bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding of the Role of Carbon Fiber Paper in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Sun Xiuyu , Wang Zhenwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Carbon fiber paper (CFP) is currently the main product of the macroporous substrate (MPS) for the gas diffusion layer (GDL) of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The optimization of certain mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, air conduction, and mass transfer capabilities together with matched interaction can improve the core competitiveness of CFP. The artical conducts a detailed theoretical analysis of these conducting processes and principles based on CFP's main functions mentioned above. Thinner CFP with a wider pore channel brings about better mass permeability but unsatisfactory mechanical property. Thicker CFP with higher porosity and rougher surface results in worse electrical and thermal conductivity. Meanwhile, the temperature, pressure, time, and other fabrication parameters of CFP are also discussed. With so many contradictories, how to make a balance for real PEMFCs operation and reduce the cost would be a practical strategy for the optimization of CFP in the future.
Reservoir and Wellbore Flow Coupling Model for Fishbone Multilateral Wells in Bottom Water Drive Reservoirs
Authors: Yue Ping , Zhou Jiantang , Kang Li Xia , Liu Ping , Chunsheng Jia , Chen Xiaofan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNowadays, different types of complex production wells are applied in challenging reservoirs in order to maximize oil recovery. A representative application is the fishbone multilateral horizontal wells, which have advantages of expanding the drainage area information and reducing the pressure loss in the long single lateral wellbore. This paper investigated the performance of fishbone wells and derived a wellbore and reservoir flow coupling model for fishbone multilateral wells in the bottom water reservoirs. The new model considered plenty of parameters that may have significant impacts on productivity and pressure drop in the well, including the fishbone structure, the main and branch wellbores’ length, the spacing distance of the branch wellbores, wellbore radius, and preformation parameters. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis example by the numerical method is presented in this paper. Compared with other models, our coupling model, when it is degraded to horizontal well, is more consistent with the results of actual field situation. In another comparative analysis, the results of the new model with branches show a good match with the numerical simulation results by software. The proposed method in this paper can be used as a valuable tool to analyze the productivity, wellbore inflow profile, and pressure profile of the fishbone multilateral wells in the bottom water reservoir.
The Effect of Counterweight Mass and Line Stiffness on the Global Dynamic Performance of a Hanging-Mass Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Ward Jacob C. , Goupee Andrew J. , Viselli Anthony M. , Dagher Habib J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Innovative floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) platforms that deviate from the conventional semi-submersible, spar, and tension leg platforms (TLP) have become increasingly common due to the need to tap into the high wind energy potential located in deeper waters. One example is the hanging-mass concept, in which a suspended counterweight stabilizes a positively buoyant floater. This work presents a two-dimensional, nonlinear, multi-body model used to assess the influence of the counterweight mass and the suspension line stiffness on the system’s global performance, using linear stability analysis and time-domain simulations to conduct a parametric study. For example, the counterweight mass has a strong influence on the amplitude of rotational degrees-of-freedom. Corresponding natural periods may occur within the linear wave energy range for suitable counterweight sizes due to this strong influence leading to undesirable motions. High-frequency multi-body modes are also dependent on both the line stiffness and counterweight mass, which may result in high relative motion amplitudes and slack lines in certain conditions. Finally, the parametric study results contribute to preliminary hanging-mass FOWT design recommendations.
Biomarker-assessed passive smoking in relation to cause-specific mortality: pooled data from 12 prospective cohort studies comprising 36 584 individuals
Authors: Kvaavik Elisabeth , Tverdal Aage , Batty G David 
Published: February 2021

