bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the impossibility of extreme event thresholds in the absence of global warming
Authors: Diffenbaugh Noah S , Davenport Frances V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The exceptional severity of recent climate extremes has raised the question of whether some events would have been impossible in the absence of global warming. This question is critical for climate adaptation, but is challenging to answer given the length and non-stationarity of the observational record. The large single-model ensemble climate simulations archived in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) offer a unique opportunity to explore whether the hottest temperatures of the current climate are more extreme than any that could have occurred in the absence of human forcings. We first analyze the one CMIP6 model that has daily data archived for large ensembles in both the historical all-forcings and historical natural forcings experiments. We find that, for large areas of the world, the maximum daily-, seasonal- and annual-scale thresholds of the large single-model ensemble with natural and human forcings (‘all-forcings’) are never reached in the large single-model ensemble with only natural forcings. However, we also identify widespread areas—notably in the northern hemisphere mid-latitudes—where the hottest thresholds of the all-forcings ensemble are frequently exceeded in the absence of human forcings. Further analysis suggests that human forcings other than greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a primary cause of this discrepancy. For example, when comparing the late and early periods of the CMIP6 historical all-forcings experiment, other large single-model ensembles exhibit similar muting of extremely warm years over northern-hemisphere mid-latitude regions. However, under GHG-only forcing, all years in the recent period are hotter than the hottest early-period year over most of the globe. These results suggest that, although the hottest possible events in the current climate may have been virtually impossible in the absence of historical GHG emissions, other non-GHG anthropogenic forcings have muted the emergence of previously impossible events.
One extreme fire weather event determines the extent and frequency of wildland fires
Authors: Wang Xianli , Swystun Tom , Oliver Jacqueline , Flannigan Mike D 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUnderstanding climate change impacts on wildland fire activity has been constrained by the high uncertainty embedded in the prediction of fire size (FS), annual number of fires (ANF), and annual area burned (AAB). While there has been a sustained effort to make connections between fire weather and fire activity, most studies have focused on individual parameters instead of treating them as a connected group. This study explores the intrinsic relationships among the major parameters of fire activity and how they relate to fire-conducive weather conditions to determine optimal prediction models. We found maximum number of fire spread days and maximum FS best predict ANF and AAB, respectively. Assessing the robustness of these relationships across Canada’s ecozones showed they are stronger in the Cordillera than in the Shields and Plains and more universal for AAB than for ANF. We also found skewness of FS distributions may play an important role in relationship strength. These relationships provide a unique way to model future fire activities under changing climate conditions.
A single-step strategy for general construction of metal sub-nanoclusters on graphdiyne
Authors: Xiong Huatian , Zou Haiyuan , Rong Weifeng , Wang Yongsong , Dai Hao , Ji Yongfei , Duan Lele 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Metal sub-nanoclusters (SNCs) inherit the metrics of unsaturated active sites and ultrahigh metal utilization from single-atom catalysts (SACs), and they can drive the reactions involving multiple adsorbates by their enriched metal cofactors that beyond SACs. However, the current synthetic strategy offers limited versatility to prepare SNCs due to their subnanometric feature and high active surface. Herein, we demonstrate a universal and facile one-pot reaction to construct wide assortments of metal SNCs with the size of 2 to 3 nm on graphdiyne (GDY), denoted as M-SNCs/GDY (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Pd, Rh, Au, Ir, and Pt). Systematic investigations reveal that the correlated metal SNCs formation undergone the nucleation and growth process, during which the metal single-atoms were first anchored and then served as nuclei to grow SNCs confined on GDY. The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) catalyzed by Cu-SNC/GDY and a Cu single-atom catalyst on GDY (Cu-SAC/GDY) was investigated to demonstrate the advantages of SNCs over SACs in manipulating the multicomponent reaction. Cu-SNC/GDY exhibited promoted Faradic efficiency (FE) of carbon products and suppressed competing hydrogen evolution reaction compared to the Cu-SAC/GDY. Benefiting from the function of multiple active centers, a C2+ FE of 31.6% was achieved over the Cu-SNC/GDY at −0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is 11-fold higher than that of Cu-SAC/GDY. In situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry confirmed that Cu-SNC/GDY could adsorb more eCO2RR intermediates over Cu-SAC/GDY. This study delivers a single-step strategy for preparing metal SNCs on GDY and expands the scope of SNCs.
