bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affinity‐Directed Site‐Specific Protein Labeling and Its Application to Antibody‐Drug Conjugates
Authors: Kim Sooin , Kim Sanggil , Kim Sangji , Kim Namkyoung , Lee Sang Won , Yi Hanbin , Lee Seungeun , Sim Taebo , Kwon Yongseok , Lee Hyun Soo
Published: November 2023

Chemically modified proteins have diverse applications; however, conventional chemo‐selective methods often yield heterogeneously labeled products. To address this limitation, site‐specific protein labeling holds significant potential, driving extensive research in this area. Nevertheless, site‐specific modification of native proteins remains challenging owing to the complexity of their functional groups. Therefore, a method for site‐selective labeling of intact proteins is aimed to design. In this study, a novel approach to traceless affinity‐directed intact protein labeling is established, which leverages small binding proteins and genetic code expansion technology. By applying this method, a site‐specific antibody labeling with a drug, which leads to the production of highly effective antibody‐drug conjugates specifically targeting breast cancer cell lines is achieved. This approach enables traceless conjugation of intact target proteins, which is a critical advantage in pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, small helical binding proteins can be easily engineered for various target proteins, thereby expanding their potential applications in diverse fields. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in site‐specific modification of native proteins, including antibodies. It also bears immense potential for facilitating the development of therapeutic agents for various diseases.
A Near‐Infrared Fluorogenic Probe for Rapid, Specific, and Ultrasensitive Detection of Sphingosine in Living Cells and In Vivo
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Hao Tingting , Wang Jing , Chen Yiming , Wang Xiuxiu , Wei Wei , Zhao Jing , Qian Yong
Published: November 2023

Sphingosine (Sph) plays important roles in various complex biological processes. Abnormalities in Sph metabolism can result in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. However, due to the lack of rapid and accurate detection methods, understanding sph metabolic in related diseases is limited. Herein, a series of near‐infrared fluorogenic probesDMS‐X(X = 2F, F, Cl, Br, and I) are designed and synthesized. The fast oxazolidinone ring formation enables theDMS‐2Fto detect Sph selectively and ultrasensitively, and the detection limit reaches 9.33 ± 0.41 nm. Moreover, it is demonstrated thatDMS‐2Fexhibited a dose‐ and time‐dependent response to Sph and can detect sph in living cells. Importantly, for the first time, the changes in Sph levels induced by Aβ42oligomers and H2O2are assessed through a fluorescent imaging approach, and further validated the physiological processes by which Aβ42oligomers and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induce changes in intracellular Sph levels. Additionally, the distribution of Sph in living zebrafish is successfully mapped by in vivo imaging of a zebrafish model. This work provides a simple and efficient method for probing Sph in living cells and in vivo, which will facilitate investigation into the metabolic process of Sph and the connection between Sph and disease pathologies.
Hybridization in agricultural weeds: A review from ecological, evolutionary, and management perspectives
Authors: Westbrook Anna S. , DiTommaso Antonio
Published: November 2023

Agricultural weeds frequently hybridize with each other or with related crop species. Some hybrid weeds exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigor), which may be stabilized through mechanisms like genome duplication or vegetative reproduction. Even when heterosis is not stabilized, hybridization events diversify weed gene pools and often enable adaptive introgression. Consequently, hybridization may promote weed evolution and exacerbate weed–crop competition. However, hybridization does not always increase weediness. Even when viable and fertile, hybrid weeds sometimes prove unsuccessful in crop fields. This review provides an overview of weed hybridization and its management implications. We describe intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence hybrid fitness in agroecosystems. We also survey the rapidly growing literature on crop–weed hybridization and the link between hybridization and invasiveness. These topics are increasingly relevant in this era of genetic tools for crop improvement, intensive and simplified cropping systems, and globalized trade. The review concludes with suggested research priorities, including hybridization in the context of climate change, plant–insect interactions, and redesigned weed management programs. From a weed management perspective, hybridization is one of many reasons that researchers and land managers must diversify their weed control toolkits.
First fossil woods and palm stems from the mid‐Paleocene of Myanmar and implications for biogeography and wood anatomy
Authors: Gentis Nicolas , Licht Alexis , De Franceschi Dario , Win Zaw , Aung Day Wa , Dupont‐Nivet Guillaume , Boura Anaïs
Published: November 2023

Premise

The rise of angiosperm‐dominated tropical rainforests has been proposed to have occurred shortly after the Cretaceous–Paleogene transition. Paleocene fossil wood assemblages are rare yet provide important data for understanding these forests and whether their wood anatomical features can be used to document the changes that occurred during this transition.

