bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Huangyusang decoction for Type 2 diabetes
Authors: He Peiyu , Zhang Junyin , Gao Tianyu , Wang Yingxiang , Peng Teng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background:
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. In China, Huangyusang decoction (HYS) has been widely used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, there is no systematic review found. In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HYS in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, we need to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic evaluation.

Methods:
We will enroll the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness and safety of HYS in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Data come mainly from 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, CBM, and VIP Database) and 4 English databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of science). The enrollment of RCTs is from the starting date of database establishment till January 30, 2021. Fasting blood glucose is considered as the main indicator of the dyslipidemia, while the body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol are regarded as the secondary indicators. There are safety indicators including liver enzyme and kidney function. The work such as selection of literature, data collection, quality evaluation of included literature, and assessment of publication bias will be conducted by 2 independent researchers. Meta-analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.0 software.

Results:
This study will provide high-quality evidence for the effectiveness and safety of HYS in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion:
The results of the study will help us determine whether HYS can effectively treat type 2 diabetes.

Ethics and dissemination:
This study does not require ethical approval. We will disseminate our findings by publishing results in a peer-reviewed journal.

OSF registration number:
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AXBRV.
A dynamic occupancy model for interacting species with two spatial scales
Authors: Kleiven Eivind F. , Barraquand Frédéric , Gimenez Olivier , Henden John-André , Ims Rolf A. , Soininen Eeva M. , Yoccoz Nigel G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOccupancy models have been extended to account for either multiple spatial scales or species interactions in a dynamic setting. However, as interacting species (e.g., predators and prey) often operate at different spatial scales, including nested spatial structure might be especially relevant to models of interacting species. Here we bridge these two model frameworks by developing a multi-scale, two-species occupancy model. The model is dynamic, i.e. it estimates initial occupancy, colonization and extinction probabilities—including probabilities conditional to the other species’ presence. With a simulation study, we demonstrate that the model is able to estimate most parameters without marked bias under low, medium and high average occupancy probabilities, as well as low, medium and high detection probabilities, with only a small bias for some parameters in low-detection scenarios. We further evaluate the model’s ability to deal with sparse field data by applying it to a multi-scale camera trapping dataset on a mustelid-rodent predator-prey system. Most parameters are estimated with low uncertainty (i.e. narrow posterior distributions). More broadly, our model framework creates opportunities to explicitly account for the spatial structure found in many spatially nested study designs, and to study interacting species that have contrasting movement ranges with camera traps.
An Upsurge of SARS CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant in Pakistan
Authors: Umair Massab , Salman Muhammad , Rehman Zaira , Badar Nazish , Ahad Abdul , Ikram Aamer 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe emergence of a more transmissible variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B1.1.7) in the United Kingdom (UK) during late 2020 has raised major public health concerns. Several mutations have been reported in the genome of the B.1.1.7 variant including the N501Y and 69-70deletion in the Spike that has implications on virus transmissibility and diagnostics. Although the B.1.1.7 variant has been reported from several countries, only two cases have been identified through whole-genome sequencing from Pakistan. We used a two-step strategy for the detection of B.1.1.7 with initial screening through ThermoFisher TaqPath™ SARS-CoV-2 kit followed by partial sequencing of Spike (S) gene of samples having spike gene target failure (SGTF) on real-time PCR. From January 01, 2021, to February 