bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rules of Physical Mathematics Govern Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Ghosh Kingshuk , Huihui Jonathan , Phillips Michael , Haider Austin
Published: February 2022

In stark contrast to foldable proteins with a unique folded state, intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs) persist in perpetually disordered ensembles. Yet an IDP ensemble has conformational features—even when averaged—that are specific to its sequence. In fact, subtle changes in an IDP sequence can modulate its conformational features and its function. Recent advances in theoretical physics reveal a set of elegant mathematical expressions that describe the intricate relationships among IDP sequences, their ensemble conformations, and the regulation of their biological functions. These equations also describe the molecular properties of IDP sequences that predict similarities and dissimilarities in their functions and facilitate classification of sequences by function, an unmet challenge to traditional bioinformatics. These physical sequence-patterning metrics offer a promising new avenue for advancing synthetic biology at a time when multiple novel functional modes mediated by IDPs are emerging.
Experimental Analysis of Short-Circuit Scenarios Applied to Silicon-Graphite/Nickel-Rich Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Sturm J. , Friedrich S. , Genies S. , Buzon D. , G. Rahn-Koltermann , Rheinfeld A. , A. Jossen
Published: February 2022

Short-circuit incidents pose a severe safety threat to lithium-ion batteries during lifetime. Understanding the underlying electrochemical behavior can help to mitigate safety risks. The electrochemically-caused rate-limiting behavior is analyzed using a quasi-isothermal test-bench, where external and local short-circuit conditions are applied to single-layered pouch cells (<50 mAh). The cell voltage, the heat generation rate, and either the short-circuit current or a local electrical potential are measured and used to characterize the short-circuit intensity. The results of 35 custom-built silicon-graphite SiC/NCA and SiC/NMC-811 cells with 2.5 wt.-% silicon are benchmarked to previously studied graphite G/NMC-111 cells. An additional current plateau appears for the silicon-graphite/nickel-rich cells, which is ascribed to the anode-limited electrode balancing. At a maximum, 29% of the total dissipated heat is caused during over-discharge. The effect of cyclic aging on the impact of the short-circuit behavior is investigated with aged single-layered pouch cells (SoH < 80%), which revealed nearly the same levels of over-discharge as non-aged cells. A lithium reference electrode is used to visualize polarization effects in the anode during ESCs and to evaluate the onset of copper dissolution (>3.2 V vs Li/Li+), which could be estimated up to 20% of the negative current collector mass.
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction On Two-Dimensional Metal 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-Benzenetriol Frameworks: A Density Functional Study
Authors: Gao Jinghan , Cheng Lin , Li Kai , Wang Ying , Wu Zhijian
Published: February 2022

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a very prospective strategy to reduce CO2 to valuable fuels and chemical products, thereby alleviating the growing energy crisis and greenhouse effect. In this study, CO2RR mechanisms on M3(TABTO)2 (M = Sc-Cu, Y-Mo and Ru-Rh, TABTO = 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-benzenetriol) are investigated by means of density functional method. The results show that the studied catalysts are stable thermodynamically. Co3(TABTO)2 exhibits the best catalytic performance for the formation of CH3OH with the same overpotential of 0.41 V both in the gas phase and in solution. For Fe3(TABTO)2, however, the product is HCOOH with the overpotential of 0.29 V in the gas phase and 0.70 V in solution. For Ru3(TABTO)2 to produce CH4, solvent effect reduces the overpotential significantly from 0.97 V in the gas phase to 0.54 V in solution, making it to be a promising CO2RR catalyst. Moreover, the improvement of CO2RR catalyst activity can be achieved by the axial oxygen modification in M3(TABTO)2 (M = Sc, Y and V). A good relationship between d band center and overpotential is observed, which might provide us with a new direction to design the promising catalyst.
Applying Clustered KNN Algorithm for Short-Term Travel Speed Prediction and Reduced Speed Detection on Urban Arterial Road Work Zones
Authors: Park Hyun Su , Park Yong Woo , Kwon Oh Hoon , Park Shin Hyoung
Published: February 2022

This study developed and verified a travel speed prediction model based on the travel speed and work zone statistics collected from the advanced traffic management system (ATMS) real-time data in Daegu, South Korea. A clustered K-nearest neighbors (CKNN) algorithm was used to predict travel speed, resulting in a 6.9% average mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) using the data from 1,815 work zones. Furthermore, road network impact due to road work was calculated by comparing the travel speed prediction results obtained from the historical speed data. The predicted travel speed data in a work zone generated from this study is expected to allow drivers to select optimized paths and use them for traffic management strategies to operate in a work zone efficiently.
Oxidative Injury in Ischemic Stroke: A Focus on NADPH Oxidase 4
Authors: Li Ganglei , Ye Changsheng , Zhu Yu , Zhang Tiesong , Gu Jun , Pan Jianwei , Wang Feng , Wu Fan , Huang Kaiyuan , Xu Kangli , Wu Xiaomin , Shen Jian
Published: February 2022