Methods

We used standard techniques to section 11 fossil wood specimens of Paleocene‐age, described the anatomy using standard terminology, and investigated their affinities to present‐day taxa.

Results

We report here the first middle Paleocene fossil wood specimens from Myanmar, which at the time was near the equator and anchored to India. Some fossils share affinities with Arecaceae, Sapindales (Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae) and Moraceae and possibly Fabaceae or Lauraceae. One specimen is described as a new species and genus: Compitoxylon paleocenicum gen. et sp. nov.

Conclusions

This assemblage reveals the long‐lasting presence of these aforementioned groups in South Asia and suggests the early presence of multiple taxa of Laurasian affinity in Myanmar and India. The wood anatomical features of the dicotyledonous specimens reveal that both “modern” and “primitive” features (in a Baileyan scheme) are present with proportions similar to features in specimens from Paleocene Indian localities. Their anatomical diversity corroborates that tropical flora display “modern” features early in the history of angiosperms and that their high diversity remained steady afterward.
Gamete sex and elevation affect genetically based variation for unreduced gamete production in a mixed‐ploidy plant
Authors: DeVries Sarah , Kron Paul , Husband Brian C.
Published: November 2023

Premise

Unreduced gametes are the primary mechanism of neopolyploid formation. Their production in diploid populations is arguably maladaptive, but the magnitude and patterns of genetically based variation maintained in natural populations are poorly understood.

Methods

We examined variation in male and female unreduced gamete production among plants from different elevations in fireweed, Chamerion angustifolium, grown in a common environment. Using seeds from three high‐elevation and three low‐elevation diploid populations in one study, and a single diploid population in another, we estimated realized rates of unreduced male (sperm) and female (egg) gamete production by reciprocally pollinating diploid and tetraploid plants and estimating the incidence of tetraploid seeds using flow cytometry.

Results

Unreduced gamete frequencies per plant were similar in the two studies (0.12% vs. 0.08%). High‐elevation populations had a greater percentage of fruit with seeds from unreduced gametes, but a lower percentage of seeds per fruit than low‐elevation populations. Female unreduced gamete frequencies differed among elevations, but male frequencies did not, and the gamete sexes were not correlated at the plant level.

Conclusions

We conclude that genetically based variation for unreduced gametes is maintained within and among natural populations, despite their fitness disadvantages, suggesting that local selection may be ineffective at purging them under some conditions.
Brain metabolic network covariance and aging in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chumin Evgeny J. , Burton Charles P. , Silvola Rebecca , Miner Ethan W. , Persohn Scott C. , Veronese Mattia , Territo Paul R.
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia worldwide, represents a human and financial impact for which few effective drugs exist to treat the disease. Advances in molecular imaging have enabled assessment of cerebral glycolytic metabolism, and network modeling of brain region have linked to alterations in metabolic activity to AD stage.

METHODS

We performed 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in 4‐, 6‐, and 12‐month‐old 5XFAD and littermate controls (WT) of both sexes and analyzed region data via brain metabolic covariance analysis.

RESULTS

The 5XFAD model mice showed age‐related changes in glucose uptake relative to WT mice. Analysis of community structure of covariance networks was different across age and sex, with a disruption of metabolic coupling in the 5XFAD model.

DISCUSSION

The current study replicates clinical AD findings and indicates that metabolic network covariance modeling provides a translational tool to assess disease progression in AD models.
Performance optimization of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/thermoplastic polyurethane composite foams blown with carbon dioxide using Taguchi technique
Authors: Khaleghi Sara , Azdast Taher , Doniavi Ali , Hasanzadeh Rezgar
Published: November 2023

In this study, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite foam blown with CO2 was fabricated. Optimization was done by design of experiment (DOE) on the cellular structure using the Taguchi method. Foaming time (20, 40, and 80 s), saturation pressure (4, 5.5, and 7 MPa), and foaming temperature (80, 90, and 120°C) are the input parameters. The results obtained from the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) analysis showed that the most effective factor on the cell density (CD) was the saturation pressure and its influence rate was 48.05%, and also, the CD improved with the increase in the saturation pressure because the high saturation pressure leads to an enhancement in gas solubility and the rate of cell nucleation. Moreover, the foaming temperature and the foaming time had a noteworthy impact on the void fraction and the cell size (CS), and they should be controlled accurately. The impression rate of the foaming time on the CS was 50.86%, and also, with increase in the temperature and the time of foaming, the void fraction showed an increasing trend. The optimal values for the CD, the CS, and the void fraction were predicted to be 1.18 × 109 cells/cm3, 5.37 μm, and 0.5744%, respectively.
Can you change my generosity towards future others? The impact of observability on intertemporal pro‐social decisions
Authors: Hong Mei , Liang Dapeng , Lu Teng
Published: November 2023

