bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between inhaled corticosteroid use and COVID‐19 outcomes
Authors: Husby Anders , Pottegård Anton , Hviid Anders 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent evidence has established a beneficial effect of systemic corticosteroids for treatment of moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19.ObjectiveTo determine if inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with COVID‐19 outcomes.MethodsIn a nationwide cohort of hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 test‐positive individuals in Denmark, we estimated the 30‐day hazard ratio of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death among users of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) compared with users of bronchodilators (β2‐agonist/muscarinic‐antagonists), and non‐users of ICS overall, with Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, and other confounders. We repeated these analyses among influenza test‐positive patients during 2010–2018.ResultsAmong 6267 hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 patients, 614 (9.8%) were admitted to ICU and 677 (10.8%) died within 30 days. ICS use was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.09 (95% CI [CI], 0.67 to 1.79) for ICU admission and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.56 to 1.11) for death compared with bronchodilator use. Compared with no ICS use overall, the hazard ratio of ICU admission or death was 1.17 (95% CI, 0.87–1.59) and 1.02 (95% CI, 0.78–1.32), respectively. Among 10 279 hospitalized influenza patients, of which 951 (9.2%) were admitted to ICU and 1275 (12.4%) died, the hazard ratios were 1.43 (95% CI, 0.89–2.30) and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.85–1.46) for ICU admission, and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.63–1.01) and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.87–1.22) for death compared with bronchodilator use and no ICS use overall, respectively.ConclusionOur results do not support an effect of inhaled corticosteroid use on COVID‐19 outcomes, however we can only rule out moderate‐to‐large reduced or increased risks.Study registrationThe study was pre‐registered at encepp.eu (EUPAS35897).
Thermal and dielectric properties of low‐density polyethylene/NaA zeolite composites
Authors: Marinković Filip , Popović Dušan , Jovanović Jelena , Stanković Branislav , Jevtić Sanja , Adnadjević Borivoj 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe effect of the weight fraction of NaA zeolite on thermal properties (specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity) and dielectric properties (electrical conductivity, real and imaginary electric permittivity) of composites based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and NaA zeolite is examined. Composite samples containing from 5 to 30 wt% zeolite are prepared using the compression molding technique. The degree of dispersion and the weight fraction of filler in the LDPE/NaA zeolite composites are determined using X‐ray diffraction. A linear decrease in the values of the specific heat capacity with an increase in the weight fraction of zeolite is observed using differential scanning calorimetry. The laser flash method is used to determine the thermal diffusivity of the composites. An increase in effective thermal diffusivity and abrupt increase in the range from 15 to 20 wt% of zeolite are established. It is demonstrated that effective thermal conductivity increases with an increase in the weight fraction of zeolite, and an abrupt increase in the range from 15 to 20 wt% is observed. Dielectric spectroscopy measurements are performed to determine the real and imaginary parts of permittivity. An increase of real and imaginary parts of permittivity of LDPE/NaA zeolite composites, with increasing weight fraction of zeolite, is established. Two relaxation peaks of the imaginary parts of permittivity of LDPE/NaA zeolite composites are detected. An increase of electrical conductivity with increasing weight fraction of zeolite and abrupt increase in the range 15 to 20 wt% are noticed. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Landscape‐scale variations in near‐surface soil temperature and active‐layer thickness: Implications for high‐resolution permafrost mapping
Authors: Zhang Yu , Touzi Ridha , Feng Wanpeng , Hong Gang , Lantz Trevor C. , Kokelj Steven V. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSoil temperature observations in permafrost regions are sparse, which limits our understanding and ability to map permafrost conditions at high spatial resolutions. In this study, we measured near‐surface soil temperatures (Tnss) at 107 sites from August 2016 to August 2017 in northern boreal and tundra areas in northwestern Canada. Active‐layer thickness (ALT), soil and vegetation conditions were also measured at these sites. Our observations show large variations in Tnss and ALT across an area with a similar climate. This high degree of spatial heterogeneity illustrates the importance of high‐resolution mapping of permafrost for infrastructure planning and understanding the impacts of permafrost thaw. Annual mean Tnss varied by 5–6°C among observation sites, which was mainly due to differences in Tnss in winter and spring, indicating the importance of snow conditions on determining landscape‐scale variation in near‐surface ground temperatures. ALT varied from about 30 cm to more than 120 cm. The variation in ALT among sites did not correlate with thawing season Tnss, but was associated with variation in soil conditions, especially the surface organic layer thickness. Freezing n‐factors varied significantly from site to site and among ecotypes, while thawing n‐factors were similar among sites, except bare soils. This study shows that ecotypes can be used to map ALT and Tnss at landscape scales in tundra areas, but the method is not as effective in the northern boreal region.