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Thus, it is urgent to explore its pathophysiological mechanisms and find new therapeutic strategies for its successful treatment. The relationship between oxidative stress and ischemic stroke is increasingly appreciated and attracting considerable attention. ROS serves as a source of oxidative stress. It is a byproduct of mitochondrial metabolism but primarily a functional product of NADPH oxidases (NOX) family members. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) is most closely related to the formation of ROS during ischemic stroke. Its expression is significantly upregulated after cerebral ischemia, making it a promising target for treating ischemic stroke. Several drugs targeting NOX4, such as SCM-198, Iso, G-Rb1, betulinic acid, and electroacupuncture, have shown efficacy as treatments of ischemic stroke. MTfp-NOX4 POC provides a novel insight for the treatment of stroke. Combinations of these therapies also provide new approaches for the therapy of ischemic stroke. In this review, we summarize the subcellular location, expression, and pathophysiological mechanisms of NOX4 in the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. We also discuss the therapeutic strategies and related regulatory mechanisms for treating ischemic stroke. We further comment on the shortcomings of current NOX4-targeted therapy studies and the direction for improvement.
Association of Atopic Dermatitis with Depression and Suicide: A Two‐Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Qi Hong-jiao , Li Lin-Feng
Published: February 2022

Background. Atopic dermatitis (AD) has long been hypothesized to be associated with risk of depression and suicide, but the causal relationship between them is still unclear. Objective. To evaluate the causality between AD, depression, and suicide using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Method. We extracted summary‐level data for AD, major depression, and suicidal ideation or attempt from published, nonoverlapping genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Inverse variance‐weighted (IVW) analysis was used as the primary analysis. Alternate methods, including weighted median, MR Egger, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, weighted mode, and leave‐out analysis, were performed to assess pleiotropy. Results. 13 SNPs (13,287 cases and 41,345 controls) were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). The IVW analysis indicated a statistically significant but small causal effect of AD on major depression (OR = 1.027, 95% CI 1.004‐1.050; p = 0.020). No significant evidence was observed for a causal effect of AD on suicide. No significant effect of pleiotropy was found. Conclusion. AD has a significant but small effect on major depression, but not on suicide.
[Retracted] Analysis of the Resilience of Balance of Payments Using Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Fan Shixin , Liu Ying
Published: February 2022

Globalization has brought increased attention to the balance of payments situation from a variety of countries. The traditional method of measuring balance of payments may not be applicable in certain situations. This paper draws on the idea of economic resilience, uses the transmission mechanism of balance of payments imbalance, and establishes a system of balance of payments imbalance resilience to provide a complement to the traditional measure. In this article, we establish a system of balance of payments resilience and ensure its reasonableness and effectiveness. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) balance of payments resilience score can be used as a reference and early warning indicator of a country’s balance of payments situation and improves the measurement of balance of payments. (2) Improving the country’s unemployment rate and boosting adjusted net savings will significantly upgrade the balance of payments situation. Improving foreign capital adequacy and foreign exchange market conditions is more beneficial for improving the country’s rank of resilience score.
Pimarane Diterpenoids from Aerial Parts of Lycopus lucidus and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Pandey Jitendra , Hwang Bang Yeon , Lee Hyeong-Kyu , Poudel Amrit
Published: February 2022

The ethyl acetate fraction obtained from aerial parts of L. lucidus was subjected for isolation of new bioactive compounds, which enabled isolation of five new pimarane-type diterpenoids, namely, 3β, 8β, 12β, 18-tetrahydroxy pimar-15-ene (10), 7α, 8β, 12β, 18-tetrahydroxy pimar-15-ene (11), 3β, 8β, 11β, 12α, 18-pentahydroxy pimar-15-ene (12), 12β acetoxy, 8β, 3β, 18-trihydroxy pimar-15-ene (13), and 3β acetoxy, 8β, 12β, 18-trihydroxy pimar-15-ene (14), along with nine known compounds. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. The isolated new pimarane diterpenoids were examined for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria strains. Among them, the compound 3β, 8β, 12β, 18-tetrahydroxy pimar-15-ene (10) was most effective, exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 15.62 µg/mL against Staphylococcus epidermidis, 31.25 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, 62.5 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 125 µg/mL against Escherichia coli.
An Adaptive Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Controller for Dynamic Walking of a 5-Link Planar Biped Robot in Both Single and Double Support Phases
Authors: Azarbani Ataollah , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher , Fakharian Ahmad
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to design an improved adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller for a fully actuated planar biped robot with five degrees of freedom in the single support (SSP) and double support (DSP) phases in the presence of external perturbation and uncertainties. A new sliding surface was proposed to avoid singularities and the chattering phenomenon. The proposed controller guarantees fast convergence of error signals in finite time. Unlike similar studies, the presented method considers a whole cycle of one step of walking, including SSP, double impact, and DSP phases. Also, the proposed approach does not require a predefined upper limit to estimate uncertainty using an adaptive law. Notably, dynamic walking was preferred over static walking to achieve more similarity to human walking. The designed trajectories were determined according to the position of the waist and swinging legs ankle, which could then be converted into the position of joints using inverse kinematics equations. The simulation results were used to approve the proposed controller's fast and robust tracking performance in the presence of external disturbances, mass, and inertia uncertainties without predefined knowledge of their upper bounds.
The Protective Effects of Securigera securidaca Seed Extract on Liver Injury Induced by Bile Duct Ligation in Rats
Authors: Nasehi Zahra , Kheiripour Nejat , Taheri Maryam Akhavan , Ardjmand Abolfazl , Jozi Faezeh , Aghadavod Esmat , Doustimotlagh Amir Hossein , Shahaboddin Mohammad Esmaeil
Published: February 2022

