstrual bleeding, the HR comparing women with diagnosed UF to women without was 1.21 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.25) for depression, 1.18 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.21) for anxiety and 1.68 (95% CI 1.35 to 2.09) for self-directed violence. Among women with diagnosed UF, the HR comparing women who underwent a hysterectomy to women who did not was 1.22 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.27) for depression, 1.13 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.17) for anxiety and 1.86 (95% CI 1.39 to 2.49) for self-directed violence.ConclusionsRates of depression, anxiety and self-directed violence were higher among women with diagnosed UF, particularly among those who experienced pain symptoms or who underwent hysterectomy.
Verbenone and green-leaf volatiles reduce whitebark pine mortality in a northern range-expanding mountain pine beetle outbreak
Authors: Cardinal Etienne , Shepherd Brenda , Krakowski Jodie , Schwarz Carl James , Stirrett-Wood John 
Published: July 2021

This is the first study testing the effectiveness of semiochemical treatments to protect individual trees from a range-expanding mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902) attack into newly exposed host populations of endangered whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.). We investigated the effectiveness of a combination of verbenone and green-leaf volatiles (GLV) to protect rare and valuable disease-resistant trees during a MPB epidemic from 2015 to 2018 in Jasper National Park, Canada. Treatments reduced the proportion of trees attacked by MPB for all diameter classes, across all stands, from 46% to 60%. We also evaluated the effect of the exotic disease white pine blister rust (caused by the fungus Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.) — the species’ other main regional threat. MPB were less likely to attack large rust-infected trees than healthy trees, emphasizing the value of the semiochemical treatment. Protecting large cone-bearing disease-resistant whitebark pine trees is fundamental to whitebark pine recovery. Maintaining reproductive trees on the landscape increases the frequency and diversity of rust-resistant genotypes more effectively than just planting seedlings to replace MPB-killed trees, because this slow-growing species takes over 80 years to reproduce. Our study confirmed that protecting large rust-resistant trees with verbenone and GLV is a proactive and effective treatment against MPB for whitebark pine in naïve populations.
Near threshold heavy vector meson photoproduction at LHC and EicC
Authors: Xie Ya-Ping , Gonçalves V. P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe exclusive $$J/\Psi $$

J
/
Ψ

and $$\Upsilon $$
Υ
photoproduction in fixed - target collisions at the LHC and ep(A) collisions at the Electron ion collider in China (EicC) is investigated considering different models for the treatment of the vector meson production at low energies, close to the threshold. Results for the total cross sections and associated distributions are presented. We predict a large number of $$J/\Psi $$

J
/
Ψ

events at the LHC in the rapidity range covered by the LHCb detector. For the EicC, our predictions point out that a detailed analysis of the near threshold $$J/\Psi $$

J
/
Ψ

and $$\Upsilon $$
Υ
photoproduction is feasible. Moreover, our results indicate that the modeling of the near threshold vector meson production can be constrained by future experimental analyzes at the LHC and EicC.
Analysis of correlation and ionization from pair distributions in many-electron systems
Authors: López-Rosa S. , Angulo J. C. , Martín A. L. , Antolín J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractJensen–Shannon divergence is used to quantify the discrepancy between the Hartree–Fock pair density and the product of its marginals for differentN-electron systems, enclosing neutral atoms (with nuclear charge$$Z=N$$Z=N) and singly-charged ions ($$N = Z \pm 1$$N=Z±1). This divergence measure is applied to determine the interelectronic correlation in atomic systems. A thorough study was carried out, by considering (i) both position and momentum conjugated spaces, and (ii) systems with a nuclear charge as far as$$Z = 103$$Z=103. The correlation among electrons was measured by comparing, for an arbitrary system, the double-variable electron-pair density with the product of the respective one-particle densities. A detailed analysis throughout the Periodic Table highlights the relevance not only of weightiness for the systems considered, but also of their shell structure. Besides, comparative computations between two-electron densities of different atomic systems (neutrals, cations, anions) quantify their dissimilarities, patently governed by shell-filling patterns throughout the Periodic Table.
Light from Reissner–Nordstrom–de Sitter black holes
Authors: Cotăescu Ion I. 
Published: July 2021

