bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility and Institutional Ownership on Corporate Tax Aggressiveness with Firm Size as Moderating Variable
Authors: Widuri Retnaningtyas
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the relationship between corporate social respon­sibility and institutional ownership on tax aggressiveness, focusing on firm size as moderating variables. The population of this study were companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2016 until 2020. A purposive sampling approach was used in the sample selection process for this study, and the final sample was collected by 110 companies with 520 units of analysis. In this study, hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling. The results showed that CSR disclosure had a positive effect on tax aggressiveness. Firm size positively moderates the relationship between CSR and affects tax aggressiveness. The second result, institutional ownership has a negative effect on tax aggressiveness. Firm size positively moderates the relationship between institutional ownership and tax aggressiveness. Those academic scholars, practitioners, and regulators who are interested in uncovering corporate governance score, tax avoidance, and CSR may find these findings to be of interest. Before mandating extra governance procedures for companies operating in their nation, regulators are required to first assess the legal framework in their country as well as the actual corporate governance mechanisms already in place. This paper examines the relationship between CSR and tax avoidance with a sample of all companies listed on the IDX for five years using firm size as a moderator.
Maternal intention to breastfeed among pregnant women: cross-sectional study / Intenção materna de amamentar entre gestantes: estudo transversal
Authors: Góes Fernanda Garcia Bezerra , Vianna Laiz Trocado Sobral de Souza , Corrêa Bianca Bianca da Silva Ornellas , Pereira-Ávila Fernanda Maria Vieira , Santos Letícia de Assis , Goulart Maithê de Carvalho e Lemos
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: analisar a intenção materna de amamentar entre gestantes e os fatores associados. Método: estudo transversal, desenvolvido com mulheres a partir da 20ª semana de gestação. Utilizou-se formulário com variáveis sociodemográficas e gestacionais e a versão brasileira da Infant Feeding Intentions Scale. Adotaram-se testes não paramétricos de Man-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: participaram do estudo 97 gestantes com escore médio da escala de 13,68. O menor escore foi entre as gestantes que não receberam orientação sobre aleitamento materno exclusivo no pré-natal. A proporção de mulheres que pretendia amamentar sem o uso de outros leites aos um, três e seis meses foi decrescente. Conclusão: as intenções de amamentar foram fortes entre as gestantes, porém, decresceram ao longo dos meses, o que pode afetar a concretização e a manutenção da amamentação na prática. Reforça-se a importância de intervenções educativas de forma contínua visando a redução do desmame precoce.
Prevalence and Overlap of Cardiac, Renal, and Metabolic Conditions in US Adults, 1999-2020
Authors: Ostrominski John W. , Arnold Suzanne V. , Butler Javed , Fonarow Gregg C. , Hirsch Jamie S. , Palli Swetha R. , Donato Bonnie M. K. , Parrinello Christina M. , O’Connell Thomas , Collins Eric B. , Woolley Jonathan J. , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Vaduganathan Muthiah
Published: September 2023

Importance

Individually, cardiac, renal, and metabolic (CRM) conditions are common and leading causes of death, disability, and health care–associated costs. However, the frequency with which CRM conditions coexist has not been comprehensively characterized to date.

Objective

To examine the prevalence and overlap of CRM conditions among US adults currently and over time.

Design, Setting, and Participants

To establish prevalence of CRM conditions, nationally representative, serial cross-sectional data included in the January 2015 through March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were evaluated in this cohort study. To assess temporal trends in CRM overlap, NHANES data between 1999-2002 and 2015-2020 were compared. Data on 11 607 nonpregnant US adults (≥20 years) were included. Data analysis occurred between November 10, 2020, and November 23, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of participants with CRM conditions, overall and stratified by age, defined as cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), or all 3.

Results

From 2015 through March 2020, of 11 607 US adults included in the analysis (mean [SE] age, 48.5 [0.4] years; 51.0% women), 26.3% had at least 1 CRM condition, 8.0% had at least 2 CRM conditions, and 1.5% had 3 CRM conditions. Overall, CKD plus T2D was the most common CRM dyad (3.2%), followed by CVD plus T2D (1.7%) and CVD plus CKD (1.6%). Participants with higher CRM comorbidity burden were more likely to be older and male. Among participants aged 65 years or older, 33.6% had 1 CRM condition, 17.1% had 2 CRM conditions, and 5.0% had 3 CRM conditions. Within this subset, CKD plus T2D (7.3%) was most common, followed by CVD plus CKD (6.0%) and CVD plus T2D (3.8%). The CRM comorbidity burden was disproportionately high among participants reporting non-Hispanic Black race or ethnicity, unemployment, low socioeconomic status, and no high school degree. Among participants with 3 CRM conditions, nearly one-third (30.5%) did not report statin use, and only 4.8% and 3.0% used glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, respectively. Between 1999 and 2020, the proportion of US adults with multiple CRM conditions increased significantly (from 5.3% to 8.0%; P < .001 for trend), as did the proportion having all 3 CRM conditions (0.7% to 1.5%; P < .001 for trend).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that CRM multimorbidity is increasingly common and undertreated among US adults, highlighting the importance of collaborative and comprehensive management strategies.
Trends in Term Intrapartum Stillbirth in Norway
Authors: Murzakanova Gulim , Räisänen Sari , Jacobsen Anne Flem , Yli Branka M. , Tingleff Tiril , Laine Katariina
Published: September 2023

Importance

Fetal death during labor at term is a complication that is rarely studied in high-income countries. There is a need for large population-based studies to examine the rate of term intrapartum stillbirth in high-income countries and the factors associated with its occurrence.

