bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Record summers in Europe: Variations in drought and heavy precipitation during 1901–2018
Authors: Hänsel Stephanie , Hoy Andreas , Brendel Christoph , Maugeri Maurizio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDuring the last 20 years some very hot and dry summers affected Europe, resulting in regionally record‐breaking high temperature or low precipitation values. Long‐term changes of such extremely hot and dry summers are of great relevance for our society, as they are connected with manifold negative impacts on human society, natural ecosystems, and diverse economic sectors. Long‐term variations in drought and five record drought summer half years are studied based on 63 stations across Europe with high‐quality precipitation and temperature time series spanning the period 1901–2018. Eight drought indices are deployed to analyse drought intensity, frequency, and duration; four of them purely precipitation‐based and four integrating potential evapotranspiration in the computation. Additionally, three heavy precipitation indices and simultaneous increases in drought and heavy precipitation are studied. The five driest summer half years over Europe are identified (1947, 2018, 2003, 1921, and 1911). They are analysed by aggregating eight drought indices into the aggregated drought evaluation index (ADE) for five subregions. The ADE shows increasing summer drought conditions over most of Europe, except for some stations in northern Europe. The increase in drought conditions during the warm part of the year is particularly pronounced for indices integrating evapotranspiration in their definition. At the same time, the intensity of heavy precipitation events shows a positive trend, as well as an increased contribution to total precipitation. Several stations in central Europe show simultaneously increasing drought conditions and increasing heavy precipitation events. This increases the risks connected with precipitation extremes.
Dexmedetomidine inhibits the growth and metastasis of esophageal cancer cells by down‐regulation of lncRNA MALAT1
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Li , Cai Xiao‐Jun , Li Dong , Cao Feng‐Jun , Zuo Zhi‐Gang , Song Ying , Yu Xiong‐Jie , Liu Shan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX)—on esophageal cancer (EC) via regulating long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1). The effect of DEX on MALAT1 expression and EC cell viability was detected. EC cells were divided into Blank, DEX, scrambled/MALAT1 siRNA, and DEX + control/MALAT1 groups, followed by a series of experiments including quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), western blotting, 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), Annexin V‐FITC/PI staining, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Additionally, mice were subjected to the subcutaneous injection of Eca109 cells transfected by control/MALAT1 activation lentiviral vector to construct EC models with the DEX treatment, and then the tumor volume and the expression of Ki‐67 and active caspase‐3 were determined. DEX reduced the expression of MALAT1 in EC cells in a dose‐dependent manner. DEX inhibited the viability of EC cells, but increased the cell apoptosis, which, however, was reversed by MALAT1 overexpression. Moreover, MALAT1 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of DEX on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EC cells, with enhanced migration and invasion. Furthermore, DEX succeeded in decreasing the tumor volume with the down‐regulation of MALAT1. In comparison with the DEX group, mice in the DEX + MALAT1 group had larger tumors, with the up‐regulation of Ki‐67 and the down‐regulation of active caspase‐3. DEX can reduce the expression of MALAT1 in EC cells, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, invasion and migration, as well as EMT, and promoting the apoptosis of EC cells.
CERS6‐AS1 promotes cell proliferation and represses cell apoptosis in pancreatic cancer via miR‐195‐5p/WIPI2 axis
Authors: Gao Kan‐Fei , Zhao Yu‐Fang , Liao Wu‐Jun , Xu Guo‐Li , Zhang Jian‐Dong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy that threatens human health. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as important mediators in PC development. Our study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of lncRNA ceramide synthase 6 antisense RNA 1 (CERS6‐AS1) in PC. As shown by RT‐qPCR, CERS6‐AS1 was significantly upregulated in PC cells and tissues. Silencing CERS6‐AS1 suppressed PC cell viability and proliferation while enhancing cell apoptosis according to colony formation assays, EdU assays, and flow cytometry analyses. Mechanistically, CERS6‐AS1 interacted with miR‐195‐5p to elevate the expression level of the WD repeat domain phosphoinositide interacting 2 (WIPI2), which is a downstream target gene of miR‐195‐5p in PC. Moreover, miR‐195‐5p expression was negatively associated with CERS6‐AS1 expression (or WIPI2 expression) in PC tissues. Rescue assays revealed that WIPI2 overexpression rescued the effects of CERS6‐AS1 deficiency on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis. In summary, CERS6‐AS1 facilitates PC cell proliferation while inhibiting PC cell apoptosis by upregulating WIPI2 via miR‐195‐5p. This study might provide promising insight into the role of CERS6‐AS1 in PC development.