This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of Securigera securidaca (SS) seed extract on cholestatic liver injury induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. Total polyphenols and flavonoids in SS seed extract were determined using a colorimetric assay, and their components were quantified using HPLC. Rats in four groups underwent BDL at the common bile duct and were treated for 21 days with either oral distilled water as vehicle, vitamin C, 100 mg/kg SS seed extract, or 200 mg/kg SS seed extract. Rats in the fifth group underwent abdominal incision without BDL and were treated with distilled water, and rats in the sixth group were healthy and received nothing. Finally, rats were sacrificed, blood samples were analyzed through biochemical methods, liver tissues were histologically assessed, and the expression of the TGFβ‐1, iNOS, caspase‐3, and α‐SMA genes in the liver was assessed through real‐time PCR. BDL significantly increased, and SS seed extract significantly decreased the serum levels of bilirubin and liver function enzymes. Moreover, SS seed extract suppressed the expression of the TGFβ‐1, iNOS, caspase‐3, and α‐SMA genes, reduced the levels of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl, and increased the levels of glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, and SOD and catalase enzyme activity in the serum and liver. Extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg had significant positive effects on liver morphology and parenchyma structure in a dose‐dependent manner.
An Advanced Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno Algorithm for Prediction and Output-Related Fault Monitoring in Case of Outliers
Authors: Xue Cuiping , Zhang Tie , Xiao Dong
Published: February 2022

In the process industry, fault prediction and product-related fault monitoring are important links to ensure product quality and improve economic benefits. In this paper, under the framework of the BFGS (Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno) algorithm, a new and more accurate data-driven method, the ABFGS algorithm, is proposed. Compared with the BFGS algorithm, the ABFGS algorithm adds output-related fault monitoring capabilities and has strong robustness, which can eliminate the influence of outliers on measurement data. The effectiveness of this method has been verified by the Eastman benchmark program in Tennessee. The simulation results show that this method can eliminate the influence of outliers and effectively predict the process. Compared with the other three algorithms, the ABFGS algorithm can not only clearly and accurately indicate whether the detected fault is related to the output but also provide a higher fault monitoring rate.
Adherence to Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer (BrCa): A Case-Control Study
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Hadizadeh Mohammad , Omrani Morteza , Baniasadi Mansoureh , Sanati Vahid , Zarrati Mitra
Published: February 2022

Background. Previous evidence suggests a link between diet quality and breast cancer (BrCa); however, the link between the Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS)—a fully food-based score that uses the 2015 Dutch Dietary Guidelines—and risk of BrCa has not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to observe the relationship between adherence to an LLDS and risk of BrCa in Iranian adults. Methods. In the hospital-based case-control study, 253 patients with BrCa and 267 non-BrCa controls were enrolled. Individual’s food consumption was recorded to calculate LLDS using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. In adjusted models, the association between the inflammatory potential of the diet and the risk of BrCa was estimated by using binary logistic regression. Results. Compared with control individuals, BrCa patients significantly had higher waist circumference (WC), first pregnancy age, abortion history, and number of children. In addition, the mean intake of vitamin D supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs in the case group was significantly lower than the control group. Furthermore, after adjusted potential confounders, individuals in the highest vs. lowest quartiles of LLDS showed statistically significant lower risk of BrCa in overall population (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.11–0.43; P trend <0.001), premenopausal (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.10–0.68; P trend = 0.003), and post-menopausal women (OR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06–0.60; P trend = 0.015). Conclusion. Findings of this study reflected that higher LLDS decreased risk of BrCa, but need further investigation in later studies.
[Retracted] Establishment and External Validation of a Hypoxia‐Derived Gene Signature for Robustly Predicting Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Wang Ke , Lu Yang , Liu Zhihong , Diao Min , Yang Lin
Published: February 2022