Objective

To evaluate trends in term intrapartum stillbirth over time and to investigate the association between the trends and term intrapartum stillbirth risk factors from 1999 to 2018 in Norway.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway from 1999 to 2018 to examine rates of term intrapartum stillbirth and risk factors associated with this event. A population of 1 021 268 term singleton pregnancies without congenital anomalies or antepartum stillbirths was included in analyses, which were performed from September 2022 to February 2023.

Exposure

The main exposure variable was time, which was divided into four 5-year periods: 1999 to 2003, 2004 to 2008, 2009 to 2013, and 2014 to 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary study outcome was term intrapartum stillbirth. Risk ratios were calculated, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with secular trends of term intrapartum stillbirth.

Results

The study population consisted of 1 021 268 term singleton births (maternal mean [SD] age, 29.72 [5.01] years; mean [SD] gestational age, 39.69 [1.27] weeks). During the study period, there were 95 term intrapartum stillbirths (0.09 per 1000 births). Maternal age, the proportion of individuals born in a country other than Norway, and the prevalence of gestational diabetes, labor induction, operative vaginal delivery, and previous cesarean delivery increased over the course of the study period. Conversely, the prevalence of infants large for gestational age, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, and spontaneous vaginal delivery and the proportion of individuals who smoked decreased. The term intrapartum stillbirth rate decreased by 87% (95% CI, 68%-95%) from 0.15 per 1000 births in 1999 to 2008 to 0.02 per 1000 births in 2014 to 2018. Three in 4 term intrapartum stillbirths (70 of 95) occurred during intrapartum operative deliveries. The increased prevalence of older maternal age and obstetric risk factors were not associated with the variation in intrapartum stillbirth rates among the time periods. The prevalence of term intrapartum stillbirth was higher for individuals who gave birth in maternity units with fewer than 3000 annual births (adjusted odds ratio, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.07-2.61) than for those who gave birth in units with 3000 or more annual births.

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings of this study suggest that, despite increases in maternal and obstetric risk factors, term intrapartum stillbirth rates substantially decreased during the study period. Reasons for this decrease may be due to improvements in intrapartum care.
Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Pourdeyhimi Behnam , Batra Subhash K.
Published: September 2023

The article contains sections titled:

1
Introduction

2
Definitions

3
Overview of Nonwoven Process Technologies

4
Staple Fiber Nonwoven Process Technologies

4.1
Opening and Blending of Staple Fiber Stock for Drylaid Processes

4.2
Drylaid Web Formation (Carding)

4.3
Drylaid Web Formation (Airlaid—Nonwood‐Pulp Fibers or Long Fiber Airlaid)

4.4
Wetlaid Web Formation

5
Bonding Technologies

5.1
Needle Punching

5.2
Hydroentangling

5.3
Thermal Bonding by Calendering

5.4
Thermal Bonding by Through‐Air (Drum or Impingement Ovens)

5.5
Chemical or Resin Bonding

6
Melt Extrusion‐Based Integrated Processes

6.1
Spunbond Technology

6.2
Meltblowing Technology

7
Economic Aspects and Areas of Application

8
Concluding Remarks

List of Abbreviations

References
In Situ Electrochemical Tuning of MIL‐88B(V)@rGO into Amorphous V2O5@rGO as Cathode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Jia Dedong , Shen Zelong , Lv Yaohui , Chen Zhipeng , Li Hongqiang , Yu Yan , Qiu Jieshan , He Xiaojun
Published: September 2023

The design and fabrication of advanced cathode materials with excellent electrochemical properties to match the Zn anode is crucial for the development of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Herein the synthesis of MIL‐88B(V)@rGO composites is reported, in which MIL‐88B(V) nanorods are anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets, as cathode for ZIBs, where the graphene oxide induces the formation of small‐size nanorods instead of typical prism morphology. During the initial charge/discharge process, the cathode undergoes an in situ irreversible transformation from MIL‐88B(V) to amorphous V2O5 that acts as active site for the subsequent Zn2+ insertion/extraction. The hierarchical structure of the composites and the amorphous V2O5 provide abundant channels and active sites for Zn2+ diffusion and adsorption. The density functional theory calculation reveals that the rGO sheets have two functions, i.e., to improve the conductivity and to reduce the Zn2+ migration energy barrier. Consequently, the MIL‐88B(V)@rGO cathode exhibits an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 479.6 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and good rate performance of 263.6 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1, which are superior to metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) cathodes reported in literature. This work may shed a new light to the design and fabrication of MOFs‐based cathodes for aqueous ZIBs.
A Solid‐State Electrolyte Based on Li0.95Na0.05FePO4 for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Peng Bohao , Liu Zaichun , Zhou Qi , Xiong Xiaosong , Xia Shuang , Yuan Xuelong , Wang Faxing , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Liu Lili , Fu Lijun , Wu Yuping
Published: September 2023

