bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulated relay based stable election protocol for large‐scale wireless sensor networks
Authors: Hamad Lana I. S. , Dag Tamer , Gucluoglu Tansal 
Published: November 2022

SummaryInternet of things (IoT) applications based on wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have recently gained vast momentum. These applications vary from health care, smart cities, and military applications to environmental monitoring and disaster prevention. As a result, energy consumption and network lifetime have become the most critical research area of WSNs. Through energy‐efficient routing protocols, it is possible to reduce energy consumption and extend the network lifetime for WSNs. Using hybrid routing protocols that incorporate multiple transmission methods is an effective way to improve network performance. This paper proposes modulated R‐SEP (MR‐SEP) for large‐scale WSN‐based IoT applications. MR‐SEP is based on the well‐known stable election protocol (SEP). MR‐SEP defines three initial energy levels for the nodes to improve the network energy distribution and establishes multi‐hop communication between the cluster heads (CHs) and the base station (BS) through relay nodes (RNs) to reduce the energy consumption of the nodes to reach the BS. In addition, MR‐SEP reduces the replacement frequency of CHs, which helps increase network lifetime and decrease power consumption. Simulation results show that MR‐SEP outperforms SEP, LEACH, and DEEC protocols by 70.2%, 71.58%, and 74.3%, respectively, in terms of lifetime and by 86.53%, 86.68%, and 86.93% in terms of throughput.
Sex‐specific biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease progression: Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Li Yi , Nwosu Adaora , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Liu Yulin , Devine Sherral , Au Rhoda , Doraiswamy P. Murali 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundSex differences in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not well understood.MethodsWe performed sex‐specific analyses of AD and annualized cognitive decline with clinical and blood biomarker data in participants 60+ years old in the community‐based longitudinal Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort (n = 1398, mean age 68 years, 55% women).ResultsDuring 11 years of follow‐up, women were 96% more likely than men to be diagnosed with clinical AD dementia after adjusting for age and education in the younger age group 60 to 70 years (n = 946; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 3.56) although not in the older age group (70+) (n = 452; hazard ratio = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.53). Sex‐differences in incident AD rates decreased with increasing levels of education. The total contribution of the biomarkers to AD risk variance was 7.6% in women and 11.7% in men. One unit (pg/ml) lower plasma Aβ42 was associated with 0.0095 unit faster memory decline in women (p = 0.0002) but not in men (p = 0.55) after adjusting for age and education.DiscussionOur study suggests that both early life and later‐life pathological factors may contribute to potential sex differences in incident AD.
Neuroprotective effects of nerolidol against Alzheimer's disease in Wistar rats
Authors: Taheri Peyman , Yaghmaei Parichehreh , Hajebrahimi Zahra , Parivar Kazem 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of cognitive disorder in an elderly population associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Nerolidol is assumed to have neuroprotection effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of nerolidol on the Aβ‐induced model of AD in rats. Hippocampal injection of Aβ was used to induce AD. Animals were randomly divided into control, sham (received PBS as Aβ solvent), AD, DNPZ (AD + donepezil, 4 weeks); NRD‐50 (AD + nerolidol, 50 mg/kg, 4 weeks), NRD‐100 (AD + nerolidol, 100 mg/kg, 4 weeks; Prot (rats which received 100 mg/kg nerolidol for two weeks before Aβ administration), and Solv (AD + sunflower oil as nerolidol solvent, 4 weeks) groups. All rats were subjected to a memory behavioral passive avoidance test by shuttle box. Thioflavin‐S staining was performed to confirm Aβ plaque formation and measured using ImageJ analyzing program. BDNF and CREB‐1 expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry assay. Aβ induced AD by Aβ plaques formation and increasing step‐through latency time. It reduced the expression of BDNF and CREB‐1 protein. Administration of nerolidol or donepezil improved these features by decreasing Aβ and increasing BDNF and CREB‐1 expression and latency time. Nerolidol is likely to provide protection against AD. It may prevent dementia through the mediation of BDNF‐CREB‐1 expression and cholinergic nerve cells restoring. It seems that the administration of nerolidol before the onset of the disease will be more effective than after.
Nintedanib‐αVβ3 Integrin Ligand Dual‐Targeting Conjugates towards Precision Treatment of Melanoma
Authors: Bugatti Kelly , Sartori Andrea , Battistini Lucia , Ruzzolini Jessica , Nediani Chiara , Curti Claudio , Bianchini Francesca , Zanardi Franca 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMelanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and more than 150,000 cases are diagnosed every year in Europe. New strategies in treatment approved over the past decade, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have prolonged life expectation even in stage IV melanoma patients. However, due to the increasing incidence of this cancer, the development of new therapeutic strategies remains urgent. Recent studies revealed the combination of nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved as an antifibrotic drug, and immuno‐ and/or targeted therapy drugs to be promising. Here we present three new dual covalent conjugates, in which a nintedanib unit is permanently linked to a cyclopeptidomimetic ligand for the αVβ3 integrin, a transmembrane receptor involved in cell survival, proliferation and migration, which is overexpressed by tumour cells, and therefore recognized as marker for tumour targeting. In vitro assays on human melanoma tumour cells confirmed the high binding affinity of these conjugates for αVβ3 integrin‐positive melanoma cells, as well as their integrin‐mediated cell internalization. Two of these conjugates were efficient in inhibiting the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, common to both integrin‐ and growth factor‐ biological targets. Such targeted conjugates could therefore be of special interest in melanoma treatment alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs.
