bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indirect effects shape macroalgal epifaunal communities
Authors: Ndhlovu Aldwin , Lathlean Justin A. , McQuaid Christopher D. , Seuront Laurent 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe tested the response of algal epifauna to the direct effects of predation and the indirect consequences of habitat change due to grazing and nutrient supply through upwelling using an abundant intertidal rhodophyte, Gelidium pristoides. We ran a mid‐shore field experiment at four sites (two upwelling sites interspersed with two non‐upwelling sites) along 450 km of the south coast of South Africa. The experiment was started in June 2014 and ran until June 2015. Four treatments (predator exclusion, grazer exclusion, control, and procedural control) set out in a block design (n = 5) were monitored monthly for algal cover for the first 6 months and every 2 months for the last 6 months. Epifaunal abundance, species composition, algal cover, and algal architectural complexity (measured using fractal geometry) were assessed after 12 months. Predation had no significant effect on epifaunal abundances, while upwelling interacted with treatment. Grazing reduced the architectural complexity of algae, with increased fractal dimensions in the absence of grazers, and also reduced algal cover at all sites, though the latter effect was only significant for upwelling sites. Epifaunal community composition was not significantly affected by the presence of herbivores or predators but differed among sites independently of upwelling; sites were more similar to nearby sites than those farther away. In contrast, total epifaunal abundance was significantly affected by grazing, when normalized to algal cover. Grazing reduced the cover of algae; thus, epifaunal abundances were not affected by the direct top‐down effects of predation but did respond to the indirect effects of grazing on habitat availability and quality. Our results indicate that epifaunal communities can be strongly influenced by the indirect consequences of biotic interactions.
Experimental verification of power factor adjustor with rotor winding circuit in passive variable flux PM motor utilizing space harmonics
Authors: Kumai Takumi , Aoyama Masahiro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a technique for applying LC resonance to a rectifier circuit of a self‐excited wound‐field rotor, which utilizes space harmonics for improving the variable flux function. The rotor magnetomotive force can be improved by setting the resonance frequency of the LC resonance circuit to a low speed rotation range. The adjustable speed drive characteristics and efficiency maps are demonstrated via a prototype.
Balancing health and financial protection in health benefit package design
Authors: Lofgren Katherine T. , Watkins David A. , Memirie Solomon T. , Salomon Joshua A. , Verguet Stéphane 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPolicymakers face difficult choices over which health interventions to publicly finance. We developed an approach to health benefits package design that accommodates explicit tradeoffs between improvements in health and provision of financial risk protection (FRP). We designed a mathematical optimization model to balance gains in health and FRP across candidate interventions when publicly financed. The optimal subset of interventions selected for inclusion was determined with bi‐criterion integer programming conditional on a budget constraint. The optimal set of interventions to publicly finance in a health benefits package varied according to whether the objective for optimization was population health benefits or FRP. When both objectives were considered jointly, the resulting optimal essential benefits package depended on the weights placed on the two objectives. In the Sustainable Development Goals era, smart spending toward universal health coverage is essential. Mathematical optimization provides a quantitative framework for policymakers to design health policies and select interventions that jointly prioritize multiple objectives with explicit financial constraints.
To what extent do home care nurses feel free to assess the care that is needed for their patients? A nationwide survey in the Netherlands
Authors: Brabers Adriana (Anne) Elisabeth Maria , de Groot Kim , Groenewegen Petrus (Peter) Paulus , de Jong Judith Daniëlle 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsPatients receiving nursing care at home require a needs assessment. There are indications that practice variation exists in needs assessments performed by Dutch home care nurses. One possible cause is that nurses are differentially influenced by others when performing needs assessments. Instruments recommending what is appropriate care have the potential to protect nurses against unwarranted influences. In the Netherlands, a framework exists including general norms about performing needs assessments. We aimed to achieve insight into whether nurses, who have heard of the framework, feel more free to assess the care that is needed for their patients, and whether other actors play a role in performing needs assessments.MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to members of the Dutch Nursing Staff Panel (response 47%; n = 302) in November 2019. Only nurses who perform needs assessments were included in the analyses (n = 141). χ2‐tests were used to assess the relationships between the variables of having heard of the framework, feeling free to assess the care that is needed, and the influences of others.ResultsWe found no relationships between having heard of the framework and feeling free to assess the care that is needed for patients or reporting influence of others. However, home care nurses who state that they are not influenced by others, feel more free to assess the care that is needed for their patients. In contrast, those who state that they are influenced by informal caregivers, or health care insurers, feel less free to assess the care that is needed.ConclusionIt appears that the framework for performing needs assessments does not, in its current form, protect against influences of others. Further research is recommended to examine what kind of instruments nurses need to perform unambiguous and good needs assessments and, as such, reduce unwarranted practice variation.
