bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation and transmutation of tungsten boride shields in a spherical tokamak
Authors: Windsor Colin G. , Astbury Jack O. , Morgan J. Guy , Wilson Christopher L. , Humphry-Baker Samuel A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The FISPACT-II code is used to compute the levels of activation and transmutation of tungsten borides for shielding the central high temperature superconductor core of a spherical tokamak fusion power plant during operations at 200 MW fusion power for 30 years and after shutting down for 10 years. The materials considered were W2B, WB, W2B5 and WB4 along with a sintered borocarbide B0.329C0.074Cr0.024Fe0.274W0.299, monolithic W and WC. Calculations were made within shields composed of each material, for five reactor major radii from 1400 to 2200 mm, and for six 10B isotope concentrations and at five positions across the shield. The isotopic production and decay in each shield is detailed. The activation of boride materials is lower than for either W or WC and is lowest of all for W2B5. While isotopes from tungsten largely decay within 3 years of shut-down, those from boron have a much longer decay life. An acceptable 70% of the absorbing 10B isotope will remain after 30 years of operations behind the first wall for a 1400 mm radius tokamak. Gaseous production is problematic in boride shields, where 4He in particular is produced in quantities 3 orders of magnitude higher than in W or WC shields. The FISPACT-II displacements per atom (dpa) tend to increase with boron content, although they decrease with increased 10B isotopic content. The dpa ranges of boride shields tend to lie between those of W and WC. Overall, the results confirm that the favourable fusion reaction shielding properties of W2B5 are not seriously challenged by its irradiation and transmutation properties, although helium gas production could be a challenge to its thermal and mechanical properties.
Development and testing of an additively manufactured lattice for DEMO limiters
Authors: Mantel N. , Bowden D. , Herashchenko S.S. , Fursdon M. , Hancock A.D.L. , Garkusha I.E. , Roberts J. , Makhlai V.A. , von Müller A. , Barrett T.R. , You J.-H. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In the conceptual design of EU-DEMO, damage to plasma-facing components under disruption events is planned to be mitigated by specific sacrificial limiter components. A new limiter concept has been proposed using lattice structures fabricated with tungsten powder by additive manufacturing techniques. The major potential benefits of using a lattice structure for limiters are the possibility to customise the thermal conductivity and structural compliance of these components to manage temperatures and stress within material limits and lower the sensitivity to crack propagation. This paper presents the results of the first investigations into the production, characterisation, and high heat flux testing of these lattices to assess their suitability for DEMO limiters. First stage prototypes have been manufactured from tungsten and tungsten tantalum mixed powder with two distinct laser power bed fusion processes, namely pulsed laser and continuous laser with heated bed. The samples are characterised in terms of mass, volume, density, extent of microcracks and voids, level of un-melted or partially melted particulates, texture and grain size, as well as tantalum segregation when applicable. High transient (0.25 ms) heat load testing, with hydrogen plasma of energy density up to ∼3 MJ m−2 was carried out at Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology on the quasi-stationary plasma accellerator Kh-50. These tests have shown that the energy absorbed by latticed targets preheated at 500 °C is close to that absorbed by solid tungsten, suggesting that they may be used for limiter applications with the added advantage of adjustment of the heat transfer and stiffness performance by geometry design or material properties.
Contrasting 20-year trends in NDVI at two Siberian larch forests with and without multiyear waterlogging-induced disturbances
Authors: Nagano Hirohiko , Kotani Ayumi , Mizuochi Hiroki , Ichii Kazuhito , Kanamori Hironari , Hiyama Tetsuya 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The fate of a boreal forest may depend on the trend in its normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), such as whether the NDVI has been increasing significantly over the past few decades. In this study, we analyzed the responses of two Siberian larch forests at Spasskaya Pad and Elgeeii in eastern Siberia to various waterlogging-induced disturbances, using satellite-based NDVI and meteorological data for the 2000–2019 period. The forest at Spasskaya Pad experienced waterlogging (i.e. flooding events caused by abnormal precipitation) during 2005–2008 that damaged canopy-forming larch trees and increased the abundance of water-resistant understory vegetation. By contrast, the forest at Elgeeii did not experience any remarkable disturbance, such as tree dieback or changes in the vegetation community. Significant increasing NDVI trends were found in May and June–August at Elgeeii (p < 0.05), whereas no significant trends were found at Spasskaya Pad (p > 0.05). NDVI anomalies in May and June–August at Elgeeii were significantly associated with precipitation or temperature depending on the season (p < 0.05), whereas no significant relationships were found at Spasskaya Pad (p > 0.05). Thus, the 20 year NDVI trend and NDVI–temperature–precipitation relationship differed between the two larch forests, although no significant trends in temperature or precipitation were observed. These findings indicate that nonsignificant NDVI trends for Siberian larch forests may reflect waterlogging-induced dieback of larch trees, with a concomitant increase in water-resistant understory vegetation.
