bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower seroprevalence for SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies among kidney transplant recipients compared to the general population in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Cristelli Marina P. , Viana Laila A. , Fortaleza Carlos M. , Granato Celso , Nakamura Monica R. , Santos Daniel W.C.L. , Foresto Renato Demarchi , Tedesco‐Silva Helio , Medina‐Pestana Jose 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplant recipients have higher COVID‐19 associated mortality compared to the general population. However, as only symptomatic patients seek medical attention, the current level of exposure, the main sources of acquisition, and the behavior of humoral immunity over time are poorly understood.MethodsThis cross‐sectional prospective single‐center study recruited kidney transplant recipients of any age living in Sao Paulo. A sample size of 401 patients was calculated considering the 17.2% seroprevalence in the municipality population from a published survey, a 95% confidence interval and an absolute error of 2%.ResultsOf the 2636 eligible patients, 416 were included. The seroprevalence for IgG anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 was 8.2%. Seroconversion rate decreased with increasing age, from 15.7% (18–35 years) to 8.3% (36–60 years) and 4.2% (>60 years, p = 0.042). Seropositivity among previously confirmed COVID‐19 patients was 68.4%, followed by 9.4% in those with flu‐like symptoms and only 4.6% among asymptomatic patients (p < 0.0001). Seroprevalence was significantly higher among patients reporting household contact (p = 0.018). Twenty‐seven from the 34 IgG+ patients had a second test after 59 (IQR 50–63) days, and, in 33%, the IgG index became below the positivity threshold.ConclusionsIn this cohort of kidney transplant recipients, the seroprevalence for IgG anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 was lower than that of the general population, decreased with ageing, and was associated with household contacts. In a considerable proportion of the patients, there was a significant decay in the IgG levels in a short period of time. Therefore, preventive strategies, such as prioritization for vaccination, should be urgently considered.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki 
Published: July 2021