Sentinel Lymph Node Identification in Cutaneous Head & Neck Cancer ‐ Lymphoscintigraphy Late Phase
Authors: Hirshoren Nir , abd el Qadir Narmeen , Weinberger Jeffrey M. , Eliashar Ron , Ben‐Haim Simona 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveSentinel node (SN) biopsy following lymphoscintography is recommended for high‐risk cutaneous malignancies. Herein, we investigate different lymphoscintography phases, focusing on the importance of the late static phase and the resultant discovery of distal echelon solitary positive sentinel nodes that would otherwise have been overlooked.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, conducted in a tertiary referral medical center, we assessed SN localization and time from tracer injection to SN identification on lymphoscintigraphy. Findings on scan were compared with SN found in the surgical field, and with the final pathological investigation.ResultsSeventy‐three patients, undergoing SN biopsy for head and neck skin malignancies, were investigated. Most patients were male (n = 50). The average age was 65.7 (±15.7) years and the average follow‐up time was 29.1 (±22.4) months. Overall, 101 SNs were histologically investigated, demonstrating 7 positive SN. Eleven patients (15%) benefited from the late lymphoscintigraphy phase. In four studies, an SN was identified only in the late static phase, one of which was positive for the disease. In seven patients, SN was identified in the early phase with additional, different, SN on the late phase, one of which was positive for the disease. Comparing the yield (positive SNs) of early versus late phases, demonstrated the same importance (p = 0.275).ConclusionsThe late lymphoscintigraphy phase has a crucial role in high‐risk HN cutaneous cancer.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:2164–2168, 2022
Finite‐time and fixed‐time stabilization by dual closed‐loop controllers
Authors: Michalak Anna , Nowakowski Andrzej 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe problem we consider is to find a dual closed‐loop controller which will steer the trajectory starting at point to zero in a finite time (and in a fixed time in the second part of the article). We assume that our system is asymptotic stable at the origin, and we give the sufficient conditions for the finite and fixed‐time stability. In the second part, we present a new tool for effective finding the dual closed‐loop control.
Influence of carbon structures on the properties and photodegradation of LDPE/LLDPE films
Authors: López‐Martínez Erick Daniel , Martínez‐Colunga Juan Guillermo , Ramírez‐Vargas Eduardo , Sanchez‐Valdes Saul , Ramos ‐de Valle Luis Francisco , Benavides‐Cantu Roberto , Rodríguez‐Gonzalez Jose Alberto , Mata‐Padilla Jose Manuel , Cruz‐Delgado Victor Javier , Borjas‐Ramos Jose Javier , Da Silva Luciano 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe effect of different carbon structures on the properties of low density polyethylene film and linear low density polyethylene blends (LDPE/LLDPE) subjected to artificial weathering, was studied. The carbon structures used were carbon black (CB), multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and Graphene nanoparticles (GNP), at various loadings: 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 2 wt%. The PE‐Carbon structure composite films were characterized by optical microscopy (MOP), Haze, visible light transmission, UV–visible, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), melt flow determinations (MFI) and tensile properties. Weathering measurements were evaluated in a QUV panel chamber with UV fluorescent lamps. The films degradation was analyzed following the change in carbonyl index of FTIR spectra, mechanical properties, and molecular weight. A noticeable better dispersion of CB and CNT particles in polyethylene matrix was observed compared with GNP. MWCNTs and CB produced high Haze and low visible light transmission. Thermal stability measured by TGA increased with the presence of GNP and CB. The crystallinity, melting, and crystallinity temperature (Tm and Tc) of the polymers increased with MWCNT and GNP. All the films with carbon structures presented an increase in the modulus of elasticity, with CB giving the highest elastic modulus. Artificial weathering of films with carbon structures showed that CB particles and CNT provided the highest UV protection to polyethylene, with a noticeable increase in low molecular weights and a retention in tensile strength and elongation at break which was reflected in maintaining their flexibility. Films with CNT showed the least significant changes in their properties, being more resistant to photo‐degradation.