We derive for the first time the form of the spiral null geodesics around the photon sphere of the Reissner–Nordstrom black hole in the de Sitter expanding universe. Moreover, we obtain the principal parameter we need for deriving, according to our method [I. I. Cotăescu, Eur. Phys. J. C 81, 32 (2021)], the black hole shadow and the related redshift as measured by a remote observer situated in the asymptotic zone. We obtain thus a criterion of detecting charged black holes without peculiar velocities when one knows the mass, redshift and the black hole shadow.
Machine Learning Algorithm-Based Analysis of Efficacy of Pulmonary Surfactant Combined with Mucosolvan in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome of Newborns through Ultrasonic Images
Authors: Ji Yanni , Lou Wenqian , Ji Jianwei 
Published: July 2021

Objective. The study aimed to explore the efficacy of pulmonary surfactant (PS) combined with Mucosolvan in the diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in newborns through ultrasonic images of lung based on machine learning. Methods. 138 cases of infants with MAS were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into PS group (n = 46), Mucosolvan group (n = 46), and combination group (n = 46). Then, ultrasonic images based on machine learning algorithm were used for examination. On the basis of conventional treatment, the PS group accepted intratracheal PS drip treatment with 100 mg/kg. For the Mucosolvan group, 7.5 mg/kg of Mucosolvan was added with 50 g/L glucose, which was diluted to 3 mL. Then, the mixture was injected intravenously with a micropump for more than 5 min. The combination group received combined treatment of PS and Mucosolvan. If there was no relief or the symptoms aggravated after 12 h of PS treatment, the patient should be treated again. 7.5 mg/kg/d of Mucosolvan was given for 7 days. Mechanical ventilation time, hospitalization time, oxygenation index (OI) before treatment, at 3 d and at 7 d after treatment, and arterial/alveolar oxygen ratio (a/APO2) of the three groups were detected and compared. Besides, in-hospital mortality and complication rate of the three groups were statistically compared. Results. Ultrasonic image edge detection based on machine learning algorithm was more condensed and better than Sobel operator. Compared with the PS group and the Mucosolvan group, treatment efficiency, OI at 3 d and at 7 d after treatment, and a/APO2 of combination group were increased. Mechanical ventilation time and hospitalization time of the combination group were shortened, and mortality rate of the combination group was reduced (

P

< 0.05). Compared with the situation before treatment, OI at 3 d and at 7 d after treatment and a/APO2 of the combination group were increased, and OI at 7 d after treatment and a/APO2 of the PS group and the Mucosolvan group were increased (

P

< 0.05). Curative effect, mechanical ventilation time, hospitalization time, OI before and after treatment, a/APO2, and mortality rate during hospitalization of the PS group and the Mucosolvan group had no significant difference (

P

> 0.05). There was no significant difference in the complications rates in the three groups (

P

> 0.05). Conclusion. Pulmonary ultrasound based on machine learning algorithm can be used in the diagnosis of MAS in neonates. PS combined with Mucosolvan is feasible and safe in treating neonatal MAS and effectively improves the pulmonary oxygenation function. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical application.
Lifetime Ambient UV Radiation Exposure and Risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma by Anatomic Site in a Nationwide U.S. Cohort, 1983–2005
Authors: Little Mark P. , Lee Terrence , Kimlin Michael G. , Kitahara Cari M. , Zhang Rui , Alexander Bruce H. , Linet Martha S. , Cahoon Elizabeth K. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background:
Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has long been associated with UV radiation (UVR) exposure, but data are limited on risks by anatomic site.

Methods:
We followed 63,912 cancer-free White U.S. radiologic technologists from cohort entry (1983–1989/1994–1998) to exit (date first BCC via 2003–2005 questionnaire). We estimated associations between cumulative ambient UVR and relative/absolute risks of self-reported BCC by anatomic location via Poisson models.