Numerical study of phase change material microencapsulated in a typical multilayer wall for a hot climatic zone
Authors: Babaharra Oumayma , Choukairy Khadija , Khallaki Kaoutar , Hayani Mounir Sanaa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA phase change material (PCM) allows releasing and absorbing energy at the phase change transition. They are employed in building walls to maintain internal thermal comfort and optimize thermal energy storage. However, the hottest cities in Morocco suffer from overheating during peak days. Consequently in this article, the purpose is to evaluate the thermal performance of incorporation of the PCM n‐octadecane paraffin in a typical multilayer wall at three different locations for a Moroccan hot climate zone. Numerical simulation is developed in a two‐dimensional transient in addition to mathematical modeling using the enthalpy‐porosity approach for three wall types. An implicit finite volume method is used for the numerical solution. The effects of PCM location, PCM type, and mass fraction (varying between 15% and 35%) are studied and compared with the reference case (without PCM). The evaluation of mass fraction variation is based on two determining factors of the wall panel's thermal inertia: the time delay and amplitude attenuation. The surface heat fluxes will then be used to quantify the capacity of the multilayer wall to store and release energy. The results showed that to ensure the thermal performance of the wall, it is useless to exceed 20% of mass fraction for all types of multilayer walls. It is shown that the incorporation in a solid matrix of hollow brick is the most optimal scenario, and it makes it possible to have a reduction in the internal surface flux of 32% with a temporal phase shift of 3 h.
Signed colouring and list colouring of k‐chromatic graphs
Authors: Kim Ringi , Kim Seog‐Jin , Zhu Xuding 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA ‐colouring of a signed graph is a mapping such that for each edge , where is a symmetric integer set of size (i.e., implies that ). The signed chromatic number of a graph is the minimum integer such that for any signature of has a ‐colouring. Let be the maximum signed chromatic number of an ‐vertex ‐chromatic graph. This paper determines the value of for all positive integers . Then we study the list colouring of signed graphs. A list assignment of is called symmetric if is a symmetric integer set for each vertex . The weak signed choice number of a graph is defined to be the minimum integer such that for any symmetric ‐list assignment of , for any signature on , there is a proper ‐colouring of . We prove that the difference can be arbitrarily large. On the other hand, is bounded from above by twice the list vertex arboricity of . Using this result, we prove that , where is the complete ‐partite graph with each partite set of size 2.
Unbound: The Relationship Among Creativity, Moral Foundations, and Dark Personality
Authors: Kapoor Hansika , Kaufman James C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCreativity, and more recently dark creativity, have yet to be studied in relation to moral foundations, especially against the background of dark traits. This study identified moral foundations that predicted creativity, particularly malevolent creativity, after accounting for Dark Triad/Tetrad traits. Data (N = 529, Mage = 20.10 years, SD = 4.55) on self‐reported creativity, personality, and moral foundations were collected. Results indicated that lower concerns for binding foundations (loyalty, authority, and purity) explained creativity, especially malevolent creativity. In contrast, higher concern for individualizing foundations (care and fairness) predicted creativity, whereas lower regard for these morals predicted malevolent creativity. Planned mediations indicated that lower concerns for all foundations explained greater malevolent creativity due to higher dark personality dispositions. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Gene Therapy for Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Vázquez‐Mojena Yaimeé , León‐Arcia Karen , González‐Zaldivar Yanetza , Rodríguez‐Labrada Roberto , Velázquez‐Pérez Luis 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTPolyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of six autosomal dominant ataxias caused by cytosine–adenine–guanine repeat expansions in the coding region of single genes. Currently, there is no curative or disease‐slowing treatment for these disorders, but their monogenic inheritance has informed rationales for development of gene therapy strategies. In fact, RNA interference strategies have shown promising findings in cellular and/or animal models of SCA1, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7. In addition, antisense oligonucleotide therapy has provided encouraging proofs of concept in models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA7, but they have not yet progressed to clinical trials. On the contrary, the gene editing strategies, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas9), have been introduced to a limited extent in these disorders. In this article, we review the available literature about gene therapy in polyglutamine SCAs and discuss the main technological and ethical challenges toward the prospect of their use in future clinical trials. Although antisense oligonucleotide therapies are further along the path to clinical phases, the recent failure of three clinical trials in Huntington's disease may delay their utilization for polyglutamine SCAs, but they offer lessons that could optimize the likelihood of success in potential future clinical studies. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Monitor unit prediction model for wobbling proton therapy with ridge filters
