bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximum total irregularity index of some families of graph with maximum degree n − 1
Authors: Yousaf Shamaila , Bhatti Akhlaq Ahmad 
Published: June 2021

The total irregularity index of a graph [Formula: see text] is defined by Abdo et al. [H. Abdo, S. Brandt and D. Dimitrov, The total irregularity of a graph, Discrete Math. Theor. Comput. Sci. 16 (2014) 201–206] as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the degree of a vertex [Formula: see text]. In 2014, You et al. [L. H. You, J. S. Yang and Z. F. You, The maximal total irregularity of unicyclic graphs, Ars Comb. 114 (2014) 153–160.] characterized the graph having maximum [Formula: see text] value among all elements of the class [Formula: see text] (Unicyclic graphs) and Zhou et al. [L. H. You, J. S. Yang, Y. X. Zhu and Z. F. You, The maximal total irregularity of bicyclic graphs, J. Appl. Math. 2014 (2014) 785084, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/785084] characterized the graph having maximum [Formula: see text] value among all elements of the class [Formula: see text] (Bicyclic graphs). In this paper, we characterize the aforementioned graphs with an alternative but comparatively simple approach. Also, we characterized the graphs having maximum [Formula: see text] value among the classes [Formula: see text] (Tricyclic graphs), [Formula: see text] (Tetracyclic graphs), [Formula: see text] (Pentacyclic graphs) and [Formula: see text] (Hexacyclic graphs).
Toward Greater Precision in Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Nickoloff Jac A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The cellular DNA damage response (DDR) is a key factor in tumor suppression and tumor responses to genotoxic chemo- and radiotherapy. Master DDR regulators include three phosphatidyl inositol 3′ kinase–related kinases (PIKK) called ATM, ATR, and the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase, DNA-PKcs. Among their many functions, PIKKs regulate repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) by homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ). Ionizing radiation induces DSBs that are either widely dispersed and efficiently repaired, or clustered and poorly repaired by the dominant NHEJ pathway. The inefficient repair of clustered DSBs by NHEJ shifts repair toward the competing HR pathway. In this issue of Cancer Research, Zhou and colleagues revealed a novel synthetic lethal approach in which the greater dependency on HR to repair clustered DSBs induced by protons is exploited to enhance killing of tumor cells and tumor xenografts by suppressing HR with an ATM inhibitor or mutant BRCA1. This is an important step toward precision cancer radiotherapy.
See related article by Zhou et al., p. 3333
What It Takes to Transform a T Cell
Authors: Spasevska Ivana , Myklebust June H. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The role of fusion genes and cancer driver genes in malignant transformation has traditionally been explored using transgenic or chimeric mouse models. It has been challenging to develop models that fully resemble the characteristics and morphology of human cancers. This applies to anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a malignancy classified as a peripheral T-cell lymphoma. It is still unclear at which stage of T-cell development ALCL can occur, as well as the early molecular events required for malignant transformation. In this issue of Cancer Research, Pawlicki and colleagues introduced the NPM–ALK fusion gene and mutant variants into primary T cells from healthy donors. By monitoring transduced T-cell clones over time, they demonstrated that transformed T cells undergo a progressive loss of T-cell identity accompanied with upregulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition program and reemergence of an immature, thymic profile. Introduction of NPM–ALK was, however, not sufficient to convert healthy T cells to malignant clones, as this process required activation of T-cell receptor signaling. The study sets the stage for modeling early genetic changes in human tumors.
See related article by Pawlicki et al., p. 3241
Complementary Role of Circulating Tumor DNA Assessment and Tissue Genomic Profiling in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zengin Zeynep B. , Weipert Caroline , Salgia Nicholas J. , Dizman Nazli , Hsu Joann , Meza Luis , Chehrazi-Raffle Alexander , Muddasani Ramya , Salgia Sabrina , Malhotra Jasnoor , Chawla Neal , Philip Errol J. , Kiedrowski Lesli , Maughan Benjamin L. , Rathi Nityam , Goel Divyam , Choueiri Toni K. , Agarwal Neeraj , Pal Sumanta K. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
The role of circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) as an adjunct to tissue genomic profiling is poorly defined in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). In this study, we aim to validate previous findings related to genomic alteration (GA) frequency in ctDNA and determine the concordance between ctDNA and tissue-based profiling in patients with mRCC.

Experimental Design:
Results of 839 patients with mRCC who had ctDNA assessment with a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified ctDNA assay between November 2016 and December 2019 were collected. Tissue-based genomic profiling was collected when available and concordance analysis between blood- and tissue-based testing was performed.