21, 2021, a total of 2,650 samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using TaqPath™ kit and 70.4% (n=1,867) showed amplification of all the 3 genes (S, N, and ORF). Notably, 29.6% (n=783) samples had the spike gene target failure (SGTF). The SGTF cases were detected at a low frequency during the first three weeks of January (n=10, n=13, and n=1 respectively) however, the cases started to increase in the last week. During February, 726 (93%) cases of SGTF was reported with a peak (n=345) found during the 3rd week. Based on the partial sequencing of spike gene of SGTF samples (n=15), 93% (n=14) showed the characteristic N501Y, A570D, P681H, and T716I mutations found in the B.1.1.7 variant. Our findings highlight the high prevalence of B.1.1.7 in Pakistan and warrant large scale genomic surveillance and strengthening of laboratory network in the country.
Geographic disparities in COVID-19 case rates are not reflected in seropositivity rates using a neighborhood survey in Chicago
Authors: Mustanski Brian , Saber Rana , Ryan Daniel T. , Benbow Nanette , Madkins Krystal , Hayford Christina , Newcomb Michael E. , Schrock Joshua M. , Vaught Lauren A. , Reiser Nina L. , Velez Matthew P. , Hsieh Ryan , Demonbreun Alexis R. , D’Aquila Richard , McNally Elizabeth M. , McDade Thomas W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo date, COVID-19 case rates are disproportionately higher in Black and Latinx communities across the U.S., leading to more hospitalizations and deaths in those communities. These differences in case rates are evident in comparisons of Chicago neighborhoods with differing race/ethnicities of their residents. Disparities could be due to neighborhoods with more adverse health outcomes associated with poverty and other social determinants of health experiencing higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection or due to greater morbidity and mortality resulting from equivalent SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence. We surveyed five pairs of adjacent ZIP codes in Chicago with disparate COVID-19 case rates for highly specific and quantitative serological evidence of any prior infection by SARS-CoV-2 to compare with their disparate COVID-19 case rates. Dried blood spot samples were self-collected at home by internet-recruited participants in summer 2020, shortly after Chicago’s first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pairs of neighboring ZIP codes with very different COVID-19 case rates had similar seropositivity rates for anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain IgG antibodies. Overall, these findings of comparable exposure to SARS-CoV-2 across neighborhoods with very disparate COVID-19 case rates are consistent with social determinants of health, and the comorbidities related to them, driving differences in COVID-19 rates across neighborhoods.
Ribosome-profiling reveals restricted post transcriptional expression of antiviral cytokines and transcription factors during SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Alexander Marina R. , Brice Aaron M. , van Vuren Petrus Jansen , Rootes Christina L. , Tribolet Leon , Cowled Christopher , Bean Andrew G. D. , Stewart Cameron R. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThe global COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in over 2.2 million deaths. Disease outcomes range from asymptomatic to severe with, so far, minimal genotypic change to the virus so understanding the host response is paramount. Transcriptomics has become incredibly important in understanding host-pathogen interactions; however, post-transcriptional regulation plays an important role in infection and immunity through translation and mRNA stability, allowing tight control over potent host responses by both the host and the invading virus. Here we apply ribosome profiling to assess post-transcriptional regulation of host genes during SARS-CoV-2 infection of a human lung epithelial cell line (Calu-3). We have identified numerous transcription factors (JUN, ZBTB20, ATF3, HIVEP2 and EGR1) as well as select antiviral cytokine genes, namely IFNB1, IFNL1,2 and 3, IL-6 and CCL5, that are restricted at the post-transcriptional level by SARS-CoV-2 infection and discuss the impact this would have on the host response to infection. This early phase restriction of antiviral transcripts in the lungs may allow high viral load and consequent immune dysregulation typically seen in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Sugar transporters enable a leaf beetle to accumulate plant defense compounds