Results:
For incident first primary BCC in 2,124 subjects (mean follow-up, 16.9 years) log[excess relative risks] (ERR) of BCC per unit cumulative ambient UVR = 1.27/MJ cm–2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–1.68; Ptrend &lt; 0.001] did not vary by anatomic site (P = 0.153). However, excess absolute risks of BCC per unit cumulative ambient UVR were large for the head/neck = 5.46/MJ cm–2/104 person-year (95% CI: 2.92–7.36; Ptrend &lt; 0.001), smaller for the trunk (2.56; 95% CI: 1.26–3.33; Ptrend = 0.003), with lesser increases elsewhere. There were lower relative risks, but higher absolute risks, for those with Gaelic ancestry (P &lt; 0.001), also higher absolute risks among those with fair complexion, but relative and absolute risks were not generally modified by other constitutional, lifestyle or medical factors for any anatomic sites. Excess absolute and relative risk was concentrated 5–15 years before time of follow-up.

Conclusions:
BCC relative and absolute risk rose with increasing cumulative ambient UVR exposure, with absolute risk highest for the head/neck, to a lesser extent in the trunk.

Impact:
These associations should be evaluated in other White and other racial/ethnic populations along with assessment of possible modification by time outdoors, protective, and behavioral factors.
Oral Antibiotics and Risk of New Colorectal Adenomas During Surveillance Follow-up
Authors: Passarelli Michael N. , Mott Leila A. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Rees Judy R. , Baron John A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background:
Antibiotics may increase colorectal neoplasia risk by modifying the gut microbiome. It is unknown whether use is associated with the risk of new colorectal adenomas among individuals with prior adenomas.

Methods:
We performed a secondary analysis of four randomized clinical trials for the chemoprevention of colorectal adenomas. Participants self-reported all currently used prescription drugs shortly after an initial colorectal adenoma diagnosis and two or three times a year thereafter over 3 to 5 years of follow-up. We estimated adjusted risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident adenomas, analyzing the four trials together.

Results:
Cumulatively, the four trials enrolled 5,174 participants (3,491 men and 1,683 women), of whom 4,769 (92%) completed ≥1 follow-up colonoscopy. A total of 763 (15%) participants reported using oral antibiotics on ≥2 occasions. Overall, 39% of those using oral antibiotics at least twice developed new colorectal adenomas compared with 40% of those with no use or a single report of use (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.90–1.10). No statistically significant associations were found in study-specific analyses, and results were similar for high- and low-risk adenoma findings, antibiotic class, anatomic location of adenomas, and analyses excluding those with interim colorectal exams.

Conclusions:
Oral antibiotic use during colonoscopic surveillance after an initial adenoma diagnosis was not associated with risk of these polyps.

Impact:
Any changes to the gut microbiome as a consequence of oral antibiotic use during surveillance may not affect the development of metachronous colorectal adenomas.
Healthful and Unhealthful Plant-Based Diets and Risk of Breast Cancer in U.S. Women: Results from the Nurses' Health Studies
Authors: Romanos-Nanclares Andrea , Willett Walter C. , Rosner Bernard A. , Collins Laura C. , Hu Frank B. , Toledo Estefania , Eliassen A. Heather 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background:
Plant-based diets have been associated with lower risk of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the association between plant-based diet quality and breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods:
We prospectively followed 76,690 women from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1984–2016) and 93,295 women from the NHSII (1991–2017). Adherence to an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthful PDI (hPDI), and an unhealthful PDI (uPDI) was assessed using previously developed indices. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate HR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident invasive breast cancer.

Results:
Over 4,841,083 person-years of follow-up, we documented 12,482 incident invasive breast cancer cases. Women with greater adherence to PDI and hPDI were at modestly lower risk of breast cancer [(HRQ5 vs. Q1, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84–0.95); (HRQ5 vs. Q1, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.94)]. We observed significant heterogeneity by estrogen receptor (ER) status, with the strongest inverse association between hPDI and breast cancer observed with ER-negative tumors [HRQ5 vs. Q1, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.90; Ptrend &lt; 0.01]. We also found an inverse association between extreme quintiles of healthy plant foods and ER-negative breast cancer [HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61–0.88; Ptrend &lt; 0.01].

Conclusions:
This study provides evidence that adherence to a healthful plant-based diet may reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially those that are more likely to be aggressive tumors.

Impact:
This is the first prospective study investigating the relation between healthful and unhealthful plant-based dietary indices and risk of total and subtype-specific breast cancer.