Simulation model for the coordination of environmental and economic interests
Authors: Glazyrina I P , Lavlinskii S M 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The purpose of the work is to develop a simulation model that could be used as the basis for a practical methodology for forming a ‘green’ program for the development of mining industry. For this purpose, the Stackelberg model and the apparatus of two-level mathematical programming are used and thus take into account the peculiarities of the hierarchy of interaction between the state and the private investor in the mineral resource sector. The obtained data make it possible to determine the quantitative parameters of expenditures of public financial resources, at which the target function of the state reaches its maximum. It is concluded that the strategy of choosing higher operating costs and, as a result, lower postproject environmental losses is preferable for both the state and the investor.
The impact of fires on the landscapes of the Baikal-Dzhugdzhur type underclimate fluctuations
Authors: Malykh O F , Makarov V P , Zhelibo T V , Banshchikova E A 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In light coniferous forests of the Baikal-Dzhugdzhur type fires are considered as factors and processes inseparable from the forest landscapes and their dynamics. The study period of 1998–2015 is highlighted as extremely arid. In 2008, 2013–2014, 2018 conducted ground studies of the state of vegetation after fires in the area of Vitim Plateau. The conditions of arid period with high frequency, duration and intensity of fires were the main factors in the dynamics of transformation of the structure of mountain-taiga larch forests. Analysis of cruising materials and expedition research showed that from 1996 to 2015 the area of larch forests with canopy density of 5–7% decreased by 45–50%. The area of burned forests and thin forests increased by 45-48%, and the area of shrubs – by 17.0%. The main part of forests is disturbed at the foot of the mountains and in intermountain depressions, at altitudes of 942 -1100 m. Strong desiccation of the ground cover and consistent ground fires with complete loss of trees and undergrowth activated natural processes of bush formation and prairiefication. The duration and degree of fluctuations in climatic parameters determine the nature of the impact of fires on Baikal-Dzhugdzhur larch forests and the degree of their transformation.
«Green» Economy and «Green» Investments in Russia
Authors: Tagaeva T O , Gilmundinov V M , Kazantseva L K , Sinigaeva D D 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The authors of this scientific paper examine the current situation in the Russian Federation associated with the pollution of water and the atmospheric resources, with the problem of production and consumption waste accumulation, and draw their attention to the imperfection of statistical information, which does not allow for an objective assessment of the environmental situation. The quality of natural resources is not improving despite the statistical decrease in emissions and discharges of pollutants. They concluded an inconsistency of the economic development in the Russian Federation with the principles of sustainability and the “green” economy. It is necessary to intensify investment activities to protect the natural environment, in order to change the situation. At present, the share of the environmental investments in all national economic capital investments is negligible - less than 1%. The sluggish dynamic of investment processes led to insufficient commissioning of the main environmental funds. Recently, the situation has worsened in connection with the sequestration of the national project “Ecology” due to the pandemic problems. The article is devoted to the analyses of the “green” investment processes in Russia. The author’s definition of “green” investment is given.
Geochemical peculiarities of underground and surface waters in the area of influence of the ash dump of the Chita CHPP-1
Authors: Usmanova L I , Usmanov M T 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
As a result of filtration leaks from the ash dump, an envelope with a length of over 3 km up to the lake Kenon has been formed along the flow of groundwater bicarbonate-sulphate waters with a mineralization of more than 1.0 g / l, substandard in terms of drinking waters relative to the total mineralization, the magnitude of stiffness and the content of magnesium and silicon. Pollution of natural waters in the areas of disposal of ash dumps is a common problem of coal power plants and thermal power plants [1, 2]. In this regard, the Chita CHPP-1 is no exception. The purpose of this message is to show the change in the chemical characteristics of groundwater and surface water in the zone of influence of its hydraulic ash dump, based on the results of the work performed by the authors. The study was based on the results of hydrogeochemical studies of natural and man-made objects for 2002, 2008 and 2015. Samples were taken in the autumn-summer period (open water period), which, given the fairly stable hydrogeochemical regime within the annual cycle, is fairly representative.