Results:
ctDNA was assessed in 839 patients (comprising 920 samples) with mRCC. GAs were detected in 661 samples (71.8%). Tissue-based GAs were assessed in 112 patients. Limiting our analyses to a common 73-/74-gene set and excluding samples with no ctDNA detected, a total of 228 mutations were found in tissue and blood. Mutations identified in tissue (34.7%; 42/121) were also identified via ctDNA, whereas 28.2% (42/149) of the mutations identified in liquid were also identified via tissue. Concordance between ctDNA and tissue-based profiling was inversely related to the time elapsed between these assays.

Conclusions:
This study confirms the feasibility of ctDNA profiling in the largest mRCC cohort to date, with ctDNA identifying multiple actionable alterations. It also demonstrates that ctDNA and tissue-based genomic profiling are complementary, with both platforms identifying unique alterations, and confirms that the frequency of unique alterations increases with greater temporal separation between tests.
In Situ Analysis of N-Linked Glycans as Potential Biomarkers of Clinical Course in Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Conroy Lindsey R. , Stanback Alexandra E. , Young Lyndsay E.A. , Clarke Harrison A. , Austin Grant L. , Liu Jinze , Allison Derek B. , Sun Ramon C. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there is a critical knowledge gap in understanding factors driving disparities in survival among different cohorts of patients with prostate cancer. Identifying molecular features separating disparate populations is an important first step in prostate cancer research that could lead to fundamental hypotheses in prostate biology, predictive biomarker discovery, and personalized therapy. N-linked glycosylation is a cotranslational event during protein folding that modulates a myriad of cellular processes. Recently, aberrant N-linked glycosylation has been reported in prostate cancers. However, the full clinical implications of dysregulated glycosylation in prostate cancer has yet to be explored. Herein, we performed direct on-tissue analysis of N-linked glycans using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) from tissue microarrays of over 100 patient tumors with over 10 years of follow-up metadata. We successfully identified a panel of N-glycans that are unique between benign and prostate tumor tissue. Specifically, high-mannose as well as tri-and tetra-antennary N-glycans were more abundant in tumor tissue and increase proportionally with tumor grade. Further, we expanded our analyses to examine the N-glycan profiles of Black and Appalachian patients and have identified unique glycan signatures that correlate with recurrence in each population. Our study highlights the potential applications of MALDI-MSI for digital pathology and biomarker discovery for prostate cancer.

Implications:
MALDI-MSI identifies N-glycan perturbations in prostate tumors compared with benign tissue. This method can be utilized to predict prostate cancer recurrence and study prostate cancer disparities.
Cardiolipin Remodeling Defects Impair Mitochondrial Architecture and Function in a Murine Model of Barth Syndrome Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhu Siting , Chen Ze’e , Zhu Mason , Shen Ying , Leon Leonardo J. , Chi Liguo , Spinozzi Simone , Tan Changming , Gu Yusu , Nguyen Anh , Zhou Yi , Feng Wei , Vaz Frédéric M. , Wang Xiaohong , Gustafsson Asa B. , Evans Sylvia M. , Kunfu Ouyang , Fang Xi 
Published: June 2021

Background:

Cardiomyopathy is a major clinical feature in Barth syndrome (BTHS), an X-linked mitochondrial lipid disorder caused by mutations in
Tafazzin
(
TAZ
), encoding a mitochondrial acyltransferase required for cardiolipin remodeling. Despite recent description of a mouse model of BTHS cardiomyopathy, an in-depth analysis of specific lipid abnormalities and mitochondrial form and function in an in vivo BTHS cardiomyopathy model is lacking.

Methods:

We performed in-depth assessment of cardiac function, cardiolipin species profiles, and mitochondrial structure and function in our newly generated
Taz
cardiomyocyte-specific knockout mice and Cre-negative control mice (n≥3 per group).

Results:

Taz
cardiomyocyte-specific knockout mice recapitulate typical features of BTHS and mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. Fewer than 5% of cardiomyocyte-specific knockout mice exhibited lethality before 2 months of age, with significantly enlarged hearts. More than 80% of cardiomyocyte-specific knockout displayed ventricular dilation at 16 weeks of age and survived until 50 weeks of age. Full parameter analysis of cardiac cardiolipin profiles demonstrated lower total cardiolipin concentration, abnormal cardiolipin fatty acyl composition, and elevated monolysocardiolipin to cardiolipin ratios in Taz cardiomyocyte-specific knockout, relative to controls. Mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system and F1F0-ATP synthase complexes, required for cristae morphogenesis, were abnormal, resulting in onion-shaped mitochondria. Organization of high molecular weight respiratory chain supercomplexes was also impaired. In keeping with observed mitochondrial abnormalities, seahorse experiments demonstrated impaired mitochondrial respiration capacity.