Objective. Hypoxia presents a salient feature investigated in most solid tumors that holds key roles in cancer progression, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, we aimed to construct a hypoxia‐derived gene signature for identifying the high‐risk GBM patients to guide adjuvant therapy and precision nursing based on signs of hypoxia. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the transcriptome profiling and clinicopathological characteristics of GBM from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohorts. A series of bioinformatic and machine learning methods were comprehensively applied for establishing a hypoxia‐derived gene signature in prediction of overall survival, disease‐free survival, disease‐specific survival, and progression‐free survival. The predictive efficacy of this model was assessed with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and uni‐ and multivariate cox regression analysis. The associations of this signature with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic response predictors were evaluated across GBM. RT‐qPCR and western blotting were presented for validating the expression of ALDH3B1 and CTSZ in human glioma cell lines (U251, SHG‐44, and U87) and normal glial cell line HEB. Results. Among hallmarks of cancer, hypoxia acted as a prominent risk factor of GBM prognosis. A hypoxia‐derived gene signature displayed efficient ability in predicting clinical outcomes. High risk score indicated undesirable prognosis, recurrence, and progression of GBM. Moreover, this risk score displayed positive correlations to immunity and stromal activation. Combining immunotherapeutic response predictors, high‐risk patients more benefited from immunotherapy. ALDH3B1 and CTSZ expression had prominent upregulation in glioma cells than normal glial cells. Conclusion. Collectively, this hypoxia‐derived gene signature could become a reliable biomarker for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response and providing theoretical support for hypoxia treatment and precision nursing of GBM patients.
Early Warning Model of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders Complicated with Cervical Implantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Xin Siming , Wan Hong , Zeng Xiaoming , Fu Yanyan , Wang Zhizhong , Lai Hua , Xiong Ying , Zheng Jiusheng , Liu Lingzhi
Published: February 2022

Background. Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders seriously threaten the safety of the mother and infant in the perinatal period. Moreover, PAS is associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcomes once complicated with cervical implantation. Dismally, there are few reports about PAS complicated with cervical involvement currently, and the early warning models are also rarely reported. To screen the risk factors of PAS complicated with cervical implantation and construct an early risk warning model, we performed the analysis of clinical indicators and images of PAS patients by artificial intelligence (AI) data processing methods. Methods. The clinical data of 166 patients with PAS in our hospital from January 2016 to September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into cervical implantation group and lower uterine implantation group according to the position of placenta implantation. Then, we compared the pregnancy outcomes of the two groups, screened the possible related factors of PAS complicated with cervical implantation by univariate analysis, and established the early warning model by logistic regression analysis. Results. The maternal outcome of PAS complicated with cervical implantation was worse than that of the lower uterine implantation group. Through univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis, we found that the cervical width, abundant cervical blood flow, and bladder line interruption were all risk factors of PAS complicated with cervical implantation, and their contribution to the establishment of the regression model was statistically significant. Conclusion. PAS complicated with cervical implantation was extremely severe. Early identification of risk factors and establishment of a risk warning model have certain guiding significance for clinical formulation of a reasonable treatment plan.
Study on the Transmission Characteristics of Polarized Laser in the Complicated Dust Environment on Mars
Authors: Yang Yu-Feng , Ke Jian , Han An-Li , Xu Rui-Na
Published: February 2022

In this paper, for the dust environment in complicated atmospheric on Mars, the Martian atmosphere is vertically stratified based on the vertical distribution characteristic of Martian dust particles. Combining the number concentration and particle size distribution of each layer of dust, the transmission characteristics of polarized laser in the Martian dust are studied by using the polarized Monte Carlo method. The results show that among the six selected wavelengths, the transmittance of the wavelength of 7.46 μm in Martian dust is the largest, while the laser intensity attenuation of the wavelength of 0.49 μm in Martian dust is the largest. The horizontally polarized laser of the wavelength of 0.55 μm (effective variance b = 0.1 μm) is taken as an example; the depolarization degree of the polarized laser under stratified conditions increases from the minimum value of 3.5440157e − 4 at 0 km to the maximum value of 0.0092563 at 24 km, with an increase of 0.00890189843; while the depolarization degree under nonstratified conditions increases from the minimum value of 1.2678582e − 4 at 0 km to the maximum value of 0.0045636 at 24 km, with an increase of only 0.004436842, the degree of depolarization under the condition of stratified is greater than that of nonstratified. On the whole, for different effective variance b, the variation trend of the polarization parameter with height for different polarized laser is basically identical.
Influence of Organic Matter on Gas-Bearing Properties and Analysis of Sedimentary Mechanism of Organic Matter Enrichment: A Case Study on the Yangtze Region of Southern China during the Early Cambrian
Authors: Li Qinyu , Zhang Kun , Wei Lin , Wang Dahai , Chen Zhiyuan , Yin Xiangdong , Han Fengli , Liu Pei , Tang Liangyi , Yuan Xuejiao
Published: February 2022

