bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal refugia for an insect population declining due to climate change
Authors: Karban Richard , Huntzinger Mikaela 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInsect declines have been reported worldwide, although the particular causes of the declines may be complex and are poorly understood. Meadow spittlebugs were one of the most abundant insects in the coastal prairie along the California coast 40 yr ago but have largely disappeared. Evidence links this decline to changing climatic conditions, which have reduced survival of eggs and neonates. We identified several refugia where meadow spittlebug populations have persisted amidst unfavorable conditions. Protection from desiccating winds was the common attribute of these refugia. Following a wet year, adult meadow spittlebugs were able to disperse from one refuge that we studied to recolonize coastal prairie habitats, although populations declined over the next two drier years. Because of their previous high abundance, loss of meadow spittlebugs is likely to affect the functioning of this widespread habitat, including energy transfer, their host plants, and their predators. In addition, meadow spittlebugs are unusual in having been the subject of extensive physiological and long‐term ecological data, so they can serve as a bellwether species, indicating the effects of climate change.
Comparing the effectiveness of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice on hyperlipidaemia: A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xu Guiqin , Lin Mingxin , Dai Xueli , Hu Jingqing 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.MethodsRelevant literature published until 13 August 2021, was retrieved from six electronic databases. Randomized clinical trials of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice in patients with hyperlipidaemia were included in the review. Network meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 13.1 software. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve probability values were used to rank the treatments.ResultsThis study included 47 trials involving 4824 subjects. In terms of reduced total cholesterol levels, Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 84.5%) had the highest probability of being the most effective formulation, with Simvastatin (66.4%) and Zhibitai (65.4%) ranked second and third, respectively. Xuezhikang also had the highest probability of reducing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to the greatest extent (SUCRA: 82.6%) with Simvastatin (SUCRA: 74.9%) and Zhibituo (SUCRA: 52.8%) being the second and third choices, respectively. For reduced triglyceride levels, Zhibituo (SUCRA: 80.2%) exhibited the highest probability of being the most effective, with Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 63.4%) and Simvastatin (SUCRA: 57.6%) in second and third places, respectively. Finally, in terms of improving high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, Zhibituo (SUCRA: 90.1%) had the highest probability of being the most effective, with Simvastatin (SUCRA: 82.1%) and Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 51.1%) ranked second and third, respectively.ConclusionsXuezhikang was found to have the highest probability of being the most effective formulation for reducing total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while Zhibituo had the highest probability of being the most effective for controlling triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The studies included in the review exhibited certain limitations and, therefore, more rigorously designed studies should be performed.Trial registration: INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202130017.
Genomic markers on synthetic genomes
Authors: Zhao Hao‐Qian , Wei Wen‐Qing , Zhao Chao , Xie Ze‐Xiong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGenome synthesis endows scientists the ability of de novo creating genomes absent in nature, by thorough redesigning DNA sequences and introducing numerous custom features. However, the genome synthesis is a labor‐ and time‐consuming work, and thus it is a challenge to verify and quantify the synthetic genome rapidly and precisely. Thus, specific DNA sequences different from native genomic sequences are designed into synthetic genomes during synthesis, namely genomic markers. Genomic markers can be easily detected by PCR reaction, whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) and a variety of methods to identify the synthetic genome from native one. Here, we review types and applications of genomic markers utilized in synthetic genomes, with the hope of providing a guidance for future works.
Salt hydrates as phase change materials for photovoltaics thermal management
Authors: Choo Yee Min , Wei Wei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRecently, phase change materials (PCMs) are acquiring much attention for the overall enhancement of photovoltaic (PV) systems' performance, because of their extraordinary property in temperature management. Many researchers have been incorporating PCMs in PV systems. However, the tested materials are principally organic PCMs. In this review, a comprehensive literature of PV systems with utilization of inorganic PCMs is introduced. Salt hydrates are the focus materials. They, in general, have comparative properties as organic PCMs and are better from safety and environmental standpoints. The characterization, properties, and applications of the salt hydrates in PV‐PCM research are discussed in this paper. Indeed, even most research shows promising outcomes, there is still need in data collection for more detailed and accurate system performance evaluation. Therefore, the real‐life application of this type of PV‐PCM system is still a long way from clear due to the discovered challenges. Finally, the possibilities of future research on PV‐PCM systems are highlighted, innovative technologies are to be discovered and addressed to defeat the current issues including system reliability and economic attainability.