Research has demonstrated that delays in realizing pro‐social decisions significantly influence pro‐social choices. However, the impact of time delay may vary by context. A key contextual factor is decision observability (i.e., the visibility of one's decision to others). Using a dictator game task with delayed rewards, the current study examined the effects of observability on intertemporal pro‐social choices. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an Anonymous group, where payment was private, or an Observable group, involving public payment. They had to decide between the selfish option (which only benefited the subject) and the generous option (sharing money with another person in a specific delay condition). Our data revealed that subjects were less eager to forgo money when time delay increased and showed more selfishness toward specific people, independent of decision observability. This pattern was aligned with a hyperbolic discounting model. Notably, observability mitigated the impact of time delay; subjects were more inclined to donate to temporally distant individuals when their decisions were observable instead of anonymous. In addition, we discuss the practical implications of observability for designing intertemporal donation appeals.
“It wasn't me, check the cameras!” Suspects' apparent verifiable responses might not indicate innocence
Authors: Jiménez‐González Ana Isabel , Masip Jaume , Blandón‐Gitlin Iris , Herrero Carmen
Published: November 2023

The verifiability of a suspect's alibi is often interpreted as a sign of innocence. Because the police resources are limited, verifiability could be used to dismiss suspects of minor offenses. We examined whether alibi verifiability actually indicates innocence for minor crimes. In Experiment 1, participants imagined they were guilty or innocent suspects of minor crimes and selected a response to convince the police of their innocence. Compared to innocent suspects, guilty suspects were more likely to select pseudo‐verifiable responses (which seemed verifiable but were not) rather than non‐verifiable responses. Experiment 2 revealed that pseudo‐verifiable responses increased observers' perceptions of innocence (rather than guilt). Experiment 3 suggested that people infer the police will not verify alibis of minor crimes, which may lead people to invent pseudo‐verifiable responses. These results indicate that apparent verifiability does not necessarily indicate innocence. The police should systematically test alternative hypotheses whenever they encounter apparent verifiable responses.
Definition and anatomical description of the left atrial appendage neck
Authors: Batko Jakub , Jakiel Rafał , Krawczyk–Ożóg Agata , Litwinowicz Radosław , Hołda Jakub , Bartuś Stanisław , Bartuś Krzysztof , Hołda Mateusz K. , Konieczyńska Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is well known as a source of cardiac thrombus formation. Despite its clinical importance, the LAA neck is still anatomically poorly defined. Therefore, this study aimed to define the LAA neck and determine its morphometric characteristics. We performed three‐dimensional reconstructions of the heart chambers based on contrast‐enhanced electrocardiography–gated computed tomography scans of 200 patients (47% females, 66.5 ± 13.6 years old). The LAA neck was defined as a truncated cone‐shaped canal bounded proximally by the LAA orifice and distally by the lobe origin and was present in 98.0% of cases. The central axis of the LAA neck was 14.7 ± 2.3 mm. The mean area of the LAA neck walls was 856.6 ± 316.7 mm2. The LAA neck can be divided into aortic, arterial (the smallest), venous (the largest), and free surfaces. All areas have a trapezoidal shape with a broader proximal base. There were no statistically significant differences in the morphometric characteristics of the LAA neck between LAA types. Statistically significant differences between the sexes in the main morphometric parameters of the LAA neck were found in the central axis length and the LAA neck wall area. The LAA neck can be evaluated from computed tomography scans and their three‐dimensional reconstructions. The current study provides a complex morphometric analysis of the LAA neck. The precise definition and morphometric details of the LAA neck presented in this study may influence the effectiveness and safety of LAA exclusion procedures.
Synthesis of High‐Purity Monocalcium Phosphate Monohydrate from Crab Shell Waste
Authors: Pusparizkita Yustina M. , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Widiyanto Muhammad A. , Ismail Rifky , Jamari J. , Bayuseno Athanasius P.
Published: November 2023

Waste crab shells (CS) have the potential to mineralize CO2, yielding precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) powder feedstock for use in the synthesis of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) in an acidic condition by partial neutralization of phosphoric acid at 90 °C and varying times (30–120 min), followed by evaporation of the water at 100 °C. The PCC and MCPM products were analyzed using X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray method. After 120 min of stirring, the pure MCPM revealed uniform particle sizes from 1 to 3 μm. The presented MCPM synthesis using the PCC powder precursor may assist in developing a large‐scale MCPM industry while recycling a considerable quantity of CS waste.
Remarkable Off–On Tunable Solid‐State Luminescence by the Regulation of Pyrene Dimer
Authors: Zhao Wenyang , Ding Zeyang , Yang Zhiqiang , Lu Tong , Yang Bing , Jiang Shimei
Published: November 2023