Authors: Jo Kwanghyun , Chung Eunah , Han Youngyih , Ahn Sung Hwan , Sheen Heesoon , Cho Sungkoo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeWe introduced an output factor (cGy/MU) prediction model for wobbling proton beams over the full range of proton energy, scatterer thickness, and the width of spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP).Materials and methodsFrom December 2015 to August 2020, 1990 wobbling proton fields were used to treat patients, where 1714 fields had a diameter smaller than 11 cm and 276 had a diameter between 11 and 16 cm, which were designated as small and middle wobbling radius cases, respectively. The output factor is defined as the ratio of proton absorbed dose at mid‐depth of SOBP to monitor unit (MU). It depends dominantly on proton energy, scatterer thickness, and the width of SOBP. We established the prediction model using the polynomial fitting function and determined its coefficients for the small and middle wobbling radius cases. We evaluated the accuracy of our prediction model by calculating the difference between predicted and measured output factors.ResultsFor the small wobbling radius cases, the mean value of the output factor difference was 0.22% with a standard deviation of 1.3%. For the middle wobbling radius cases, the mean value was 0.20% and with a standard deviation of 0.79%. The large deviation was especially observed for wobbling proton beams having small field size and small width of SOBP.ConclusionsWe made a prediction model of output factor for wobbling proton beams, thereby determining MU of each beam. This included the dependency of the output factor on the proton energy between 70 and 230 MeV, scatterer thickness, and the width of SOBP. For 93.6% of the small and 95.5% of the middle wobbling radius cases, the deviation between predicted and measured output factor was below 3%. The cases with deviations of predicted and measured output factor above 3% had small field size and small width of SOBP. The accuracy of our prediction model would be improved by adopting the field size effect and measuring more cases of small field size and small SOBP width in the future.
Inositol supplementation and body mass index: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Zarezadeh Meysam , Dehghani Azadeh , Faghfouri Amir Hossein , Radkhah Nima , Naemi Kermanshahi Mohammad , Hamedi Kalajahi Fatemeh , Mohammadzadeh Honarvar Niyaz , Ghoreishi Zohreh , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Ebrahimi Mamaghani Mehrangiz 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundInositol is a sugar‐alcohol and recognized as a key component of cell membrane phospholipids. It has crucial role in the cell signaling pathways and contribute to improving glycemic responses. Although some earlier studies have revealed the effect of inositol mediating glucose uptake by improving insulin sensitivity, the benefit of inositol supplementation in patients with overweight and obesity is not completely understood. This study aimed to assess the impact of inositol supplementation on body mass index (BMI) through a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials.MethodsA systematic search was performed to August 2021 in the following databases: PubMed‐Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus. Fifteen controlled clinical trials investigating the effect of inositol on adult's BMI were finally included in the study. A random‐effects model was employed to estimate the effect size. Subgroup analysis was performed by dose, duration, age, type of inositol. Meta‐regression was used to investigate presence of any linear relationship. Begg's and Egger's tests were carried out to detect small study effect.ResultsThe results of pooled analysis showed that inositol supplementation significantly decreased BMI scores (WMD = −0.41 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.78, −0.04;p = 0.028). Subgroup analysis was performed to identify the source of heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 73.9%,p < 0.001), demonstrating supplementation duration, baseline BMI, mean age of participants, type of inositol and dosage were potential sources of heterogeneity. The effect of intervention was more clinically significant in participants with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and overweight/obesity. Inositol in the form of myo‐inositol (MI) had stronger effect on BMI reduction.ConclusionThe meta‐analysis suggests that oral inositol supplementation has positive effect on BMI reduction. Inositol supplementation could be considered as an adjunct treatment to improve body mass index.
Smartphone interactions and nature benefits: How predominant approaches picture social life and ways of advancing this work
Authors: Hitchings Russell , Maller Cecily 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Whether new technologies will have a positive impact on how societies experience nature depends on how particular devices and populations come to interact.

This paper reviews two bodies of work that have sought to understand and influence these interactions with reference to the smartphone.

The first is associated with a group of researchers interested in how smartphone apps might help people to engage with their surroundings in beneficial ways.

The second comes from a set of scholars hoping to learn from the analysis of the social media datasets associated with smartphone interactions outdoors.

After comparing these how these two bodies commonly see the social world, the paper considers how other approaches might augment these endeavours.

We argue for more studies that explore what different social groups have to say about life with the smartphone and how norms of technology use emerge.