Shale gas exploration requires studies on the enrichment mechanism of sedimentary organic matter. The Lower Cambrian shale is taken as a study object to analyze the effect of organic matter on gas content using TOC content and porosity analyses, isothermal adsorption experiments, and FIB-HIM scanning electron microscopy observations. Then, we selected typical wells to determine the presence of excessive silica in the siliceous minerals by quantitative calculations. Besides, we analyzed the genesis of excessive siliceous minerals using elements including Al, Fe, and Mn, thus speculating the controlling factors of the redox environment and biological productivity. Results show that total organic carbon content controls the content of free and adsorbed gas, while shale gas mainly exists in organic pores and is developed in large numbers and with high roundness, showing the characteristics of “small pores inside big pores.” In the Lower Yangtze region during the Early Cambrian, the excessive siliceous minerals were of hydrothermal origin, and there were frequent hydrothermal activities due to its closeness to plate boundaries. These activities can intensify the reducibility of the waterbody’s bottom and improve the biological productivity on its surface, resulting in the enrichment of this matter. Most excessive silicon in this region is biogenic, while only a small part is of hydrothermal and biogenic mixed origin. The enclosed waterbody of the Upper Yangtze region was far from plate boundaries and close to the semiclosed “gulf,” resulting in its delamination. The waterbody’s surface was abundant with oxygen, thus increasing the biological productivity, while the high reducibility at the waterbody’s bottom was conducive to preserving sedimentary organic matter.
The COX-2–PGE2 Pathway Promotes Tumor Evasion in Colorectal Adenomas
Authors: Wei Jie , Zhang Jinyu , Wang Dingzhi , Cen Bo , Lang Jessica D. , DuBois Raymond N.
Published: February 2022

The mechanisms underlying the regulation of a checkpoint receptor, PD-1, in tumor-infiltrating immune cells during the development of colorectal cancer are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that COX-2–derived PGE2, an inflammatory mediator and tumor promoter, induces PD-1 expression by enhancing NFκB's binding to the PD-1 promoter via an EP4–PI3K–Akt signaling pathway in both CD8+ T cells and macrophages. Moreover, PGE2 suppresses CD8+ T-cell proliferation and cytotoxicity against tumor cells and impairs macrophage phagocytosis of cancer cells via an EP4–PI3K–Akt–NFκB–PD-1 signaling pathway. In contrast, inhibiting the COX-2–PGE2–EP4 pathway increases intestinal CD8+ T-cell activation and proliferation and enhances intestinal macrophage phagocytosis of carcinoma cells accompanied by reduction of PD-1 expression in intestinal CD8+ T cells and macrophages in ApcMin/+ mice. PD-1 expression correlates well with COX-2 levels in human colorectal cancer specimens. Both elevated PD-1 and COX-2 are associated with poorer overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Our results uncover a novel role of PGE2 in tumor immune evasion. They may provide the rationale for developing new therapeutic approaches to subvert this process by targeting immune checkpoint pathways using EP4 antagonists. In addition, our findings reveal a novel mechanism explaining how NSAIDs reduce colorectal cancer risk by suppressing tumor immune evasion.

Prevention Relevance:

These findings provide a potential explanation underlying the chemopreventive effect of NSAIDs on reducing colorectal cancer incidence during premalignancy and provide a rationale for developing EP4 antagonists for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. Simply targeting PGE2 signaling alone may be efficacious in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment, avoiding side effects associated with NSAIDs.
Influence of Liquidity, Leverage, Profitability And Company Size to Company Value (Empire Study on Food Sub-Sector Companies And Beverages Listed on The Indonesia Stock Exchange Period 2014-2017)
Authors: Sabaruddin  , Pujarani Qiqy Elizhia , Hadi Syamsul
Published: February 2022

The research aims to analyze the influence of liquidity, leverage, profitability and firm size on the firm value of food and beverage sub-sector company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2014-2017. Variables that used tomeasure variable liquidity are current ratio (CR), variable leverage measured by debt to equity ratio (DER), variable profitability measured by return on equity (ROE), and firm size according to the total assets and firm value measure by (the ratio PBV). Sample of this research are food and beverage manufacturing company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2014-2017 with the total 18 companies. By using the purposive sampling, it took 13 companies as the sample of research. Analysis technique used are descriptive analysis, test the assumption classical which includes normality test, multi-co linearity test, heteroscedasticity test and autocorrelation test, with a significance alpha 5 percent and 1 percent. Panel analysis data which multiple regression linear analysis and the hypothesis test includes f statistic test, t test statistic and determination test. The research result shows that the liquidity variable (CR) does not influence the firm value. Leverage variable (DER) has the positive influence and significantly to firm value (PBV). Profitability has the positive infuence and significantly to firm value (PBV) meanwhile the firm size variable (Ln Total Asset) has the negative influence and significantly to firm value (PBV).
New Noninvasive Methods to Evaluate Microvascular Structure and Function
Authors: Rizzoni Damiano , Mengozzi Alessandro , Masi Stefano , Agabiti Rosei Claudia , De Ciuceis Carolina , Virdis Agostino
Published: February 2022