Evaluation of the Value of Waist Circumference and Metabolomics in the Estimation of Visceral Adipose Tissue
Authors: Boone Sebastiaan C , van Smeden Maarten , Rosendaal Frits R , le Cessie Saskia , Groenwold Rolf H H , Jukema J Wouter , van Dijk Ko Willems , Lamb Hildo J , Greenland Philip , Neeland Ian J , Allison Matthew A , Criqui Michael H , Budoff Matthew J , Lind Lars L , Kullberg Joel , Ahlström Håkan , Mook-Kanamori Dennis O , de Mutsert Renée 
Published: January 2022

AbstractVisceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a strong prognostic factor for cardiovascular disease and a potential target for cardiovascular risk stratification. Because VAT is difficult to measure in clinical practice, we estimated prediction models with predictors routinely measured in general practice and VAT as outcome using ridge regression in 2,501 middle-aged participants from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, 2008–2012. Adding waist circumference and other anthropometric measurements on top of the routinely measured variables improved the optimism-adjusted R2 from 0.50 to 0.58 with a decrease in the root-mean-square error (RMSE) from 45.6 to 41.5 cm2 and with overall good calibration. Further addition of predominantly lipoprotein-related metabolites from the Nightingale platform did not improve the optimism-corrected R2 and RMSE. The models were externally validated in 370 participants from the Prospective Investigation of Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS, 2006–2009) and 1,901 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA, 2000–2007). Performance was comparable to the development setting in PIVUS (R2 = 0.63, RMSE = 42.4 cm2, calibration slope = 0.94) but lower in MESA (R2 = 0.44, RMSE = 60.7 cm2, calibration slope = 0.75). Our findings indicate that the estimation of VAT with routine clinical measurements can be substantially improved by incorporating waist circumference but not by metabolite measurements.
Effects and Safety of Allisartan Isoproxil Combined With Amlodipine or Indapamide in Patients With Hypertension Who Failed Allisartan Monotherapy
Authors: Wang Hong-yi , Wu Fang , Wang Ji-hua , Ma Qing-chun , Yang Fan , Lu Xi-ning , Huo Yong , Sun Ning-ling 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
To primarily evaluate the effects and safety of a selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) allisartan isoproxil combined with amlodipine or indapamide in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension who failed allisartan monotherapy.

Methods
Patients aged 18–75 years with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension [office systolic blood pressure (SBP) 140 to &lt;180 and/or office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90 to &lt;110 mm Hg] in 44 study centers between 2016 and 2018 were recruited. Allisartan isoproxil tablet 240 mg was administered per day for 4 weeks, and continued for 8 weeks if office blood pressure (BP) achieved the target of SBP/DBP &lt;140/90 mm Hg. The nonachievers were 1:1 randomly divided into allisartan isoproxil 240 mg + indapamide sustained-release tablet 1.5 mg, or allisartan isoproxil 240 mg + amlodipine besylate 5 mg groups for further 8 weeks of combined therapy. The BP target achieving rate, reduction of sitting BP from baseline, safety and compliance were evaluated as the primary efficacy endpoint.

Results
A total of 2,212 patients were enrolled, among them 2,126 patients were included in the efficacy analysis, with an average age of 55.1 ± 10.2 years. A total of 1,463 cases (68.8%) were effective after 4 weeks allisartan treatment, and the mean SBP and DBP were significantly decreased by 14.7 ± 12.2 and 8.0 ± 8.4 mm Hg compared with the baseline levels (all P &lt; 0.001). In nonachievers, allisartan combined with indapamide for 8 weeks significantly lowered the sitting BP (SBP/DBP) by 14.0 ± 12.2/8.3 ± 9.2 mm Hg, respectively, compared with 4 weeks monotherapy with allisartan with a BP targeting rate of 57.7% (169/293). In the allisartan + amlodipine group, the SBP/DBP were significantly decreased by (14.4 ± 12.1/8.2 ± 8.2) mm Hg, respectively, with a BP targeting rate of 62.8% (181/288). There was no statistical significance in BP reduction, targeting rate, or adverse reactions between the 2 combined therapies.

