bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observed trends and variability of seasonal and annual precipitation in Pakistan during 1960–2016
Authors: Hussain Azfar , Cao Jianhua , Ali Shaukat , Muhammad Sher , Ullah Waheed , Hussain Ishtiaq , Akhtar Mobeen , Wu Xiuqin , Guan Yinghui , Zhou Jinxing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLong‐term precipitation monitoring plays a vital role in water resource management and disaster prevention and mitigation. This study assesses spatial and temporal trends in seasonal and annual precipitation in Pakistan between 1960 and 2016 at an interannual scale. The Mann–Kendall (MK) test, Sen's slope (SS) estimator, and Sequential Mann–Kendall (SQMK) test were employed to assess trends. Cluster analysis and L‐moment approach were used to identify the homogenous precipitation regions. In general, increasing precipitation trends between 1960 and 2016 were evident. Results indicated increasing precipitation in winter, autumn, summer and annual scale at the rates of 0.20, 2.18, 5.16, and 10.89 mm·decade−1, respectively. In spring, the precipitation trend shows a decreasing trend at −0.67 mm·decade−1. Moreover, a significant decreasing trend occurred in winter in southern Pakistan. The overall increasing trends were more noticeable between 1960 and 1988, compared to the declining precipitation during 1989–2016. SQMK analysis indicates a clear downward trend in most regions during 1989–2016, except in autumn. Annual precipitation has increased topographically except at 500 m and 1,500 m during 1960–2016 with a significant increase of 1.37 mm·decade−1 at elevation <250 m. Results indicate a negative correlation in SS test value with seasonal and annual precipitation with elevation and a positive correlation in winter. The seasonal and annual precipitation trends exhibit increasing and decreasing trends before and after 1990, respectively, in most subregions. The notable finding based on the outcomes of this study is that the whole country observed an increasing trend during 1960–1988, followed by a decreasing trend in during 1989–2016. This decreasing tendency is particularly pronounced between 1985 and 1995, except in autumn. Agriculture production is largely reliant on precipitation in many regions. So, a detailed study of the influence of monsoon trends and large‐scale climatic variability controls over Pakistan is vital for improved water resource management in the context of global warming and rising human activity. The results will help policy makers while establishing and updating water‐related initiatives and regulations.
Retrieving Cochrane reviews is sometimes challenging and their reporting is not always optimal
Authors: Pieper Dawid , Hoffmann Falk 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCochrane reviews are known to be a high‐quality source of evidence synthesis supporting health care decisions. In a recently conducted study, we analyzed the trends in epidemiology and reporting of published systematic reviews over the last 20 years. This sample of 1132 systematic reviews included 84 Cochrane reviews. We have learned several peculiarities of Cochrane reviews that are worth being discussed in more detail due to their practical implications. Methodologists, clinicians and health care professionals should be aware of these limitations: (1) Cochrane reviews are not identified as systematic reviews in title, (2) Cochrane reviews do not always follow PRISMA reporting guidelines, (3) Some updates are only available via the Cochrane Library, and (4) Indexing of Cochrane reviews in PubMed may be suboptimal.
Influence of the Chemical Structure on the Flame Retardant Mechanism and Mechanical Properties of Flame‐Retardant Epoxy Resin Thermosets
Authors: Liu Dongyue , Zhao Wenhua , Cui Yihua , Zhang Tianlong , Ji Pengfei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTwo types of isomeric bi‐DOPO（9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenan threne‐10‐oxide） flame retardants named DHK（6,6’‐((4,6’‐dihydroxy‐[1,1’‐biphenyl]‐3,3’‐diyl)bis(propane‐3,1‐diyl))bis(dibenzo[c,e][1,2] oxaphosphinine 6‐oxide)） and DMG (6,6’‐((6,6’‐dihydroxy‐[1,1’‐biphenyl]‐3,3’‐diyl) bis (propane‐3,1‐diyl)) bis (dibenzo [c,e][1,2] oxaphosphinine 6‐oxide)） are successfully prepared and their flame retardant properties are investigated. Although they have the same phosphorus content, the corresponding thermoset DHK/Epoxy resins (EP) and DMG/EP show different flame retardancy. The flame retardant mechanism is compared by thermal analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared (TG‐FTIR), residue FTIR, elemental analysis, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cone calorimetry. More phosphorus remains in the residue of DHK/EP which suggests better‐condensed phase flame retardancy than that of DMG/EP. However, DMG shows a better flame inhibition effect than that of DHK. The results of mean square displacement, free volume fraction, and cohesive energy density in molecular dynamics simulations show that the weakening of the movement ability of the DMG/EP molecular segments should be the reason for the increase in toughness. This shows that although flame retardants possess the same composition, their structure will also affect their flame retardant mechanism and properties, which provide a guide for the design and preparation of high‐efficiency flame retardants.