Use of levothyroxine among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the United Kingdom: A population‐based assessment
Authors: Yu Ya‐Hui , Filion Kristian B. , Reynier Pauline , Platt Robert W. , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Grandi Sonia M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOur study aimed to describe levothyroxine prescription patterns and trends over time among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in the United Kingdom.We used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to its Pregnancy Register and the Hospital Episode Statistics database from 1998 to 2017. The study population included women with a diagnosis of SCH or an abnormal thyroid‐simulated hormone (TSH) level one year prior to or during pregnancy. We compared characteristics between women who received a prescription for levothyroxine during pregnancy and those who did not. We further described the timing, dose, duration, and temporal trends of levothyroxine prescriptions.Our cohort included 6,757 pregnancies from 6,287 women with SCH, of whom 10% received levothyroxine during pregnancy. Among women who received levothyroxine, most received their first prescription during the first trimester (median gestational age: 7 weeks; interquartile range [IQR]: 0, 16) with a median daily dosage of 50 mcg (IQR: 50, 73). Levothyroxine prescription varied over time, decreasing from 23% of pregnant women in 1998 to 7.5% in 2003, remaining stable until 2014, and increasing to 12.5% in 2016. Smoking, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, timing of SCH diagnosis, age, TSH level at diagnosis, and general practice regions were associated with prescription.Few women with SCH received levothyroxine during pregnancy, and treatment varied by patient characteristics and geographical regions. These results highlight the need to increase awareness among healthcare providers and will guide future studies that explore barriers to initiating levothyroxine treatment for women with SCH during pregnancy.
[8]‐Gingerol exerts anti‐myocardial ischemic effects in rats via modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway and L‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Xue Yucong , Zhang Muqing , Zheng Bin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chu Xi , Liu Yu , Li Ziliang , Han Xue , Chu Li 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMyocardial ischemia (MI) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is urgent to seek the treatment to protect the heart. [8]‐Gingerol (8‐Gin), one of the most active ingredients in ginger, has antioxidant, cardiotonic, and cardiovascular protective properties. The present study elucidated the cardioprotection effects and underlying mechanisms of 8‐Gin in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced MI. ISO (85 mg/kg/d) was subcutaneously injected for 2 consecutive days to induce acute MI model in rats. Electrocardiography, oxidative stress levels, calcium concentrations, and apoptosis degree were observed. The effects of 8‐Gin on L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa‐L), contraction, and Ca2+ transients were monitored in rat myocytes via patch‐clamp and IonOptix detection systems. 8‐Gin decreased J‐point elevation and heart rate and improved pathological heart damage. Moreover, 8‐Gin reduced the levels of CK, LDH, and MDA, ROS production, and calcium concentrations in myocardial tissue, while increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH. In addition, 8‐Gin down‐regulated Caspase‐3 and Bax expressions, while up‐regulated Bcl‐2 expression. 8‐Gin produced a marked decrease in the expression of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 proteins. 8‐Gin inhibited ICa‐L, cell contraction, and Ca2+ transients in isolated rat myocytes. The results indicate that 8‐Gin could exert anti‐myocardial ischemic effects, which may be associated with oxidative stress reduction, cardiomyocytes apoptosis inhibition through MAPK signaling pathway, and Ca2+ homeostasis regulation via ICa‐L modulation.