Conclusions
Allisartan isoproxil combined with indapamide or amlodipine can further improve the BP targeting rate when allisartan monotherapy failed in essential hypertension. The 2 combined therapies have similar efficacy and safety.
Digital DNA lifecycle security and privacy: an overview
Authors: Alsaffar Muhalb M , Hasan Mohammad , McStay Gavin P , Sedky Mohamed 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDNA sequencing technologies have advanced significantly in the last few years leading to advancements in biomedical research which has improved personalised medicine and the discovery of new treatments for diseases. Sequencing technology advancement has also reduced the cost of DNA sequencing, which has led to the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) sequencing, e.g. 23andme.com, ancestry.co.uk, etc. In the meantime, concerns have emerged over privacy and security in collecting, handling, analysing and sharing DNA and genomic data. DNA data are unique and can be used to identify individuals. Moreover, those data provide information on people’s current disease status and disposition, e.g. mental health or susceptibility for developing cancer. DNA privacy violation does not only affect the owner but also affects their close consanguinity due to its hereditary nature. This article introduces and defines the term ‘digital DNA life cycle’ and presents an overview of privacy and security threats and their mitigation techniques for predigital DNA and throughout the digital DNA life cycle. It covers DNA sequencing hardware, software and DNA sequence pipeline in addition to common privacy attacks and their countermeasures when DNA digital data are stored, queried or shared. Likewise, the article examines DTC genomic sequencing privacy and security.
Prion-like α-synuclein pathology in the brain of infants with Krabbe disease
Authors: Hatton Christopher , Ghanem Simona S. , Koss David J. , Abdi Ilham Y. , Gibbons Elizabeth , Guerreiro Rita , Bras Jose ,   International DLB Genetics Consortium, Bras Jose , Guerreiro Rita , Kun-Rodrigues Celia , Singleton Andrew , Hernandez Dena , Ross Owen A. , Dickson Dennis W. , Graff-Radford Neill , Ferman Tanis J. , Petersen Ronald C. , Boeve Brad F. , Heckman Michael G. , Trojanowski John Q. , Van Deerlin Vivianna , Cairns Nigel J. , Morris John C. , Stone David J. , Eicher John D. , Clark Lorraine , Honig Lawrence S , Marder Karen , Serrano Geidy E. , Beach Thomas G. , Galasko Douglas , Masliah Eliezer , Hardy John , Darwent Lee , Ansorge Olaf , Parkkinen Laura , Morgan Kevin , Brown Kristelle , Braae Anne , Barber Imelda , Troakes Claire , Al-Sarraj Safa , Warner Tom , Lashley Tammaryn , Holton Janice , Compta Yaroslau , Revesz Tamas , Lees Andrew , Zetterberg Henrik , Escott-Price Valentina , Pickering-Brown Stuart , Mann David , George-Hyslop Peter St. , Rogaeva Ekaterina , George-Hyslop Peter St. , Clarimon Jordi , Lleo Alberto , Morenas-Rodriguez Estrella , Pastor Pau , Diez-Fairen Monica , Aquilar Miquel , Compta Yaroslau , Shepherd Claire , Halliday Glenda M. , Tienari Pentti J. , Myllykangas Liisa , Oinas Minna , Santana Isabel , Lesage Suzanne , Zetterberg Henrik , Londos Elisabet , Lemstra Afina , Walker Lauren , Gelpi Ellen , Heywood Wendy , Outeiro Tiago F. , Attems Johannes , McFarland Robert , Forsyth Rob , El-Agnaf Omar M. , Erskine Daniel 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Krabbe disease is an infantile neurodegenerative disorder resulting from pathogenic variants in the GALC gene that causes accumulation of the toxic sphingolipid psychosine. GALC variants are also associated with Lewy body diseases, an umbrella term for age-associated neurodegenerative diseases in which the protein α-synuclein aggregates into Lewy bodies. To explore whether α-synuclein in Krabbe disease has pathological similarities to that in Lewy body disease, we performed an observational post-mortem study of Krabbe disease brain tissue (n = 4) compared to infant controls (n = 4) and identified widespread accumulations of α-synuclein. To determine whether α-synuclein in Krabbe disease brain displayed disease-associated pathogenic properties we evaluated its seeding capacity using the real-time quaking-induced conversion assay in two cases for which frozen tissue was available and strikingly identified aggregation into fibrils similar to those observed in Lewy body disease, confirming the prion-like capacity of Krabbe disease-derived α-synuclein. These observations constitute the first report of prion-like α-synuclein in the brain tissue of infants and challenge the putative view that α-synuclein pathology is merely an age-associated phenomenon, instead suggesting it results from alterations to biological pathways, such as sphingolipid metabolism. Our findings have important implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying Lewy body formation in Lewy body disease.
