bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure effects on the anisotropic electrical conductivity of artificial porous rocks with aligned fractures
Authors: Li Bo , Han Tongcheng , Fu Li‐Yun , Yan Han 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the electrical properties of reservoir rocks has important applications in oil and gas exploration. Small‐scale fractures that are widely existing in reservoir rocks are usually aligned along a certain preferential direction due to reasons such as tectonic movement, making the electrical conductivity of the rocks anisotropic. Since all rocks are experiencing geological pressure, it is theoretically and practically important to study the influence of pressure on the fractures and its control on the anisotropic conductivity of reservoir rocks. We first prepared artificial porous sandstone samples with and without penny‐shaped fractures and experimentally measured the anisotropic conductivity of the samples under differential pressure (the difference between confining pressure and pore fluid pressure). Then, we inverted from the experimental data for the fracture porosity and fracture aspect ratio at each differential pressure. The variation of the fracture parameters caused by the differential pressure and their influence on the anisotropic electrical conductivity of the rocks were further analysed theoretically. The results show that as the differential pressure increases, the measured anisotropic conductivity of the artificial samples with and without fractures all decreases exponentially. We also show that both the inverted fracture porosity and fracture aspect ratio decrease exponentially with the increase of differential pressure, and the fracture porosity and fracture aspect ratio are linearly correlated as an implicit function of differential pressure. The modelling results show that the differential pressure‐induced decrease in the fracture porosity reduces the electrical conductivity in all directions, and the conductivity reduction in the rock parallel to the direction of the fractures is most significant. Comparing with the influence of the fracture porosity resulting from the applied differential pressure, the pressure‐caused variation in the fracture aspect ratio was shown to play a secondary role on affecting the pressure‐dependent anisotropic electrical properties.
Generalizing hierarchical and variation partitioning in multiple regression and canonical analyses using the rdacca.hp R package
Authors: Lai Jiangshan , Zou Yi , Zhang Jinlong , Peres‐Neto Pedro R. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Canonical analysis, a generalization of multiple regression to multiple‐response variables, is widely used in ecology. Because these models often involve many parameters (one slope per response per predictor), they pose challenges to model interpretation. Among these challenges, we lack quantitative frameworks for estimating the overall importance of single predictors in multi‐response regression models.

Here we demonstrate that commonality analysis and hierarchical partitioning, widely used for both estimating predictor importance and improving the interpretation of single‐response regression models, are related and complementary frameworks that can be expanded for the analysis of multiple‐response models.

In this application, we (a) demonstrate the mathematical links between commonality analysis, variation and hierarchical partitioning; (b) generalize these frameworks to allow the analysis of any number of predictor variables or groups of predictor variables as in the case of variation partitioning; and (c) introduce and demonstrate the implementation of these generalized frameworks in the R package rdacca.hp.
It's in the bag? The effect of plastic carryout bag bans on where and what people purchase to eat
Authors: Taylor Rebecca L. C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper examines how banning the use of plastic carryout bags at grocery stores affects where and what people purchase to eat. Using quasi‐random variation in local bag ban adoption across California and two data sources (retail scanner data and consumer survey data), I show that banning plastic carryout bags shifted some food sales away from regulated grocery stores toward unregulated grocery stores and restaurants. Specifically, I find that bag bans cause a 1.8% decline in food‐at‐home sales and a 1.9 percentage point increase in consumers' food‐away‐from‐home expenditure share. The decline in food‐at‐home sales is larger in jurisdictions more likely to experience cross‐border shopping, whereas the increase in food‐away‐from‐home expenditures is larger farther from jurisdiction borders. Together these results suggest that a small share of consumers find a way to bypass the bag bans—either by cross‐border shopping if near a border or by shifting to restaurants if not near a border. Heterogeneity analyses reveal the policy effects are strongest for those with higher incomes, those under 65 years, and those with young children, suggesting both income effects and time constraints as mechanisms behind the behavioral change. By quantifying consumer avoidance behaviors, these results enable policymakers to more accurately measure the impacts of their regulations and to understand the potential trade‐offs between their environmental and public health objectives.