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) play a crucial role in developing lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with high safety and energy density. Exploring SSEs with excellent comprehensive performance is the key to achieving the practical application of LMBs. In this work, the great potential of Li0.95Na0.05FePO4 (LNFP) as an ideal SSE due to its enhanced ionic conductivity and reliable stability in contact with lithium metal anode is demonstrated. Moreover, LNFP‐based composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) are prepared to further improve electronic insulation and interface stability. The CSE containing 50 wt% of LNFP (LNFP50) shows high ionic conductivity (3.58 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C) and good compatibility with Li metal anode and cathodes. Surprisingly, the LMB of Li|LNFP50|LiFePO4 cell at 0.5 C current density shows good cycling stability (151.5 mAh g−1 for 500 cycles, 96.5% capacity retention, and 99.3% Coulombic efficiency), and high‐energy LMB of Li|LNFP50|Li[Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1]O2 cell maintains 80% capacity retention after 170 cycles, which are better than that with traditional liquid electrolytes (LEs). This investigation offers a new approach to commercializing SSEs with excellent comprehensive performance for high‐performance LMBs.
Dynamically Adaptive Bubbling for Upgrading Oxygen Evolution Reaction Using Lamellar Fern‐Like Alloy Aerogel Self‐Standing Electrodes
Authors: Wang Juan , Liang Caiwu , Ma Xuyang , Liu Peng , Pan Weisheng , Zhu Haojie , Guo Zhenbin , Sui Yiming , Liu Hongjie , Liu Le , Yang Cheng
Published: September 2023

Adopting renewable electricity to produce “green” hydrogen has been a critical challenge because at a high current density the mass transfer capability of most catalytic electrodes deteriorates significantly. Herein, a unique lamellar fern‐like alloy aerogel (LFA) electrode, showing a unique dynamically adaptive bubbling capability and can effectively avoid stress concentration caused by bubble aggregation is reported. The LFA electrode is intrinsically highly catalytic‐active and shows a highly porous, resilient, hierarchically ordered, and well‐percolated conductive network. It not only shows superior gas evacuation capability but also exhibits significantly improved stability at high current densities, showing the record lowest oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential of 244 mV at 1000 mA cm−2 and stably over 6000 h. With the merits of mechanical robustness, excellent electron transport, and efficient bubble evacuation, LFA can be self‐standing catalytic electrode and gas diffusion layers in anion‐exchange‐membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE), which can achieve 3000 mA cm−2 at a low voltage of 1.88 V and can sustain stable electrolysis at 2000 mA cm−2 for over 1300 h. This strategy can be extended to various gas evolution reactions as a general design rule for multiphase catalysis applications.
Spinel‐Type Oxides for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Mechanism, Modulation, and Perspective
Authors: Lin Lei , Fu Qiang , Wang Ran , Yao Tai , Wang Xianjie , Song Bo
Published: September 2023

The development of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) is primarily challenged by the slow and unstable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Thus, the pursuit of low‐cost, highly efficient, and durable electrocatalysts is the foundation for the widespread adoption of PEMWEs. In the past few decades, various types of electrocatalysts are proposed to serve as anode materials for acidic OER, but only a few demonstrate catalytic activity and stability comparable to iridium‐ and ruthenium‐based electrocatalysts. In recent years, some transition‐metal oxides are studied as potential candidates for acidic OER. For instance, spinel‐type oxides, e.g., Co3O4, and corresponding compounds demonstrate promise due to the rich coordination structure of metallic ions and moderate adoption energy for intermedia. In this review, recent advances in spinel‐type oxides for acidic OER are summarized. First, a fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms for OER in acidic media is introduced. Thereafter, recent progress in rational design principles and optimization strategies for spinel oxides is systematically summarized. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the development of spinel‐based acidic OER electrocatalysts are discussed.
Recognizing and Responding to the Needs of Future Child and Adult Neurology Care Through the Evolution of Residency Training
Authors: McArthur Justin Charles , Augustine Erika F. , Carmichael S. Thomas , Ferriero Donna M. , Jensen Frances E. , Jeste Shafali S. , Jordan Lori C. , Llinas Rafael H. , Schlaggar Bradley L. , Sun Lisa R. , Pomeroy Scott L.
Published: September 2023

Recent insights into the frequency of occurrence and the genetic and mechanistic basis of nervous system disease have demonstrated that neurologic disorders occur as a spectrum across all ages. To meet future needs of patients with neurologic disease of all ages and prepare for increasing implementaton of precision therapies, greater integration of child and adult neurology residency training is needed. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:1005–1007
Novel dinuclear Ni (II) Schiff base complexes induced noncovalent exchanges: Crystal structure investigation, electrochemical assessment, Hirshfeld surface analysis and SARS‐CoV‐2 docking study
Authors: Roozbahani Pardis , Malekshah Rahime Eshaghi , Salehi Mehdi , Parvarinezhad Sakineh , Kubicki Maciej
Published: September 2023