New TiTaNbZrMo high-entropy alloys for metallic biomaterials
Authors: Li Chenwei , Ma Ying , Yang Xu , Hou Minghao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The advantages of high entropy alloy with good comprehensive properties provide a potential opportunity to explore and develop new alloys suitable for human implantation. In this experiment, TiTaNbZrMo high entropy alloy was designed and prepared by alloy design and first principle. The calculation results predict that the phase composition of each high entropy alloy is BCC structure, and the designed high entropy alloy has structural stability; the non-equal atomic ratio TiNbTaZrMo high-entropy alloy has higher ductility than the equal atomic ratio TiNbTaZrMo high-entropy alloy; the B/G, Poisson’s ratio υ and (C
12-C
44) values of Ti30(NbTaZr)60Mo10 alloy are the largest, indicating that the toughness of this alloy is the best, and the Young’s modulus value is the smallest. The experimental results show that the yield strength of Ti30(NbTaZr)60Mo10 alloy is 1132 MPa, the plastic strain is 33%, and the wear resistance and corrosion resistance are good. The potential of Ti30(NbTaZr)60Mo10 in biological field is proved by calculation and experimental test, which provides an important basis for its industrial application in biomedical alloy.
Characterization and beneficiation of Ethiopian kaolin for use in fabrication of ceramic membrane
Authors: Zewdie Tsegahun Mekonnen , Prihatiningtyas Indah , Dutta Abhishek , Habtu Nigus Gabbiye , Van der Bruggen Bart 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Kaolin (china clay) is a rock material that is very rich in kaolinite. A kaolin ore from Debre Tabor, Ethiopia containing 59.2 wt% SiO2, 24.9 wt% Al2O3, 2.4 wt% Fe2O3, and 8.22 wt% loss on ignition (LOI) was physically beneficiated, chemically leached, and thermally treated for possible industrial use, especially for ceramic membrane fabrication. The leaching experiments were carried out using oxalic acid solutions as leaching reagents for the iron extraction process. The effect of acid concentration, reaction temperature, and contact time on iron leaching was investigated. It was determined that the rate of iron extraction increased with the oxalic acid concentration, leaching temperature, and contact time. A substantial reduction of iron oxide (2.4 to 0.36 wt%) from the raw kaolin was observed at operating conditions of 2.0 M oxalic acid, the temperature of 120 °C, and contact time of 120 min. A maximum kaolin whiteness index of 81.4% was achieved through this leaching process. Finally, the physically beneficiated, chemically leached, and thermally treated kaolin raw material was used to fabricate a low-cost kaolin-based ceramic membrane. After firing at 1100 °C the ceramic membrane was found to have a mass loss of 11.04 ± 0.05%, water absorption of 8.9 ± 0.4%, linear shrinkage of 14.5 ± 0.05%. It was demonstrated to be chemically stable, having less than 3% mass loss in acid solution, and less than 1% mass loss in alkali solution. The newly developed membranes have thus properties comparable to commercial ceramic membranes.
Interpreting Africa: Imperialism and independence in African Affairs
Authors: Westcott Nicholas 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The continuous publication over 120 years of African Affairs, originally the Journal of the African Society, provides an invaluable source for charting Britain’s shifting perceptions of and interaction with Africa. Though limited, its readership included many of those most closely involved in Britain with studying and engaging with Africa during the 20th century. The journal charts a significant change: from an initial curiosity about Africa that included Africans’ own perception of and writing about their world; through a period when imperial perspectives on how to rule and how to develop African colonies dominated; to a more academic analysis of the dynamics of independence and how independent African countries subsequently evolved; and finally to a growing engagement with African scholars themselves and African perceptions of the changes taking place on the continent. At each stage a number of themes emerge that illuminate our understanding of how Africa was seen and interpreted by the British and, latterly, by Africans.
Pro-neurotensin/Neuromedin N and Hypertension Risk: A Prospective Study
Authors: Nicoli Charles D , Long D Leann , Plante Timothy B , Howard George , Judd Suzanne E , Schulte Janin , Cushman Mary 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Neurotensin, a neuropeptide with direct cardiac effects, has been associated with prospective risk of hypertension-related conditions through measurement of its precursor, pro-neurotensin/neuromedin N (pro-NT/NMN). Its association with incident hypertension has not been evaluated.