The structural and functional alterations of microvessels are detected because of physiological aging and in several cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The small resistance arteries of these patients show an increase in the media or total wall thickness to internal lumen diameter ratio (MLR or WLR), often accompanied by endothelial dysfunction. For decades, micromyography has been considered as a gold standard method for evaluating microvascular structural alterations through the measurement of MLR or WLR of subcutaneous small vessels dissected from tissue biopsies. Micromyography is the most common and reliable method for assessing microcirculatory endothelial function ex vivo, while strain-gauge venous plethysmography is considered the reference technique for in vivo studies. Recently, several noninvasive methods have been proposed to extend the microvasculature evaluation to a broader range of patients and clinical settings. Scanning laser Doppler flowmetry and adaptive optics are increasingly used to estimate the WLR of retinal arterioles. Microvascular endothelial function may be evaluated in the retina by flicker light stimulus, in the finger by tonometric approaches, or in the cutaneous or sublingual tissues by laser Doppler flowmetry or intravital microscopy. The main limitation of these techniques is the lack of robust evidence on their prognostic value, which currently reduces their widespread use in daily clinical practice. Ongoing and future studies will overcome this issue, hopefully moving the noninvasive assessment of the microvascular function and structure from bench to bedside.
Transnational Terrorist Recruitment: Evidence from Daesh Personnel Records
Authors: Brockmeyer Anne , Do Quy-Toan , Joubert Clément , Bhatia Kartika , Jelil Mohamed Abdel
Published: February 2022

Global terrorist organizations attract radicalized individuals across borders and constitute a threat for both sending and receiving countries. We use unique personnel records from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Daesh) to show that unemployment in sending countries is associated with the number of transnational terrorist recruits from these countries. The relationship is spatially heterogeneous, which is most plausibly attributable to travel costs. We argue that poor labor market opportunities generally push more individuals to join terrorist organizations, but at the same time, limit their ability to do so when longer travel distances imply higher travel costs.
Playing Hide and Seek: How Lenders Respond to Borrower Protection
Authors: Benzarti Youssef
Published: February 2022

This paper uses the universe of mortgage contracts to estimate the response of high-interest lenders to borrower protection regulations aimed at simplifying and making loan terms more transparent. Using a quasi-experimental design, I find that lenders substantially reduce interest rates—by an average of 10%—in order to avoid being subject to borrower protection, without reducing amounts loaned or the number of loans approved. This finding is consistent with high-interest lenders preferring to issue obfuscatory mortgage contracts with lower interest rates rather than more transparent and regulated mortgages with higher interest rates.
Elaboration of Neuropsychological Evaluation of Children: Structural Analysis of Test Results
Authors: Korneev Aleksei A. , Matveeva Ekaterina Yu. , Akhutina Tatiana V.
Published: February 2022

Background. Modern neuropsychology is discussing the possibility of combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in the evaluation of cognitive functions. In Russia a battery of tests called “Methods of neuropsychological assessment for children 6–9 years old” (Akhutina et al., 2016) has been proposed; it is based on the Lurian approach to diagnosis and combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to testing. The present paper describes the development of this combined qualitative and quantitative assessment of various groups of cognitive functions in preschool and primary school children. Structural modeling enables us to analyze a possible combination of integral indices of functions that includes the results of both a face-to-face neuropsychological assessment and computerized testing. Objective. To develop a combined qualitative and quantitative neuropsychological assessment of children, in order to 1) check the structural reliability of integral indicators of various cognitive functions; and 2) confirm the correctness of combining the results of face-to-face and computerized tests. Design. A sample of 299 children between the ages of 6 and 9 years old (111 preschoolers, 82 first graders, and 106 second graders) underwent a Lurian face-to-face neuropsychological examination adapted for 6-to-9 year-old children, and five tests from the Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment for 6–9 Year-old Children. The five were the “Dots” test, the Schulte Tables, the Cancellation test, the Corsi Tapping Block test, and the Understanding of Similar Sounding Words test. In each of the tests (face-to-face and computerized), key parameters were identified to evaluate various cognitive functions. Results. A confirmatory factor analysis verified the composition of the neuropsychological indices that were based on the results of the face-to-face neuropsychological assessment. At the same time, when the computer test data were added to the model, the fit indices of the model considerably improved.
The “Moon Test”: A Step Towards Evaluating Comprehension of Educational Text through Model Mediation
Authors: Vysotskaya Elena , Lobanova Anastasia , Yanishevskaya Mariya
Published: February 2022