Identification of main factors affecting mechanical characteristics of silicon carbide sludge‐based geopolymer via experimental design and associated statistical analysis
Authors: Lo Kang‐Wei , Lin Kae‐Long , Lin Ya‐Wen , Cheng Ta‐Wui 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDespite considerable research in geopolymer materials, the design of experiment (DOE) method has not previously been used for the analysis of geopolymers containing silicon carbide sludge (SCS) waste and/or metakaolin (MK). This study used DOE methods to quantitatively assess the correlation between factor parameters and the macroscopic and microstructural properties of SCS‐based geopolymers (SCSGPs). Statistical analysis identified Na/Si molar ratio, Na/Al molar ratio, and the dissolution rate of Al as the factors with the most profound influence on the compressive strength of the SCSGPs. Analysis of setting time and compressive strength revealed that in SCSGP samples containing 20% SCS, coefficient b in power function regression analysis was the most influential, due to the synergy between MK and SCS. The results obtained in this study using a multivariate adaptive regression splines model to establish a valuable reference for the further development and standardization of geopolymer mixture designs based on SCS.
Work‐relatedness of carpal tunnel syndrome: Systematic review including meta‐analysis and GRADE
Authors: Hassan Awa , Beumer Annechien , Kuijer P. Paul F. M. , van der Molen Henk F. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome with a high prevalence among workers. Insights on the physical work‐related risk factors is necessary to develop appropriate preventative methods. The objective of this systematic review, including meta‐analyses, is to assess which physical work‐related risk factors are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.MethodsSystematic literature searches were carried out using PubMed and Embase until September 6, 2021. Studies were included if: (1) CTS was clinically assessed, (2) the studies were prospective cohort studies, and (3) the exposure was reported using terms of exposed/less or nonexposed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsIn total, 9270 patients with CTS from a population of 1,051,707 workers were included from 17 studies. Meta‐analyses revealed high‐quality evidence for associations between CTS and high exposures to repetition (hazard ratio [HR] 1.87, 95% CI 1.42–2.46), force intensity (HR 1.84, 95%CI 1.22–2.79), exposures above hand activity level of ACGIH (HR 1.75, 95%CI 1.40–2.17), and the Strain Index >10 (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09–2.30). No significant associations were found for pinch gripping, hand‐arm vibration or force duration. High computer‐use exposure was significantly associated with a decreased rate of work‐related CTS (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12–0.64).ConclusionThis systematic review of prospective cohort studies found high certainty for an increased rate of CTS due to a high Strain Index, exposures exceeding the Activity Level of ACGIH, and high force intensity and high repetition. Workers performing tasks requiring both high force and high repetition even have a higher rate of developing CTS.
Minority versus majority: The choice of acquisition in Asia‐Pacific countries
Authors: Nguyen Ann‐Ngoc , Kernohan David , Nguyen Tung 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between the financial constraints of the acquiring firms and their choice of a minority over a majority acquisition. Our findings show that the likelihood of bidders undertaking a minority acquisition increases with financial constraints, including the deviation from target capital structure, and overleverage deficit. We also find that the impacts of leverage deviation on the likelihood of bidders engaging in a minority or majority acquisition is asymmetric for underleveraged and overleveraged firms. In addition, international bidders are less likely to take a minority acquisition if the target is operating in (i) countries with a higher degree of Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism, (ii) countries with higher degree to which individuals are able to participate in selecting their government, as well as having more freedom of expression, freedom of association, and a free media. Lastly, minority acquisitions are more common in a country with a more developed market. As such, in a fluid social order it looks like acquirers really need majority control.
Climate change and women's health: Turning leadership into action
Authors: Conry Jeanne , Robson Steve 
Published: November 2022

AbstractClimate change is considered the greatest long‐term challenge we face, and it comes with a direct impact on women's health and pregnancy outcomes. There are many balances that physicians make in deciding elements of care, but environmental impact has not been a consideration. Health care leaders must recognize the impact of their decisions on carbon footprints and creatively look towards changes that will improve global conditions.
