bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in spring vegetation greenness over Siberia associated with weather disturbances during 1982–2015
Authors: Yao Peng‐Juan , Gong Dao‐Yi , Meng Meng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs the global climate warms rapidly, terrestrial vegetation experiences significant changes. The impact of high‐frequency variability, especially for variations related to weather disturbances (i.e., day‐to‐day weather fluctuations), however, is less studied and remains poorly understood. In the present study, we quantitatively investigated the linkages between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and weather disturbances in spring (April and May) over Siberia for the period 1982–2015. Identified by empirical orthogonal function analysis, the inherent large‐scale spatial structure of weather disturbances shows synchronous variations over Siberia. It was found that weather disturbances are significantly related to the synchronous NDVI at a large spatial scale. The regional mean (48–67°N and 50–105°E) time series of the NDVI and weather variance, a measure of weather disturbance, is correlated at −0.32 (significant at the 0.05 level), suggesting that in springs with larger weather fluctuations, the concurrent NDVI tends to clearly decrease. Changes of frost events in association with weather disturbances are investigated to help understand the vegetation greenness response. We identified springs with the largest and smallest weather variances. Then, their differences were utilized to estimate the possible maximum changes for extremely cold temperatures. The results show that corresponding to the largest variance increase, for Siberia as a whole, the number of frost days has increased by 0.9 days (5%) and the accumulated adverse temperature has undergone a substantial increase of 18.9°C·day (15%). These results suggest that when there are active weather disturbances, the simultaneous increase in extremely cold temperatures plays a dominant role in adversely impacting vegetation activity. Our study demonstrates that, in addition to the increased mean temperature, the long‐term decrease in weather disturbances over Siberia, as observed in recent decades, should also contribute significantly to vegetation greening. This finding promotes a further understanding of the impacts of climate change on regional vegetation activity.
The anabolic effect of inorganic polyphosphate on chondrocytes is mediated by calcium signalling
Authors: Gawri Rahul , Bielecki Ryszard , Salter Eric W. , Zelinka Alena , Shiba Toshikazu , Collingridge Graham , Nagy Andras , Kandel Rita A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInorganic polyphosphates (polyP) are polymers composed of phosphate residues linked by energy‐rich phosphoanhydride bonds. As polyP can bind calcium, the hypothesis of this study is that polyP enters chondrocytes and exerts its anabolic effect by calcium influx through calcium channels. PolyP treatment of cartilage tissue formed in 3D culture by bovine chondrocytes showed an increase in proteoglycan accumulation but only when calcium was also present at a concentration of 1.5 mM. This anabolic effect could be prevented by treatment with either ethylene glycol‐bis(β‐aminoethyl ether)‐N,N,N',N'‐tetraacetic acid or the calcium channel inhibitors gadolinium and nifedipine. Calcium and polyP cotreatment of chondrocytes in monolayer culture resulted in calcium oscillations that were polyP chain length specific and were inhibited by gadolinium and nifedipine. The calcium influx resulted in increased gene expression of sox9, collagen type II, and aggrecan which was prevented by treatment with either calphostin, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, and W7, an inhibitor of calmodulin; suggesting activation of the protein kinase C‐calmodulin pathway. Tracing studies using 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole, Mitotracker Red, and/or Fura‐AM staining showed that polyP was detected in the nucleus, mitochondria, and intracellular vacuoles suggesting that polyP may also enter the cell. PolyP colocalizes with calcium in mitochondria. This study demonstrates that polyP requires the influx of calcium to regulate chondrocyte matrix production, likely via activating calcium signaling. These findings identify the mechanism regulating the anabolic effect of polyP in chondrocytes which will help in its clinical translation into a therapeutic agent for cartilage repair.