Background. This paper addresses the issue of educational text comprehension, which is one of the major problems in secondary schools, especially when such texts are introduced in the natural sciences. Studies on text comprehension often regard reading as a standalone skill: its mechanisms are discussed from leading theoretical approaches (cognitivism, constructivism, etc.), and variables are distinguished and evaluated. Most of the researchers consider text comprehension to be active reconstruction of the meaning which the text delivers, and regard the application of the information retrieved from the text to problem-solving as the indicator for a deep comprehension level. Since we work within the framework of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), we consider educational text comprehension to be mediated through special content-related models which students have to acquire. Unfortunately, there are no studies which have directly linked reading, corresponding problem-solving, and working with contentrelated models (symbolic means, schemes); hence, with this research, we are seeking to fill in the gap. Objective. Our goal is to elaborate the perspective on educational text comprehension as mediated through mastering special modeling (symbolic) means. In this article we illustrate this approach with the “Moon test” — an assessment procedure which we designed to materialize the components of orientation of students’ action as they succeed or fail to solve problems by relying on the educational text provided. Design. We conducted the “Moon test” among the fifth graders (10-12 years old). The text, which told the students how to use the moon’s visual transformations as a calendar, was followed by 12 tasks on the topic. The tasks required using the text to master the model provided, and then solve challenging tasks which only referred to the model implicitly.
Effective ENSO Amplitude Forecasts Based on Oceanic and Atmospheric Preconditions
Authors: Xuan Zhuolin , Zhang Wenjun , Jiang Feng , Jin Fei-Fei
Published: February 2022

Current climate models have relatively high skills in predicting El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase (i.e., El Niño, neutral, and La Niña), once leaping over the spring predictability barrier. However, it is still a big challenge to realistically forecast the ENSO amplitude, for instance, whether a predicted event will be strong, moderate, or weak. Here we demonstrate that the accumulated westerly wind events (WWEs)/easterly wind surges (EWSs) and oceanic recharged/discharged states are both of importance in accurate ENSO amplitude forecasts. El Niño and La Niña events exhibit asymmetric temporal and spatial features in the atmospheric and oceanic preconditions. El Niño amplitude at the peak season is closely associated with the accumulated WWEs over the eastern equatorial Pacific from the previous December to May and the recharged state in the western equatorial Pacific during February. In contrast, the amplitude of La Niña events is sensitive to the accumulated EWSs over the equatorial western Pacific from the previous November to April and the discharged state extending from the equatorial western to central Pacific during February. Considering these asymmetric atmospheric and oceanic preconditions of El Niño and La Niña cases, a statistical model is established to accurately forecast the ENSO amplitude at its mature phase during 1982–2018, which is validated to be robust based on a 1-yr cross-validation and independent sample tests. The feasibility and the limitation of the established statistical model are also discussed by examining its practical utility.
Marijuana Use Associated with Decreased Mortality in Trauma Patients
Authors: Bloom Samuel R. , Grigorian Areg , Schubl Sebastian , Thangathurai Duraiyah , Kuza Catherine M. , Swentek Lourdes , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: February 2022

Background

The incidence of trauma patients with a positive marijuana screen (pMS) is increasing but the effects of marijuana on outcomes have varied in previous studies. A recent statewide analysis demonstrated decreased mortality for intensive care unit (ICU) trauma patients with pMS. Thus, we hypothesized a pMS to be associated with a decreased risk of mortality for all trauma patients.

Methods

The 2017 Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database was queried for adult (≥18 years-old) pMS patients, who were compared to patients negative for all drugs and alcohol (nDS). Patients not drug tested or testing positive for drug(s)/alcohol other than marijuana were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate risk of mortality after controlling for known predictors of mortality including age, sex, injury severity, vital signs, and comorbidities. Additional subgroup analyses were performed for ICU patients and younger adults (<40 years-old).

Results

From 141 737 tested patients, 23 310 (16.4%) had an isolated pMS. Patients with pMS were younger ( P < .001) but had a similar median injury severity score (ISS) (9, P = .42) compared to nDS patients. On multivariable analysis the associated risk of mortality was lower for pMS (OR .79, .71-.87, P < .001) compared to nDS patients. Subgroups analyses also demonstrated decreased associated risk of mortality for ICU and younger patients (both P < .05).

Discussion

Patients with a pMS had decreased associated risk of mortality compared to nDS patients, including subgroups of ICU and younger patients. These findings require corroboration with future prospective clinical study and basic science evaluation to ascertain the exact pathophysiologic basis and thereby target potential interventions.
Fatty Acid Determination in Human Milk Using Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy and Solvent-Free Lipid Separation
Authors: Akhgar Christopher K. , Nürnberger Vanessa , Nadvornik Marlene , Ramos-Garcia Victoria , Ten-Doménech Isabel , Kuligowski Julia , Schwaighofer Andreas , Rosenberg Erwin , Lendl Bernhard
Published: February 2022