Exploring institutional logics to dynamic ambidexterity in health information system implementation in the public health sector of Ethiopia
Authors: Woldeyohannes Birkinesh , Gaynor Mark , Assefa Temtim 
Published: November 2022

AbstractInformation system (IS) implementation can often lead to inherently contradictory issues, standardization, and evolve‐ability, which requires different, sets of information technology (IT) governance mechanisms. Recent research advocate ambidexterity mechanisms which consider the contradictory logic for long‐term success yet it has paid little attention to resource‐constrained settings which is a source of contradiction for the lack of technical and financial resource. Using an interpretative approach, based on institutional logic and dynamic ambidexterity concepts, this study revealed how centralized, systemic, and IT logics shaped IT governance mechanisms toward centralized and ad hoc‐based decentralized structures. Furthermore, the study depicted how the lack of a common vision for IS implementation impeded defining roles, identifying and collaborating with similar initiatives that led the implementation to uncontrolled evolve‐ability. Despite the absence of a common vision in resource‐constrained settings, the study identified the importance of resource‐chasing collaboration among heterogeneous actors to achieve standardization and evolve‐ability at a certain level though not sufficient. The study proposed an ambidextrous implementation framework by combining dynamic ambidexterity and institutional logic concepts to complement the resource‐chased collaboration with major HIS logics‐based collaboration through devising common vision, strategy, and mechanisms which allows sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring the emergent heterogeneous system implementation initiatives to achieve standardization and evolve‐ability simultaneously.
Production network: Application in China
Authors: Yu Dianfan , Long Rui , Wang Chao 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBased on the input–output table and the supplier–customer data disclosed by the listed companies in China, this paper builds China's production network on both industry level and firm level. We describe the characteristics of such network using various network indexes and obtain the following results: first, China's production network on industry level is featured by “small world” and “sparsity,” and continues to become sparser. The existence of hub‐like sectors makes the influence of sectoral shocks on macro fluctuations increasingly important. Second, China's production network on firm level has three types of structures: horizontal, ring, and star. Automobile and pharmaceutical industries show obvious intra‐industry network cluster features. This paper aims to deepen the understanding of production network on both macro and micro levels, and provide a basis for future study on the propagation of external shocks in production networks.
Implementation science to analyze motivators and barriers to pharmacist‐prescribed contraception in Michigan community pharmacies
Authors: Rashid Zenab H. , O'Connell Mary Beth , Yang Kai 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionA public health initiative in the United States is to lower the country's 45% unintended pregnancy rate. Although pharmacist‐prescribed contraception is beneficial, implementation is low. Enhancing motivators and overcoming barriers could increase implementation.ObjectivesTo quantify the motivating factors and barriers to pharmacist‐prescribed contraception and compare them by interest in implementing contraception prescribing.MethodsThe Theoretical Domains Framework was used to create an investigator‐developed 41‐item survey. Surveys were mailed to all Michigan independent pharmacies and chain pharmacies granting permission. Descriptive and nonparametric analyses were conducted.ResultsSurvey response rate was 11% (N = 147). Pharmacies were independent (39.5%), small independent group (2‐4 stores, 21.8%), large independent group (≥5 stores, 8.8%), national chain (15%), and two grocery store chains (15%). Top motivators to implement this service were to increase scope of practice, patient access to contraception, and pharmacy revenue. Top pharmacist, financial, resource, and safety barriers were contraception knowledge gaps, lack of financial reimbursement, lack of physicians to create a collaborative practice agreement, and increased liability, respectively. Pharmacies wanting to implement this service (n = 85) were early change adopters (P < .001), wanted to implement more direct patient care (P < .001), could create collaborative practice agreements (P < .001), had needed resources (P < .001), and were motivated by competition (P < .001) than pharmacies not wanting to implement this service (n = 61). They also felt their patients would value (P < .001) and use (P < .001) pharmacist‐prescribed contraception. Geographical location, city size, pharmacy type, and prescription volume did not significantly differ between pharmacies wanting to implement or not this service.ConclusionPharmacies wanting to implement pharmacist‐prescribed contraception service had more positive attitudes, and better knowledge, skills, and resources than those not wanting to implement the service. Many implementation barriers existed requiring solutions and advocacy efforts by community pharmacy staff, organizations, and colleges to increase implementation of this service in community pharmacies.