It is always a challenge to achieve “off–on” luminescent switch by regulating non‐covalent interactions. Herein, we report a unique strategy for constructing high performance “off–on” tunable luminescent materials utilizing a novel molecule (TFPA) consist of pyrene and cyanostilbene. The pristine crystal of TFPA is almost non‐emissive. Upon grinding/UV irradiation, an obvious luminescence enhancement is observed. Theoretical and experimental results revealed the underlying mechanism of this intriguing “off–on“ switching behavior. The non‐emissive crystal consists of ordered H‐aggregates, with adjacent two molecules stacked in an anti‐parallel manner and no overlapped area in pyrene moieties. When external force is applied by grinding or internal force is introduced through the photoisomerization, the dimer structures are facilitated with shorter intermolecular distances and better overlapping of pyrene moieties. In addition, the “on” state can recover to “off” state under thermal annealing, showing good reversibility and applicability in intelligence material. The present results promote an in‐depth insight between packing structure and photophysical property, and offer an effective strategy for the construction of luminescence “off–on” switching materials, toward the development of stimuli‐responsive luminescent materials for anti‐counterfeiting.
Preparation of Carbazoles Involving 6π‐Electrocyclization, Photoredox‐, Electrochemical‐, and Thermal Cyclization Reactions: Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Romero Ivan E. , Postigo Al , Bonesi Sergio M.
Published: November 2023

Carbazole is a heterocyclic motif that can be found in a diverse array of natural and unnatural products displaying a wide range of biological and physiological properties. Furthermore, this heterocycle is part of electronic materials like photoconducting polymers and organic optoelectronic materials owing to its excellent photophysical characteristics. Consequently, the development of synthetic strategies for carbazole scaffolds holds potential significance in biological and material fields. In this regard, a variety of preparation methods has been developed to exploit their efficient and distinct formation of new C−C and C‐heteroatom bonds under mild conditions and enabling broad substrate diversity and functional group tolerance. Therefore, this review focuses on the synthesis of a set of carbazole derivatives describing a variety of methodologies that involve direct irradiation, photosensitization, photoredox, electrochemical and thermal cyclization reactions.
Entropy‐Enthalpy Compensation in Solvent Geometry Regulated Supramolecular Polymerization of Luminescent Napthalimide via a Non‐Cooperative, Isodesmic Mechanism
Authors: Ali Sk. Mursed , Sk Sujauddin , Sepay Nayim , Molla Mijanur Rahaman
Published: November 2023

Supramolecular polymers of π‐conjugated systems are an important class of materials with fascinating functions and properties originated from the dynamic behavior and highly ordered molecular organizations. Here, a donor‐π‐acceptor based functionalized luminescent napthalene monoimide (NMI) undergoes J‐type self‐assembly by non‐covalent interactions via a non‐cooperative, isodesmic mechanism to form supramolecular 1D nanowire. The fundamental insights into the thermodynamics regulating the supramolecular polymerization were derived through the fitting of the isodesmic model to variable temperature UV/Vis data in linear (dodecane) and nonliner hydrocarbon (decalin) based solvents. This shows a significant role of entropy‐enthalpy compensation in solvent geometry‐regulated formation and stabilization of supramolecular polymer. Furthermore, we have quantitively estimated the influence of solvent geometry and found that NMI forms stronger self‐assembly and spontaneous gel in linear hydrocarbon based solvent compared to nonliner one and thereby substantially increases the degree of polymerization in linear hydrocarbon solvent (dodecane). This is accredited to the effective influence of the linear hydrocarbon solvent molecules in the polymerization process by favourable van der waals interactions with the peripheral alkyl chains of the NMI monomers in contrast to unfavourable interaction of nonliner hydrocarbon solvent due to geometry mismatch.
General closed‐form equations for amplitude of parallel coupled quadrature oscillator
Authors: Kiani Vosta Pezhman , Miar‐Naimi Hossein , Javadi Mohsen
Published: November 2023