Authors: Yang Zhi-Ling , Nour-Eldin Hussam Hassan , Hänniger Sabine , Reichelt Michael , Crocoll Christoph , Seitz Fabian , Vogel Heiko , Beran Franziska 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMany herbivorous insects selectively accumulate plant toxins for defense against predators; however, little is known about the transport processes that enable insects to absorb and store defense compounds in the body. Here, we investigate how a specialist herbivore, the horseradish flea beetle, accumulates high amounts of glucosinolate defense compounds in the hemolymph. Using phylogenetic analyses of coleopteran membrane transporters of the major facilitator superfamily, we identified a clade of glucosinolate-specific transporters (PaGTRs) belonging to the sugar porter family.PaGTRexpression was predominantly detected in the excretory system, the Malpighian tubules. Silencing ofPaGTRs led to elevated glucosinolate excretion, significantly reducing the levels of sequestered glucosinolates in beetles. This suggests thatPaGTRs reabsorb glucosinolates from the Malpighian tubule lumen to prevent their loss by excretion. Ramsay assays performed with dissected Malpighian tubules confirmed a selective retention of glucosinolates. Thus, the selective accumulation of plant defense compounds in herbivorous insects can depend on the ability to prevent excretion.
SARS-CoV-2 viability in time on experimental surfaces
Authors: Nikiforova Maria A. , Siniavin Andrei E. , Shidlovskaya Elena V. , Kuznetsova Nadezhda A. , Gushchin Vladimir A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 viability preservation on different model surfaces over time. It was found that the SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on all studied surfaces for 360 minutes, while the viability of the virus was completely lost after 120 minutes. Type of experimental surface significantly affects viability preservation.
A multiepitope fusion protein-based p-ELISA method for diagnosing bovine and goat brucellosis
Authors: Yin Dehui , Bai Qiongqiong , Wu Xiling , Li Han , Shao Jihong , Sun Mingjun , Zhang Jingpeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the incidence of brucellosis has increased annually, which has caused tremendous economic losses in agriculture and husbandry in various countries. Therefore, developing rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic techniques for brucellosis has become critical brucellosis research. Bioinformatics technology was used to predict the B cell epitopes of the main antigen proteins ofBrucella, and the validity of each epitope was verified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The verified epitopes were connected in series to construct a multiepitope fusion protein, goat, bovine brucellosis sera, and rabbit sera were collected to verify the antigenicity and specificity of this protein. Then, the fusion protein was used as a diagnostic antigen to construct paper-based ELISA (p-ELISA) technology. A total of 22 effective epitopes were predicted, and a fusion protein was successfully constructed, which showed good antigenicity and specificity. The constructed p-ELISA method was used for the simultaneous detection of bovine and goat brucellosis. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of protein detection in goat serum were 98.85% and 98.51%, respectively. The positive and the negative predictive value was 99.29% and 98.15%, respectively. When assessing bovine serum, the sensitivity and specificity were 97.85% and 96.61%, respectively. The positive and the negative predictive value was 98.28% and 97.33%, respectively. This study combined bioinformatics, fusion protein development and p-ELISA technologies to establish a sensitive and specific rapid diagnosis technology for brucellosis that can be used to assess the serum of bovine, goats and other livestock.IMPORTANCEBrucellosis has caused tremendous economic losses in agriculture and husbandry in various countries. Therefore, developing rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic techniques for brucellosis has become critical brucellosis research. In this study, we used immunoinformatic technology to predict the B cell epitopes in the major outer membrane proteins of Brucella, synthesized polypeptides and coupled them with KLH, screened these polypeptides by iELISA methods, selected effective polypeptides as diagnostic antigens, and established a p-ELISA for brucellosis diagnosis based on a multiepitope fusion protein that can be used to assess the serum of bovine, goats and other livestock.
Corrosive wear and electrochemical corrosion performances of arc sprayed Al coating in 3.5% NaCl solution
Authors: Li Peng , Huang Xiya , Kong Dejun 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of load and speed on the corrosive wear performance of Al coating in 3.5% NaCl solution, which provided an experimental reference for the anti-corrosion engineering on offshore platforms.