In this work, novel Ni (II) complexes, namely, [Ni2(L)2(OAc)2(EtOH)2] (1a), [Ni2(L)2(OAc)2(H2O)2] (1b‐1) and [Ni2(L)2(OAc)2(EtOH)2] (1b‐2) as co‐crystal were synthesized by the 1:1 condensation (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/condensation) of Ni (CH3COO)2·4H2O and Schiff base ligand (H2L) (2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzaldehyde and 2‐amino‐2‐methylpropanol). The ligand based on Schiff base and fabricated complexes (1a) and (1b‐1 and 1b‐2) were successfully identified by CHN assessment, FT‐IR, UV–Vis spectra, melting point and CV voltammogram. The electrochemical behavior investigation shows that the nickel complexes exhibited irreversible oxidation processes in methanol solution. Additionally, the crystal structures of complexes (1a) and (1b) have been recognized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction investigation. It turned out that the complexes (1b‐1) and (1b‐2) crystallize together, making a co‐crystal 1b with an additional EtOH solvent molecule in the crystal structure. A detailed study of intermolecular exchanges was performed using attractive graphical analysis tools such as three‐dimensional Hirshfeld surfaces analysis, two‐dimensional fingerprint plots (FPs), and enrichment ratios (E), which make C‐H … C, C‐H … O hydrogen bond, C … O, H … H, and O … O short contacts on Hirshfeld surfaces with color code are observed. Moreover, an appraisement of the inhibitory trace against coronavirus (main protease SARS‐CoV‐2, PDB ID: 6Y2F) and molecular targets of human angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE‐2) was performed by a molecular docking study in which two nickel complexes performed best for PDB protein ID: 6M0J and all three complexes for PDB protein ID: 6Y2F.
Oxidoreductase enzymes: Characteristics, applications, and challenges as a biocatalyst
Authors: Cárdenas‐Moreno Yosberto , González‐Bacerio Jorge , García Arellano Humberto , del Monte‐Martínez Alberto
Published: September 2023

Oxidoreductases are enzymes with distinctive characteristics that favor their use in different areas, such as agriculture, environmental management, medicine, and analytical chemistry. Among these enzymes, oxidases, dehydrogenases, peroxidases, and oxygenases are very interesting. Because their substrate diversity, they can be used in different biocatalytic processes by homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Immobilization of these enzymes has favored their use in the solution of different biotechnological problems, with a notable increase in the study and optimization of this technology in the last years. In this review, the main structural and catalytical features of oxidoreductases, their substrate specificity, immobilization, and usage in biocatalytic processes, such as bioconversion, bioremediation, and biosensors obtainment, are presented.
A ratiometric fluorescent probe for rapid and specific detection of hypochlorite
Authors: Chen Pu , Nie Qingli , Yan Yuting , Yang Juncheng , Feng Hai‐Tao , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2023

Hypochlorite (ClO−), as a kind of essential reactive oxygen species, plays a crucial role in vitro and in vivo. Here, a ratiometric fluorescent probe (TPAM) was designed and constructed for sensing ClO− based on substituted triphenylamine and malononitrile, which exhibited obvious colour transfer from orange to colourless under daylight accompanied by noticeable fluorescence change from red to green in response to ClO−. TPAM could effectively monitor ClO− with the merits of fast response, excellent selectivity, high sensitivity and a low detection limit of 0.1014 μM. 1H NMR, mass spectra and theoretical calculations proved that ClO− caused the oxidation of the carbon–carbon double bond in TPAM, resulting in compound 1 and marked changes in colour and fluorescence. In addition, TPAM was utilized for imaging ClO− in living cells successfully with good photostability and biocompatibility.
SiameseDeNPEnetwork framework for fault detection of batch process
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhao Xiaoqiang , Mou Miao , Hui Yongyong
Published: September 2023

In batch processes, it is crucial to ensure safe production by fault detection. However, the long batch duration, limited runs, and strong nonlinearity of the data pose challenges. Incipient faults with small amplitudes further complicate the detection process. To achieve safe production, motivated by deep learning strategies, we propose a new fault detection method of batch process called Siamese deep neighbourhood preserving embedding network (SDeNPE). First, the DeNPE network is constructed by means of NPE and kernel functions, which utilizes the different types of kernel functions in the kernel mapping layer to extract diverse deep nonlinear features and overcome strong nonlinearity in the process data. Then, the Siamese network is used to obtain the different features between the data and improve the recognition of incipient faults. In addition, the deep extraction and Siamese network allow for batches of training data reduction without diminishing the performance of fault detection. Finally, we utilize monitoring statistics to complete the fault detection process. Two batch process cases involving the penicillin fermentation process and the semiconductor etching process demonstrate the superior fault detection performance of the proposed SDeNPE over the other comparison methods.
Education and cognitive function among older adults in Brazil and Mexico
Authors: Gonçalves Natalia Gomes , Avila Jaqueline Contrera , Bertola Laiss , Obregón Alejandra Michaels , Ferri Cleusa Pinheiro , Wong Rebeca , Suemoto Claudia Kimie
Published: September 2023

Education is protective against cognitive impairment. We used nationally representative data from Mexico and Brazil to assess the association between education and cognitive function. The sample included adults ≥ 50 years from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI) and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). Participants were classified as cognitively impaired or not impaired. We used logistic regression models to estimate the association between education and cognitive function. Education level was higher in MHAS than in ELSI. Participants with at least 1 year of education were less likely to have cognitive impairment than those with no formal education in both cohorts. Men in ELSI had higher odds for cognitive impairment compared to men in MHAS. In both cohorts, higher educational level was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment compared to no formal education. Sex was an effect modifier in MHAS but not in ELSI.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cognitive test batteries were harmonized using a regression‐based approach.

