bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of statistical interpolation methods suited for gridded rainfall datasets
Authors: Liu Yuexiao , Zhuo Lu , Pregnolato Maria , Han Dawei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAccurate spatial distribution information of rainfall is essential to rainfall‐induced hazard predictions and statistical interpolation methods may serve as a useful tool to produce a detailed distribution from coarse data sources. Although numerous comparison studies about different interpolation methods have been conducted on irregular rain‐gauge networks, there is a need to perform such work on the increasingly available gridded rainfall data. Carried out in the Emilia‐Romagna region (Italy) from 2008 to 2018, this study aims to examine accurate and appropriate interpolation methods to produce finer rainfall surface maps based on the 0.25° × 0.25° ERA5 gridded precipitation datasets. Five interpolation techniques, namely Thiessen polygons, Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Thin Plate Spline (TPS), Ordinary Kriging (OK) and ordinary Co‐Kriging (CoK), have been selected and compared at different time scales (annual, monthly and annual maximum daily precipitation). To assess the accuracy, the leave‐one‐out‐cross‐validation test was used by using the indexes of Bias, correlation coefficient, the Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency, Root Mean Square Error and the Kling‐Gupta Efficiency (KGE). Additionally, visual inspections are employed to evaluate the plausibility of the interpolated maps. Results show: (a) All five interpolation methods have certain capabilities to improve spatial resolution, but they fail on accuracy at the daily scale. The OK generally outperforms the other four methods, while TPS shows better performance through the visual inspection at the monthly scale; (b) Unlike in the case of the interpolation using conventional point‐based rain‐gauge data, the multivariate method CoK is inferior to the univariate ones and the p‐power of the IDW also differs and (c) Winter and spring results are better than those of summer and autumn. This study has provided useful guidance on choosing suitable rainfall interpolation methods for gridded datasets, which can be expanded in other regions and data sources to explore the generality of the conclusions.
Multivariate analysis of concurrent droughts and their effects on Kharif crops—A copula‐based approach
Authors: Muthuvel Dineshkumar , Amai Mahesha 
Published: September 2021

AbstractApart from creating an ecological imbalance, drought events could affect an agrarian country's economy and food security by reducing crop yields. The antecedent meteorological droughts could prolong into hydrological and (or) agricultural droughts and may co‐exist as concurrent droughts. The current study aims to comprehensively study Indian concurrent droughts, their effects on crop yield, and possible teleconnection with ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation), adopting a copula‐based multivariate approach. The copula functions can replicate the correlation among the variables and keep the dependence structure intact. The concurrent drought characteristics are computed using a multivariate standardized drought index that incorporates the three primary drought indices using the Gaussian copula. Some of the severe concurrent drought years such as 2002, 1987, 1972, and 1965 caused considerable yield losses in Kharif season crops of groundnut, millet, and rice. This prompts to construct quad‐variate models involving the crop yield and the three drought indices using the vine copulas that perform better than the elliptical and symmetric Archimedean copula. Though the isolated forms of droughts could cause mild yield losses, the probability of concurrent droughts causing high to exceptional losses is more. Further, the ENSO teleconnection with the concurrent monsoon droughts is analysed and mapped. The above‐normal warming of the Nino 3.4 region over the tropical Pacific during the months leading up to the monsoon could signal concurrent monsoon droughts in the areas under the Ganga‐Brahmaputra basin at a probability of around 45%. These results could be helpful in drought mitigation measures and policymaking.
Impact of Endometrial Thickness and Volume Compaction on the Live Birth Rate Following Fresh Embryo Transfer of In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Lam Mei T. , Li Hang W. R. , Ng Ernest H. Y. 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to compare the live birth rate following fresh embryo transfer (ET) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with or without endometrial compaction in thickness and volume between the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and the ET day.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of infertile women undergoing the first IVF cycle with fresh ET. A single operator performed all the ultrasound measurements for endometrial thickness and endometrial volume using three‐dimensional ultrasound. Endometrial compaction was calculated as the difference of the measurement between the hCG day and ET day. The predictive values of age of women, number of embryos transferred, and endometrial compaction in thickness and volume on live birth were studied.ResultsA total of 268 women who underwent the first IVF cycle with fresh ET between June 2005 and August 2006 were included in this retrospective analysis. Endometrial thickness was significantly higher on the ET day than the hCG day while endometrial volume was significantly smaller on the ET day than the hCG day. Women with a live birth were younger, had a higher serum estradiol level on the hCG day, and similar absolute or percentage change of endometrial thickness and volume when compared to those without a live birth.ConclusionEndometrial thickness and volume compaction was not a significant predictor of live birth in the multivariate logistic regression model. Endometrial thickness and volume compaction did not affect the live birth rate in the fresh IVF cycle.