AimsWhile investigators have typically quantified the health risk of passive (secondhand) smoking by using self-reported data, these are liable to measurement error. By pooling data across studies, we examined the prospective relation of a biochemical assessment of passive smoking, salivary cotinine, with mortality from a range of causes.MethodsWe combined data from 12 cohort studies from England and Scotland initiated between 1998 and 2008. A total of 36 584 men and women aged 16–85 years of age reported that they were non-smoking at baseline, provided baseline salivary cotinine and consented to mortality record linkage.ResultsA mean of 8.1 years of mortality follow-up of 36 584 non-smokers (16 792 men and 19 792 women) gave rise to 2367 deaths (775 from cardiovascular disease, 779 from all cancers and 289 from smoking-related cancers). After controlling for a range of covariates, a 10 ng/mL increase in salivary cotinine was related to an elevated risk of total (HRs; 95% CI) (1.46; 1.16 to 1.83), cardiovascular disease (1.41; 0.96 to 2.09), cancer (1.49; 1.00 to 2.22) and smoking-related cancer mortality (2.92; 1.77 to 4.83).ConclusionsAssessed biomedically, passive smoking was a risk factor for a range of health outcomes known to be causally linked to active smoking.
Line managers’ hiring intentions regarding people with mental health problems: a cross-sectional study on workplace stigma
Authors: Janssens Kim M E , van Weeghel Jaap , Dewa Carolyn , Henderson Claire , Mathijssen Jolanda J. P. , Joosen Margot C W , Brouwers Evelien P M 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesStigma may negatively affect line managers’ intention to hire people with mental health problems (MHP). This study aims to evaluate line managers’ knowledge and attitudes concerning job applicants with MHP, and to assess which factors are associated with the intention (not) to hire an applicant with MHP.MethodsA sample of Dutch line managers (N=670) filled out a questionnaire on their knowledge, attitudes and experiences concerning applicants/employees with MHP. Descriptive analyses and multiple regression analyses were used.ResultsThe majority (64%) was reluctant to hire a job applicant with MHP, despite the fact that only 7% had negative and 52% had positive personal experiences with such employees. Thirty per cent were reluctant to hire an applicant if they knew the applicant had past MHP. Associated with higher reluctance to hire an applicant with MHP were the concerns that it will lead to long-term sickness absence (β (95% CI)=0.39 (0.23 to 0.55)), that the employee cannot handle the work (β (95% CI)=0.16 (0.00 to 0.33)) that one cannot count on the employee (β (95% CI)=0.41 (0.23 to 0.58)) and higher manager education level (β (95% CI)=0.25 (0.05 to 0.44)). Conversely, associated with positive hiring intentions was being in favour of diversity and/or inclusive enterprise (β(95% CI)=−0.64 (−0.87 to −0.41)).ConclusionsAs the majority of managers were reluctant to hire applicants with MHP, and even 30% were reluctant to hire applicants who had past MHP, these findings have major implications for social inclusion in the Netherlands, where about 75% of employees would disclose MHP at work.
The Effect of Vertical Relationships on Investment Timing
Authors: Zormpas Dimitrios , Agliardi Rossella 
Published: February 2021

Billette de Villemeur et al. [Billette de Villemeur, E., Ruble, R. and Versaevel, B. [2014] Investment timing and vertical relationships, Int. J. Industrial Organization 33, 110–123] discuss the case of a firm undertaking a project in order to serve an uncertain demand. They show that when the investor requires an outside supplier with market power to provide it with a discrete input the investment occurs too late from an industry stand point. In this paper, we extend their work assuming that the input production cost is also uncertain. We show that upstream market power results in dynamic inefficiency also in our framework. We also demonstrate how this inefficiency is affected by the correlation between the two stochastic terms.
Ultrasonographic Measurement of the Median Nerve Transverse Diameter at the Wrist for Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Sonofuchi Kazuaki , Hatta Taku , Goto Hitoshi 
Published: February 2021