Even very low levels of education were associated with reduced odds of cognitive impairment compared to no formal education.

Brazilians were more likely to have cognitive impairment than Mexicans given the same education level.

The differences in the association of education with cognition between Brazil and Mexico were only observed among men.
Nutritional exploration of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) in addressing food security and its utilization trends in food system
Authors: Kalsi Rhythm , Bhasin Jasleen Kaur
Published: September 2023

Millets are recognized as nutritional grains that have been important for preventing the malnutrition and significantly enhancing the human health. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is a C4, self pollinating millet species belonging to family Poaceae; acknowledged as Italian millet, Chinese millet or German millet. Being the oldest crops to be cultivated and produced, it is also utilized as a bird feed in African regions of the world. As far as the nutritional content is concerned, it has substantial amounts of carbohydrates (60–65 g), protein (12.3 g), fiber (6 g), minerals (Phosphorous, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium), and phytochemicals (Phenols, Ferulic, chlorogenic acids, and p‐coumaric, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherol, and tocotrienol). Additionally foxtail millet is reported to have anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancerous, antihypolipidemic antihyperglycemic properties that may serve well with respect to pharmacological relevance. Apart from the medicinal prospect, its food utilization for making bakery, weaning, fermented as well as extruded goods are studied in the literature. Thus it can be mentioned that foxtail millet has a promising position in strengthening dietary quality and food security of world, thereby functioning as an emissary crop to replenish other economically valuable crops against environmental constraints even while supplying food for people and livestock via biotechnological techniques.
(Not so) powerful allies? Decision makers’ reactions to advantaged group allies in collective action
Authors: Hartwich Lea , Kutlaca Maja , Ksenofontov Inna , Jetten Jolanda , Becker Julia C.
Published: September 2023

Do allies in collective action have a positive impact on political efficacy? Theoretical considerations and common sense might lead us to expect that advantaged group allies will be beneficial to the success of social movements. However, across five experimental studies, with samples from the United States and Germany (three pre‐registered, total N = 696, 48% women, Mage = 38), we find that such involvement does not significantly affect authorities’ reactions to the demands of disadvantaged groups. Decision makers were given information about proposals supported either by only disadvantaged group members or by disadvantaged group members and advantaged group allies. Their support, budget allocations, voting intentions and perceptions of movements and proposals did not differ as a function of this information. However, collective actions including allies did reduce perceptions of intergroup conflict. These results were replicated across different contexts with student and local politicians and with participants acting as parliamentarians in fictional scenarios.
Schadenfreude in the context of opposing vaccination statuses
Authors: Barlett Christopher P. , Meier Brian P.
Published: September 2023

Schadenfreude (experiencing pleasure at others’ misfortune) has been found in a variety of contexts and setting. We sought to determine if it occurred in relation to COVID‐19 vaccination status given the ingroup–outgroup nature of this factor. In three experimental studies, we asked participants to read about a pro‐ or anti‐vaccine physician who reportedly died from COVID‐19 complications. In Study 1 (N = 83 US emerging adults [39.8% male]) fully vaccinated participants experienced more Schadenfreude after reading the story about an unvaccinated (vs. vaccinated) physician. In Study 2 (N = 393 US adults [37.5% male]) we sampled vaccinated and unvaccinated participants who read about the death of a vaccinated or unvaccinated doctor, and results showed higher Schadenfreude when the participants’ vaccination status (e.g., vaccinated) was opposite of the hypothetical physician's (e.g., unvaccinated). Finally, results from Study 3 (N = 797 US adults [49.5% male]), which used a similar procedure to the previous study, replicated Study 2 and also showed that group identification with and perceived morality of the physician mediated the relationship between vaccination status and Schadenfreude.
ADRC‐based control strategy for DC‐link voltage of flywheel energy storage system
Authors: Wei Le , Zhou Ziyu , Wang Bingyu , Fang Fang
Published: September 2023