The US farm credit system and agricultural development: Evidence from an early expansion, 1920–1940
Authors: Hutchins Jared 
Published: January 2022

AbstractI explore the impact of the Production Credit Associations (PCAs), an arm of the early Farm Credit System, on agricultural yield and input use following the farm crisis of the 1920s. Like many low‐ and middle‐income countries today, farmers in the early 20th century United States found it difficult to access credit. The PCAs were established in 1933 and significantly increased the supply of short‐term credit available to farmers. Using distance from the serving PCA as a proxy for credit access, I find that counties within 30 km of a PCA had 7% to 14% higher crop revenue per acre and 9% higher corn yields than counties more than 60 km from a PCA. These areas also had a small but statistically significant increase in the use of tractors (1% to 2%). These results provide crucial evidence of the impact of government‐sponsored enterprises on the early US agricultural economy and its use as a cost‐effective tool to address market frictions.
PCR‐based quantitative detection of intraperitoneal free cancer cells for predicting locoregional recurrence after rectal cancer resection
Authors: Ouchi Akira , Kinoshita Takashi , Nakanishi Hayao , Komori Koji , Oshiro Taihei , Yoshimura Mayumi , Fujita Nao , Hosoda Waki , Shimizu Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionLocoregional recurrence after curative resection remains an important issue in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance of quantitative detection of intraperitoneal free cancer cells by a PCR‐based method for predicting locoregional recurrence after CRC resection.MethodA total of 114 patients with CRC were enrolled between March 2017 and December 2018, and 95 patients with Stage I–III CRC were analyzed. Peritoneal lavage fluid was collected before and after tumour resection and subjected to cytology and quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a genetic marker.Results2.1% of patients had positive cytology after resection, whereas 9.5% had positive CEA qRT‐PCR (PCR+) after resection. Eight of nine PCR+ patients after resection had tumours in the rectum. Fifteen (15.8%) patients developed recurrence during the follow‐up period, including three with locoregional recurrence. One of 86 (1.2%) PCR− patients and 2 of 9 (22.2%) PCR+ patients after resection developed locoregional recurrence. Overall and in rectal cancer patients, the 3‐year cumulative risk of locoregional recurrence was 25.0% and 28.6% for PCR+ patients, which is significantly higher than PCR‐ patients (1.3% and 0%, P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionIntraperitoneal free cancer cells can serve as a sensitive predictor of locoregional recurrence after rectal cancer resection. qRT‐PCR for CEA can be a suitable method for detecting intraperitoneal free cancer cells in peritoneal lavage fluid.
The Checkpost State in Pakistan’s War of Terror: Centres, Peripheries, and the Politics of the Universal
Authors: Akhtar Aasim Sajjad 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPakistan is one of the most militarised and unevenly developed political economies in the post‐colonial world. Already acute extractive logics in long‐suffering ethnic peripheries have intensified alongside state repression after the regime of the so‐called “war on terror” was initiated in 2001. In this paper, I contrast the brutalising effects of securitised infrastructure, or what I call the “checkpost state”, with the “politics of the universal” espoused by various popular movements across uneven historical‐geographical terrain. On the basis of personal experience as a political organiser, I highlight difficulties and modest successes in cultivating what Frantz Fanon termed “universalising values” in the building of an emancipatory politics bridging centres and peripheries. I argue that the challenge posed by Fanon during the heyday of revolutionary internationalism is today even more urgent as hitherto spatially insulated peripheries stretch into metropolitan settings.