Knockdown of long noncoding RNA growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 regulates forkhead box O3 to inhibit lipopolysaccharide‐induced human bronchial epithelial cell pyroptosis
Authors: Lv Ling‐Xia , Wen Mei , Lv Fei , Ji Tai‐Bing , Fu Hua‐Li , Man Ning 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPyroptosis is a novel proinflammatory programmed cell death process. This study was designed to investigate the functional mechanisms of long noncoding RNA growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (lncRNA GAS5) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) pyroptosis. LPS was used to induce pyroptosis in HBECs, followed by the detection of the expression of GAS5, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), and nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO‐1) signaling pathway‐related factors. Cell viability was evaluated using CCK‐8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was assessed by LDH assay kit and caspase‐1 activity by flow cytometry. Furthermore, expression of NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 and pyroptosis‐related proteins was evaluated using Western blot analysis, while enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of inflammatory factors. The interaction between GAS5 and FOXO3 was confirmed using bioinformatic prediction, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, RNA pull‐down, and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Treatment of HBECs with LPS upregulated the expression of GAS5 and FOXO3, resulting in the inactivation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway. On the other hand, inhibition of both GAS5 and FOXO3 promoted cell viability, reduced LDH release, pyroptosis, and inflammatory response in LPS‐induced HBECs. Furthermore, FOXO3 could interact with GAS5, while FOXO3 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of GAS5 knockdown on cell pyroptosis. Thus, mechanistically, inhibition of FOXO3 activates the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway to suppress LPS‐induced pyroptosis in HBECs. This study revealed that GAS5 knockdown attenuates FOXO3 expression thereby activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway to inhibit LPS‐induced pyroptosis in HBECs. These findings may contribute to identifying novel targets that inhibit pyroptosis in HBECs.
Quality of life after radiation and transoral robotic surgery in advanced oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Patel Ankur K. , Lyu Lingyun , Li Jinhong , Wasserman‐Wincko Tamara , Zandberg Dan P. , Clump David A. , Johnson Jonas T. , Nilsen Marci L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesOropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment results in impaired swallowing and quality of life (QOL). We analyzed a cross‐section of advanced stage OPSCC patients treated with multimodal therapies at our Survivorship Clinic to investigate treatment factors associated with QOL.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs) after primary OPSCC treatment using AJCC seventh edition staging.ResultsA total of 73 patients were included (90.1% human papillomavirus positive [HPV+]). There were no QOL differences between robotic surgery with radiation ± chemotherapy patients (n = 29) and those treated by radiation ± chemotherapy (n = 44). Radiation field analysis demonstrated significant correlations between increasing doses to larynx and contralateral parotid and submandibular gland and worse swallowing as measured by the Eating Assessment Tool‐10 (P = .02; P = .01; P = .01).ConclusionsIn advanced, mostly HPV+, OPSCC, we did not find clinically significant differences between QOL PROMs between surgical and radiation ± chemotherapy treatment groups. This highlights the need for continued therapy de‐escalation along with improved interventions for treatment related toxicities.Level of evidence4.
Early Survivorship After Liver Transplantation: A Qualitative Study Identifying Challenges in Recovery From the Patient and Caregiver Perspective
Authors: Lieber Sarah R. , Kim Hannah P. , Baldelli Luke , Nash Rebekah , Teal Randall , Magee Gabrielle , Desai Chirag S. , Loiselle Marci M. , Lee Simon C. , Singal Amit G. , Marrero Jorge A. , Barritt A. Sidney , Evon Donna M. 
Published: September 2021

Survivorship after liver transplantation (LT) is a novel concept providing a holistic view of the arduous recovery experienced after transplantation. We explored components of early survivorship including physical, emotional, and psychological challenges to identify intervention targets for improving the recovery process of LT recipients and caregivers. A total of 20 in‐person interviews were conducted among adults 3 to 6 months after LT. Trained qualitative research experts conducted interviews, coded, and analyzed transcripts to identify relevant themes and representative quotes. Early survivorship comprises overcoming (1) physical challenges, with the most challenging experiences involving mobility, driving, dietary modifications, and medication adherence, and (2) emotional and psychological challenges, including new health concerns, financial worries, body image/identity struggles, social isolation, dependency issues, and concerns about never returning to normal. Etiology of liver disease informed survivorship experiences including some patients with hepatocellular carcinoma expressing decisional regret or uncertainty in light of their post‐LT experiences. Important topics were identified that framed LT recovery including setting expectations about waitlist experiences, hospital recovery, and ongoing medication requirements. Early survivorship after LT within the first 6 months involves a wide array of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Patients and caregivers identified what they wish they had known prior to LT and strategies for recovery, which can inform targeted LT survivorship interventions.