The direct current (DC)‐link voltage control of the flywheel energy storage system plays an important role in realizing high‐quality grid connection. With the traditional proportional‐integral control, the DC‐link voltage cannot track its reference value quickly and smoothly when the flywheel energy storage system switches from the charging stage to other working stages. Therefore, a DC‐link voltage control strategy for the flywheel energy storage system based on active disturbance rejection control is proposed in this paper to deal with this issue. The DC‐link voltage and its differential value are considered as the state variables in this strategy. The internal and external disturbances, such as load power, switching loss, and parameter uncertainty, are regarded as an expanded state. By inputting the voltage error and the observed disturbance into the nonlinear state feedback control law, the rapidity and anti‐interference of the DC‐link voltage control are ensured under different States of Charge of the flywheel energy storage system. Then, the coefficient freezing method is used to analyze the effects of the disturbance observation bandwidth by nonlinear gain and pole position changes. The DC‐link voltage can track the reference value over a wider frequency range of disturbances. By configuring the appropriate observer structure parameters, the disturbance observation bandwidth under the nonlinear function gain variation is always higher than the expected bandwidth. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by simulation results at last.
Clinical and virological features of asymptomatic and mild symptomatic patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron infection at Shanghai Fangcang shelter hospital
Authors: Zhang Lin , Kang Xiaoyu , Wang Liangliang , Yan Rui , Pan Yanglin , Wang Jiuping , Chen Zhangqian
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare clinical and virological characteristics of asymptomatic and mild symptomatic patients of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron BA.2.2 variant infection and identify risk factors associated with the prolonged viral negative conversion duration.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study in a Shanghai (China) Fangcang shelter hospital from April 9 to May 17, 2022. The patient‐related demographic or clinical data were retrospectively recorded. Comparisons of demographic and clinical characteristics between asymptomatic and mild‐symptomatic patients were performed. Cox regression was performed to identify the risk factors of prolonged viral negative conversion duration.

Results

A total of 551 patients confirmed with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infection were enrolled in the study. Of these, 297 patients (53.9%) were asymptomatic and 254 patients (46.1%) had mild symptoms. When comparing the clinical and virological characteristics between the asymptomatic and mild symptomatic groups, several clinical parameters, including age, gender, time to viral clearance from the first positive swab, chronic comorbidities, and vaccination dose did not show statistically significant differences. In mild symptomatic patients, the median viral negative conversion duration (NCD) was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 5–9), which was comparable to the median of 7 days (IQR: 5–10) in asymptomatic patients (p = .943). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that patients age ≥ 60 years had a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for prolonged viral NCD (HR: 1.313; 95% confidence interval: 1.014–1.701, p = .039).

Conclusion

Asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with non‐severe SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.2.2 variant infection have similar clinical features and virological courses. Old age was an independent risk factor for prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 conversion time.
Acylated Plasminogen‐Streptokinase Activator Complex: A New Approach to Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Crabbe Sarah J. , Grimm Aileen M. , Hopkins Leigh E.
Published: September 2023