Conclusions:
Our mouse model mirrors multiple physiological and biochemical aspects of BTHS cardiomyopathy. Our results give important insights into the underlying cause of BTHS cardiomyopathy and provide a framework for testing therapeutic approaches to BTHS cardiomyopathy, or other mitochondrial-related cardiomyopathies.
Clustering Analysis of Autumn Weather Regimes in the Northeast United States
Authors: Coe David , Barlow Mathew , Agel Laurie , Colby Frank , Skinner Christopher , Qian Jian-Hua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA k-means clustering method is applied to daily ERA5 500-hPa heights, sea level pressure, and 850-hPa winds, 1979–2008, to identify characteristic weather types (WTs) for September–November for the northeast United States. The resulting WTs are analyzed in terms of structure, frequency of occurrence, typical progressions, precipitation and temperature characteristics, and relation to teleconnections. The WTs are used to make a daily circulation-based distinction between early and late autumn and consider shifts in seasonality. Seven WTs are identified for the autumn season, representing a range of trough and ridge patterns. The largest average values of precipitation and greatest likelihood of extremes occur in the Midwestern Trough and Atlantic Ridge patterns. The greatest likelihood of extreme temperatures occurs in the Northeast Ridge. Some WTs are strongly associated with the phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation and Pacific–North America pattern, with frequency of occurrence for several WTs changing by more than a factor of 2. The two most common progressions between the WTs are one most frequent in September, Mid-Atlantic Trough to Northeast Ridge to Mid-Atlantic Trough, and one most frequent in mid-October–November, Midwestern Trough to Northeast Trough to Midwestern Trough. This seasonality allows for a daily WT-based distinction between early and late season. A preliminary trend analysis indicates an increase in early season WTs later in the season and a decrease in late season WTs earlier in the season; that is, a shift toward a longer period of warm season patterns and a shorter, delayed period of cold season patterns.
A Recent Increase in Long-Lived Heatwaves in China Under the Joint Influence of South Asia and Western North Pacific Subtropical Highs
Authors: LI Na , XIAO Ziniu , ZHAO Liang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLong-lived (≥6 days) heatwaves (HWs) have strong social impacts with serious health implications. Using homogenized historical daily temperatures from China and ECMWF reanalysis data, this study investigates its frequency between 1979 and 2018 and driving mechanisms. It is found that the occurrence of HWs is strongly associated with the joint actions of the South Asian high and the western North Pacific subtropical high, which can be described by a synergy index measured by the boundary distance between the two subtropical high-pressure systems. When the synergy index is positive, there are more long-lived HWs occurrence in the east of the Tibetan Plateau, the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the southern region in China, and vice versa. A Mann-Kendall test shows a significant interdecadal shift around 2004/2005 towards increased occurrence that is consistent with enhanced subtropical high systems. This study shows the important roles of large-scale dynamic systems in regional climate extremes and their future changes.
Modulation of surface gravity waves by internal waves
Authors: Lenain Luc , Pizzo Nick 
Published: June 2021

AbstractInternal waves are a regular feature of the open ocean and coastal waters. As a train of internal waves propagate, their surface induced currents modulate the surface waves, generating a characteristic rough and smooth banded structure. While the surface expression of these internal waves is well known and has been observed from a variety of remote sensing instruments, direct quantitative observations of the directional properties of the surface gravity wave field modulated by an internal wave remain sparse. In this work, we report on a comprehensive field campaign conducted off the coast of Point Sal, CA in September 2017. Using a unique combination of airborne remote sensing observations, along with in-situ surface and subsurface measurements, we investigate and quantify the interaction between surface gravity and internal wave processes. We find that surface waves are significantly modulated by the currents induced by the internal waves. Through novel observations of ocean topography, we characterize the rapid modification of the directional and spectral properties of surface waves over very short spatial scales (O(100)m or less). Over a range of wavelengths (3-9m waves), geometrical optics and wave action conservation predictions show good agreement with the observed wavenumber spectra in smooth and rough regions of the modulated surface waves. If a parameterization of wave action source terms is used, good agreement is found over a larger range of wavenumbers, down to 4rad/m. These results elucidate properties of surface waves interacting with a submesoscale ocean current, and should provide insight into more general interactions between surface waves and the fine scale structure of the upper ocean.
Development of methods to measure the potential of a plaster to regulate indoor humidity
Authors: Lim Kiyomi D , Maskell Daniel 
Published: June 2021