The manufacturing–marketing conflict under vertical product differentiation
Authors: Fang Lei , Zhao Sai 
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the impact of manufacturing–marketing conflict in a vertically differentiated market where consumers differ in their willingness to pay. We model the competition between duopoly firms in quality and quantity dimensions. When the manufacturing and marketing managers within a firm cannot be perfectly coordinated, they bargain with each other to arrive at a compromise solution regarding quality and quantity decisions. We find that compared to the perfectly coordinated scenario, the high‐end firm is always worse off in the compromise scenario while the low‐end firm may benefit from this conflict by closing the quality gap with the high‐end firm.
Double‐row dipole/loop combined array for human whole brain imaging at 7 T
Authors: Avdievich Nikolai I. , Nikulin Anton V. , Ruhm Loreen , Magill Arthur W. , Henning Anke , Scheffler Klaus 
Published: May 2022

Important issues in designing radiofrequency (RF) coils for human head imaging at ultra‐high field (UHF; ≥7 T) are the inhomogeneity and longitudinal coverage (along the magnet axis) of the transmit (Tx) RF field. Both the homogeneity and coverage produced by Tx volume coils can be improved by means of three‐dimensional (3D) RF shimming, which requires the use of multirow Tx‐arrays. In addition, according to recent findings of the ultimate intrinsic signal‐to‐noise ratio (UISNR) theory, the loop‐only receive (Rx) arrays do not provide optimal SNR near the brain center at UHF. The latter can be obtained by combining complementary conductive structures carrying different current patterns (e.g., loops and dipole antennas). In this work, we developed, constructed, and evaluated a novel 32‐element hybrid array design for human head imaging at 7 T. The array consists of 16 transceiver loops placed in two rows circumscribing the head and 16 folded‐end Rx‐only dipoles positioned in the centers of loops. By placing all elements in a single layer, we increased RF power deposition into the tissue and, thus, preserved the Tx‐efficiency. Using this hybrid design also simplifies the coil structure by minimizing the total number of array elements. The array demonstrated whole brain coverage, 3D RF shimming capability, and high SNR. It provided ~15% higher SNR near the brain center and, depending on the RF shim mode, from 20% to 40% higher Tx‐efficiency than a common commercial head array coil.
Failure mechanism of unidirectional basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer composites with pretension of fiber yarns
Authors: Zhao Xing , Li Sihao , Wang Xin , Wu Zhishen , Wu Jin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe pultrusion process has received increasing attention because of its high productivity, low cost, and good product quality. During the pultrusion process, the pulling and pretension force is a key factor to control the quality of the products. In this paper, the effect of the pretension force on the tensile strength of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites was studied. The pretension force was controlled using different weights. Tensile tests were performed on the BFRP specimens and the microscopic analysis was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the static tensile strength of specimens climbed up initially, followed by a decrease with the increase of pretension weights. Three microscopic changes under different pretension forces were found and discussed to explain the damage and failure mechanism. It is essential to optimize the pretension force to improve the strength quality for the pultrusion products of BFRP.
Family history is key to the interpretation of exome sequencing in the prenatal context: unexpected diagnosis of Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome
Authors: Rinaldi Berardo , Cesaretti Claudia , Boito Simona , Villa Roberta , Guerneri Silvana , Borzani Irene , Rizzuti Tommaso , Marchetti Daniela , Conte Giorgio , Cinnante Claudia , Triulzi Fabio , Persico Nicola , Iascone Maria , Natacci Federica 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo reach a molecular diagnosis for a family with two consecutive fetuses presenting with multiple congenital anomalies.MethodsThe two fetuses underwent prenatal ultrasound, autopsy, radiologic, and genetic investigation. Genetic analysis included karyotype and array‐CGH for both fetuses and trio‐based whole exome sequencing (WES) only for the second fetus.ResultsWES results, initially focusing on recessive or dominant de novo variants, were negative.However, as a result of new relevant information regarding family history, the variant c.648_651dup in the PTCH1 gene was identified as causative of the fetal phenotype.ConclusionsThis case further highlights how WES data analysis and interpretation strongly rely on family history and robust genotype–phenotype correlation. This is even more relevant in the prenatal setting, where access to fetal phenotype is limited and prenatal recognition of many morbid genes is not fully explored. We also provide a detailed description of the prenatal manifestations of Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome.