In this paper, for the first time, a new method with closed‐form analytical equations is presented to calculate the oscillation amplitude of fourth‐order oscillators, such as quadrature oscillators. This method is actually based on the general form of the differential equations describing the structure of the fourth‐order oscillators and finding a solution for the nonlinear differential equations governing this type of oscillator. The introduced method is a general method that is valid for all fourth‐order oscillators and is also independent of the oscillation frequency. Using the proposed method, complex and time‐consuming simulation tools will no longer be needed to calculate the oscillation amplitude in a steady state. Moreover, the presented closed‐form equations help the designers to understand the design compromises and design the oscillator for their specific and desired conditions. In addition, to evaluate the correctness of the presented equations, a comprehensive analysis of the oscillation amplitude of the quadrature oscillator in the steady state is performed, and a closed‐form equation is presented for the oscillation amplitude of the oscillator in the steady state, which is proposed for the first time in this paper. A comparison between the simulation results and theoretical computations confirms the validity of the proposed method.
Reliability of remote National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set data
Authors: Smith Viktorija , Younes Kyan , Poston Kathleen L. , Mormino Elizabeth C. , Young Christina B.
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) neuropsychological battery is being used to track cognition in participants across the country, but it is unknown if scores obtained through remote administration can be combined with data obtained in person.

METHODS

The remote UDS battery includes the blind version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Number Span, Semantic and Phonemic Fluency, and Craft Story. For these tests, we assessed intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between in‐person and remote scores in 3838 participants with both in‐person and remote UDS assessments, and we compared annual score changes between modalities in a subset that had two remote assessments.

RESULTS

All tests exhibited moderate to good reliability between modalities (ICCs = 0.590–0.787). Annual score changes were also comparable between modalities except for Craft Story Immediate Recall, Semantic Fluency, and Phonemic Fluency.

DISCUSSION

Our findings generally support combining remote and in‐person scores for the majority of UDS tests.
EWT‐SMOTE to improve default prediction performance in imbalanced data: Analysis of Chinese data
Authors: Zhou Ying , Lin Xia , Chi Guotai , Jin Peng , Li Mengtong
Published: November 2023

This study aims to solve the imbalanced sample problem in default prediction. We calculate the classification contribution score of each default customer by the entropy weight technique (EWT) for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution and construct a default prediction model according to several models. Our proposed EWT‐synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) method significantly improves the prediction accuracy of several typical default prediction models and reduces type II error. We find that the indicators “net cash flow from operating activities,” “Engel coefficient,” “basic earnings per share,” and “total social retail sales” significantly influence default prediction of Chinese listed companies.
Evaluation and comparison of antibacterial efficacy of different concentrations of Chhattisgarh herbal product—Terminalia chebula fruit extract in opposition to Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study
Authors: Doye Shivani Deepak , Malur Manjunath , Sahu Yogesh , Singh Ankita , Mishra Praveen , Mohamed Roshan Noor , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali
Published: November 2023

Due to the low cost, natural origin, higher safety margins, and little to negligible adverse effects of herbal medications, the use of plants and plant derivatives in medicine is becoming increasingly widespread. Terminalia chebula is among the most significant medicinal plants in ayurvedic, siddha, unani, and homeopathic remedies. It is ranked first in Ayurvedic material medicine. T. chebula has been shown to have established effects against various bacterial and fungal infections, including dental caries pathogens. In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in dentistry and medicine related to Enterococcus faecalis. The research aimed to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of different concentrations of T. chebula ethanolic fruit extract (10%, 40%, and 100%) in opposition to E. faecalis and compare it with 2% chlorhexidine. For the study, T. chebula ethanolic fruit extracts were obtained and prepared with Group I: −10% concentration, Group II: −40% concentration, Group III: −100% concentration, and Group IV: −2% chlorhexidine. Colonies of E. faecalis were cultivated in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth at 37°C and were inoculated in 16 BHI agar plates. Then, on the petri dishes, four wells were created (8 mm diameter) using a metal borer. The Agar well diffusion method was used to examine the antibacterial activity, and the zones of inhibition around the wells were noted. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and post‐hoc tests. The result shows that as the concentration increases, there is an increase in the efficacy of the antibacterial property of the extract before it reaches the saturation point. The decreasing order of antibacterial was chlorhexidine >100% T. chebula >40% T. chebula >10% T. chebula. The production of contemporary pharmaceuticals from T. chebula was addressed, as the global scenario is currently evolving toward using nontoxic plant products with traditional medicinal benefits.
Day 4 and day 0 neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratios as predictors of treatment failure with single‐dose methotrexate for ectopic pregnancies
Authors: Abuduxukuer Rukeyemu , Chen Xiaoyue , Ni Jingyi , Li Shuangdi , Lu Wen
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate changes in the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between day 4 and day 0 in ectopic pregnancy (EP) patients treated with single‐dose methotrexate (MTX) and investigate its predictive value for treatment outcome.

Methods

A total of 406 EP patients receiving single‐dose MTX therapy at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from January 10, 2013 to September 30, 2019 were studied. A multivariate model was constructed to predict treatment outcome.