Conditional Loss of Nmp4 in Mesenchymal Stem Progenitor Cells Enhances PTH-Induced Bone Formation
Authors: Atkinson Emily G. , Adaway Michele , Horan Daniel J. , Korff Crystal , Klunk Angela , Orr Ashley L. , Ratz Katherine , Bellido Teresita , Plotkin Lilian I. , Robling Alexander G. , Bidwell Joseph P. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
Activation of bone anabolic pathways is a fruitful approach for treating severe osteoporosis, yet FDA-approved osteoanabolics, eg, parathyroid hormone (PTH), have limited efficacy. Improving their potency is a promising strategy for maximizing bone anabolic output. Nmp4 (Nuclear Matrix Protein 4) global knockout mice exhibit enhanced PTH-induced increases in trabecular bone but display no overt baseline skeletal phenotype. Nmp4 is expressed in all tissues; therefore, to determine which cell type is responsible for driving the beneficial effects of Nmp4 inhibition, we conditionally removed this gene from cells at distinct stages of osteogenic differentiation. Nmp4-floxed (Nmp4fl/fl) mice were crossed with mice bearing one of three Cre drivers including (i) Prx1Cre+ to remove Nmp4 from mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) in long bones; (ii) BglapCre+ targeting mature osteoblasts, and (iii) Dmp1Cre+ to disable Nmp4 in osteocytes. Virgin female Cre+ and Cre− mice (10 weeks of age) were sorted into cohorts by weight and genotype. Mice were administered daily injections of either human PTH 1-34 at 30 μg/kg or vehicle for 4 weeks or 7 weeks. Skeletal response was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, bone histomorphometry, and serum analysis for remodeling markers. Nmp4fl/fl;Prx1Cre+ mice virtually phenocopied the global Nmp4−/− skeleton in the femur, ie, a mild baseline phenotype but significantly enhanced PTH-induced increase in femur trabecular bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) compared with their Nmp4fl/fl;Prx1Cre− controls. This was not observed in the spine, where Prrx1 is not expressed. Heightened response to PTH was coincident with enhanced bone formation. Conditional loss of Nmp4 from the mature osteoblasts (Nmp4fl/fl;BglapCre+) failed to increase BV/TV or enhance PTH response. However, conditional disabling of Nmp4 in osteocytes (Nmp4fl/fl;Dmp1Cre+) increased BV/TV without boosting response to hormone under our experimental regimen. We conclude that Nmp4−/− Prx1-expressing MSPCs drive the improved response to PTH therapy and that this gene has stage-specific effects on osteoanabolism. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Pirfenidone attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway
Authors: Xie Rong , Chen Shaodong , Li Fang , Yang Liu , Yu Bangliang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) originates from the hepatopathy of fatty liver. Pirfenidone is a novel broad‐spectrum anti‐fibrosis agent used for treating various kinds of tissue fibrosis. The present study will evaluate the effects of Pirfenidone on liver injury in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice to evaluate the value of Pirfenidone in treating NAFLD. The pathology of NAFLD was simulated by feeding mice with an HFD in the present study, followed by treating the HFD mice with 150 and 300 mg/kg/day Pirfenidone once a day. The pathological state of HFD mice was identified by the elevated liver weight, promoted serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels, declined serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels, increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, and histopathological changes to the liver tissues, all of which were dramatically ameliorated by 150 and 300 mg/kg Pirfenidone administration. Furthermore, the excessive production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and IL‐6, as well as upregulated phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa‐B (p‐ NF‐κB p65), were observed in HFD‐fed mice, but significantly reversed by Pirfenidone. Finally, activated oxidative stress, identified by promoted malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and declined catalase (CAT) activity, was observed in HFD‐fed mice, accompanied by the downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and sterol‐regulatory element‐binding proteins‐1c (SREBP‐1c). After the treatment with Pirfenidone, oxidative stress was greatly mitigated. Our results imply that Pirfenidone ameliorated the progression of NAFLD by mediating inflammation and oxidative stress.
Are adults influenced by the experience of mentoring youth? A scoping review
Authors: Anderson Amy J. , DuBois David L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimsA relatively large body of research exists on the effectiveness of mentoring programs directed at youth and numerous syntheses of this literature have proven useful for advancing both research and practice. Less studied, but also important is the potential for adults serving in the role of mentor to young persons to be influenced by this experience. A scoping review was conducted with the aim of identifying and critically assessing major trends in the methods and findings in this literature.MethodsIncluded sources were empirical studies reporting findings that address potential influences on adults (18+) serving as mentors to youth (<18) in formal programs designed for this purpose. The initial search resulted in 3155 records and 96 were included in the review.ResultsApproximately half of the studies (58%) focused on younger adults (ages 18–22 years old, e.g., college students) serving as mentors; only a small minority of studies focused on adults over 35 years old (10%). Most studies were qualitative (n = 54). Studies with a quantitative component (n = 18 quantitative only;n = 24 mixed methods) exhibited a significant risk of bias for inferring effects on mentors due to limitations in study design (e.g., lack of comparison group). Studies most often addressed potential outcomes for mentors in academic/career (55%) and social (45%) domains, when findings suggested possible effects on mentors, they were nearly universally in a positive direction.ConclusionExisting research, although consistent with the potential for adults to benefit from the experience of mentoring youth, has insufficient rigor and representativeness to adequately address this question. Future research should utilize more rigorous quantitative designs and samples with greater representativeness of the different stages of adult development.