Survey of germline variants in cancer‐associated genes in young adults with colorectal cancer
Authors: Mikaeel Reger R. , Young Joanne P. , Li Yun , Smith Eric , Horsnell Mehgan , Uylaki Wendy , Tapia Rico Gonzalo , Poplawski Nicola K. , Hardingham Jennifer E. , Tomita Yoko , Townsend Amanda R. , Feng Jinghua , Zibat Arne , Kaulfuß Silke , Müller Christian , Yigit Gökhan , Wollnik Bernd , Price Timothy J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in young adults is rising. Identifying genetic risk factors is fundamental for the clinical management of patients and their families. This study aimed to identify clinically significant germline variants among young adults with CRC. Whole‐exome sequencing data of blood‐derived DNA from 133 unrelated young CRC patients (<55 years of age) underwent a comprehensive analysis of 133 cancer‐predisposition/implicated genes. All patient tumors were evaluated for mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). Among 133 patients (aged 16–54 years), 15% (20/133) had clinically actionable pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in at least 1 well established cancer‐predisposing gene: dMMR genes (6), MUTYH [bi‐allelic (2), mono‐allelic (3)], RNF43 (1), BMPR1A (1), BRCA2 (4), ATM (1), RAD51C (1), and BRIP1 (1). Five patients (4%) had variants in genes implicated in cancer but where the significance of germline variants in CRC risk is uncertain: GATA2 (1), ERCC2 (mono‐allelic) (1), ERCC4 (mono‐allelic) (1), CFTR (2). Fourteen (11%) had dMMR tumors. Eighteen (14%) reported a first‐degree relative with CRC, but only three of these carried P/LP variants. Three patients with variants in polyposis‐associated genes showed no polyposis (one each in MUTYH [bi‐allelic], RNF43, and BMPR1A). Approximately one in five young adults in our series carried at least one P/LP variant in a cancer‐predisposing/implicated gene; 80% of these variants are currently considered clinically actionable in a familial cancer setting. Family history and phenotype have limitations for genetic risk prediction; therefore multigene panel testing and genetic counseling are warranted for all young adults with CRC regardless of those two factors.
Defining high‐risk elective contralateral neck radiation volumes for oropharynx cancer
Authors: Witek Matthew E. , Woody Neil M. , Musunuru Hima B. , Hill Patrick M. , Yadav Poonam , Burr Adam R. , Ko Huaising C. , Ross Richard B. , Kimple Randall J. , Harari Paul M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo define the location of the initial contralateral lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with oropharynx cancer.MethodsThe location of the LN centroids from patients with oropharynx cancer and a single radiographically positive contralateral LN was defined. A clinical target volume (CTV) inclusive of all LN centroids was created, and its impact on dose to organs at risk was assessed.ResultsWe identified 55 patients of which 49/55 had a single contralateral LN in level IIA, 4/55 in level III, 1/55 in level IIB, and 1/55 in the retropharynx. Mean radiation dose to the contralateral parotid gland was 15.1 and 21.0 Gy, (p <0.001) using the modeled high‐risk elective CTV and a consensus CTV, respectively.ConclusionsWe present a systematic approach for identifying the contralateral nodal regions at highest risk of harboring subclinical disease in patients with oropharynx cancer that warrants prospective clinical study.