Results

Among the 406 patients, 281 were treated successfully. Treatment success declined significantly when NLR decreased by less than 23% (74.8% vs 58.5%, P = 0.004). Multivariate regression analysis identified NLR reduction of less than 23% on day 4 (odds ratio [OR] 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–3.44), a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) decrease of 15% or less (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.62–6.34), and an hCG increase of more than 15% on day 4 (OR 5.47, 95% CI 3.05–10.22) as independent risk factors for single‐dose MTX treatment failure. The final predictive model had a sensitivity of 0.768 and a specificity of 0.569, using a cut‐off value of 3. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.712. Patients with a predictive score of ≥3 were more likely to fail single‐dose MTX therapy.

Conclusion

The present study concluded that an NLR decrease of less than 23% on day 4, a plateau or increase in serum hCG on day 4, and an hCG value greater than 1000 mIU/mL on day 0 were predictors of single‐dose MTX treatment failure in EP patients.
The formation of interbank interest rates and treasury bill yields in Japan under different regimes of non‐traditional monetary policy
Authors: Ito Takayasu
Published: November 2023

Interbank interest rates and Treasury Bill (TB) yields of maturities of three and six months move together, but not 12 months, under a “quantitative and qualitative easing policy.” On the other hand, interbank interest rates and TB yields of maturities of 3, 6, and 12 months move together under a “negative interest rate policy.” Interbank and TB markets are partially integrated up to the 6‐month maturity as a short‐term money market under a “quantitative and qualitative easing policy,” while interbank and TB markets are integrated up to the 12‐month maturity as a short‐term money market under a “negative interest rate policy.” This indicates that the arbitrage of interbank and TB markets works. Practitioners of the interbank market are limited to financial institutions, but those of TB markets also include non‐financial institutions.
Too dark to see: Does board governance moderate the relationship between carbon emissions and analyst forecast errors?
Authors: Hsiao Daniel , Liao Qunfeng , Su Weichieh
Published: November 2023

This study aims to demonstrate that carbon emissions may increase analyst forecast errors because poor environmental performance obscures prospects for business operations. We further examine whether strong board governance moderates such a relationship. Using a sample of S&P 500 firms from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), we employ Heckman's two‐stage model to examine our research questions. We find a positive association between carbon intensity and forecast errors, but strong board governance, captured by board independence, board diligence, and committee size, may mitigate this positive relationship. However, the effect is amplified for firms engaged in controversial governance practices such as CEO duality and long CEO tenure. Our study provides insight for managers by raising concerns due to high levels of carbon emissions and demonstrating that different governance characteristics may alleviate the adverse effect of carbon emissions on forecast errors.
DFT mechanistic study of the chemical fixation of CO2 by aziridine derivatives
Authors: Jendoubi Abir , Arfaoui Youssef , Palaudoux Jérôme , Al‐Mogren Muneerah Mogren , Hochlaf Majdi
Published: November 2023

Using density functional theory (DFT), we treat the reaction of coupling of CO2 with aziridine in gas phase, in the presence of water and of a green catalyst (NaBr). Computations show that, in gas phase, this ring‐opening conversions to oxazolidinones initiates by coordinating a CO2 molecule to the nitrogen atom of the aziridine. Then, a nucleophilic interaction between one oxygen atom of the coordinated CO2 and the carbon atom of the aziridine occurs. For methyl substituted aziridine, two pathways are proposed leading either to 4‐oxazolidinone or to 5‐oxazolidinone. Besides, we show that the activation energy of this reaction reduces in aqueous solution, in the presence of a water molecule explicitly or NaBr catalyst. In addition, the corresponding reaction mechanisms and regioselectivity associated with this ring‐opening conversions to oxazolidinones, in the presence of carbon dioxide are found to be influenced by solvent and catalyst. The present findings should allow better designing regioisomer oxazolidinones relevant for organic chemistry, medicinal and pharmacological applications.
Association between stereoacuity and simulated clinical performance among dental students: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Al‐Amad Suhail Hani , Alhammouri Qasem Mohammad , Jaser Sara , Inshasi Fatmaalzahraa Khalil
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Dentistry is a profession that requires a high level of the hand–eye coordination. Although considerable attention has been put on dental students’ manual dexterity, little emphasis was made on students’ visual competency as a variable influencing their competency. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between dental students’ stereopsis and their pre‐clinical performance.

Methods

Dental students (n = 49) were required to perform the porcelain‐fused‐to‐crown preparation for a lower first molar and an upper central incisor plastic teeth mounted on phantom heads. Performance was assessed by two faculty members based on two rubrics, which collectively included 11 assessment criteria. Afterward, students undertook a stereoacuity test using Randot stereotest. Stereopsis values greater than 40 arc/s were considered abnormal.