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 4 Albert Henry Ntarmah, Jiangsu University, GhanaFahri ÖZSUNGUR, Adana Science and Technology University, TurkeyHichem Maraghni, University of Taibah, TunisiaIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineOlena Sokolovska, St. Petersburg State University, RussiaRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Application of Advanced RANS Turbulence Models for the Prediction of Turbomachinery Flows
Authors: Casartelli Ernesto , Mangani Luca , Roos Launchbury David , Del Rio Armando 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe current trend in turbomachinery toward broader operating characteristics requires that operating points in the off-design region can be captured accordingly from the simulation models. Complex processes like separation and vortex formation/dissipation occur under these conditions. Linear two equation models are often not able to represent these effects correctly since their derivation is based on oversimplifications, such as the Boussinesq hypothesis, which makes it impossible to capture anisotropic turbulence. Advanced RANS models are usually not considered in the design process of turbomachines because (1) they are usually more delicate with regards to stability and convergence behavior and (2) require additional computational effort. To make the usage of advanced RANS models more applicable for complex turbomachinery simulations, a selected group of models were implemented into a robust framework of a pressure-based fully coupled solver. To further enhance stability, coupling terms between the turbulent transport equations were derived for several models. Anisotropic turbulence is introduced by computing an algebraic expression or by solving the transport equations for the Reynolds stress components. The evaluation of the models is performed on the RWTH Aachen “Radiver” centrifugal compressor case with vaned diffuser. For design conditions and operation points near the stability limit, all investigated turbulence models predict the compressor characteristic. Operation points in the choking region, on the other hand, are only predicted well by anisotropic models. The good results and improved convergence behavior of the advanced RANS models clearly indicates their applicability in the design process of turbomachines.
A Comparison Between Organic Rankine Cycle and Supercritical CO2 Bottoming Cycles for Energy Recovery From Industrial Gas Turbines Exhaust Gas
Authors: Ancona Alessandra Maria , Bianchi Michele , Branchini Lisa , De Pascale Andrea , Melino Francesco , Peretto Antonio , Torricelli Noemi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Gas turbines are often employed in the industrial field, especially for remote generation, typically required by oil and gas production and transport facilities. The huge amount of discharged heat could be profitably recovered in bottoming cycles, producing electric power to help satisfying the onerous on-site energy demand. The present work aims at systematically evaluating thermodynamic performance of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and supercritical CO2 energy systems as bottomer cycles of different small/medium size industrial gas turbine models, with different power rating. The thermoflex software, providing the GT PRO gas turbine library, has been used to model the machines performance. ORC and CO2 systems specifics have been chosen in line with industrial products, experience and technological limits. In the case of pure electric production, the results highlight that the ORC configuration shows the highest plant net electric efficiency. The average increment in the overall net electric efficiency is promising for both the configurations (7 and 11 percentage points, respectively, if considering supercritical CO2 or ORC as bottoming solution). Concerning the cogenerative performance, the CO2 system exhibits at the same time higher electric efficiency and thermal efficiency, if compared to ORC system, being equal the installed topper gas turbine model. The ORC scarce performance is due to the high condensing pressure, imposed by the temperature required by the thermal user. CO2 configuration presents instead very good cogenerative performance with thermal efficiency comprehended between 35% and 46% and the primary energy saving (PES) value range between 10% and 22%. Finally, analyzing the relationship between capital cost and components size, it is estimated that the ORC configuration could introduce an economical saving with respect to the CO2 configuration.
On the Performance of Wavy Dry Friction and Piezoelectric Hybrid Flexible Dampers
Authors: Wu Y. G. , Fan Y. , Li L. , Zhao Z. M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a flexible dry friction plate to mitigate the vibration of thin-walled structures for one resonance crossing. Based on a cantilever beam–friction damper finite element model, the geometry and material parameters of the friction plate are optimized numerically through steady-state response analyses by the widely used multiharmonic balance method (MHBM). In order to further improve the damping effect, piezoelectric material is distributed to the flexible damper, and two types of dry friction and piezoelectric hybrid dampers are explored, namely, semi-active and passive, respectively. For semi-active hybrid dampers, piezoelectric material is used as an actuator to adjust the normal load applied to the friction interface in real-time, so that the friction damping is improved. For passive ones, piezoelectric material is used as a transducer, which dissipates the strain energy stored in the wavy plate by the shunting circuit, additional shunted piezoelectric damping contributes to the total output damping accordingly. Better damping effect compared with the friction baseline is realized for the two types ideally. This damping module has a simple structure and avoids the problem of installation and maintenance of piezoelectric material which is generally bonded to the host structure. Technical challenges are the semi-active type requires excessive voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator, while the passive one needs to connect a programable synthetic circuit.
Factors associated with engagement and adherence to a low-energy diet to promote 10% weight loss in patients with clinically significant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Scragg Jadine , Hallsworth Kate , Taylor Guy , Cassidy Sophie , Haigh Laura , Boyle Marie , Anstee Quentin , McPherson Stuart , Avery Leah 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveClinical guidelines recommend weight loss to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the majority of patients find weight loss a significant challenge. We identified factors associated with engagement and adherence to a low-energy diet (LED) as a treatment option for NAFLD.Design23 patients with NAFLD enrolled in a LED (~800 kcal/day) were individually interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed.Results14/23 patients achieved ≥10% weight loss, 18/23 achieved ≥7% weight loss and 19/23 achieved ≥5% weight loss. Six themes were generated from the data. A desire to achieve rapid weight loss to improve liver health and prevent disease progression was the most salient facilitator to engagement. Early and significant weight loss, accountability to clinicians and regular appointments with personalised feedback were facilitators to engagement and adherence. The desire to receive positive reinforcement from a consultant was a frequently reported facilitator to adherence. Practical and emotional support from friends and family members was critically important outside of the clinical setting. Irregular working patterns preventing attendance at appointments was a barrier to adherence and completion of the intervention.ConclusionsEngagement and adherence to a LED in patients with NAFLD were encouraged by early and rapid weight loss, personalised feedback and positive reinforcement in the clinical setting combined with ongoing support from friends and family members. Findings support those identified in patients who completed a LED to achieve type 2 diabetes remission and highlight the importance of behaviour change support during the early stages of a LED to promote adherence.
Suitability for e-health of non-pharmacological interventions in connective tissue diseases: scoping review with a descriptive analysis
Authors: Ritschl Valentin , Ferreira Ricardo J O , Santos Eduardo José Ferreira , Fernandes Rúben , Juutila Essi , Mosor Erika , Santos-Costa Paulo , Fligelstone Kim , Schraven Linda , Stummvoll Georg , Salvador Maria , Poole Janet L , van den Ende Cornelia , Boström Carina , Stamm Tanja A 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveNon-pharmacological interventions support patients with connective tissue diseases to better cope with and self-manage their diseases. This study aimed to map existing evidence on non-pharmacological interventions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and mixed connective tissue diseases regarding content, feasibility and potential suitability in an e-health setting.MethodsA literature search was performed in eight different databases in July 2020. The intervention’s content was extracted using the ‘Better reporting of interventions: template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide’. A Sankey diagram and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and illustrate the relationships between the interventions.ResultsOf 8198 identified records, 119 papers were eligible. One hundred and four of them (87.4%) were conducted between 2000 and 2020, mainly in the USA (SLE n=24 (21.2%), SSc n=16 (14.2%)), Brazil (SLE n=8 (7.1%), SSc n=5 (4.4%)) and Italy (SLE n=0 (0%), SSc n=12 (10.6%)). Fifty-two studies (SLE n=24 (21.2%), SSc n=28 (24.8%)) used multicomponent interventions. The single interventions were physical exercises (SLE n=16 (14.2%), SSc n=17 (15.0%)), coaching/counselling (SLE n=11 (18.0%), SSc n=0 (0%)) and education (SLE n=2 (1.8%), SSc n=3 (2.7%)). Primary outcomes focused on physical function (SLE n=1 (0.9%), SSc n=15 (13.3%)), mouth opening in SSc (n=4 (5.9%)) and physical capacity (SLE n=2 (1.8%), SSc n=1 (0.9%)). No interventions for mixed connective tissue disease were found.ConclusionThere was a great variety in the intervention’s content due to differences in body structure, activity limitations and participation restrictions in SLE and SSc. These results highlight the need for personalised, multicomponent, non-pharmacological interventions, which could be delivered as e-health interventions.
Chronic critical illness after hypothermia in trauma patients
Authors: Miranda David , Maine Rebecca , Cook Mackenzie , Brakenridge Scott , Moldawer Lyle , Arbabi Saman , O'Keefe Grant , Robinson Bryce , Bulger Eileen M , Maier Ronald , Cuschieri Joseph 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesChronic critical illness (CCI) is a phenotype that occurs frequently in patients with severe injury. Previous work has suggested that inflammatory changes leading to CCI occur early following injury. However, the modifiable factors associated with CCI are unknown. We hypothesized that hypothermia, an early modifiable factor, is associated with CCI.MethodsTo determine the association of hypothermia and CCI, a secondary analysis of the Inflammation and Host Response to Injury database was performed, and subsequently validated on a similar cohort of patients from a single level 1 trauma center from January 2015 to December 2019. Hypothermia was defined as initial body temperature ≤34.5°C. CCI was defined as death or sustained multiorgan failure ≥14 days after injury. Data were analyzed using univariable analyses with Student’s t-test and Pearson’s χ2test, and logistic regression. An arrayed genomic analysis of the transcriptome of circulating immune cells was performed in these patients.ResultsOf the initial 1675 patients, 254 had hypothermia and 1421 did not. On univariable analysis, 120/254 (47.2%) of patients with hypothermia had CCI, compared with 520/1421 (36.6%) without hypothermia who had CCI, p<0.001. On multivariable logistic regression, hypothermia was independently associated with CCI, OR 1.61 (95% CI 1.17 to 2.21) but not mortality. Subsequent validation in 1264 patients of which 172 (13.6%) were hypothermic, verified that hypothermia was independently associated with CCI on multivariable logistic regression, OR 1.84 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.41). Transcriptomic analysis in hypothermic and non-hypothermic patients revealed unique cellular-specific genomic changes to only circulating monocytes, without any distinct effect on neutrophils or lymphocytes.ConclusionsHypothermia is associated with the development of CCI in severely injured patients. There are transcriptomic changes which indicate that the changes induced by hypothermia may be associated with persistent CCI. Thus, early reversal of hypothermia following injury may prevent the CCI.Level of evidenceIII.
Summer fruitlet thinning enhanced quality attributes of Ambrosia™ apple at harvest and after 4 months of cold air storage
Authors: Lu Changwen , Xu Hao 
Published: July 2021