Acylated plasminogen‐streptokinase activator complex (APSAC; anistreplase) is an inactive complex of human plasminogen and streptokinase. When it is injected, a controlled deacylation of the catalytic center occurs, activating the complex so that thrombolysis may begin. This process extends the half‐life of streptokinase, allowing for 4–6 hours of fibrinolytic activity. Anistreplase has demonstrated equivalent efficacy to intracoronary streptokinase with regard to reperfusion rates in acute myocardial infarction. In addition, patients have shown a 56% reduction in mortality at 28 days with anistreplase compared to heparin. The adverse effect profile of anistreplase includes minor bleeding and hematoma formation at the site of venipuncture, hypotensive and bradycardic episodes, arrhythmias, facial flushing, fever, and rarely, allergic reactions. Serious bleeding reactions are uncommon, with the frequency of cerebrovascular accident reported at 0.4‐0.6%. The special advantage of anistreplase is its administration as a 30‐U intravenous bolus injected over 5 minutes, eliminating the need for long infusions and increasing the ease of administration. Based on its efficacy and ease of administration, anistreplase may become the drug of choice in the emergency treatment of acute myocardial infarction.
Human Sperm Acrosin Further Studies with the Clinical Assay and Activity in a Group of Presumably Fertile Men
Authors: BLACKWELL JANE , KAMINSKI JOANNE M. , BIELFELD PETER , MACK STEPHEN R. , ZANEVELD LOURENS J. D.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: The goals of this study were to determine the effect of the nonionic detergent, Triton X‐100, on the recovery of acrosin in the clinical assay (Kennedy et al, 1989), since previous investigations have used higher concentrations for acrosin extraction from spermatozoa; and to establish the minimal acrosin activity in fertile men. The recovered acrosin activity was dependent on the concentration of Triton. A peak in acrosin activity was obtained at 0.01% to 0.02% Triton, the approximate critical micelle concentration (CMC; 0.015%). The bimodal effect of Triton was not due to substrate/buffer alterations, to the degree of acrosomal disruption as assessed by light and transmission electron microscopic examination, or to its effect on the kinetic properties of acrosin, as determined by spectrophotometric analysis of acid‐extracted enzyme. However, Triton affected the conversion of proacrosin to acrosin, with peak activation occurring at 0.01% to 0.02% detergent. The acrosin activity of a group of presumably fertile men (as established by the production of offspring under natural conditions) varied from 18 to 42 μIU/106 spermatozoa, as assessed by the clinical assay containing 0.01% Triton. Furthermore, men who had initial acrosin values in the low normal range (18 to 25 μIU/106 sperm) were observed for 11 months. The acrosin activity of their ejaculates never fell below 17 μIU/106 sperm. Thus, it can be tentatively assumed that the minimal levels of acrosin for naturally fertile men are 17 to 18 μIU acrosin/106 sperm in this assay.
The Distribution of Connexin 43 is Associated With the Germ Cell Differentiation and With the Modulation of the Sertoli Cell Junctional Barrier in Continual (Guinea Pig) and Seasonal Breeders' (Mink) Testes
Authors: PELLETIER R.‐MARC
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: To test whether the gap Junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) is associated with germ cell differentiation and with the Sertoli cell Junctional blood barrier, we recorded the temporal changes in its distribution before birth, through the neonatal period, puberty, and adulthood in guinea pig, and throughout the annual seasonal reproductive cycle in the mink. We used the immunoperoxidase labeling technique on Bouin's perfused‐fixed testes and with site‐specific polyclonal affinity‐purified antibodies against Cx43. Cx43 was localized between Leydig cells in fetal guinea pig testis. In this species, after birth, the appearance of Cx43 concurred with the onset of spermatogenesis. In the seminiferous epithelium, the distribution of Cx43 coincided with the gap Junctions of the Sertoli cell Junctional blood barrier. In guinea pig and mink, the distribution of the protein in the tubules changed in accordance with the germ cell differentiation in a stage‐dependent manner and with the modulation, i.e., the assembly and disassembly of the Junctional barrier accompanying the translocation of spermatocytes into the lumenal compartment. In the mink, the reaction product persisted during testicular regression but showed a similar distribution from one tubule to the next. In this paper, we documented the existence of a temporal correlation between the appearance of the gap Junction protein Cx43 and both the germ cell differentiation and the modulation in the Junctional barrier between Sertoli cells. The paper also discusses the possibility that cell‐to‐cell communications, generally attributed to gap Junctions, may help changes in the barrier to take place in coordination with spermatogenesis.
Prenatal In Vivo Bulbourethral Gland Development Is Not Affected by Prostaglandin E2 Inhibition
Authors: LITTLE J. SAMUEL , GOODE ROBIN L. , NEUBAUER BLAKE LEE
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: Investigation of bulbourethral gland (BUG) development is useful to study genitourinary (GU) tract growth and differentiation. Understanding GU tract growth and differentiation is relevant to testing the hypothesis that the initial lesion of human benign prostatic hyperplasia involves focal re‐expression of inductive processes in the periurethral region of the prostatic transitional zone. Prostaglandins play a role in regulating growth and morphogenesis of different organ systems. Previous reports have proposed that prostaglandin E2 (PgE2) mediates the masculinizing effects of testosterone in the developing neonatal male GU tract. We have previously shown that androgens lower rather than raise BUG PgE2 levels. Further studies led us to conclude that PgE2 does not play a major role in postnatal BUG growth and morphogenesis in vitro. In order to investigate the possible role of PgE2 in prenatal BUG development, indomethacin (INDO, 1.0 mg/kg‐ day, subcutaneously) was administered to pregnant BALB/c mice on gestational days 12–18. Control pregnant mice were either untreated or injected with dimethylsulfoxide vehicle. Anogenital distances were measured within 12 hours after birth in male and female offspring on day 19. In male neonatal mice, BUGs were examined histologically and PgE2 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in BUGs and whole genital tracts. We observed no significant morphological differences in INDO‐exposed BUGs compared to controls. No significant differences in mean anogenital distances of INDO‐exposed male offspring or controls were detected. Mean anogenital distances of female offspring were similar in the three respective groups. Mean BUG PgE2 levels in INDO‐exposed neonates were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in untreated neonates. Significant (P < 0.05) PgE2 inhibition by prenatal INDO treatment was also detected in both female and male GU tracts, confirming effective blockade of PgE2 production by INDO. We conclude that although INDO effectively inhibits PgE2 production, it has no effect on antenatal BUG development. Contrary to previous reports, we were unable to detect significant decreases in anogenital distances of INDO‐exposed neonatal males. Further understanding of the role of steroid hormones and prostaglandin metabolism using in vitro and in vivo animal models such as the BUG system may yield insight into human developmental and proliferative GU tract disorders.
Epididymal Obstruction During Development Results in Antisperm Autoantibodies at Puberty in Rats
Authors: FLICKINGER CHARLES J. , BARAN MAUREEN L. , HOWARDS STUART S. , HERR JOHN C.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: An autoimmune response to sperm occurs after vasectomy, but there is little information on whether similar reactions occur after obstruction of the male reproductive tract at other points. Male Lewis rats received bilateral ligation of the corpus epididymidis or a sham operation at age 10 days, and the subsequent systemic antisperm autoantibody responses were compared to those observed following obstruction of the vas deferens. After sexual maturation, rats with epididymal ligations had antisperm antibodies on an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay that were significantly higher than those of sham‐operated animals and did not differ from antibody levels in vasectomized rats at the same ages. Western blot analysis showed that certain sperm proteins were recognized by antisperm antibodies after both epididymal ligation and vasectomy, including the previously identified “dominant” autoantigens at 73–83, 68–72, 48, 42, and 22 kDa. On the other hand, sera from rats with epididymal ligations recognized 60 and 52 kDa proteins that were not bound by most postvasectomy sera. Conversely, 42–48 and 38–42 kDa bands were more strongly and frequently stained after vasectomy than after epididymal ligation. The results demonstrate that antisperm antibodies are produced after obstruction of the epididymis and that the magnitude of the response is comparable to that after vasal obstruction. Differences in autoantigens recognized after epididymal and vasal obstructions may reflect maturational changes in sperm components that take place during the passage of spermatozoa through the epididymis.
Sequence Divergence Within the Sperm‐Specific Polypeptide TCTE1 Is Correlated With Species‐Specific Differences in Sperm Binding to Zona‐Intact Eggs
Authors: JUNEJA RENU , AGULNIK SERGEI I. , SILVER LEE M.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: The T‐complex‐associated testes‐expressed (TCTE1) gene encodes a novel sperm cell‐specific polypeptide (TCTE1) that is conserved across vertebrate species. TCTE1 is absolutely required for fertilization and is expressed in earlier stages of spermatogenesis. When the amino acid sequence of the TCTE1 gene product is compared among various mammalian species, a large, highly conserved domain is observed, along with a divergent domain encoding the 56–58 residues at the N terminus. In this study, the N‐terminal regions of the TCTE1 polypeptide from three rodent species—mouse, gerbil, and rat—were compared. The results show that while the gerbil and mouse species are most distant in evolutionary terms, their TCTE1 homologs have not undergone significant divergence. In contrast, the N‐terminal region of the rat TCTE1 homolog has evolved rapidly, a finding that indicates positive Darwinian selection. We have tested the correlation between TCTE1 divergence and heterospecific sperm‐egg binding ability in the three species under study. Gerbil sperm bind to mouse eggs, while no significant binding is observed between rat sperm and mouse eggs. The results obtained support the hypothesis that the sperm‐specific polypeptide TCTE1 may facilitate species—specific divergence of sperm function.
Three‐Generation Evaluation of Y‐Chromosome Microdeletion
Authors: KLEIMAN SANDRA E. , YOGEV LEAH , GAMZU RONNI , HAUSER RON , BOTCHAN AMNON , PAZ GEDALIA , LESSING JOSEPH B. , YARON Y. , YAVETZ HAIM
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: Sperm cells can be retrieved directly from the testis (testicular sperm extraction [TESE] procedure) and used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), circumventing underlying spermatogenetic defects. Thus, it is important that added information be available on the genetic defects in men undergoing TESE for the ICSI procedure and on the transmission of genetic factors associated with infertility to the offspring. We report a three‐generation genetic analysis of a family with a case of male factor infertility. The proband, previously diagnosed as infertile, was physically examined and laboratory tested for gonadotrophs hormones, semen analysis, karyotype and y‐chromosome microdeletion screening in the blood and testis. The y‐chromosome microdeletion screening was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction with 20 y‐chromosome sequenced, tagged sites located at the y chromosome. A microdeletion including the AZF‐c region was detected in the azoospermic patient. His father, four brothers, and three offspring bom after ICSI also underwent y‐chromosome microdeletion screening. The genetic analysis of the male members of the patient's family did not reveal similar microdeletions. The newborn male was found to bear a y‐chromosome microdeletion similar to that of his father. The fertilization capacity of the proband testicular microdeleted spermatozoa by the ICSI procedure is described. The transfer of the genetic defect raises the possibility that the son will have the same fertility problem as his father.
REVERSE ENGINEERING A SYSTEM USING LIFE‐CYCLE MODELING
Authors: Martin James N.
Published: September 2023