Results

A significant negative correlation was seen between stereopsis scores and students’ grades for the upper incisor (p < 0.01), but not for the lower molar. An association was also seen between abnormal stereopsis and students’ poor performance in preparing the finish line of the incisor tooth (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Abnormal stereopsis can impact dental students’ performance, particularly when preparing teeth indirectly using a dental mirror. Dental educators should give attention to students’ stereoacuity, in a manner similar to that given to students’ manual dexterity.
An update on the use of near‐infrared autofluorescence imaging in endocrine surgical procedures
Authors: Dabaghi Elissa , Berber Eren
Published: November 2023

Over the past decade, near‐infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging has been a major breakthrough in endocrine surgery. Although initial focus was directed at the parathyroid glands, subsequent work has also shown that non‐parathyroid neuroendocrine tumors also possess autofluorescence properties. The aim of this review is to present an update and synopsis about NIRAF applications in various endocrine surgical procedures. Methodology includes a review of the literature supplemented with expert opinion. Overall, our review reveals that the use of NIRAF may provide the surgeon with adjunctive critical information that has the potential to change the conduct of many various endocrine surgical procedures.
Biochar drives changes in soil bacterial communities and cotton growth by improving nutrients availability under saline conditions
Authors: Wang Yuting , Tian Guangli , Qiu Husen , Zhou Xinguo , Zhao Qingqing , Tian Yuyu , Li Dongwei
Published: November 2023

Applying biochar to saline soil is a novel strategy for improving soil quality. However, how biochar addition amount affects soil nutrients, bacterial communities, and cotton growth at different stages remains unclear. Three biochar treatments, no biochar (BC0), 1% biochar (BC1, w/w), 3% biochar (BC3), and two cotton varieties, salt‐sensitive (SS) and salt‐tolerant (ST), were used in pot experiments, analyzing biochar effects on saline soil nutrients, bacterial communities, and cotton growth. The study found that biochar increased only organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) at the seedling stage. However, at the flowering‐boll stage, biochar also increased nitrate () and available phosphorus (AP) and reduced soil salt content. Biochar did not affect α‐diversity at the seedling stage, but BC3 reduced α‐diversity at the flowering‐boll stage. The principal coordinate analysis revealed changes in the soil bacterial community composition that were closely associated with biochar added. From the redundancy analyses, SOC and AK were the leading environmental factors for soil bacterial community composition changes. SOC, TN, and AK correlated positively with Proteobacteria, which increased their relative abundance through biochar addition and correlated negatively with Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria, which decreased their relative abundance due to biochar. Furthermore, the random forests analysis showed that SOC, Shannon index, and β‐diversity were significant predictors of cotton biomass. In summary, biochar drives changes in bacterial communities in saline soils by increasing nutrients such as SOC and AK, which affect cotton growth. This study provides data to support the application of biochar on saline soils.
Super‐Resolution Two‐Photon Fluorescence Tomography Through the Phase‐Shifted Optical Beatings of Bessel Beams for High‐Resolution Deeper Tissue 3D Imaging
Authors: Lin Shulang , Gong Li , Huang Zhiwei
Published: November 2023

A novel z‐scanning‐free epi‐detected super‐resolution two‐photon fluorescence tomography (TPFT) technique enabling super‐resolution deeper tissue 3D imaging is reported. To accomplish this, a unique method is conceived by generating the phase‐shifted optical beatings of Bessel beams (PS‐OB3) with a spatial light modulator (SLM) to break the diffraction limit for enhancing both the lateral and axial resolutions as well as improving the penetration depth in TPFT for super‐resolution deeper tissue imaging. By electronically varying the optical beating frequency and the phase shifts of the beating patterns through SLM, the depth‐resolved TPF signals about the volumetric tissue are encoded in the spatial frequency domain and hence, a series of depth‐resolved TPF images can be retrieved by implementing inverse fast Fourier transform without a need of mechanical depth‐scanning. PS‐OB3 TPFT provides ≈1.3‐ and 2‐fold improvements in lateral and axial resolutions in comparison with conventional point‐scan TPF imaging. It is also illustrated that the epi‐detected PS‐OB3 TPFT imaging with inherent scattering‐resilient properties of the Bessel beams employed gives over 2‐fold improvement in imaging depth in porcine brain tissue compared to conventional point‐scan Gaussian beam TPF imaging. The z‐scanning‐free optical sectioning ability of PS‐OB3 method developed in TPFT is universal, which can be readily extended to practically any other nonlinear optical imaging modalities for super‐resolution deeper 3D imaging in biological and biomedical tissues.
Cue‐reactivity to brand logos of consumers with a compulsive buying tendency: A consumer neuroscience perspective
Authors: Hubert Mirja , Hubert Marco , Mariani Marcello M.
Published: November 2023