We also suggest that this area of research might engage more fully with wider academic work on how smartphones are reshaping our societies.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Novel itaconic acid‐based superabsorbent polymer with improved gel strength and salt resistance using 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid
Authors: Kwon Yong Rok , Kim Hae Chan , Kim Jung Soo , Chang Young‐Wook , Kim Dong Hyun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe synthesis of novel superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) based on itaconic acid (IA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) is described for application in personal hygiene products such as disposable diapers. The AMPS is introduced to improve the low absorption performance of the existing IA‐based SAPs. The salt‐resistant properties of AMPS are shown to improve the absorption performance of SAP with respect to aqueous salt solutions. Further, the high ionization constant of the sulfonic acid group of AMPS contributes to the increase of the centrifugation retention capacity (CRC) of the SAP. Meanwhile, the amide group of AMPS improves the gel strength of the SAP by forming hydrogen bonds between the polymer chains. This increase in gel strength is demonstrated by the enhanced absorbency under load (AUL) and rheological analysis. The degree of neutralization affect the absorption properties of SAP, and the SAP exhibits maximum CRC and AUL of 57.3 and 14.4 g/g at 60% neutralization, respectively. As a crosslinking agent content increased, AUL increased but CRC significantly decreased. Additionally, soil pH evaluation confirms that SAP do not cause soil acidification.
Universal and cross‐cancer prognostic biomarkers for predicting survival risk of cancer patients from expression profile of apoptotic pathway genes
Authors: Arora Chakit , Kaur Dilraj , Raghava Gajendra P. S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNumerous cancer‐specific prognostic models have been developed in the past, wherein one model is applicable for only one type of cancer. In this study, an attempt has been made to identify universal or multi‐cancer prognostic biomarkers and develop models for predicting survival risk across different types of cancer patients. In order to accomplish this, we gauged the prognostic role of mRNA expression of 165 apoptosis‐related genes across 33 cancers in the context of patient survival. Firstly, we identified specific prognostic biomarker genes for 30 cancers. The cancer‐specific prognostic models achieved a minimum Hazard Ratio, HRSKCM = 1.99 and maximum HRTHCA = 41.59. Secondly, a comprehensive analysis was performed to identify universal biomarkers across many cancers. Our best prognostic model consisted of 11 genes (TOP2A, ISG20, CD44, LEF1, CASP2, PSEN1, PTK2, SATB1, SLC20A1, EREG, and CD2) and stratified risk groups across 27 cancers (HROV = 1.53‐HRUVM = 11.74). The model was validated on eight independent cancer cohorts and exhibited a comparable performance. Further, we clustered cancer‐types on the basis of shared survival related apoptosis genes. This approach proved helpful in development of cross‐cancer prognostic models. To show its efficacy, a prognostic model consisting of 15 genes was thereby developed for LGG‐KIRC pair (HRKIRC = 3.27, HRLGG = 4.23). Additionally, we predicted potential therapeutic candidates for LGG‐KIRC high risk patients.
CCCTC‐binding factor transcriptionally regulates Galectin‐7 and activates the JNK/STAT3 axis to aggravate bronchial epithelial cell injury
Authors: Sun Xinrong , Shen Wenna , Li Zhaokun , Zhang Wanggang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveStudies have shown that the expression of CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) is significantly upregulated in the airway epithelial cells of asthmatic patients, suggesting that CTCF may play an important role in the progression of asthma.Material/MethodsHuman bronchial epithelial cells BEAS‐2B were stimulated with transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) at a concentration of 10 ng/ml, and CTCF overexpression plasmid and CTCF small interfering RNA were transfected into the cells. The proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory factor secretion, and airway remodeling marker protein expression of injured cells were detected. We bidirectionally regulated Galectin‐7 expression in TGF‐β1‐induced BEAS‐2B cells and overexpress CTCF, while interfering with Galectin‐7 to further explore the regulatory effect of CTCF on Galectin‐7. We introduced SP600125, a c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase c‐Jun (JNK) pathway inhibitor, to investigate whether CTCF affects asthma progression through the JNK pathway.ResultsThe expression of CTCF in BEAS‐2B cells induced by TGF‐β1 was significantly upregulated, interfering with CTCF expression promoted cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, reduced inflammatory factors secretion, and decreased the expression of airway remodeling marker protein. Luciferase reporter gene analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation verified that CTCF directly bound to Galectin‐7 promoter. The effect of Galectin‐7 on cells is consistent with the effect of CTCF on cells. The regulatory effect of CTCF on injured cells was indeed mediated by activation of the JNK/STAT3 axis.ConclusionsCTCF transcriptionally regulated Galectin‐7 and activated JNK/STAT3 axis to aggravate bronchial epithelial cell injury.