Enzymatic and Chemical Approaches for Post‐Polymerization Modifications of Diene Rubbers: Current state and Perspectives
Authors: Soares Franciela Arenhart , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDiene rubbers are polymeric materials which present elastic properties and have double bonds in the macromolecular backbone after the polymerization process. Post‐polymerization modifications of rubbers can be conducted by enzymatic or chemical methods. Enzymes are environmentally friendly catalysts and with the increasing demand for rubber waste management, biodegradation and biomodifications have become hot topics of research. Some rubbers are renewable materials and are a source of organic molecules, and biodegradation can be conducted to obtain either oligomers or monomers. On the other hand, chemical modifications of rubbers by click‐chemistry are important strategies for the creation and combination of new materials. In a way to expand the scope of uses to other non‐traditional applications, several and effective modifications can be conducted with diene rubbers. Two groups of efficient tools, enzymatic, and chemical modifications in diene rubbers, are summarized in this review. By analyzing stereochemical and reactivity aspects, the authors also point to some applications perspectives for biodegradation products and to rational modifications of diene rubbers by combining both methodologies.
Liquid lead–bismuth eutectic embrittlement effect on the tensile properties of T91 steel at 350°C
Authors: Liu Jing , Xiao Zunqi , Jiang Zhizhong , Luo Lin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe effects of pre‐exposure and surface notch on the tensile properties of T91 steel in oxygen saturation lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) have been investigated by slow strain rate tensile tests at 350°C with a strain rate of 1 × 10−5 s−1, and the reference tests were performed in Ar gas. The pre‐exposure was conducted in liquid LBE at 500°C with an oxygen concentration of 10−8 wt% for 500 h. It is shown that the tensile properties of the nonpre‐exposed specimens whether with or without a notch were not affected by LBE, but obvious liquid metal embrittlement (LME) was observed on the pre‐exposure specimens. After being pre‐exposed, the notched one was more prone to liquid LBE embrittlement compared to the unnotched specimen. Morphology similar to fatigue striations was observed on the fracture surface of the notched specimen with pre‐exposure, which was probably attributed to the rapid growth of the crack. The results revealed that pre‐exposure had a critical effect on LME, and surface notch intensified this phenomenon when pre‐exposure was present.
Improved Size Uniformity of Microcapillaries in Microcapillary Films by Separate Gas Injection
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Liu Cong , Zhao Jianxiang , Bi Mingcheng , Xu Zhongbin , Huang Xing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMicrocapillary films (MCFs) are microextrusion‐processed plastic films containing an array of parallel microcapillaries, and have been widely utilized as microfluidic platforms. However, the nonuniform size distribution within a single MCF strip limits the application of MCFs in monodisperse droplet generation. In this paper, the mechanisms that lead to uneven microcapillary dimensions in conventional MCFs whose gas pressures in all channels are the same is first clarified. The effect of gas pressure in a single channel on the microcapillary dimensions in the film is then studied. Finally, the size uniformity of the microcapillaries is improved by separate gas injection in different channels, providing new possibilities for the generation of highly monodisperse microdroplets.
On the multicomponent weakly interacted generalized (3 + 1)‐dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: An Ling , Li Chuanzhong 
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we study a multicomponent weakly interacted generalized (3 + 1)‐dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation (MWIGKP) from which we can get many different types of equations by choosing different coefficients. Then, we deduce the Bäcklund transformation and Hirota bilinear equations of the equation. Finally, taking the two‐component case as an example, we solve the soliton solutions and the rogue wave solutions in detail. By considering the figures of the weakly coupled rogue wave solutions, we can see that the figure corresponding to first component u is eye shaped, while the figure corresponding to the second component
is butterfly shaped.