Monodispersed polymer particles with tunable surface structures: Droplet microfluidic‐assisted fabrication and biomedical applications
Authors: Mao Xi , Wang Mian , Jin Shaohong , Rao Jingyi , Deng Renhua , Zhu Jintao 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPolymer particles are key materials in various biomedical applications, including drug delivery, cellular immunity, cell capture, biochip, etc. Droplets produced by microfluidics have been widely applied as templates for the fabrication of polymer particles with controllable sizes and narrow size distributions. Compared to smooth polymer particles, those with surface microstructures (e.g., tentacles, bubbles, wrinkles and pits) are more attractive due to their increased surface area and biomimetic structural characteristics. In this review, we summarized representative methods for the preparation of monodispersed polymer particles with various surface microstructures based on droplet microfluidics, as well as their typical bioapplications in drug delivery, cellular immunity and cell capture. Finally, the current challenges and further development in this research area are discussed.
Intersectionality in cancer care: A systematic review of current research and future directions
Authors: Kelly‐Brown Joseph , Palmer Kelly Elizabeth , Obeng‐Gyasi Samilia , Chen JC , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of the current review was to synthesize the literature on intersectionality relative to disparities across the cancer care continuum. A model to support future intersectional cancer research was proposed.MethodsWeb‐based discovery services and discipline‐specific databases were queried for both peer‐reviewed and gray literature. Study screening and data extraction were facilitated through the Covidence software platform.ResultsAmong 497 screened studies, 28 met study inclusion criteria. Most articles were peer‐reviewed empirical studies (n = 22) that focused on pre‐diagnosis/screening (n = 19) and included marginalized racial/ethnic (n = 22) identities. Pre‐cancer diagnosis, sexual orientation and race influenced women's screening and vaccine behaviors. Sexual minority women, particularly individuals of color, were less likely to engage in cancer prevention behaviors prior to diagnosis. Race and socioeconomic status (SES) were important factors in patient care/survivorship with worse outcomes among non‐white women of low SES. Emergent themes in qualitative results emphasized the importance of patient intersectional identities, as well as feelings of marginalization, fears of discrimination, and general discomfort with providers as barriers to seeking cancer care.ConclusionsPatients with intersectional identities often experience barriers to cancer care that adversely impact screening, diagnosis, treatment, as well as survivorship. The use of an “intersectional lens” as a future clinical and research framework will facilitate a more multidimensional and holistic approach to the care of cancer patients.
Evaluating the Capacitive Response in Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Taukeer Khan Mohd , Khan Firoz , Al‐Ahmed Amir , Ahmad Shahzada , Al‐Sulaiman Fahad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe perovskites solar cells (PSCs) is composed of multifaceted device architecture and involve complex charge extraction (both electronic and ionic), this makes the task demanding to unlock the origin of the different physical process that occurs in a PSC. The capacitance in PSCs depends on several external perturbations including frequency, illumination, temperature, applied bias, and importantly on the interface modification of perovskites/charge selective contact. Arguably, different features including interfacial and bulk; ionic, and electronic charge transport in PSCs occur at different time scales. Capacitance spectroscopy is a prevailing technique to unravel the various physical phenomenon that occurs in a PSC at different time scales. A deeper knowledge of the capacitive response of a PSCs is essential to understand the charge carrier kinetics and unlock the device physics. This work highlights the capacitive response of PSCs and its application to unlock the device physics which is essential for the further optimization and improvement of the device performance.