Determinants of long‐term opioid prescribing in an urban population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Naughton Michael , Redmond Patrick , Durbaba Stevo , Ashworth Mark , Molokhia Mariam 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundOpioid prescribing has more than doubled in the UK between 1998 and 2016. Potential adverse health implications include dependency, falls and increased health expenditure.AimTo describe the predictors of long‐term opioid prescribing (LTOP) (≥3 opioid prescriptions in a 90‐day period).Design and settingA retrospective cross‐sectional study in 41 general practices in South London.MethodMulti‐level multivariable logistic regression to investigate the determinants of LTOP.ResultsOut of 320 639 registered patients ≥18 years, 2679 (0.8%) were identified as having LTOP. Patients were most likely to have LTOP if they had ≥5 long‐term conditions (LTCs) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 36.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 30.4‐43.8) or 2‐4 LTCs (AOR 13.8, CI 11.9‐16.1) in comparison to no LTCs, were ≥75 years compared to 18‐24 years (AOR 12.31, CI 7.1‐21.5), were smokers compared to nonsmokers (AOR 2.2, CI 2.0‐2.5), were female rather than male (AOR 1.9, CI 1.7‐2.0) and in the most deprived deprivation quintile (AOR 1.6, CI 1.4‐1.8) compared to the least deprived. In a separate model examining individual LTCs, the strongest associations for LTOP were noted for sickle cell disease (SCD) (AOR 18.4, CI 12.8‐26.4), osteoarthritis (AOR 3.0, CI 2.8‐3.3), rheumatoid arthritis (AOR 2.8, CI 2.2‐3.4), depression (AOR 2.6, CI 2.3‐2.8) and multiple sclerosis (OR 2.5, CI 1.4‐4.4).ConclusionLTOP was significantly higher in those aged ≥75 years, with multimorbidity or specific LTCs: SCD, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and multiple sclerosis. These characteristics may enable the design of targeted interventions to reduce LTOP.
Trimethylamine N‐oxide predicts stroke severity in diabetic patients with acute ischaemic stroke and is related to glycemic variability
Authors: Li Zaiwang , Hui Jiaojie , Li Suya , Cao TingTing , Zhang Jianping , Mao Xuqiang , Wang Feng , Wang Fengyun , He Ping , You Yiping , Xi Guangjun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeThe present study analyzed the relationship between circulating trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) levels and stroke severity in diabetic patients with acute ischaemic stroke. A further aim was to investigate whether higher TMAO levels were associated with platelet aggregation and glycemic variability.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional analysis of 108 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing acute ischaemic stroke and 60 healthy controls. Fasting plasma TMAO was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography with online electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsPlasma TMAO levels of patients with acute ischaemic stroke were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Amongst stroke patients, 50 were defined as undergoing mild stroke, and their plasma TMAO levels were lower compared to those with moderate to severe stroke. Platelet aggregation and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions were both correlated with plasma TMAO levels and these relationships remained significant in multiple linear regression analyses. Moreover, in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats fed a diet enriched with choline to increase TMAO synthesis, platelet aggregation was significantly increased in the DM + choline and fluctuating DM (FDM) + choline groups compared to the control group. This increase was abolished in rats receiving oral antibiotics, which markedly reduced plasma TMAO levels. Importantly, compared with the DM + choline group, the FDM + choline group displayed significantly elevated TMAO levels and higher platelet aggregation.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that higher plasma TMAO levels were associated with stroke severity and suggested a novel link between plasma TMAO levels and glycemic variability in diabetic patients with acute ischaemic stroke.
A review of India’s fodder production status and opportunities
Authors: Singh Deo Narayan , Bohra Jitendra S. , Tyagi Vishal , Singh Tejbal , Banjara Tej R. , Gupta Gaurendra 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis review paper aims at an in‐depth analysis of the challenges, opportunities, and status of fodder production in India. A comprehensive review of available literature and various reports by govt. as well as non govt. organizations have been done as part of the methodology for preparing the manuscript. India caters to approximately 20% of the world's livestock population and about 17.5% of the human population on just 2.3% of the world's land area. The human population is increasing at a pace of 1.6% per annum, while the livestock population is increasing at a rate of 0.66% per year. Theses increasing human and animal populations are fighting tooth and nail for land resources for food and fodder production, respectively. As a result, cultivated fodders occupy only 4% of the entire cultivable land in the country. Presently, the country faces a net shortfall of 35.6% green fodder, 10.5% dry crop leftovers, and 44% concentrate feed ingredients. The option for increasing land area under fodder cultivation is very limited. Hence, it is big challenge in front of us to utilize the available meagre land wisely with its fullest potential to produce the fodders for the animals. Which could be achieved by adopting suitable cropping systems, incorporation of fodder crops in food and other cash crop‐based cropping systems on rotational basis, production of fodder on degraded lands by adopting fodder‐based agro forestry systems and exploring other options of green fodder like azolla. The cropping system with forage crops provides a potential alternative to overcome the fodder problem as it utilizes the resources more efficiently.