Methods
From 2003 to 2007, the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study enrolled 30,239 Black or White adults age ≥45. Pro-NT/NMN was measured in 1,692 participants without baseline hypertension (self-reported antihypertensive use or blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg) who underwent follow-up assessment in 2013–2016. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using a lower threshold (≥130/80 mm Hg) to define hypertension. Three robust Poisson regression models were fitted to risk of incident hypertension, adding demographics, cardiometabolic risk factors, and dietary covariates.

Results
Six hundred and fourteen participants developed hypertension over 9.4 years of follow-up. Pro-NT/NMN ranged from 14 to 1,246 pmol/l, with median [interquartile range] 154 [112, 206] pmol/l. Pro-NT/NMN was not associated with hypertension overall (fully adjusted incidence rate ratio per SD increment log pro-NT/NMN 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.95–1.11). Results of sensitivity analysis did not differ substantially.

Conclusions
Baseline pro-NT/NMN was not associated with incident hypertension. This may be a result of neurotensin’s long-term interactions with other molecular regulators of blood pressure, such as the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.
Multimodal medical image fusion using adaptive co-occurrence filter-based decomposition optimization model
Authors: Zhu Rui , Li Xiongfei , Huang Sa , Zhang Xiaoli 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Motivation
Medical image fusion has developed into an important technology, which can effectively merge the significant information of multiple source images into one image. Fused images with abundant and complementary information are desirable, which contributes to clinical diagnosis and surgical planning.

Results
In this article, the concept of the skewness of pixel intensity (SPI) and a novel adaptive co-occurrence filter (ACOF)-based image decomposition optimization model are proposed to improve the quality of fused images. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms 22 state-of-the-art medical image fusion methods in terms of five objective indices and subjective evaluation, and it has higher computational efficiency.

Availability and implementation
First, the concept of SPI is applied to the co-occurrence filter to design ACOF. The initial base layers of source images are obtained using ACOF, which relies on the contents of images rather than fixed scale. Then, the widely used iterative filter framework is replaced with an optimization model to ensure that the base layer and detail layer are sufficiently separated and the image decomposition has higher computational efficiency. The optimization function is constructed based on the characteristics of the ideal base layer. Finally, the fused images are generated by designed fusion rules and linear addition. The code and data can be downloaded at https://github.com/zhunui/acof.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
56 ‘A Closed-Loop Audit on The Appropriateness of Urine Testing Carried Out on Surgical Patients in The Acute Surgical Unit in University Hospital Limerick as Compared with Hospital Guidelines’
Authors: Murphy B , Amin K , Ali N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aim
The acute surgical unit (ASU) in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has a high turnover of patients of all surgical specialties, many of whom are sent home without the need for admission or follow-up. Urinalysis is very accessible, and is carried out on many patients, prior to them being seen by a doctor. Inappropriate urinalysis sets off a cascade of inappropriate urine culture, antimicrobial treatment and a waste of resources and time of nursing, medical and laboratory staff. We aim to identify and reduce inappropriate testing.

Method
The notes of all ASU patients during a one-week period were analysed using the ‘Therefore Navigator’ application, where all patient notes are scanned on leaving the ASU. Data relating to presenting complaint, presence or absence of urinary symptoms and abdominal pain, and urine dipstick and culture results (if performed) was collected for each patient. The results were compared with UHL guidelines on testing, an information sheet was designed and placed in ASU, and an education session for nursing staff was carried out. The second cycle was performed one month later.