Ross procedure provides survival benefit over mechanical valve in adults: a propensity-matched nationwide analysis
Authors: Gofus Jan , Fila Petr , Drabkova Svetlana , Zacek Pavel , Ondrasek Jiri , Nemec Petr , Sterba Jan , Tuna Martin , Jarkovsky Jiri , Vojacek Jan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The choice of optimal surgical treatment for young and middle-aged adults with aortic valve disease remains a challenge. Mechanical aortic valve replacement (mAVR) is generally preferred despite promising recent outcomes of the Ross procedure. Our goal was to compare the strategies at a nationwide level.

METHODS
This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data from the National Registry of Cardiac Surgery of the Czech Republic. Using propensity score matching, we compared the outcomes of patients undergoing the Ross procedure in 2 dedicated centres with all mAVRs performed in country between 2009 and 2020.

RESULTS
Throughout the study period, 296 adults underwent the Ross procedure and 5120 had an mAVR. We found and compared 291 matched pairs. There were no in-hospital deaths, and the risk of perioperative complications was similar in both groups. Over the average follow-up period of 4.1 vs 6.1 years, the Ross group had a lower all-cause mortality (0.7 vs 6.5%; P = 0.015). This result remained significant even when accounting for cardiac- and valve-related deaths only (P = 0.048). Unlike the Ross group, the mAVR group had a significantly lower relative survival compared with the age- and sex-matched general population. There was no difference in the risk of reoperation (4.5 vs 5.5%; P = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS
The Ross procedure offers a significant midterm survival benefit over mAVR. The procedures have a comparable risk of perioperative complications. Patients after mAVR have reduced survival. Thus, the Ross procedure should be the preferred treatment option for young and middle-aged adults with aortic valve disease in dedicated centres.
Whole exome sequence analysis in 51 624 participants identifies novel genes and variants associated with refractive error and myopia
Authors: Guggenheim Jeremy A , Clark Rosie , Cui Jiangtian , Terry Louise , Patasova Karina , Haarman Annechien E G , Musolf Anthony M , Verhoeven Virginie J M , Klaver Caroline C W , Bailey-Wilson Joan E , Hysi Pirro G , Williams Cathy ,   CREAM Consortium,   UK Biobank Eye Vision Consortium
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Refractive errors are associated with a range of pathological conditions, such as myopic maculopathy and glaucoma, and are highly heritable. Studies of missense and putative loss of function (pLOF) variants identified via whole exome sequencing (WES) offer the prospect of directly implicating potentially causative disease genes. We performed a genome-wide association study for refractive error in 51 624 unrelated adults, of European ancestry, aged 40–69 years from the UK and genotyped using WES. After testing 29 179 pLOF and 495 263 missense variants, 1 pLOF and 18 missense variants in 14 distinct genomic regions were taken forward for fine-mapping analysis. This yielded 19 putative causal variants of which 18 had a posterior inclusion probability &gt;0.5. Of the 19 putative causal variants, 12 were novel discoveries. Specific variants were associated with a more myopic refractive error, while others were associated with a more hyperopic refractive error. Association with age of onset of spectacle wear (AOSW) was examined in an independent validation sample (38 100 early AOSW cases and 74 243 controls). Of 11 novel variants that could be tested, 8 (73%) showed evidence of association with AOSW status. This work identified COL4A4 and ATM as novel candidate genes associated with refractive error. In addition, novel putative causal variants were identified in the genes RASGEF1, ARMS2, BMP4, SIX6, GSDMA, GNGT2, ZNF652 and CRX. Despite these successes, the study also highlighted the limitations of community-based WES studies compared with high myopia case–control WES studies.