Quality assessment of cold chain storage facilities for regulatory and quality management compliance in a developing country context
Authors: Chukwu Otuto Amarauche , Adibe Maxwell 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundSupply chain management is essential for cold chain medicines since they are temperature‐controlled and must be maintained within a specific temperature range to ensure product integrity and quality. In Nigeria, guidelines that address drug distribution do not adequately address the issue of cold chain management in addition to challenges in implementation. Given the chaotic medicines distribution system, this study examined the quality of practice of supply chain management of cold chain products in line with the World Health Organisation's Expert Committee report on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations.MethodsThe study was set in Abuja Nigeria and descriptive survey was used to explore cold chain supply management. A checklist developed from regulatory requirements stipulated by the World Health Organisation covering documentations, storage and distribution guidelines was used to assess supply chain management of cold chain medicines across various facilities. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.ResultsThe results from this study showed that most of the storage facilities assessed (66.7%) did not meet up to the required standards of quality management for cold chain products. In addition, 50.4% of retail and hospital pharmacy facilities performed poorly in cold chain management practices. Many of aspects of quality management guidelines and regulations were not met by the facilities. Most facilities (66.7%) do not have their equipment calibrated, 43.6% of the hospital and retail pharmacies assessed do not have an automated system to cater for power failure while 37.6% do not perform a temperature check on cold chain products before receiving from suppliers.ConclusionThe study has shown that the levels of the supply chain assessed for quality management and regulatory compliance performed poorly. There was limited availability and use of validated quality monitoring systems for cold chain medicines in these facilities.
A numerical study on nonlinear DPL model for analyzing heat transfer in tissue during thermal therapy
Authors: Maurya Pooja , Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Sunil Kumar , Upadhyay V. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn the present paper, therapeutic treatment of infected tumorous cells has been studied through mathematical modeling and simulation of heat transfer in tissues by using a nonlinear dual‐phase lag bioheat transfer model with Dirichlet boundary condition. The components of volumetric heat source in this model such as blood perfusion and metabolism are assumed experimentally validated temperature‐dependent function, which gives more accurate temperature distribution in tissues through this model. We have used the finite difference and RK (4, 5) techniques of numerical methods to solve the proposed problem and obtained the exact solution in a particular case. After comparison, we got a good agreement between them. We have used dimensionless quantities throughout this paper. The effect of relaxation and thermalization time with respect to dimensionless temperature distribution has been analyzed in the treatment process.
Potential of long non‐coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 as a biomarker reflecting systemic inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis patients
Authors: Jiao Wei , Zhou Xin , Wu Jian , Zhang Xuesong , Ding Jun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundLong non‐coding RNA potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 opposite strand 1 (lnc‐KCNQ1OT1) represses inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction, whereas its clinical value in sepsis is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to explore this issue.MethodsLnc‐KCNQ1OT1 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected by RT‐qPCR in 116 sepsis patients and 60 healthy controls (HCs). Moreover, sepsis patients were followed‐up until death or up to 28 days.ResultsLnc‐KCNQ1OT1 decreased in patients with sepsis than in HCs (p < 0.001). In sepsis patients, lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 was negatively correlated with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (r = −0.344, p < 0.001) and several SOFA subscale scores (including respiratory system, coagulation, liver, and renal systems) (all r < 0, p < 0.05). Furthermore, lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 was negatively correlated with CRP (r = −0.386, p < 0.001), TNF‐α (r = −0.332, p < 0.001), IL‐1β (r = −0.319, p < 0.001), and IL‐6 (r = −0.255, p = 0.006). Additionally, lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 levels were lower in sepsis deaths than in sepsis survivors (p < 0.001), and the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 had an acceptable ability to predict 28‐day mortality (area under the curve: 0.780, 95% confidence interval: 0.678–0.882). Meanwhile, its ability to predict 28‐day mortality risk was higher than that of CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, but slightly lower than the SOFA score and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score.ConclusionLnc‐KCNQ1OT1 serves as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease severity and prognosis in patients with sepsis.