Results
In the first cycle, 68% of the 99 ASU patients had urinalysis, and 48% had urine culture performed. Of cultures performed, only 23 of 47 (49%) were deemed indicated according to the guidelines. In the second cycle, 39% had urinalysis. 28% had urine cultured, 79% of these were deemed to have been indicated.

Conclusions
Inappropriate urine testing in the ASU decreased following teaching for nursing staff, together with an information leaflet being placed in the ASU.
99 Perfecting the Proforma – A Full-Cycle Audit on The Quality of Documentation of The Hand Trauma Proforma At the Regional Plastic Surgery Department
Authors: Noshirwani A , Phillips B , Hosain M , Drewniak K , Parekh V , Bell D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aim
We aimed to assess the quality of record-keeping of the departments hand trauma proforma, identify areas of improvement, and to implement and assess the quality of an updated proforma.

Method
Data from 101 parameters was collected for 20 patients undergoing surgery for an upper limb injury in November 2019. An updated proforma was implemented and a further 20 patients were analysed in February 2020. All fields were compared between two audit cycles and comments were collected.

Results
The overall completion rate increased. Documentation of the responsible consultant increased to 100%, along with an increase in documenting of hobbies and injury mechanism. X-ray findings (55% to 85%) and antibiotic plan (35% to 80%) increased. Implementation of a free text box resulted in written descriptions of injury to compliment sketches. In the operation note, documentation of anaesthetic type used increased, along with tourniquet use and time. There was clearer documentation of the injury, findings, and procedure, with greater use of diagrams to illustrate the repair. There was a drop in the recording of post-op plans (100% to 85%), post-op antibiotics (90% to 75%), and follow-up plan (95% to 60%). Clinicians commented to increase the size of the free-text box and hand diagram on the operative page to facilitate easier drawings.

Conclusions
The Hand Trauma Proforma has made good progress from its original version but requires further adjustments to ensure complete data input. It sets a high standard for data collection and presents itself as a useful tool for units across the United Kingdom.
185 Comparing the Contents of The On-Call ENT SHO Bag at A Busy District General Hospital to ENT UK Guidelines – A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Sooriyamoorthy T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aim
To compare the contents of the ENT SHO bag with the recommendations by ENT UK.
To address any deficiencies in the bag and prevent it from recurring in the future.

Method
Over 5 consecutive days, the night SHO would compare the contents of the ENT bag with a checklist based on ENT UK guidelines. This was repeated post-intervention.

Results
The initial data collection showed that the bag was missing numerous items, ranging from tongue depressors to nasal catheters. It also contained bulky, unnecessary items such as Lahey forceps. The bag was replenished, unnecessary items removed, and a new checklist was introduced which the SHO had to complete every night shift. Any missing equipment was to be replaced at that time. PPE was added to the bag. The next round of data collection showed that the bag remained well stocked, with only minor equipment missing such as merocele packs and Sofradex drops. However, the bag contained alternatives such as Rapid Rhinos and Gentisone drops.

Conclusions
The introduction of a checklist has ensured that the SHO bag remains well stocked. This improves the efficiency of on-calls as the SHO no longer has to repeatedly travel between A&E and ENT stores. This is also beneficial when dealing with emergencies as all the equipment is readily accessible. The addition of PPE was prudent as ENT is a high-risk speciality in the COVID pandemic. Currently the checklist is completed weekly, in order to reduce the workload for the SHO – something to re-audit in the future.
194 Referral of Paediatric Fractures from The Emergency Department to Virtual Fracture Clinic
Authors: Effiom D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Virtual Fracture clinics (VFCs) are an alternative to the traditional fracture clinic. Recent evidence reports them to be safe, cost-effective, and efficient model without significant compromise to patient care.

Aim
This audit aims to assess VFC referrals from the paediatric emergency department (ED) and ensure the appropriateness of these referrals.