Background: Ultrasonographically measuring the median nerve cross-sectional area (MN-CSA) is a useful and complementary method for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study investigated the usefulness of the median nerve transverse diameter (MN-TD) as a simpler and easier technique than MN-CSA for diagnosing CTS severity. Methods: We examined 145 hands from 101 patients with CTS and 114 age- and gender-matched control hands. Based on the electrodiagnostic findings, the severity of CTS was divided into minimal, mild, moderate, severe and extreme. An ultrasonographic assessment of MN-TD and MN-CSA was performed to measure the maximal values around the carpal tunnel inlet level. The values were assessed for comparisons between the CTS and control groups and for the evaluation of differences by CTS severity. Results: The ultrasonographic measurements of MN-TD and MN-CSA were significantly increased in the CTS group compared to the normal group. Furthermore, both measurements significantly increased with increasing CTS severity. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that participants with MN-TD > 7.2 mm had CTS with 88% specificity and 74% sensitivity, and those with MN-CSA > 12.0 mm2 had CTS with 86% specificity and 84% sensitivity. Conclusions: Ultrasonographic measurement for MN-TD may be useful for diagnosing CTS patients and predicting the severity.
Esophageal Cancer in Tanzania: A Welcome Stimulus in Primary Prevention Research
Authors: McCormack Valerie , Kaimila Bongani , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Schüz Joachim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this issue, Mmbaga and colleagues present results of a case–control study to investigate environmental and lifestyle risk factors for esophageal cancer in Tanzania, East Africa. The results contribute to the early stage of a growing evidence base aimed to inform primary prevention of a major poor prognosis cancer in East Africa. In this commentary, we first discuss considerations needed to evaluate causality of associations, a feature needed for primary prevention. There is a need for further studies across the African esophageal cancer corridor, for more refined exposure assessment and a careful consideration of potential epidemiologic biases within study designs for real-life situations in the setting. This study also forms a prime example of the broader research needs for cancer in low- and middle-income countries and in Sub-Saharan Africa, a setting with distinct and underresearched cancers and exposure patterns. While this etiologic research is challenging, it is an essential component of the ground-shot approach to global health research needed to inform primary prevention.
See related article by Mmbaga et al., p. 305
Alterations in BAP1 Are Associated with Cisplatin Resistance through Inhibition of Apoptosis in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Oehl Kathrin , Vrugt Bart , Wagner Ulrich , Kirschner Michaela B. , Meerang Mayura , Weder Walter , Felley-Bosco Emanuela , Wollscheid Bernd , Bankov Katrin , Demes Melanie C. , Opitz Isabelle , Wild Peter J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
The clinical standard treatment for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) includes a cisplatin-based chemotherapy, leading to reduction of tumor size in only a minority of patients. Predicting response to chemotherapy in patients with MPM by using a genetic marker would, therefore, enable patient stratification.

Experimental Design:
In this retrospective biomarker study, eligible patients had resectable MPM, measurable disease, and available primary MPM tissue. All patients underwent first-line treatment with cisplatin and pemetrexed, followed by surgery. Thorough molecular analysis was performed (whole-exome and targeted deep sequencing, and copy-number analyses), and also mechanistic in vitro data (viability assays, Western blots, and immunoprecipitation) using mesothelioma cell lines with and without siRNA-mediated BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) knockdown were provided.

Results:
In a training cohort of patients with MPM (n = 28), mutations or deletions of BAP1 each predicted resistance to chemotherapy in patients with primary MPM. The negative predictive value of BAP1 loss in patients with MPM was confirmed by amplicon sequencing and copy-number array technology in an independent test cohort (n = 39). Preliminary mechanistic studies using siRNA-based knockdown of BAP1 in MPM cell culture models along with immunoprecipitation assays confirmed chemoresistance in vitro, possibly through inhibition of apoptosis and transcriptional regulation of the BAP1/HCF1/E2F1 axis.

Conclusions:
Alterations in BAP1 in MPM were a negative predictor for response to chemotherapy and could possibly be used as a companion biomarker for treatment decision.
Relative Impact of Clinical Risk Versus Procedural Risk on Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Park Kyung Woo , Lee Hak Seung , Zheng Chengbin , Rhee Tae-Min , Ki You-Jeong , Chang Mineok , Han Jung-Kyu , Yang Han-Mo , Kang Hyun-Jae , Koo Bon-Kwon , Kim Hyo-Soo 
Published: February 2021

Background:
The clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is affected by various clinical and procedural risk factors. We investigated the relative impact of clinical and procedural risks on clinical outcomes after PCI.