Defective Zr‐based metal–organic frameworks as sorbent for the determination of fungicides in environmental water samples by rapid dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Suling , Hua Ziluo , Zhao Hongting , Yao Weixuan , Wu Yuanzhao , Fu Defeng , Sun Jiancong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this work, defective Zr‐based metal–organic framework was successfully synthesized and evaluated as a dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction sorbent for efficient preconcentration and determination of fungicides in complex water samples. The defective Zr‐based metal–organic framework crystal with increased adsorption capacity was successfully synthesized by employing formic acid as the modulator. The extraction conditions, including the pH, extraction time, desorption solvent and desorption time, were comprehensively investigated. Under optimum conditions, it was found that dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction method, coupled with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, exhibited a good linear relationship with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9980. The relative standard deviations of inter‐day and intra‐day precisions ranged from 2.6 to 9.2% and the limits of detection ranged from 0.004 to 0.036 μg/L. These merits, combined with their satisfactory recoveries (>80%), suggested the great potential of defective Zr‐based metal–organic framework as a new adsorbent for efficient extraction of trace fungicides. This method exhibits good application potential for the pretreatment of fungicides from environmental water samples.
How Enhancing Immunity to Low‐Risk HPV Could Cure Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Bai Ke , Allen Clint 
Published: March 2021

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is currently treated with repeat surgical resection of papillomatous disease that does not address the fundamental underlying issue of chronic infection with low‐risk human papillomavirus. Here, we review the biology and immunology of low‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Antiviral or antiangiogenic adjuvant treatments similarly address the papillomatous disease itself but do not activate HPV immunity. It is likely that only through immune‐mediated clearance of low‐risk HPV infection can patients with RRP be cured. In some patients, this occurs spontaneously. In others with more aggressive disease, adjuvant immunotherapy to activate immunity may be needed. Based on current understanding of antiviral immune responses, the only rational strategy to clear HPV‐infected epithelial cells is through activation of the T‐lymphocyte arm of the adaptive immune response. Translation of immunotherapies that are Food and Drug Administration‐approved or under clinical study for cancer, such as immune checkpoint blockade or engineered therapeutic vaccines, may provide a path toward tolerable and efficacious adjuvant immunotherapy for RRP.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:2041–2047, 2021
Distress Screening in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Planned for Cancer‐Directed Radiotherapy
Authors: Lewis Shirley , Pandey Saket , Salins Naveen , Deodhar Jayita , Patil Vijay , Gupta Tejpal , Laskar Sarbani Ghosh , Budrukkar Ashwini , Murthy Vedang , Joshi Amit , Prabhash Kumar , Nair Sudhir , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Noronha Vanita , Agarwal Jai Prakash 
Published: March 2021

Objective/HypothesisTo estimate the prevalence of baseline clinically significant distress (distress score ≥ 4) in head and neck cancer patients planned and treated with radical intent radiotherapy using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) and assess factors predictive of distress.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study evaluating distress in 600 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The DT was used to screen patients for distress at baseline before radiotherapy.ResultsThe median distress score of the entire cohort was 4 interquartile range (IQR) (IQR: 3–5), and 340 patients (56.7%) had clinically significant distress. On univariate analysis, the causal factors predictive of distress were low socioeconomic status (P = .04), presence of proliferative growth at presentation (P = .008), site of the tumor (oral cavity, P = .02), comorbidity (P = .04), and presence of Ryle's tube or tracheostomy tube at baseline (P = .01). Low socioeconomic status was significant (P = .04) on multivariate analysis for high levels of distress.ConclusionsAmong head and neck cancer patients, 56% of patients had clinically significant baseline distress, and patients with low socioeconomic status had high distress. There is a need for interventions to mitigate distress.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:2023–2029, 2021