More issues with layer of protection analysis—From the originators
Authors: Bridges William , Dowell Arthur M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLayer of protection analysis (LOPA) has now been around for more 25 years and in general use for now 20 years, starting with the initial textbook being officially published in 2001. Two companion books have been published on the topics of Enabling Events and Conditional Modifiers (2013) and on Initiating Events and Independent Protection Layers (2015). Many papers have been published in the past 20 years on LOPA. This paper shares observations and lessons learned from two originators of LOPA and provides further guidance on how to and how Not to use LOPA. The paper provides specific examples of best practices, some of which are not covered well enough in or are omitted from the textbooks on the topic. The originators of LOPA hope you will use this paper as an expansion on the concepts in the first LOPA textbook, and as an addendum to all three textbooks on the topic.
Effects of piperonyl butoxide synergism and cuticular thickening on the contact irritancy response of field Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to deltamethrin
Authors: Yu Jin‐Jia , Bong Lee‐Jin , Panthawong Amonrat , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap , Liu Wei‐Ting , Neoh Kok‐Boon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDExploiting indoor‐resting mosquitoes' innate behavioral responses to commonly used insecticide is crucial in vector control programs. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long‐lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) treated with pyrethroids have become widely used for controlling dengue fever vectors. The present study tested the effects of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergism and cuticular thickening on the contact irritancy response of field A. aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to deltamethrin in Taiwan and Thailand.RESULTSThe escape response of field mosquitoes treated with PBO was significantly elicited, with an escape percentage increase between 2‐ and 10‐fold. In addition, the escape time was significantly lower in PBO‐pretreated mosquitoes compared with field mosquitoes treated with deltamethrin alone. PBO‐pretreated mosquitoes from seven out of 11 field strains exhibited a knockdown percentage of 11.23–54.91%, significantly higher than that of mosquitoes in corresponding strains treated with deltamethrin only. The Annan, Zhongxi, Sanmin, and North strains exhibited weak knockdown responses (≤3.75%). The mortality of PBO‐pretreated field mosquitoes increased 2‐ to 75‐fold compared with those treated with deltamethrin alone (mortality: 0–6.70%). Furthermore, the effect of cuticular thickness on the escape response of field mosquitoes was significant, that is, the escape response marginally increased inversely to cuticular thickness. By contrast, cuticular thickness was not significantly associated with knockdown or mortality percentage.CONCLUSIONIrritant behavior in mosquitoes was significantly elicited by PBO synergism. PBO incorporating deltamethrin IRS or LLINs may be effective for controlling dengue fever vectors. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
On the addition of microwave sounders and numerical weather prediction skill
Authors: Duncan David I. , Bormann Niels , Hólm Elías V. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe utility of microwave sounding for numerical weather prediction (NWP) is well established. However, the volume of sounder data assimilated in NWP systems may change substantially in upcoming years, as there is an ageing constellation of satellites but also the prospect of proliferating small satellite constellations. This study examines the addition of temperature and humidity sounders from a baseline that includes no microwave sounders at all, aiming to elucidate the incremental benefit gained from adding sounders to the assimilation system. Framed as a series of observing‐system experiments (OSEs), large improvements in forecast skill and background fits to independent observations are gained from the first sounders added. Significant further benefit is observed from additional sounders, with the impacts largest at higher latitudes and no saturation evident in the maximal setup. In the second part of this study, the relative importance of updating background errors for OSEs is investigated to give greater context to the sounder addition results. The ensemble of data assimilations (EDA) underlying the background‐error specification is rerun for this purpose to be consistent with the observation usage in the OSE. Comparing experiments with updated and unchanged background errors shows that the effect of updating background errors is secondary to that caused by the observing‐system change itself. Rerunning the EDA can reduce some of the forecast skill apparently lost in a data‐denial experiment or gained when assessing data addition, but this is roughly 10% of the overall change and should not alter conclusions resulting from typical OSEs, in which background errors are not tailor‐made.