Methods:
A total of 13 172 patients were enrolled from the Grand-DES registry. The population was grouped into tertiles (high-, intermediate-, low-risk) according to the number of prespecified clinical and procedural risk factors, respectively. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 3 years post-PCI.

Results:

MACCE occurred in 1109 (8.4%) patients during the follow-up period (median duration: 1126 days). Compared with procedural risk, clinical risk showed superior predictive power (area under the curve: 0.678 versus 0.570,
P
<0.001, for clinical and procedural risks, respectively) and greater magnitude of effect in the multivariate analysis for MACCE (Clinical risk: hazard ratio, 1.953 [95% CI, 1.809–2.109],
P
<0.001; procedural risk: hazard ratio, 1.240 [95% CI, 1.154–1.331],
P
<0.001). In subgroup analyses within each clinical risk tertile, procedural risk had no significant impact on MACCE in the lowest clinical risk tertile. An annual landmark analysis revealed that clinical and procedural risks were both significant predictors of MACCE, which occurred within the first and second year post-PCI. However, for MACCE occurring in the third year post-PCI, only clinical risk but not procedural risk was a significant predictor of events.

Conclusions:
Clinical and procedural risks were both significant predictors for ischemic clinical events in patients undergoing PCI. However, clinical risk had a greater and more prolonged effect on outcomes than procedural risk.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03507205.
Characterizing Regimes of Atmospheric Circulation in Terms of Their Global Superrotation
Authors: Lewis Neil T. , Colyer Greg J. , Read Peter L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe global superrotation index S compares the integrated axial angular momentum of the atmosphere to that of a state of solid-body corotation with the underlying planet. The index S is similar to a zonal Rossby number, which suggests it may be a useful indicator of the circulation regime occupied by a planetary atmosphere. We investigate the utility of S for characterizing regimes of atmospheric circulation by running idealized Earthlike general circulation model experiments over a wide range of rotation rates Ω, 8ΩE to ΩE/512, where ΩE is Earth’s rotation rate, in both an axisymmetric and three-dimensional configuration. We compute S for each simulated circulation, and study the dependence of S on Ω. For all rotation rates considered, S is on the same order of magnitude in the 3D and axisymmetric experiments. For high rotation rates, S ≪ 1 and S ∝ Ω−2, while at low rotation rates S ≈ 1/2 = constant. By considering the limiting behavior of theoretical models for S, we show how the value of S and its local dependence on Ω can be related to the circulation regime occupied by a planetary atmosphere. Indices of S ≪ 1 and S ∝ Ω−2 define a regime dominated by geostrophic thermal wind balance, and S ≈ 1/2 = constant defines a regime where the dynamics are characterized by conservation of angular momentum within a planetary-scale Hadley circulation. Indices of S ≫ 1 and S ∝ Ω−2 define an additional regime dominated by cyclostrophic balance and strong equatorial superrotation that is not realized in our simulations.
Observed Statistical Connections Overestimate the Causal Effects of Arctic Sea Ice Changes on Midlatitude Winter Climate
Authors: Blackport Russell , Screen James A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDisentangling the contribution of changing Arctic sea ice to midlatitude winter climate variability remains challenging because of the large internal climate variability in midlatitudes, difficulties separating cause from effect, methodological differences, and uncertainty around whether models adequately simulate connections between Arctic sea ice and midlatitude climate. We use regression analysis to quantify the links between Arctic sea ice and midlatitude winter climate in observations and large initial-condition ensembles of multiple climate models, in both coupled configurations and so-called Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) configurations, where observed sea ice and/or sea surface temperatures are prescribed. The coupled models capture the observed links in interannual variability between winter Barents–Kara sea ice and Eurasian surface temperature, and between winter Chukchi–Bering sea ice and North American surface temperature. The coupled models also capture the delayed connection between reduced November–December Barents–Kara sea ice, a weakened winter stratospheric polar vortex, and a shift toward the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation in late winter, although this downward impact is weaker than observed. The strength and sign of the connections both vary considerably between individual 35-yr-long ensemble members, highlighting the need for large ensembles to separate robust connections from internal variability. All the aforementioned links are either absent or are substantially weaker in the AMIP experiments prescribed with only observed sea ice variability. We conclude that the causal effects of sea ice variability on midlatitude winter climate are much weaker than suggested by statistical associations, evident in observations and coupled models, because the statistics are inflated by the effects of atmospheric circulation variability on sea ice.
What Does the Debt Burden Index of Eighteen Major States of India Reveal? 2005–2006 to 2018–2019
Authors: Barik Anirudha , Mohanty Asit Ranjan 
Published: February 2021