The Recumbent Position Affects Nasal Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Calvo‐Henríquez Christian , Chiesa‐Estomba Carlos , Lechien Jerome R. , Carrasco‐Llatas Marina , Cammaroto Giovani , Mayo‐Yáñez Miguel , Abelleira‐Paris Romina , Gonzalez‐Barcala Francisco J. , Martinez‐Capoccioni Gabriel , Martin‐Martin Carlos 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveNasal diseases are among the main motives for the early discontinuation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy and for long‐term therapeutic compliance with mandibular advancement device. Although our clinical experience leads us to the belief that recumbency impacts nasal airflow in some patient populations, there is no consensus regarding the magnitude of this effect and the specific group of patients who are the most affected by this condition. In this study, we conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the effect of the recumbent position on nasal resistance and nasal airflow.Review MethodsPubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, and SciELO databases were checked for relevant studies by two members of the YO‐IFOS study group. The two authors extracted the data. The main outcome was expressed as the difference between nasal resistance and nasal airflow before and after recumbency.ResultsNine studies with a total population of 291 individuals were included in the meta‐analysis for nasal resistance after recumbency. We found a statistically significant difference in nasal airway resistance of −0.18 Pa sec/cm3 as compared to before and after recumbency through rhinomanometry (RMM) analysis. A subgroup analysis revealed a variation of −0.20 Pa sec/cm3 for patients with snoring or sleep apnea and − 0.10 Pa sec/cm3 for healthy individuals. Regarding nasal airflow measured with RMM, three studies (n = 32) in asymptomatic controls revealed a statistically significant difference of 47.33 ml/sec.ConclusionsRecumbency increases nasal resistance and diminishes nasal airflow. This finding is of utmost importance in snorers and sleep apnea patients. Laryngoscope, 132:6–16, 2022
Effects of planting Melia azedarach L. on soil properties and microbial community in saline‐alkali soil
Authors: Li Na , Shao Tianyun , Zhou Yujie , Cao Yuchen , Hu Huiying , Sun Qingkai , Long Xiaohua , Yue Yang , Gao Xiumei , Rengel Zed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSaline‐alkali soils are widely distributed in China, affecting plant growth and sustainable development of ecosystems. Few studies have been done on the improvement of saline‐alkali soils by planting Melia azedarach in phytoremediation. This study characterized the effects of planting M. azedarach on chemical properties and microbial communities in saline‐alkali soils [bare (CK), bulk (BS), and rhizosphere soil (RS)]. Compared with the bare soil, planting M. azedarach lowered salt content and concentrations of extractable Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cl−, but significantly increased organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, soil urease activity, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil. High‐throughput sequencing results indicated that M. azedarach increased the Chao1 index and Shannon index of soil microbial communities. The three dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and the three dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycota. Redundancy analysis indicated that total phosphorus concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity significantly influenced bacterial diversity, whereas soil Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations were closely related to the fungal community diversity. In conclusion, planting Melia azedarach improved soil properties, increased the diversity and richness of soil microbial communities, and thus ameliorated the saline‐alkali soil.
A novel flexible hexagon wideband CPW‐fed monopole antenna for UWB applications
Authors: Du Cheng‐Zhu , Li Kai‐Jia , Zhong Shun‐Shi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article proposed a novel compact coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed flexible wideband antenna. The antenna is composed of hexagonal radiation patch, rectangular slots and trapezoid ground. The antenna works in 5.2–41 GHz (154.98% fractional bandwidth) range with a return loss of −10 dB. Based on thin liquid crystal polymer (LCP), the antenna has an overall size of 23.6 mm × 15.4 mm × 0.1 mm. The presented antenna is planned and optimized through High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). The simulated and measured results exhibit good characteristics in terms of reflection coefficients, peak gain, and radiation patterns. The designed antenna can be used in ultra‐wideband (UWB) systems and C‐band (4–8 GHz), WLAN (5.2–5.8 GHz), X‐band (8–12 GHz), Ku‐band (12–18 GHz), K‐band (18–27 GHz), Ka‐band (27–40 GHz), and millimeter wave (MMW).
Calibration of T2 oximetry MRI for subjects with sickle cell disease
Authors: Bush Adam , Vu Chau , Choi Soyoung , Borzage Matthew , Miao Xin , Li Wenbo , Qin Qin , Nederveen Aart J. , Coates Thomas D. , Wood John C. 