Summer fruitlet thinning is implemented as a routine orchard practice to produce apple fruits with good quality. However, its impacts on the dynamics of fruit quality metrics during the growing season and in the postharvest storage, remain unclear. In this study, summer hand thinning on fruitlets of Ambrosia™ apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) was conducted on two dwarfing rootstocks, Malling 9 (M.9) and Budagovsky (B.9), in an organic orchard and a conventional orchard under the semi-arid climate in Similkameen Valley, BC. Adequate thinning [(AT) in which 70% of fruitlets were removed] and light thinning [(LT) in which 30% of fruitlets were removed] were implemented in randomized plots in 8 wk after full bloom. Fruit development and dry matter content (DMC) were then monitored during the growing season; fruit quality was subsequently evaluated at harvest and after 4 mo of air storage at 0.5 °C. Relative to LT, AT enhanced fruit quality attributes in DMC, surface blush coverage and intensity, and soluble solids content (SSC) at harvest. The apples with higher DMC under AT also possessed higher compositional quality and lower incidences of fruit disorder in the postharvest stage. This study suggests that summer fruitlet thinning of Ambrosia apples can have significant impacts on fruit composition during subsequent on-tree fruit development, on the onset of ripening and eventually on the retention of quality and minimization of disorders over 4 mo of cold air storage. This effect is found for organic orchard (OG) and conventional orchard (CV) production systems and with both dwarfing rootstocks.
About this title - Seismic Characterization of Carbonate Platforms and Reservoirs
Authors: Hendry J. , Burgess P. , Hunt D. , Janson X. , Zampetti V. 
Published: July 2021