Moisture buffering utilises hygroscopic construction materials as a more sustainable approach to passively moderate indoor humidity. This study seeks to develop a reproducible test method to obtain a moisture buffering value of common building materials under conditions that reflect typical indoor environmental conditions. Temperature and humidity variations in sinusoidal profiles for two different materials, typically used to finish internal surfaces, have been studied to identify their potential moisture regulation behaviour. Outcomes were then combined and ranked indicating the potential of materials to passively regulate the indoor humidity and the need for robust methods of investigation. Practical application: In response to current practice and materials’ testing procedures, a reproducible test method is considered to enable comprehensive understanding of a hydroscopic materials’ behaviour, where subsequent interpretation of their performance can be quantified. The practicality to consider the use of passive regulation using hygroscopic materials can then be justified to bring indoor RH closer to the optimal range without heavy reliance on mechanical solutions, achieving a more effective passive indoor climate monitoring. It is expected that the outcome of this investigation can potentially form the basis of further improvement on a standardised test method to obtain moisture buffering value of hygroscopic non-structural elements for pragmatic application during design integration process.
ERAS Protocols for Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Chorath Kevin , Luu Neil , Go Beatrice C. , Moreira Alvaro , Rajasekaran Karthik 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidenced‐based multidisciplinary programs implemented in the perioperative setting to improve postoperative recovery and attenuate the surgical stress response. However, evidence on their effectiveness in thyroid and parathyroid surgery remains sparse. Therefore, our goal was to investigate the clinical benefits and cost‐effectiveness of ERAS protocols for the perioperative management of thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.Data SourceA systematic review of Medline, Scopus, Embase, and gray literature was performed to identify studies of ERAS or clinical care protocols for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.Review MethodsTwo reviewers screened studies using predetermined inclusion criteria. Our primary outcomes included hospital length of stay and hospital costs. Readmission and postoperative complication rates composed our secondary outcomes. Meta‐analysis was performed to compare outcomes for patients enrolled in the ERAS protocol versus standard of care.ResultsA total of 450 articles were identified; 7 (1.6%) met inclusion criteria with a total of 3082 patients. Perioperative components in ERAS protocols varied across the studies. Nevertheless, patients enrolled in ERAS protocols had reduced hospital length of stay (mean difference, –0.64 days [95% CI, −0.92 to −0.37]) and hospital costs (in US dollars; mean difference, –307.70 [95% CI, −346.49 to −268.90]), without an increase in readmission (odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.29‐1.94]) or complication rates (odds ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.82‐1.57]).ConclusionThere is growing literature supporting the role of ERAS protocols for the perioperative management of thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. These protocols significantly reduce hospital length of stay and costs without increasing complications or readmission rates.
Do Federal Regulations Affect Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Disparities in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Research?
Authors: Spielman Daniel B. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Liebowitz Andi , Sharma Rahul , Overdevest Jonathan , Mattos Jose , Gudis David A. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have asserted that diverse demographic representation in clinical trials is essential. In light of these federal guidelines, the objective of this study is to assess the racial, ethnic, and gender demographics of patients enrolled in clinical trials registered with the NIH that evaluate chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) relative to the demographics of the US population.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingNot applicable.MethodsClinicalTrials.gov was queried to identify all prospective clinical trials for CRSwNP. Individual study and pooled data were compared with national US census data.ResultsEighteen studies were included comprising 4125 patients and evaluating dupilumab, mepolizumab, omalizumab, fluticasone/OptiNose, MediHoney, mometasone, and SINUVA. Women constituted 42.7% of clinical trial participants. Of the 4125 participants, 69.6% identified as White, 6.6% as Black, 20.8% as Asian, 0.1% as Pacific Islander, 0.4% as American Indian, 8.0% as Hispanic, and 2.4% as other. The racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the pooled study population differs significantly from national US census data, with underrepresentation of Black, Hispanic, Pacific Island, and American Indian individuals, as well as females (P <. 05).ConclusionThe racial, ethnic, and gender demographics of patients enrolled in CRSwNP clinical trials registered with the NIH differ significantly from the demographics of the US population, despite federal guidelines advising demographically representative participation. Proactive efforts to enroll participants that better represent anticipated treatment populations should be emphasized by researchers, institutions, and editorial boards.
The Performance Measurement Frameworks in Healthcare: Scopus Study
Authors: Zaadoud B. , Chbab Y. , Chaouch A. 
Published: June 2021

Object: The purpose of this article is to analyse and compare the frameworks of performance measurement in primary health care in the world. The objective is to determine whether the frameworks of performance measurement in primary health care have an influence on the performance of health centres. Method: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to: (a) identify a conceptual framework for measuring quality management systems; and (b) assess the effects of the conceptual framework on quality improvement and quality of care outcomes. We chose frameworks highly cited in the literature and analysed and compared these frameworks. Results: Eight dimensions were identified for assessing performance in primary health care facilities (PHCFs) in more than 50% frameworks: effectiveness, safety, accessibility, equity, efficiency, acceptability, patient-centredness and timeliness. Conclusion: Even if the links are not established within the framework of a scientific research, quality approaches are generally recognised as an essential tool to help establishments improve their quality of care and the safety of their patients. Until now, the evaluation of the quality of care in the 'PHCF' is not yet in place, a blatant need for performance measurement tools, relevant information, coherence between the operational and strategic levels, integration of organizational objectives in the measurement of performance in order to direct the structures towards a true management by quality.