This study introduces the first mid-infrared (IR)–based method for determining the fatty acid composition of human milk. A representative milk lipid fraction was obtained by applying a rapid and solvent-free two-step centrifugation method. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy was applied to record absorbance spectra of pure milk fat. The obtained spectra were compared to whole human milk transmission spectra, revealing the significantly higher degree of fatty acid–related spectral features in ATR FT-IR spectra. Partial least squares (PLS)–based multivariate regression equations were established by relating ATR FT-IR spectra to fatty acid reference concentrations, obtained with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Good predictions were achieved for the most important fatty acid sum parameters: saturated fatty acids (SAT, R2CV = 0.94), monounsaturated fatty acids (MONO, R2CV = 0.85), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, R2CV = 0.87), unsaturated fatty acids (UNSAT, R2CV = 0.91), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, R2CV = 0.79), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA, R2CV = 0.97), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA, R2CV = 0.88). The PLS selectivity ratio (SR) was calculated in order to optimize and verify each individual calibration model. All mid-IR regions with high SR could be assigned to absorbances from fatty acids, indicating high validity of the obtained models.
“Equity Work is Messy”: Exploring a Family and Community Partnership in One School District
Authors: Castillo Bernadette M.
Published: February 2022

Focusing on family and community partnerships in schools is an important aspect to culturally responsive education, yet it is often an overlooked area. Educators must consider new models to engage community and family members to become partners in schools. This study presents finding from a mini-ethnographic case study and explores various stakeholders working as a collective to engage in culturally responsive work. In the model, group members interacted to develop curriculum proposals, professional development for teachers and community, as well as proposals for new courses. The opportunities and challenges school districts face when engaging community members in the policy and practice of schools are also discussed in this model.
Untangling the team social capital–team innovation link: The role of proportional task conflict as well as group- and differentiated individual-focused transformational leadership
Authors: Stollberger Jakob , Ali Al-Atwi Amer , De Cremer David
Published: February 2022

Findings from prior research on the relationship between a team’s social network architecture and team innovation have been inconclusive. Integrating social network theory with input–process–output models of team innovation, our research aims to reconcile the mixed findings in the literature by introducing a novel process perspective as well as highlighting a relevant contingency factor to untangle the team social capital–team innovation link. We propose that team social capital, operationalized as bridging and bonding social capital, negatively influences team innovation via team proportional task conflict, which is the level of task conflict teams experience proportional to the general level of team conflict (i.e. task, relationship and process conflict). In addition, we expected group and differentiated individual-focused transformational leadership to buffer the negative indirect effect of team social capital on team innovation via team proportional task conflict. Results from time-lagged data collected from research and development teams in Iraq revealed that teams with bonding and bridging social capital are less innovative because they experience less proportional task conflict. Furthermore, group-focused transformational leadership buffered the negative indirect relationship of team bridging social capital on team innovation via proportional task conflict. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Doctors in distress: The personality profile of derailing doctors
Authors: Joffe Megan , Grover Simmy , King Jenny , Furnham Adrian
Published: February 2022

Objective:

This study looked at the bright and dark-side personality profile of distressed and potentially derailing doctors (82% male). The derailing doctors were on average 48.75 years old, and from many specialities, in particular, general practice and surgery.

Method:

In all, a group of 77 derailing British doctors, and a control group of 357 doctors completed a valid multi-dimensional test of bright-side (normal) personality (NEO-PI-R) and one of dysfunctional interpersonal themes (sub-clinical personality disorders) (HDS: Hogan Development Survey).

Results:

Controlling for sex and age, the derailing doctors were more Neurotic (less resilient), and less Agreeable, Conscientious, Extraverted and Open-to- Experience. They were also more Excitable (Borderline), Sceptical (Paranoid), Cautious (Avoidant), Reserved (Schizoid), Leisurely (Passive Aggressive) and Bold (Narcissistic). Discriminant analysis showed age, Neuroticism, Extraversion, Leisurely and Excitable were, in that order, the greatest personality discriminators between those who did and did not derail.

Conclusion:

More research needs to be done on doctor derailment to inform the selection and training of doctors.
Two Sides to Face: Integrity- and Achievement-Centered Face-Saving, Parental Psychological Control, and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese American Adolescents
Authors: Wang Jun , Liew Jeffrey , Li Xin
Published: February 2022

Depressive symptoms can be serious, but often overlooked, health risk factors, especially for Asian Americans who are vulnerable to acculturation stress but tend to underreport mental health problems. The present study examines how specific cultural values and parenting practices are associated with Chinese American adolescents’ depressive symptoms. One hundred and nine Chinese American adolescents (61% females; Mage = 15.93 years, SDage = 1.39 years) and their parents completed online surveys about their endorsement of traditional Chinese cultural values that reflect integrity and achievement as two forms of face-saving, parents’ use of psychological control, and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Parents’ endorsement of Conformity To Norms was positively associated with adolescents’ endorsement of the same value, which further correlated positively with adolescents’ depressive symptoms. However, adolescents’ endorsement of Family Recognition Through Achievement was neither associated with parents’ endorsement of the value nor with adolescents’ depressive symptoms. In addition, while parental psychological control was positively related to adolescents’ value belief in Conformity To Norms and depressive symptoms, parental psychological control was negatively related to adolescents’ value belief in Family Recognition Through Achievement. The findings suggest the richness and complexities of the face-saving cultural values and the usefulness of unpacking parenting dimensions in understanding familial processes and developmental specificity among immigrant youth.