Perceived risk and risk reduction behaviours of female first‐degree relatives of breast cancer patients attending care at Uganda cancer institute
Authors: Ainembabazi Provia , Abila Derrick Bary , Manyangwa Grace , Anguzu Godwin , Musaazi Joseph , Mutyaba Innocent , Osingada Charles Peter , Mwaka Amos Deogratius 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the perceived risk of breast cancer (BC) and adoption of risk reduction behaviours among female first‐degree relatives (FDRs) of BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed using a questionnaire to collect data between March to October 2019. Adult female FDRs of patients attending care at UCI were recruited consecutively. Breast cancer perceived risk was assessed using a verbal measure; ‘My chances of getting BC are great’ on a Likert scale with 5 response alternatives. Chi square tests and modified Poisson regression using generalised estimating equations model were used to determine associations and examine factors associated with perceived risk of BC.ResultsWe enrolled 296 FDRs from 186 female BC patients. Few participants 118/296 (40%) had high perceived risk of BC. Majority 165/296 (56%), had ever practiced breast self‐examination. At the multivariable modified Poisson GEE model, women aged 36–45 years were more likely to perceive themselves to be at high risk of developing BC compared to women aged 18–25 years (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.174; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.05–2.88; p value = 0.030) after adjusting for age, religion, educational level and residence.ConclusionFew FDRs of BC patients perceived themselves to be at high risk of developing BC and do not seek risk reduction measures including screening and early diagnosis approaches. Breast cancer health education especially targeting younger women should emphasize the increased risk of BC in FDRs.
Front Cover Image, Volume 78, Issue 6
Authors: Cao Jingjing , Wu Qianmei , Wan Fanghao , Guo Jianying , Wang Rui 
Published: May 2022

The front cover image is based on the Research Article Reliable and rapid identification of glyphosate‐resistance in the invasive weed Amaranthus palmeri in China by Jingjing Cao et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6843.image
Chemical constituents, biological activities and anti‐rheumatoid arthritic properties of four citrus essential oils
Authors: Li Chunlian , Zhu Haiping , Zhao Kai , Li Xuetong , Tan Zekai , Zhang Weicheng , Cai Qiuyang , Wu Xianyi , Mo Jinzhe , Zhang Lanyue 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease with predominant synovitis that has no complete cure or preventive treatment. Citrus essential oils, used in natural fragrances, contain a variety of functional ingredients that are worthy of investigation for their potential as natural anti‐inflammatory drug sources. In this study, essential oils were hydro distilled from the peels of four citrus species: Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (CSEOs), Citrus paradisi Macfad. (CPEOs), Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (CLEOs) and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CREOs). Altogether, 81 compounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), of which d‐limonene (17.96%–94.66%) was an abundant component of all four oils. The stable 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐pyrrole hydrazine (DPPH) free radical test showed that all four essential oils had excellent antioxidant properties (IC50, 0.76–13.86 μg/mL). Furthermore, the oils remarkably increased the first G1 phase of the cell cycle, which inhibited the pro‐inflammatory factor expression. An immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the four essential oils inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α and cyclooxygenase‐2 and they exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity in a rat model that was similar to that of the common drug, Ibuprofen. These results show that the CSEOs, CPEOs, CLEOs, and CREOs have significant antirheumatic activities and thus have great potential in developing functional food or drugs for treating RA.
Investigation on properties of cement mortar with bottom ash and perlite
Authors: Yildirim Salih Taner , Keskin Fatma Seyma , Baynal Kasım , Shahmaleki Parmis 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPerlite and some recycled materials are preferably used to provide thermal insulation and lightness in mortar. Cement is often used as a binder in such a composite, although it makes the composite heavier and impairs its insulation properties. In this study, recycled bottom ash (BA) and expanded perlite (EP) as the aggregate, and cement as the binder and the optimum solution were investigated by using Taguchi Method. Depending on the specimens prepared using orthogonal array L9, the values of compressive strength, flexural strength, flowability, dry unit weight, water absorption, capillarity coefficient, and thermal conductivity coefficient were calculated. In general, it was found that the cement dosage was the most effective parameter and the thermal conductivity coefficient increased in parallel with the increase in unit weight and strength.