Is there an association between parity and urinary incontinence in women during pregnancy and the first year postpartum?: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wuytack Francesca , Moran Patrick , Daly Deirdre , Begley Cecily 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsTo systematically review the literature on possible associations between parity and urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and in the first year postpartum.MethodsWe searched the databases Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, MIDIRS, ClinicalTrials.gov (inception‐18 April 2020). One reviewer screened all titles. Two reviewers independently selected studies by abstract and full text. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Findings were synthesised in meta‐analysis or narratively. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group approach adopted for prognostic studies.ResultsWe identified 16 643 records and 39 were included. Thirty studies examined UI during pregnancy and 12 examined UI postpartum. Multiparity was associated with UI at any point in the last pregnancy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.59 [1.26–2.00], 5 studies, 1565 participants) and in the third trimester when measured by ICIQ‐SF (OR: 2.67 [1.53–4.67], 4 studies, 1150 participants), but not when studies measured the UI point prevalence (OR: 2.48 [0.91–6.79], 4 studies, 52 976 participants), or if they measured the prevalence at one point in any trimester (OR: 1.09 (0.60–1.95), 3 studies, 872 participants). At 3 months postpartum, UI was associated with multiparity (OR: 2.03 [1.35–3.06], 4 studies, 6781 participants).ConclusionsIncreased parity was associated with UI in the first year postpartum, but studies on UI during pregnancy had conflicting results. The evidence was (very) uncertain. Future studies should use comparable definitions and further explore UI sub‐types.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor predominantly regulates the expression of synapse‐related genes in the striatum: Insights from in vitro transcriptomics
Authors: Koshimizu Hisatsugu , Matsuoka Hidetada , Nakajima Yoshihiro , Kawai Anna , Ono Junichiro , Ohta Ken‐ichi , Miki Takanori , Sunagawa Masataka , Adachi Naoki , Suzuki Shingo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimThe striatum, a main component of the basal ganglia, is a critical part of the motor and reward systems of the brain. It consists of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons and receives projections of dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurons from other brain regions. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays multiple roles in the central nervous system, and striatal BDNF has been suggested to be involved in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the transcriptomic impact of BDNF on the striatum remains largely unknown. In the present study, we performed transcriptomic profiling of striatal cells stimulated with BDNF to identify enriched gene sets (GSs) and their novel target genes in vitro.MethodsWe carried out RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) of messenger RNA extracted from primary dissociated cultures of rat striatum stimulated with BDNF and conducted Generally Applicable Gene‐set Enrichment (GAGE) analysis on 10599 genes. Significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined by differential expression analysis for sequence count data 2 (DESeq2).ResultsGAGE analysis identified significantly enriched GSs that included GSs related to regulation and dysregulation of synaptic functions, such as synaptic vesicle cycle and addiction to nicotine and morphine, respectively. It also detected GSs related to various types of synapses, including not only GABAergic and cholinergic synapses but also dopaminergic and glutamatergic synapses. DESeq2 revealed 72 significant DEGs, among which the highest significance was observed in the apolipoprotein L domain containing 1 (Apold1).ConclusionsThe present study indicates that BDNF predominantly regulates the expression of synaptic‐function‐related genes and that BDNF promotes synaptogenesis in various subtypes of neurons in the developing striatum. Apold1 may represent a unique target gene of BDNF in the striatum.
The effect of expanded graphite/clay nanoparticles on thermal, rheological, and fire‐retardant properties of poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: Mokhena Teboho Clement , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Mochane Mokgaotsa Jonas , Motaung Tshwafo Elias 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, the effect of clay nanoparticles on the flame retardancy, thermal stability, thermal degradation kinetics and rheological properties of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/expanded graphite (EG) composites were investigated. The composites were prepared by melt blending, followed by melt compression. The results indicated that the presence of clay, improved the dispersion of the EG, as confirmed by exhibited significant increases in the rheological properties (storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″) and complex viscosity (η)) when compared to the pristine PBS. The presence of Cloisite 15 A organoclay, however, decreased the overall thermal stability of the composite material, due to its catalytic effect. The degradation kinetics revealed that the presence of EG can impede the clay's catalytic effect on the degradation process of PBS. Based on the comparison between PBS and PBS/EG composites, the flame retardancy improved after the addition of clay due to formation of char, which acted as barrier layer against heat, oxygen, and flammable gases.
Conductive, sensing stable and mechanical robust silicone rubber composites for large‐strain sensors
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Liu Xiaoyan , Feng Huadong , Wang Chao , Rong Qinfeng , Liu Mingjie 
Published: September 2021

AbstractConductive polymer composites (CPCs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have exhibited desirable sensing capacities to external stimuli. In this study, it is found that poor dispersion of single‐wall CNTs gives rise to low mechanical strength and unsteady responsive signal outputs of CPCs as strain sensing materials. With attempt to solve this problem, we prepare the conductive silicone rubber composites with hybrid CNT masterbatch and carbon black (CB) fillers (CNT/CB composites) by drying mixing method. Hybrid CBs separate and loosen the entanglement of CNTs in CNT/CB composites which forms more conductive paths and better dispersion of CNTs than those only with single CNTs (CNT‐composites). CNT/CB composite achieves a good conductivity, sufficient mechanical strength and high elasticity. In contrast with CNT‐composite, its reproducibility of resistance responsivity was remarkably improved at strain cycles, which display stable sensing properties for mechanically strain sensor applications. Importantly, CNT/CB composites show outdoor usage robustness, including excellent salt‐spray resistance, hot‐humidity stability and a wide operation temperature range of −40 to +50°C. It is believed that our work offers a simple approach to fabricate stable and flexible strain sensing materials, which is useful for sensor products.