Hybrid DC Circuit Breaker Using a SiC‐Semiconductor Module at 1 kA Interruption
Authors: Kubo Shoya , Sato Shunsuke , Yasuoka Koichi , Zen Shungo 
Published: February 2022

Hybrid direct current circuit breakers (DCCBs) have become prominent because of their low on‐state power dissipation and small arc erosion compared with conventional semiconductor and mechanical circuit breakers (CBs). After a fault occurs in a DC circuit, the current commutates from the mechanical contacts to the semiconductor devices of the hybrid DCCB, and finally, the current is interrupted by the semiconductor devices. Thus, a low turn‐on voltage or a low on‐state resistance of the devices is needed to reduce the commutation time and power dissipation of the current interruption. This paper presents a comparison of DCCB performances metrics, such as the maximum interruption current, power dissipation, and junction temperature, using a silicon carbide metal‐oxide‐field‐effect transistor (SiC‐MOSFET) and silicon insulated‐gate‐bipolar transistor (Si‐IGBT) module. An interruption of 1.1 kA was achieved in 4.3 ms using the SiC‐MOSFET module of which rated current was 444 A. The junction temperature after the interruption was determined to be 275°C, which exceeded the maximum junction temperature of 175°C. In the case of the Si‐IGBT module of which rated current was 1110 A, the maximum interrupting current was limited to 900 A; however, the maximum junction temperature was 41°C. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Realist International Theory and the Military
Authors: Schmidt Brian C 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRealism is generally seen as one of the most influential theories of international politics. Military and foreign policy officials adhere to the apparent timeless insights of realism. They stress the importance of power, especially military power, and the need to ensure the survival and security of the state. Ontologically, realism depicts a hostile world of power-seeking states. Some realists explain this in terms of human nature while others emphasize the anarchical structure of international politics. The chapter begins with a brief overview of the development of realist theory from Thucydides, who was an Athenian military official, to the present day. The next section explains the various epistemological, methodological, and ontological positions that realists hold. Next, the common elements that comprise the essence of realism will be identified: rationality, statism, survival, and self-help (the three S’s). In the third section, the differences between two variants of realist theory, classical and structural realism, are explained. In the conclusion the timeless wisdom of realism is revisited by considering the rise of China and the implications this has for international order.
Defective IGF-1 prohormone N-glycosylation and reduced IGF-1 receptor signaling activation in congenital disorders of glycosylation
Authors: Di Patria Laura , Annibalini Giosuè , Morrone Amelia , Ferri Lorenzo , Saltarelli Roberta , Galluzzi Luca , Diotallevi Aurora , Bocconcelli Matteo , Donati Maria Alice , Barone Rita , Guerrini Renzo , Jaeken Jaak , Stocchi Vilberto , Barbieri Elena 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway is crucial for the regulation of growth and development. The correct processing of the IGF-1Ea prohormone (proIGF-1Ea) and the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) peptide precursor requires proper N-glycosylation. Deficiencies of N-linked glycosylation lead to a clinically heterogeneous group of inherited diseases called Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG). The impact of N-glycosylation defects on IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling components is largely unknown. In this study, using dermal fibroblasts from patients with different CDG [PMM2-CDG (n = 7); ALG3-CDG (n = 2); ALG8-CDG (n = 1); GMPPB-CDG (n = 1)], we analyzed the glycosylation pattern of the proIGF-1Ea, IGF-1 secretion efficiency and IGF-1R signaling activity. ALG3-CDG, ALG8-CDG, GMPPB-CDG and some PMM2-CDG fibroblasts showed hypoglycosylation of the proIGF-1Ea and lower IGF-1 secretion when compared with control (CTR). Lower IGF-1 serum concentration was observed in ALG3-CDG, ALG8-CDG and in some patients with PMM2-CDG, supporting our in vitro data. Furthermore, reduced IGF-1R expression level was observed in ALG3-CDG, ALG8-CDG and in some PMM2-CDG fibroblasts. IGF-1-induced IGF-1R activation was lower in most PMM2-CDG fibroblasts and was associated with decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation as compared to CTR. In general, CDG fibroblasts showed a slight upregulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress genes compared with CTR, uncovering mild ER stress in CDG cells. ER-stress-related gene expression negatively correlated with fibroblasts IGF-1 secretion. This study provides new evidence of a direct link between N-glycosylation defects found in CDG and the impairment of IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling components. Further studies are warranted to determine the clinical consequences of reduced systemic IGF-1 availability and local activity in patients with CDG.