This study attempts to measure the relative debt burden of 18 major states of India by grouping them into high-, middle- and low-income states for the post– Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 period (from 2005–2006 to 2018–2019) through developing a new debt burden index (DBI) using the relative-distance method. Data are sourced from ‘Handbook of Statistics on Indian States’ published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Using DBI, the study shows the interstate variations in debt burden and thereby compares debt management across the states. The analysis reveals that the debt burden has been consistently declining in the case of low-income states, whereas it has been increasing for both middle- and high-income states. DBI may be used as an important input for the credit rating for State Development Loans (SDLs). JEL Classification: H63, H74, C43
The Role of Uncertainty in the Experiences of Nurses During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Nelson Heather , Hubbard Murdoch Natasha , Norman Kasandra 
Published: February 2021

Background The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread quickly to all corners of the globe and caused high rates of morbidity and mortality. Nurses have been at the centre of this experience managing the outbreak through direct bedside care, managing hospital units, providing Covid-19 testing, and contact tracing. Purpose The aim of this article is to examine the role that nurses played in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic through the voices of the participants. Methods Using a phenomenological methodology thirty-one interviews were completed via phone and thematic analysis was completed. Results The major themes that emerged from this phenomenological study were: emotional challenges, uncertainty, and protective factors. Emotional challenges included, stress, anxiety, exhaustion, frustration, guilt, and loneliness. These challenges were magnified by uncertainty through leadership and communication challenges, needs of the pandemic versus needs of the patient, and Covid-19 and best practice. In this study, emotional challenges were mitigated by the protective factors of: education, ability to contribute, team cohesiveness, and community support. Conclusions Nurses are challenged during this time but by limiting uncertainty and providing protective factors, nurses can be less affected by emotional challenges and able to provide nursing care and manage the outbreak effectively.
Assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risks between people living with HIV receiving first-line and second-line antiretroviral therapy in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Tiarukkitsagul Jaruwan , Sungkanuparph Somnuek 
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular disease has become an important health problem in people living with HIV (PLHIV) who receive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score is a non-invasive tool to estimate the 10-year risk for ASCVD. A cross-sectional study was conducted among PLHIV receiving ART in a resource-limited setting, in order to assess the 10-year ASCVD risk between PLHIV receiving first-line and second-line ART. Of 460 participants with a mean age of 51.2 years, 262 (57.0%) were men. The mean duration of HIV infection was 14.7 years and the mean CD4 cell count was 509 cells/μL. Of all, 345 participants were receiving first-line ART and 115 were receiving second-line ART. The median 10-year ASCVD risk was 3.0% and 5.1% in the first-line and second-line ART groups, respectively ( p = 0.029). The prevalence of a high 10-year ASCVD risk (≥20%) was significantly higher in the second-line ART group (3.5% vs 0.9%, p = 0.048). In multivariate analysis, receiving second-line ART was significantly associated with intermediate to high 10-year ASCVD risk (OR = 2.952; 95% CI, 1.656–6.997; p = 0.015). Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk should be assessed in PLHIV, particularly those who receive second-line ART.