Modern seismic data have become an essential toolkit for studying carbonate platforms and reservoirs in impressive detail. Whilst driven primarily by oil and gas exploration and development, data sharing and collaboration are delivering fundamental geological knowledge on carbonate systems, revealing platform geomorphologies and how their evolution on millennial time scales, as well as kilometric length scales, was forced by long-term eustatic, oceanographic or tectonic factors. Quantitative interrogation of modern seismic attributes in carbonate reservoirs permits flow units and barriers arising from depositional and diagenetic processes to be imaged and extrapolated between wells.
This volume reviews the variety of carbonate platform and reservoir characteristics that can be interpreted from modern seismic data, illustrating the benefits of creative interaction between geophysical and carbonate geological experts at all stages of a seismic campaign. Papers cover carbonate exploration, including the uniquely challenging South Atlantic pre-salt reservoirs, seismic modelling of carbonates, and seismic indicators of fluid flow and diagenesis.
From Lustre to Simulink
Authors: Bourbouh Hamza , Garoche Pierre-Loïc , Garion Christophe , Thirioux Xavier 
Published: July 2021

Model-based design is now unavoidable when building embedded systems and, more specifically, controllers. Among the available model languages, the synchronous dataflow paradigm, as implemented in languages such as MATLAB Simulink or ANSYS SCADE, has become predominant in critical embedded system industries. Both of these frameworks are used to design the controller itself but also provide code generation means, enabling faster deployment to target and easier V&V activities performed earlier in the design process, at the model level. Synchronous models also ease the definition of formal specification through the use of synchronous observers, attaching requirements to the model in the very same language, mastered by engineers and tooled with simulation means or code generation.
However, few works address the automatic synthesis of MATLAB Simulink annotations from lower-level models or code. This article presents a compilation process from Lustre models to genuine MATLAB Simulink, without the need to rely on external C functions or MATLAB functions. This translation is based on the modular compilation of Lustre to imperative code and preserves the hierarchy of the input Lustre model within the generated Simulink one. We implemented the approach and used it to validate a compilation toolchain, mapping Simulink to Lustre and then C, thanks to equivalence testing and checking. This backward compilation from Lustre to Simulink also provides the ability to produce automatically Simulink components modeling specification, proof arguments, or test cases coverage criteria.
GEN-1 in Combination with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients with Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Phase I Dose-escalation Study
Authors: Thaker Premal H. , Bradley William H. , Leath Charles A. , Gunderson Jackson Camille , Borys Nicholas , Anwer Khursheed , Musso Lauren , Matsuzaki Junko , Bshara Wiam , Odunsi Kunle , Alvarez Ronald D. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
GEN-1 (phIL-12-005/PPC), an IL12 plasmid formulated with polyethyleneglycol-polyethyleneimine cholesterol lipopolymer, has preclinical activity when combined with platinum-taxane intravenous chemotherapy and administered intraperitoneally in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) models. OVATION I was a multicenter, nonrandomized, open-label phase IB trial to evaluate the safety, preliminary antitumor activity, and immunologic response to GEN-1 in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) carboplatin-paclitaxel in patients with advanced EOC.

Patients and Methods:
A total of 18 patients with newly diagnosed stage IIIC and IV EOC were enrolled. A standard 3+3 dose-escalation design tested four GEN-1 doses (36, 47, 61, 79 mg/m2) to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). GEN-1 was administered in eight weekly intraperitoneal infusions starting at cycle 1 week 2 in combination with three 21-day cycles of NACT carboplatin AUC 6 and weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2.

Results:
The most common treatment-emergent adverse events at least possibly related were nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain/cramping, anorexia, diarrhea, and vomiting. Eight patients experience grade 4 neutropenia attributed to NACT. No DLTs occurred. A total of 14 patients were evaluable for response and 12 (85.7%) had radiological response (two complete response and 10 partial response) prior to debulking; nine were R0 at debulking and one patient had complete pathologic response. IL12 and its downstream cytokine, IFNγ, increased in peritoneal washings but not as much in blood. Increased levels of myeloid dendritic cells and T-effector memory cells in peritoneal fluid, plus elevated CD8+ T cells and reduced immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment were found. A median time to treatment failure of 18.4 months (95% confidence interval, 9.2–24.5) was observed in the intention-to-treat population.

Conclusions:
Adding GEN-1 to standard NACT is safe, appears active, and has an impact on the tumor microenvironment.