Infrastructural state capacity in the digital age: What drives the performance of COVID‐19 tracing apps?
Authors: Cingolani Luciana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn a context where states increasingly complement their physical presence with digital means, the classic idea of infrastructural state power needs reconsideration. The COVID‐19 pandemic represents an unparalleled opportunity to that end, given the uniformity of one type of digital infrastructural intervention—the offer of contact tracing apps‐ and its highly varying performance across geographies. Against this backdrop, the article seeks to expand traditional discussions on state infrastructural power by testing a series of propositions on the explanatory factors behind tracing apps' emergence and adoption rates. The findings stemming from a pool of 150 countries show no straightforward connection between traditional and digital forms of infrastructural power. They also point at the primacy of governmental trust over financial, institutional, and technological factors—including privacy standards—when explaining high adoption, suggesting that the relational aspect of infrastructural power acquires a proportionally greater weight in the digital era.
Validity of the four‐square step test in persons with haemophilia
Authors: Taylor Stephanie , Pemberton Sam , Barker Karen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionRecurrent bleeds into joints causes arthropathy leading to pain and reduced joint movement. This may cause a reduction in postural balance and increase the falls risk in patients with haemophilia (PWH). With an ageing PWH population the need to assess functional balance in clinic will be essential to monitor function and implement interventions to help maintain balance and prevent falls.AimTo assess the utility of the Four‐Square Step Test (FSST) in PWH.Methods80 PWH of all severity types were recruited and underwent a battery of outcome measures: FSST, Timed up & go (TUG), Short performance physical battery (SPPB), Haemophilia Activity List (HAL), ABC confidence questionnaire, and Haemophilia Joint Health score (HJHS). Demographics were collected, together with self‐reported falls/trips history.ResultsAll 80 participants were able to complete all test measures. Median age 44.5 years. Number of participants reporting falls ranged from 23% in severe to 3% in mild. Recent trips 53% severe to 17% mild. Excellent Inter and intra‐reliability, ICC of .981 (CI .953–.992), P < .001 and ICC .989 (.983‐.993) P < .001, respectively. Strong correlations between FSST and TUG/ SPPB .753 and ‐.728, moderate correlation between FSST and ABC/HAL ‐.484, ‐.464 P < .01.ConclusionFSST is a valid and safe measure to use in PWH. It correlates strongly with other functional measures, has excellent inter and intra rater reliability. FSST correlates with age rather than severity type and provides information to the clinician on the speed/ability to change direction and clear an obstacle. ABC questionnaire was able to differentiate between severities and offers insight into patient confidence to move. SPPB had a ceiling effect with 52/80 scoring 12 and may not be suitable for PWH.