Published: March 2021

PurposeCerebral T2 oximetry is a non‐invasive imaging method to measure blood T2 and cerebral venous oxygenation. Measured T2 values are converted to oximetry estimates using carefully validated and potentially disease‐specific calibrations. In sickle cell disease, red blood cells have abnormal cell shape and membrane properties that alter T2 oximetry calibration relationships in clinically meaningful ways. Previous in vitro works by two independent groups established potentially competing calibration models.MethodsThis study analyzed pooled datasets from these two studies to establish a unified and more robust sickle‐specific calibration to serve as a reference standard in the field.ResultsEven though the combined calibration did not demonstrate statistical superiority compared to previous models, the calibration was unbiased compared to blood‐gas co‐oximetry and yielded limits of agreement of (−10.1%, 11.6%) in non‐transfused subjects with sickle cell disease. In transfused patients, this study proposed a simple correction method based on individual hemoglobin S percentage that demonstrated reduced bias in saturation measurement compared to previous uncorrected sickle calibrations.ConclusionThe combined calibration is based on a larger range of hematocrit, providing greater confidence in the hematocrit‐dependent model parameters, and yielded unbiased estimates to blood‐gas co‐oximetry measurements from both sites. Additionally, this work also demonstrated the need to correct for transfusion in T2 oximetry measurements for hyper‐transfused sickle cell disease patients and proposes a correction method based on patient‐specific hemoglobin S concentration.
‘Lost time’. Patients with early inflammatory/rheumatoid arthritis and their experiences of delays in Primary Care
Authors: Chilton Frances , Bradley Eleanor , Mitchell Theresa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly referral forms a crucial part in early inflammatory/rheumatoid arthritis (EI/RA) recovery. Delayed decisions to refer can lead to severe incapacity and emotional distress for individuals and family and feelings of lost time. How patients with EI/RA experience early referral decisions in Primary Care is an under explored area and warrants further investigation.AimTo explore how patients newly diagnosed with EI/RA experienced their early contacts with Primary Care as they negotiated their journey through the referral process into secondary care.Design and settingQualitative face‐to‐face interviews with newly diagnosed EI/RA patients.MethodsIn‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore patients’ experiences of referral from first symptoms to General Practitioner referral. All participants were interviewed within 2 weeks of being diagnosed in Secondary Care. Data analysis was conducted using interpretative phenomenological analysis.FindingsAll participants in this study described having experienced struggles with their navigation through Primary Care towards diagnosis and specialist EI/RA services. This struggle comprised five key elements: ‘family persuasion’, ‘lack of continuity in care’, ‘pushing for referral’, ’strained relations’ and ‘lost time’.ConclusionThe delays experienced by patients when attempting to reach an early referral decision in Primary Care cause frustration for those presenting with EI/RA, partly because they do not feel heard. There is a significant impact on patients and their families when referral to specialist care is delayed.
Virtualizing soil science field trips
Authors: Schulze Darrell G. , Rahmani Shams R. , Minai Joshua O. , Johnston Cliff T. , Fulk‐Bringman Sherry S. , Scott John R. , Kong Ningning Nicole , Li Yue Shirley , Mashtare Michael L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn response to the coronavirus pandemic in the fall of 2020, we created hybrid–virtual or fully virtual field trips to replace in‐person field trips in two courses. For an introductory soil science course with 178 students enrolled, we used a narrative format supported by 360° ground‐level and drone photos, newspaper articles, videos, websites, and landscape diagrams. After reading the narratives, the students took a quiz and then visited the sites (public parks near campus) on their own. For the advanced pedology course with seven students enrolled, a virtual trip replaced an all‐day field trip that travels a 100‐mile route from West Lafayette to Michigan City, IN. The virtual trip was created within the Soil Explorer platform and consists of >50 points of interest (POIs) overlayed on detailed soil maps. Each POI includes relevant information about the soils, agriculture, geology, geomorphology, or history at that point. At two POIs students examined four or five soils along two transects by filling in worksheets using the official series descriptions. Learning was facilitated by a study guide. Effectiveness was assessed by anonymous surveys. Students found the hybrid–virtual or fully virtual field trips informative, interesting, enjoyable, and appropriate given the pandemic. For the introductory class, 42% preferred a virtual field trip format, 39% preferred an in‐person format, and 19% were neutral. In the advanced class there was with a clear preference for in‐person field trips.