Wiener polarity and similar topological descriptors of some product graphs
Authors: Haoer Raad Sehen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe leap Zagreb and Wiener polarity indices are computed from the information of second and third distances in a graph. Like many other topological indices defined in the literature, these indices are important for their applications in quantitative structure‐property relationship studies. In this paper, we compute these indices of a graph product known as subdivision vertex‐edge join of three graphs, which is also known as SVE‐join of graphs. We also compute the leap Zagreb coindices of these graphs.
Dynamics analysis for flexion and extension of elbow joint motion based on musculoskeletal model of Anybody
Authors: PENG Matthew JianQiao , JU Xiangyang , Ma LiMin , HU Yong , LI XinXu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeLittle is known about how biomechanics governs the biological nature for humeral motion dynamically. Elbow motion ought to be investigated based on a musculoskeletal model and evidence the physiologic principle of upper limbs.MethodA humeral model was reconstructed by MIMICS after CT images input in *.dicom format, it was processed by Geomagic Studio for Surfaces, then gridded mesh and assigned materials by Hypermesh. On the other hand, a musculoskeletal model was built by AnyBody, physical motions were then simulated to export boundary condition and myodynamia during flexion and extension. Finally, all the humeral model and boundary were imported to Abaqus for finite element analysis.ResultDuring the simulative motion of flexion, the primary muscles are brachii biceps, brachialis anticus and teretipronator, their myodynamia increased and then decreased gradually, and reached its peak value at 30°; During extension, the main muscles are triceps brachii and brachialis anticus, their myodynamia increased and then decreased gradually too, and reached peak at 50°; In these two cases, their strain and displacement distributed at the middle of humerus.ConclusionAnyBody is a novel modelling system to simulate physical motion, for example flexion and extension. Biceps brachii and brachialis anticus are functional for flexion, and triceps brachii plays a key role in extension critically. This simulation confirms the physiologic rule for sport event, humeral fixation and postoperative healing with clinical significance that minimizing joint forces from injury onset may promote pain‐free ways.
Effectiveness of public health measures to prevent the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 at mass gatherings: A rapid review
Authors: Walsh Kieran A. , Tyner Barrie , Broderick Natasha , Harrington Patricia , O’Neill Michelle , Fawsitt Christopher G. , Cardwell Karen , Smith Susan M. , Connolly Máire A. , Ryan Máirín 
Published: August 2021

SummaryMass gatherings play an important role in society, but since the onset of the Covid‐19 pandemic, they have generally been restricted in order to mitigate transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2. The aim of this study was to summarise the evidence regarding the effectiveness of public health measures at preventing the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 at mass gatherings, and hence inform guidance on the organisation of these events. A rapid review was undertaken in Cochrane, Embase (OVID), Medline (OVID), Google, Web of Science and Europe PMC from 1 January 2020 to 3 June 2021. Of the identified 1,624 citations, 14 articles referring to 11 unique studies were included. This rapid review found evidence from 11 studies (involving approximately 30,482 participants) that implementing a range of measures may reduce the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission at mass gatherings; however, it is unlikely that this risk can be eliminated entirely. All studies adopted a layered mitigation approach involving multiple measures, which may be more effective than relying on any single measure. The number and intensity of measures implemented varied across studies, with most implementing resource intense measures. Importantly, all included studies were only of ‘fair’ to ‘poor’ quality. In conclusion, there is currently limited evidence on the effectiveness of measures to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission at mass gatherings. As mass gatherings recommence, continued adoption of known mitigation measures is required to limit the risk of transmission, as well as ongoing research and surveillance to monitor the potential impact of these events on the wider population and healthcare system.