A preliminary design tool for volumetric buildings
Authors: Lim Robert Z. C. , Looi Daniel T. W. , Tsang Hing‐Ho , Wilson John L. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryVolumetric building (VB) is a type of off‐site construction to move towards high productivity construction. Literature review shows that there are only few models for upstream feasibility study for VB, while many researchers delved into advanced structural engineering aspects of VB modeling (i.e., downstream detailed and technical design). However, there is a lack of guidance for the preliminary design of VB, which is an essential stage that falls in between upstream feasibility study and downstream detailed and technical design. Hence, this paper is written to fill that gap by proposing a new design tool for VB, anchored upon the “desire path” philosophy, which is often used in urban planning, that is, natural formations evident from preceding experiences. Literature review also shows that a comprehensive VB database is not available. Hence, a new database is collected with 31,185 units of modules and 911 module types, sourced from VB projects worldwide to provide a broad global overview. The proposed tool has a systematic framework of a four‐quadrant plot for preliminary VB design, enabling designers to determine the number of modules, size of modules, massing typology, and module construction material through new empirical relationships.
Epi‐miRNAs: Modern mediators of methylation status in human cancers
Authors: Papadimitriou Maria‐Alexandra , Panoutsopoulou Konstantina , Pilala Katerina‐Marina , Scorilas Andreas , Avgeris Margaritis 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMethylation of the fundamental macromolecules, DNA/RNA, and proteins, is remarkably abundant, evolutionarily conserved, and functionally significant in cellular homeostasis and normal tissue/organism development. Disrupted methylation imprinting is strongly linked to loss of the physiological equilibrium and numerous human pathologies, and most importantly to carcinogenesis, tumor heterogeneity, and cancer progression. Mounting recent evidence has documented the active implication of miRNAs in the orchestration of the multicomponent cellular methylation machineries and the deregulation of methylation profile in the epigenetic, epitranscriptomic, and epiproteomic levels during cancer onset and progression. The elucidation of such regulatory networks between the miRNome and the cellular methylation machineries has led to the emergence of a novel subclass of miRNAs, namely “epi‐miRNAs” or “epi‐miRs.” Herein, we have summarized the existing knowledge on the functional role of epi‐miRs in the methylation dynamic landscape of human cancers and their clinical utility in modern cancer diagnostics and tailored therapeutics.This article is categorized under:
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Einleitung – Gesundheit(en) am Scheideweg: Konstruktionen, Praktiken, Materialitäten und Transformationen aus Sicht der Ökonomie der Konventionen
Authors: Cappel Valeska , Kappler Karolin Eva 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungNach welcher Logik können Gesundheitspraktiken und -strukturen situativ legitimiert und kritisiert werden und wie wirken sich digitale Technologien dabei aus? Die Einleitung beschreibt derzeitige Entwicklungsprozesse und Konflikte im Feld der digitalen Gesundheit und führt in die zentralen Begrifflichkeiten des Sammelbandes ein: die Ökonomie der Konventionen (EC), Gesundheit und Digitalisierung. Die Ökonomie der Konventionen zieht sich als pragmatische Perspektive durch den gesamten Band und liefert passende theoretische Konzepte und methodische Werkzeuge für die Analyse von Gesundheits- und Digitalisierungsprozessen. Die Beiträge des Bandes werden anhand dreier thematischer Teile „Gesundheit(en): Konstruktionen und Praktiken“, „Sozio-technische Materialitäten im Gesundheitshandeln“ sowie „Dynamiken im Gesundheitsfeld: Transformationen, Spannungen und Kritiken“ vorgestellt. Schließlich werden die drei Schwerpunkte „Zielkonflikte“, „Regime des Engagements“ sowie „Digitalisierung und EC“ hervorgehoben, die sich in vielen Beiträgen wiederfinden und damit für den Sammelband als besonders prägnant erweisen.