Genome sequences of Arthrobacter spp. that use a modified sulfoglycolytic Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway
Authors: Kaur Arashdeep , van der Peet Phillip L. , Mui Janice W.-Y. , Herisse Marion , Pidot Sacha , Williams Spencer J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSulfoglycolysis pathways enable the breakdown of the sulfosugar sulfoquinovose and environmental recycling of its carbon and sulfur content. The prototypical sulfoglycolytic pathway is a variant of the classical Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas (EMP) pathway that results in formation of 2,3-dihydroxypropanesulfonate and was first described in gram-negative Escherichia coli. We used enrichment cultures to discover new sulfoglycolytic bacteria from Australian soil samples. Two gram-positive Arthrobacter spp. were isolated that produced sulfolactate as the metabolic end-product. Genome sequences identified a modified sulfoglycolytic EMP gene cluster, conserved across a range of other Actinobacteria, that retained the core sulfoglycolysis genes encoding metabolic enzymes but featured the replacement of the gene encoding sulfolactaldehyde (SLA) reductase with SLA dehydrogenase, and the absence of sulfoquinovosidase and sulfoquinovose mutarotase genes. Excretion of sulfolactate by these Arthrobacter spp. is consistent with an aerobic saprophytic lifestyle. This work broadens our knowledge of the sulfo-EMP pathway to include soil bacteria.
Utility of indocyanine green angiography in delaying breast reconstruction postmastectomy
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Liu Yi Hui Angella , Lata Tahmina , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Seah Jue Li , Chan Carina , Cao Felicia , Azimi Farhad , Mak Cindy , Pulitano Carlo , Warrier Sanjay Kumar 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Perfusion mapping with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in breast reconstruction can change intraoperative plans and reduce the risk of flap necrosis. We evaluated the utility of ICGA in the decision to delay reconstruction postmastectomy and its predictive power for necrosis.

Methods
Single-institution retrospective study of implant-based breast reconstructions following mastectomy using ICGA from 2015 to 2021. A decision was made to proceed with immediate reconstruction or delay reconstruction based on clinical assessment and perfusion analysis. Incidence of complications in the immediate and delayed cohorts were assessed. Intraoperative ICGA perfusion values were correlated with postoperative outcomes to calculate diagnostic accuracy.

Results
Three hundred twenty breast reconstructions were performed. Two hundred fifty-nine of these underwent immediate reconstruction, while 61 underwent delayed reconstruction due to poor perfusion. Median time between mastectomy and delayed reconstruction was 7.3 days (range, 4–21 days). All 8 cases (3.1%) of necrosis were in the immediate cohort. Cases of necrosis had significantly lower intraoperative ICGA perfusion values compared to cases without necrosis (absolute values 13.1 versus 27.1 units, p = 0.017). Increasing our ICGA cut-off score for necrosis from 14 to 22 units would have increased sensitivity from 63 to 100% but reduced specificity from 70 to 48%.

Conclusions
Delayed breast reconstruction due to poor perfusion on ICGA resulted in no cases of necrosis. A higher ICGA cut-off score for predicting necrosis is more sensitive but less specific. ICGA is useful as a supplement rather than a substitute for clinical assessment in flap perfusion evaluation.
Level of Evidence Level III, Risk / Diagnostic Study.