Method
This was a retrospective audit done at a large district general hospital in the United Kingdom (UK). We included patients under 18 years old presented to the emergency department with suspected or confirmed fractures and referred to virtual fracture clinics within a period of one month. The performance was measured against both local and national guidance (NICE & BOAST 7).

Results
Thirty patients were eligible. Thirty-three per cent of patients were appropriately referred to the VFC and ’seen’ within 72 hours. Comparing those referred 63.3% were appropriate, with inappropriate referrals mainly due to false-positive fracture diagnosis or fractures safe to be discharged home. Only 67.8% per cent of patients were managed correctly as per suspected or confirmed diagnosis with regards to fixation (i.e., splint).

Conclusions
The target of 100% compliance has failed. Fractures deemed safe to be discharged home from the ED are being repeated referred, radiographic interpretations often over-diagnose, and management within the department in sub-optimal. Recommendations include improving junior radiographic interpretation skills and awareness of the local and national guidelines, with another audit cycle to assess for improvement.
206 Audit of Time to Surgical Fixation of Distal Radial Fractures Compared to British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Trauma (BOAST) Guidelines at Busy District General Hospital
Authors: Sooriyamoorthy T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aim
BOAST guidelines state that intra-articular distal radial fractures should be operated on within 72 hours of injury and extra-articular distal radial fractures which require surgical management should be operated on within 7 days. The aim of this audit was to see how the orthopaedic department at a busy district general hospital compared to these guidelines.

Method
Retrospectively looked at operations carried out over a 10-month period. All Manipulation Under Anaesthesia, K wire and Open Reduction Internal Fixations of distal radial fractures were included.

Results
Over the 10-month period, 49 intra-articular and 60 extra-articular fractures were operated on. 65% of intra-articular fractures were fixed within 72 hours and 82% of extra-articular fractures were fixed within one week. Mean time from date of injury to operation was 3.88 days for intra-articular and 2.98 days for extra-articular fractures. Mean time from decision of surgery to operation was 2.32 days for intra-articular and 2.18 days for extra-articular fractures.

Conclusions
Clearly, the management of extra-articular fractures is closer to the standards set by BOAST guidelines. It can be difficult to establish from an x-ray whether a fracture is extending into a joint surface - this can delay the fracture clinic appointment and the operation. The difference between the mean time of injury to operation and mean time of decision of surgery to operation for intra-articular fractures show that once the decision to operate has been made, it is carried out quickly. Educating A+E and orthopaedic staff on recognising intra-articular fractures could expedite the time to surgery.
242 Is Iliosacral Screw Fixation Safe to Perform in a Day Surgery Unit?
Authors: Crawford P , Brown C , Jones B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Iliosacral screw (ISS) fixation is a percutaneous, fluoroscopy-guided technique which can be used to treat sacroiliac joint pain. During the covid-19 pandemic much of our elective practice has moved from the tertiary referral hospital to the local day surgery unit. We aimed to determine if this procedure is safe to perform as a day case procedure.

Method
Twelve patients underwent ISS between 2011-2017: 6 single ISS fixation, 4 two ISS fixation and 2 bilateral ISS fixation. All patients undergoing concurrent procedures were excluded. Mean age 44 years old (range 19-79); 58% male. Surgical time, length of stay, blood transfusion requirement, haemoglobin drop, and significant analgesic events were assessed.

Results
Average surgical time was 55 mins (single ISS; range 30-75 mins), 71 mins (two ipsilateral ISS; range 45-100 mins) and 105 mins (bilateral ISS; range 90-120 mins). All patients were discharged within 72 hours; 67% within 24 hours (4 single ISS, 2 two ISS, 2 bilateral ISS). There were no post-operative haemoglobin drops warranting blood transfusion and no delay to discharge due to significant analgesic events.

Conclusions
ISS fixation may be safe to perform in a day surgery unit due to acceptable surgical time, length of stay and complication rate. A larger sample size may be required to draw definitive conclusions.