Cross‐cultural adaptation of the Arabic version of the DHEQ‐15
Authors: Arheiam Arheiam , ELTantawi Maha , ELkadiki Nuha , Elhashani Abdelgader , Baker Sarah R. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesMany patients who suffer from Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) often go undiagnosed because they do not consider DH as serious problem that requires treatment. The use of patient‐reported outcome measures can help in diagnosis and management of DH problems. The aim of the present study was to adapt cross‐culturally the original English version of the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ‐15) for use in Arabic‐speaking countries.MethodsAn Arabic version of DHEQ‐15 was first developed by forward‐backward translation and piloted among a group of dental patients. A cross‐sectional study design was then used to test the psychometric properties of the Arabic DHEQ‐15 in a wider convenience sample of Libyan dental patients diagnosed with DH. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the three‐dimensional distribution of the subscales. The significance level of all statistical tests was set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe Arabic DHEQ‐15 demonstrated good face and content validity. A total of 462 participants aged, on average, 39.2 ± 12.9 years took part in the psychometric testing of the Arabic DHEQ‐15. The overall Cronbach's alpha of the questionnaire was 0.91, and overall Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test‐retest repeatability was 0.914. Participants with more severe DH had a significantly higher DHEQ‐15 score than those with less severe DH (p < 0.001). Those who reported better global rating of their oral health had lower scores on the Arabic DHEQ‐15 (p < 0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed three subscales of the Arabic DHEQ‐15.ConclusionsThe Arabic DHEQ‐15 has been developed and further testing has demonstrated acceptable levels of psychometric properties in an Arabic population. The Arabic DHEQ‐15 is a reliable measure of the quality‐of‐life impact of DH for use with Arabic‐speaking populations.
The sociological basis of the skin cancer epidemic
Authors: Asadi Leila K. , Khalili Ahmad , Wang Steven Q. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGiven the precipitous rise in its incidence in recent decades, skin cancer has been recognized as a growing epidemic. We explore the sociological underpinnings of this epidemic, including: (1) aging of the demographic; (2) human ecologic factors (residing in areas with high ambient ultraviolet levels and a depleted ozone layer); (3) large‐scale European migration to more equatorial latitudes; (4) social structures that for centuries minimized miscegenation and maximized segregation; (5) gender‐based differences in sunbathing, tanning, sunscreen use, and clothing choice; (6) occupational ultraviolet exposure; (7) the complex interplay of socioeconomic status, race, and urbanization on skin cancer incidence and mortality; (8) the effects of war on skin cancer incidence; (9) cultural shifts in clothing, travel, outdoor sports, recreation, and attitudes towards being tan; and (10) the indirect effects of religion. We show that without these sociological factors, the most common type of cancer would not be nearly as common.
Membrane vesicles from antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus transfer antibiotic-resistance to antibiotic-susceptible Escherichia coli
Authors: Lee Ae Rin , Park Seong Bin , Kim Si Won , Jung Jae Wook , Chun Jin Hong , Kim Jaesung , Kim Young Rim , Lazarte Jassy Mary S. , Jang Ho Bin , Thompson Kim D. , Jung Myunghwan , Ha Min Woo , Jung Tae Sung 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Aim
Bacteria naturally produce membrane vesicles (MVs), which have been shown to contribute to the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDR) by delivering antibiotic-resistant substances to antibiotic-susceptible bacteria. Here, we aim to show that MVs from Gram-positive bacteria are capable of transferring β-lactam antibiotic-resistant substances to antibiotic-sensitive Gram-negative bacteria.

Materials and Methods
MVs were collected from a methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vesicle-mediated fusion with antimicrobial-sensitive Escherichia coli (RC85). It was performed by exposing the bacteria to the MVs to develop antimicrobial-resistant E. coli (RC85-T).

Results
The RC85-T exhibited a higher resistance to β-lactam antibiotics compared to the parent strain. Although the secretion rates of the MVs from RC85-T and the parent strain were nearly equal, the β-lactamase activity of the MVs from RC85-T was 12-times higher than that of MVs from the parent strain, based on equivalent protein concentrations. Moreover, MVs secreted by RC85-T were able to protect β-lactam-susceptible E. coli from β-lactam antibiotic-induced growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion
MVs play a role in transferring substances from Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacteria, shown by the release of MVs from RC85-T that were able to protect β-lactam-susceptible bacteria from β-lactam antibiotics.

Significance and impact of study
MVs are involved in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains in a mixed bacterial culture, helping us to understand how the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria could be reduced.