Verschiedene Gesundheitskonzepte im Rahmen der digitalen Selbstvermessung
Authors: Meidert Ursula , Scheermesser Mandy 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungDie digitale Selbstvermessung mit Wearables und Apps ist beliebt und mittlerweile weit verbreitet. Dabei können verschiedene Parameter des Körpers, der Aktivität und Mobilität sowie des Befindens gemessen, verglichen und ausgewertet werden. Ein oft genanntes Ziel ist es, mehr über den eigenen Körper zu erfahren sowie Fitness und Gesundheit zu verbessern. Dieser Artikel betrachtet anhand von Fokusgruppen- und ExpertInneninterviews zum einen die verschiedenen Konventionen und daraus resultierende Gesundheitskonzepte, die im Umgang mit der digitalen Selbstvermessung eine Rolle spielen. Zum anderen wird aufgezeigt, dass Konflikte und Unsicherheiten entstehen, wenn verschiedene Konventionen aufeinandertreffen. Und dass Aushandlungen stattfinden und Kompromisse gefunden werden müssen, wenn diese Konflikte gelöst werden sollen. Das wiederum bedeutet, dass sich bestehende Konventionen verknüpfen und neue Konventionen entwickeln müssen, damit sich die digitale Selbstvermessung im Gesundheitsbereich langfristig etablieren kann.
Ausblick: Im Angesicht einer Pandemie: Covid-19 – Eine politische Ökonomie der (digitalen) Transformationsprozesse von und um Gesundheit revisited
Authors: Cappel Valeska , Kappler Karolin Eva 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungDie Corona-Krise schlägt sich seit ihrer Entstehung 2019 besonders stark in den Feldern der Gesundheit und Digitalisierung nieder. In diesem Abschlusskapitel wird aufgezeigt, was eine Ökonomie der Konventionen zum Umgang und zur Reflektion solcher Wandlungsprozesse beitragen kann. Dazu reflektieren einerseits die Sammelband-AutorInnen über eigene Statements ihre Beiträge vor dem Hintergrund der Corona-Pandemie, andererseits wird die Corona-Pandemie spezifisch aus der Perspektive der EC betrachtet, wobei der Fokus auf die Felder Gesundheit, Konventionen und Digitalisierung gerichtet wird.
Digitale Gesundheit. Legitimationen und Kritik aus der Perspektive von Digital-Health-EntwicklerInnen
Authors: Lenz Sarah 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungHinter dem Begriff Digital Health verbergen sich variierende Technologien, Praktiken und Institutionen wie etwa die datengetriebene medizinische Forschung, Biobanken als Teil der öffentlichen Gesundheitsversorgung, das PatientenInnenmonitoring, Sensoren und Wearables, Telecare oder algorithmenbasierter Diagnostik. Versprechen von Digital Health-Technologien zielen sowohl auf die Effizienzsteigerung, die Prozessoptimierung, aber auch auf eine gerechtere und nachhaltigere Gestaltung gegenwärtiger Gesundheitssystem. Insofern zielten und reagierten Digital Health-Technologien bereits vor der Corona-Pandemie auf die Bewältigung vielfältiger Krisen der Gesundheitssysteme. Wenig ist darüber bekannt, wie Digital Health diese Problemlagen adressiert. Vor dem Hintergrund der Soziologie der Konventionen fragt der Beitrag danach, wie Digital Health von EntwicklerInnen digitaler Gesundheitstechnologien legitimiert und kritisiert wird. Es zeigt sich, digitale Gesundheitstechnologien mit der impliziten Hoffnung verbunden sind, die Ökonomisierung des Gesundheitssystems zu korrigieren. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden Effizienz- und Optimierungsprozesse normativ so aufgeladen, dass die einem Gerechtigkeitsideal entsprechen.
Poor soil as a fertile breeding ground: the role of historical agricultural specialization for the persistence of regional differences in crafts
Authors: Runst Petrik , Wyrwich Michael 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThere is a growing literature that explores the persistence of regional economic activities over time. We contribute to the literature by focusing on the regional concentration of a traditional industry. To be more precise, we examine the regional persistence of the crafts sector over a period of more than 100 years. We use historical data on the density of crafts people across regions. Our analysis on data from Germany demonstrates a strong persistence of regional differences in the concentration of crafts people in rural areas and no persistence in urban areas. To rule out endogeneity, we apply an instrumental variable approach and instrument the crafts density with the historical agricultural specialization of regions. This strategy is grounded in the idea that individuals in regions with a low quality of soil were more likely to take up other commercial activities like crafts occupations while this historical pattern is unlikely to directly affect specialization in crafts today.