This paper describes our experiences in reverse engineering portions of a system during the requirements definition phase of a hardware development and production project. The life‐cycle functional analysis process will be described along with the tools and techniques used. The functional analysis was performed for most of the product life cycle from manufacture of piece parts through operation and support. The life‐cycle processes were documented using behavior diagrams, requirements allocation sheets, and interface control documents. Process teams were formed that consisted of process engineers, design engineers, systems engineers, management and customer representatives. The RDD‐100™ Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tool was used to capture the process diagrams, process constraints, and design requirements, and to produce an interface control document for each of the ten life‐cycle processes.
RCASSE: Rapid Computer‐Aided System of Systems (S2) Engineering
Authors: Eisner Howard , McMillan Ray , Marciniak John , Pragluski William
Published: September 2023

This paper expands system of systems (S2) engineering through the addition of rapid, top‐level engineering, in a computer‐aided environment known as Rapid Computer‐Aided System of Systems Engineering (RCASSE). This process is carried out over a nominal six month period and involves ten steps:

Mission Engineering

Baseline Architecting

Performance Assessment

Specialty Engineering

Interfaces/Compatibility Evaluation

Software Issues/Sizing

Risk Definition/Mitigation

Scheduling

Pre‐Planned Product Improvement

Life Cycle Cost Issue Assessment

Each of these steps is defined and discussed, together with supporting computer tools. Other guiding RCASSE principles and a summary are also provided.