Knowledge‐based theory, entrepreneurial orientation, stakeholder engagement, and firm performance
Authors: Hughes Mathew , Hughes Paul , Hodgkinson Ian , Chang Yi‐Ying , Chang Che‐Yuan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractResearch SummaryOur understanding of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is limited by the inattention to why a firm arranges itself to give rise to EO, what sets its strategic intent, and what affects its contribution to performance. These omissions have led to calls for a causally adjacent theory of EO. Grounded in knowledge‐based theory, we investigated (a) how knowledge production gives rise to EO, (b) how the relationship between EO and profitability is mediated by knowledge use, and (c) how this relationship between EO and knowledge use is moderated by stakeholder engagement. Using multirespondent, multisource data from small‐size and mid‐size enterprises in two economically distinct East Asian countries, Taiwan and Japan, empirical evidence supports our theory. Our findings are consistent across both studies. We contribute a knowledge‐based theory of EO.Managerial SummaryWhy do some firms organize to be entrepreneurial while others do not, and why do some entrepreneurially oriented firms profit more financially than others? We find that those firms that organize processes to accumulate, aggregate, activate, store, manage, and distribute knowledge become more entrepreneurial oriented as the means to create wealth from this “knowledge production.” In other words, knowledge production can affect perceptions of opportunities and resources, leading to choices about organizational arrangements to best use knowledge. However, we find that the firm also needs to be adept at knowledge use to profit financially from its entrepreneurial endeavors, and leading firms utilize stakeholder engagement to strengthen the relationship between entrepreneurial behavior and knowledge use on the route to greater profitability.
Targeted Nanoscale 3D Thermal Imaging of Tumor Cell Surface with Functionalized Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Jun , Du Hanliang , Chai Zhenhao , Ling Zheng , Li Ben Q. , Mei Xuesong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMeasuring the changes in tumor cell surface temperature can provide insights into cellular metabolism and pathological features, which is significant for targeted chemotherapy and hyperthermic therapy. However, conventional micro–nano scale methods are invasive and can only measure the temperature of cells across a single plane, which excludes specific organelles. In this study, fluorescence quantum dots (QDs) are functionalized with the membrane transport protein transferrin (Tf) as a thermo‐sensor specific for tumor cell membrane. The covalent conjugation is optimized to maintain the relative fluorescence intensity of the Tf‐QDs to >90%. In addition, the Tf‐QDs undergo changes in the fluorescence spectra as a function of temperature, underscoring its thermo‐sensor function. Double helix point spread function imaging optical path is designed to locate the probe at nanoscale, and 3D thermal imaging technology is proposed to measure the local temperature distribution and direction of heat flux on the tumor cell surface. This novel targeted nanoscale 3D thermometry method can be a highly promising tool for measuring the local and global temperature distribution across intracellular organelles.
Bond capacity between H‐shaped steel and recycled concrete under cyclic loading
Authors: Xin Zhang , Jianyang Xue , Rui Ren 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThe premature debonding at the H‐shaped steel‐recycled concrete interface is the main cause of performance degradation for steel reinforced recycled concrete (SRRC) structures especially subjected cyclic loading. However, the bond behavior and shear transfer mechanism under cyclic loading has not been fully understood. For this reason, totally 14 SRRC specimens were performed under cyclic loading. The effects of replacement ratio of recycled concrete (r), thickness of steel concrete cover (Css), reinforcement ratio (ρsv), and recycled concrete strength (fc) are studied. Besides, the bond‐slip constitutive model considering the position function of steel was investigated. The results indicated that the bond capacity of specimen gradually degenerates under cyclic loading, and the load‐slip curves show an obvious “pinching” phenomenon. The bond failure process can be divided into four stages: micro slip stage (O–A), slip development stage (A–B), slip rapid increase stage (B–C), and residual stage (C–D). The average ultimate bond strength of specimen under cyclic load is about 60% of that under pull‐out load. Based on the analysis, bond‐slip constitutive model between H‐shaped steel and recycled concrete was proposed.