Long noncoding RNA TUG1 upregulates VEGFA to enhance malignant behaviors in stomach adenocarcinoma by sponging miR‐29c‐3p
Authors: Jin Yanzhao , Cao Jiaqing , Hu Xiaoyun , Cheng Hua 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundLong noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TUG1 has been reported to display a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and malignant progression of various types of cancers, including stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). However, the contribution of aberrant expression of TUG1 and the mechanism by which it serves as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in STAD remains largely obscure.MethodsThe human STAD cell lines (MGC‐803 and AGS), human normal gastric epithelial cell line (GES‐1), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) were purchased and cultured to investigate the roles of TUG1 in STAD. Twenty BALB/c nude mice were purchased to establish a xenograft model to explore the roles of TUG1 in vivo.ResultsBioinformatics analysis revealed that TUG1 was upregulated in STAD, of which expression was negatively and positively correlated with miR‐29c‐3p and VEGFA, respectively. Functional analyses indicated that TUG1 functioned as an oncogene to promote malignant behaviors (proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis) of STAD cells; whereas miR‐29c‐3p exerted the opposite role. Mechanistically, the interaction between miR‐29c‐3p with TUG1 and VEGFA was demonstrated. It was observed that miR‐29c‐3p could reverse the TUG1‐induced promotion effect on cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in STAD. Furthermore, TUG1 overexpression promoted STAD cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, whereas VEGFA silence restored these effects, both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionThis finding confirmed that lncRNA TUG1 acts as a ceRNA for miR‐29c‐3p to promote tumor progression and angiogenesis by upregulating VEGFA, indicating TUG1 as a therapeutic target in STAD management.
Geographic Barriers Affect Follow‐Up Care in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Alwani Tooba , Shehan Jennifer N. , LeClair Jessica , Mahoney Taylor F. , Agarwal Pratima , Chaudhry Salil T. , Wang Judy J. , Noordzij Jacob P. , Tracy Lauren F. , Edwards Heather A. , Grillone Gregory , Salama Andrew R. , Jalisi Scharukh M. , Devaiah Anand K. 
Published: November 2021

Objectives/HypothesisFollow‐up care in head and neck cancers (HNC) is critical in managing patient health. However, social determinants of health (SDOH) can create difficulties in maintaining follow‐up care. The study goal is to explore how SDOH impacts maintenance of HNC follow‐up care appointments.MethodsA systematic retrospective chart review of 877 HNC patients diagnosed in the past 10 years a safety‐net tertiary care hospital with systems to help reduce care disparities. Cohort groups were identified and compared against protocols for follow‐up. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, chi‐square tests, Fisher's exact tests, two‐sample t‐tests, and simple linear regression.ResultsThe average length of follow‐up time in months and average total number of follow‐ups over 5 years were 32.96 (34.60) and 9.24 (7.87), respectively. There was no significant difference in follow‐up care between United States (US) versus non‐US born and English versus non‐English speaking patients. Race/ethnicity, county median household income, insurance status, and county educational attainment were not associated with differences in follow‐up. However, living a greater distance from the hospital was associated with lower follow‐up length and less frequency in follow‐up (P < .0001).ConclusionWhile income, primary language, country of birth, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and markers of educational attainment do not appear to impact HNC follow‐up at our safety‐net, tertiary care institution, and distance from hospital remains an important contributor to disparities in care. This study shows that many barriers to care can be addressed in a model that addresses SDOH, but there are barriers that still require additional systems and resources. Laryngoscope, 132:1022–1028, 2022
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polymers via PET‐RAFT Self‐Condensing Vinyl Polymerization in a Flow Reactor
Authors: Rong Li‐Han , Cheng Xiang , Ge Jin , Caldona Eugene B. , Advincula Rigoberto C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPhotoinduced polymerization techniques have been used in preparing various polymeric materials as they share several advantages with thermally‐triggered processes using mild conditions, low catalyst concentrations, and easy‐to‐perform experimental conditions. By combining photoinduced eletrotransfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with self‐condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP), in this work, a series of hyperbranched polymers is prepared in a flow reactor. Considered to be an alternative powerful method in improving scalability, reliability, and efficiency, the use of a flow reactor allowed us to synthesize hyperbranched poly(poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether)acrylate) (PPEGMEA) under extremely mild conditions–room temperature, open vessel, and use of LED light and water/methanol mixed solutions. The method also demonstrates considerable controllability in molecular weight and branching density by adjusting the feeding ratio of monomer to transmer, leading to the synthesis of block copolymers.