Design/methodology/approach
A layer of Al coating was prepared on S355 steel using an arc spraying. The corrosive wear test was carried out with CFT–1 type surface property tester. The effects of load and speed on the corrosive wear performance of Al coating were investigated and the wear mechanism was also discussed. The electrochemical tests were conducted using a CHI660E type electrochemical workstation, the anti-corrosion mechanism was analyzed.

Findings
The average coefficient of frictions (COFs) of Al coating under loads of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 N are 0.745, 0.847 and 0.423, the wear mechanism is abrasive wear. The average COFs of Al coating at the speeds of 200, 400 and 600 rpm are 0.745, 0.878 and 0.617, respectively, the wear mechanism at the speeds of 200 and 400 rpm are abrasive wear, while that at the speed of 600 rpm is abrasive wear and fatigue wear. The anti-corrosion mechanism is the isolation of Cl– corrosion and cathodic protection of sacrificial anode.

Originality/value
This paper mainly studied corrosive wear and electrochemical corrosion performances of Al coating. This study hereby confirms that this manuscript is the original work and has not been published nor has it been submitted simultaneously elsewhere. This paper further confirms that all authors have checked the manuscript and have agreed to the submission.
Mannequin fabrication methodology using 3D-scanning, modeling and printing
Authors: Oh Seolyoung , Suh Dongae 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis paper presents a method to fabricate a fitting-mannequin using 3D-scanning, modeling and printing technologies.Design/methodology/approachScan data were obtained from 12 subjects with body size in the average range, selected from 208 women aged 20–29. The 3D-scan data were modified by selecting cross-sections from the cloud data, symmetrizing body shapes and obtaining mean points of body shapes. Fifteen spline curves, generated by connecting the mean points on the X–Y plane, were used as sketches and loft features to create the 3D mannequin models. A lower-body fitting mannequin was printed with polylactic acid plastic using a fused deposition-modeling 3D printer.FindingsThe cross-section circumference discrepancies among the 3D-printed mannequins in each step were within 1%, demonstrating the applicability and reliability of the 3D technologies proposed for mass customization.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology demonstrates the value of using 3D-scanning data to manufacture fitting-mannequins via mass customization. The study demonstrates the possibility and practicality of using 3D techniques to produce commercially viable fitting mannequins for the fashion industry.
Graphene oxide/epoxy acrylate nanocomposite production via SLA and importance of graphene oxide surface modification for mechanical properties
Authors: Uysal Emrah , Çakir Mustafa , Ekici Bülent 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Traditional nanocomposite production methods such as in situ polymerization, melt blending and solvent technique, have some deficits. Some of these are non-homogeneous particle distribution, setup difficulties, time-consuming and costly. On the other hand, three-dimensional printing technology is a quite popular method. Especially, Stereolithography (SLA) printing offers some benefits such as fast printing, easy setup and smooth surface specialties. Furthermore, surface modification of Graphene Oxide (GO) and its effects on polymer nanocomposites are quite important. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of surface modification of GO nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and morphology of epoxy acrylate (BisGMA/1,6 hexane diol diacrylate) matrix nanocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, Ultraviolet (UV) curable end groups of synthesized resin were linked to functional groups of graphene oxide, which are synthesized by the Tour method, which is a kind of modified Hummer method. In addition, synthesized GO nanoparticle’s surfaces were modified by 3-(methacryloyloxy) propyl trimethoxysilane. Significant weight percentages of GO were added into the epoxy acrylate resin. Different Wt.% of modified graphene oxide/acrylate resins was used to print test specimens with SLA type three-dimensional printer.

Findings
Surface modification has a significant effect on tensile strength for graphene oxide nanoparticles contained composites. In addition, a specific trend was not observed for tensile test results of non-modified graphene oxide. The tendency of impact and hardness test finding were similar for both surfaces modified and non-modified nanoparticles. Finally, the distribution of particles was homogeneous.

Originality/value
This paper is unique because of the inclusion of both surface modifications of graphene oxide nanoparticles and SLA production of nanocomposites with its own production of three-dimensional printer and photocurable polymer resin.
Exploring trust in the boardroom: the case of Nordic region
Authors: Pastra Aspasia , Koufopoulos Dimitrios N. , Skintzi Vasiliki , Johansson Tafsir , Samac Nikola 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to understand the relationship between the trust of executives in their board, board effectiveness (board performance and strategic decision quality) and organizational performance (financial and operational performance).

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 184 board members in the Nordic region, using cross-sectional research design. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the used scales, whereas correlational analysis and mediation analysis via PROCESS macro in SPSS were used for testing of the hypotheses.

Findings
Trust between board members is positively correlated with both dimensions of board effectiveness and both tested dimensions of organizational performance. Besides, trust between the board members positively affects both financial and operational performance (significant total effects in mediation analysis). However, trust had a direct effect only on financial performance, whereas it shows an indirect effect on operational performance through both mediators, board performance and strategic decision quality.

Research limitations/implications
Future research should investigate trust into the board using a longitudinal design, and expand the sample cross-culturally, and control for the influence of other interpersonal variables in board members.

Practical implications
The development of trust in work relationships serves as the foundation for the establishment of significant team and organizational benefits. Business leaders should take into consideration trust issues in business teams and cultivate a trust culture in their organizations.

Social implications
The findings advance theoretical, social and empirical understanding of trust of executives in their board and its effect on board performance, strategic decision quality and perceived performance. The development of trust in work relationships enhances team performance, networks with strategic partners, community and government, and serves as the foundation for the establishment of trust in the society.

Originality/value
This is one of the scarce studies that examines direct and indirect effects of trust in board and organizational outcomes.
Trade openness, FDI, and income inequality: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Xu Chenghong , Han Mingming , Dossou Toyo Amegnonna Marcel , Bekun Festus Victor 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe motivation for this study stems from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) and their impact by 2030. The UN highlights 17 SDGs that address pertinent local and global issues, one of which—SDG‐10—has been devoted to reducing inequality. This study investigates the nexus between trade openness, foreign direct investment (FDI), and income inequality in sub‐Saharan Africa using panel data from 2000 to 2015 and the generalized method of moment (GMM) technique approach. The findings show that FDI and income have a negative, statistically significant relationship with income inequality, signifying that as FDI and income per capita increase, the level of income inequality decreases. However, trade openness, education, political stability, corruption, and rule of law have a positive, statistically significant relationship with inequality. This study, therefore, offers some recommendations that will help policymakers. First, develop good policies to attract more foreign investors, which will contribute to creating employment opportunities in the region. Second, create more infrastructures to provide good quality education. Third, implement a good policy to motivate local production which will contribute to creating jobs. Fourth, build a strong institution(s) to fight against corruption.