Adjuvant therapy of histopathological risk factors of retinoblastoma in Europe: A survey by the European Retinoblastoma Group (EURbG)
Authors: Dittner‐Moormann Sabine , Reschke Madlen , Abbink Floor C. H. , Aerts Isabelle , Atalay Hatice Tuba , Fedorovna Bobrova Nadezhda , Biewald Eva , Brecht Ines B. , Caspi Shani , Cassoux Nathalie , Castela Guilherme , Diarra Yelena , Duncan Catriona , Ebinger Martin , Garcia Aldana David , Hadjistilianou Doris , Kepák Tomáš , Klett Artur , Kiratli Hayyam , Maka Erika , Opocher Enrico , Pawinska‐Wasikowska Katarzyna , Rascon Jelena , Russo Ida , Rutynowska‐Pronicka Olga , Sábado Álvarez Constantino , Pacheco Sonsoles San Roman , Svojgr Karel , Timmermann Beate , Vishnevskia‐Dai Vicktoria , Eggert Angelika , Ritter‐Sovinz Petra , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Jenkinson Helen , Moll Annette , Munier Francis L. , Popovic Maja Beck , Chantada Guillermo , Doz François , Ketteler Petra 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionAdvanced intraocular retinoblastoma can be cured by enucleation, but spread of retinoblastoma cells beyond the natural limits of the eye is related to a high mortality. Adjuvant therapy after enucleation has been shown to prevent metastasis in children with risk factors for extraocular retinoblastoma. However, histological criteria and adjuvant treatment regimens vary and there is no unifying consensus on the optimal choice of treatment.MethodData on guidelines for adjuvant treatment in European retinoblastoma referral centres were collected in an online survey among all members of the European Retinoblastoma Group (EURbG) network. Extended information was gathered via personal email communication.ResultsData were collected from 26 centres in 17 countries. Guidelines for adjuvant treatment were in place at 92.3% of retinoblastoma centres. There was a consensus on indication for and intensity of adjuvant treatment among more than 80% of all centres. The majority of centres use no adjuvant treatment for isolated focal choroidal invasion or prelaminar optic nerve invasion. Patients with massive choroidal invasion or postlaminar optic nerve invasion receive adjuvant chemotherapy, while microscopic invasion of the resection margin of the optic nerve or extension through the sclera are treated with combined chemo‐ and radiotherapy.ConclusionIndications and adjuvant treatment regimens in European retinoblastoma referral centres are similar but not uniform. Further biomarkers in addition to histopathological risk factors could improve treatment stratification. The high consensus in European centres is an excellent foundation for a common European study with prospective validation of new biomarkers.
Effects of carbon fiber type and resin ratio on thermal and mechanical lifetime of polyetherimide composites
Authors: Tatlıdilli Anıl , Çetin Altındal Damla , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to develop and characterize carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced polyetherimide (PEI) composite materials that can be used in aerospace and defense industries. Four different composite materials with 60/40 and 40/60 resin/fiber weight ratios were prepared by hand lay‐up using unidirectional (UD) CFs and TWILL CFs. It was determined that, the thermal stability of composite materials is independent of CFs. PEI resin and composite materials soften above 200°C and decompose above 500°C. Also, PEI resin did not lose mass in 10 years under isothermal conditions at 25°C, and it is estimated that it loses 3 × 10−8% of its mass after 10 years at 100°C. Mechanical analysis showed that, tensile strength and Young's modulus of UD CF‐reinforced composite materials were ~ 3 times higher than that of the TWILL CF‐reinforced ones. The mechanical service lifetime studies under 10 MPa load at 100°C showed that, only 30–50% of mechanical properties of composite materials are lost in 10 years. Although, the thermal and mechanical aging studies were carried out under more challenging conditions, these composite structures showed strong mechanical and thermal behaviors. In conclusion, all composites, especially PEI‐UD60, are promising to use in ammunition body, wings, and fins where excellent tensile strength, high stiffness, lightness, thermal stability, and renewability are desired requirements.