The Role of Polymer–AuNP Interaction in the Stimuli‐Response Properties of PPA–AuNP Nanocomposites
Authors: Núñez‐Martínez Manuel , Arias Sandra , Bergueiro Julián , Quiñoá Emilio , Riguera Ricardo , Freire Félix 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe helical sense control of dynamic helical polymers such as poly(phenylacetylene)s (PPAs) is greatly affected when they are conjugated to AuNPs through a strong thiol‐Au connection, which restricts conformational changes at the polymer. Thus, the classical thiol‐MNP bonds must be replaced by weaker ones, such as supramolecular amide–Au interactions. A straightforward preparation of the PPA–Au nanocomposite by reduction of a preformed PPA–Au3+ complex cannot be used due to a redox reaction between the two components of the complex which degrades the polymer. To avoid the interaction between the PPA and the Au3+ ions before the reduction takes place, the metal ions are added to the polymer solution capped as a TOAB complex, which keeps the PPA stable due to the lack of PPA–Au3+ interactions. Ulterior reduction of the Au3+ ions by NaBH4 affords the desired nanocomposite, where the AuNPs are stabilized by supramolecular anilide–AuNPs interactions. By using this approach, 3.7 nm gold nanoparticles are generated and aligned along the polymer chain with a regular distance between particles of 6 nm that corresponds to two helical pitches. These nanocomposites show stimuli‐responsive properties and are also able to form macroscopically chiral nanospheres with tunable size.
A compact dual‐band multi‐input multi‐output antenna for 5G/WLAN/Bluetooth applications
Authors: Xi Shuqi , Huang Jianlin , Chen Bo , Liu Gui 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA compact multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) antenna system with dual‐band characteristics is presented in this paper. The radiating element consists of an E‐shaped strip and a modified arrow‐shaped strip. The utilization of the modified arrow‐shaped strip can generate dual‐band operation while the isolation is enhanced by neutral line structure. The measured −10 dB reflection coefficient can cover 2.28–2.7 GHz and 4.96–6.1 GHz frequency bands. The mutual coupling is less than −15 dB over the lower and higher frequency bands. The envelope correlation coefficient is less than 0.06. The proposed MIMO antenna is a good candidate for 5G/WLAN/Bluetooth applications.
Accountability and transparency in emerging countries: Governance, democratic currents and change
Authors: Samaratunge Ramanie , Alam Quamrul 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAccountability and transparency are evolving challenges to governance and public administration in a highly complex global governance system. It is a difficult challenge in the emerging economies due to a significant deficit in democratic policy and institutional effectiveness. Few will discount the seemingly insurmountable challenges emerging economies face, whether these be economic, social inequality or social transformation. In light of these issues, accountability has been compromised or even neglected. We no sooner settle on a prescription for redress of governance and behavioural deficits than conditions in the world around us change, necessitating yet another round of reflection, analysis and policy development. This introduction to the Special Issue summarises and highlights some of the most salient features of accountability, transparency and governance capability confronted by public administration systems in emerging economies. Countries are faced with the need to make choices about their institutions and their actions within the broader framework of improving service delivery within a highly internationalised public administration system. Choices are made based on capacity, history and politics. These issues are by their nature contentious and contested, and it is no bad thing that this should be so, because out of contest come lessons about future choices and actions.