Well‐designed brand logos can be critical in effective marketing strategies. By adopting a consumer neuroscience approach and the interaction of person‐affect‐cognition‐execution model, this study analyzes the behavioral reaction and neural activation pattern during the perception of brand logos in relation to the compulsive buying tendencies of participants. Results suggest that women are more cue‐reactive toward brand logos and show activity changes in brain regions associated with cue‐reactivity in (behavioral) addictions. Conversely, men are less cue‐reactive but show increased activity changes in reward‐related regions. Women with compulsive buying tendencies may be more susceptible to brand logos, which can evoke neural activation similar to addictive patterns, while men are less cue‐reactive but show hidden neural activation associated with rewards. This study enhances understanding of (1) how marketing cues influence pre‐addictive behavior and (2) gender differences in brain activations related to cue‐reactivity in people with compulsive buying tendencies. We inform further research on implicit and neural processes on how brands are perceived by compulsive buyers, particularly among male consumers. We also emphasize the need to protect vulnerable consumer groups, such as compulsive buyers.
Postmicturition dribble in men with no previous urogenital surgery: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of treatment modalities
Authors: Albakr Ahmed , El Ansari Walid , Mahdi Mohammed , Megahed Heba , Lock Merilyn , Arafa Mohamed , Hothi Hanaa Al , Ghafouri Ardalan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Postmicturition dribble (PMD) is common in males. Little is known about PMD etiology, but it is either secondary to urethral/prostatic surgery or primary (no previous surgery). Despite PMD's high prevalence, the effectiveness of its treatment modalities remains lacking.

Objective

To undertake a systematic review of the available treatments for primary PMD in adult males and meta‐analysis of their effectiveness.

Materials and Methods

We searched four electronic databases from inception to 2023 for original articles that evaluated PMD treatments in male adults without previous urethral/prostatic surgery (PROSPERO protocol CRD42023444591). Study quality and risk of bias were evaluated using established tools. We extracted a range of variables including treatment modality used and its effectiveness on PMD volume and patient complaint. Meta‐analysis was undertaken where feasible, and where this was not feasible, narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Out of 335 studies, four were included (four clinical trials, n = 344 patients). Two trials used physical/behavioral therapy (pelvic floor muscle exercises [PFMEs], urethral milking); the other two employed phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors (tadalafil, Udenafil). All studies were of good quality, but physical/behavioral therapy studies had some risk of bias. As the two physical/behavioral therapy studies used heterogenous outcome measures, narrative synthesis showed PMD volume improvement with PFMEs more than with urethral milking, both modalities were more effective than counseling, and in one study, PFMEs were effective in reducing PMD self‐reported complaint than counseling. Meta‐analyses of the two PDE5 inhibitors studies showed a large effect size with high heterogeneity for decreased PMD volume favoring PDE5 inhibitors over placebo (g = −0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.75; 0.02, p = 0.05; I2 = 88%); and a significant improvement equivalent to −1.06 points on the Hallym PMD Questionnaire score with no discernable heterogeneity (95% CI −1.65; −0.47, p = 0.0004; I2 = 0%), favoring PDE5 inhibitors compared to controls.

Conclusions

Physical/behavioral therapy and PDE5 inhibitors are effective primary PMD treatments. PMD management studies in males with no previous urethral/prostatic surgery are very scarce and lack the use of consistent/comparable outcome measures. Further studies addressing these deficiencies would benefit this very thin evidence base.
Insights from defining nurses' career success: An integrative review
Authors: Yamada Masako , Asakura Kyoko , Sugiyama Shoko , Takada Nozomu
Published: November 2023

Aims

To review the literature and identify factors that make sense of and influence nurses' career success. We sought to provide insights into achieving nurses' career success.

Design

An integrative review conducted in May 2022 using Whittemore and Knafl's methodology of integrative review.

Methods

The databases searched were PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. Search criteria included the keywords “nurs*” and “career success” in the title and abstract. The quality of the reviewed papers was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for cross‐sectional studies and qualitative research. We extracted five types of information from quantitative studies: the definition of career success, factors of career success instruments, reliability or validity of career success instruments, and factors influencing nursing career success. Furthermore, we extracted two types of information from qualitative studies: themes that imply career success and factors that influence nurses' career success. Primary data were categorized into two perspectives: (1) what nurses' career success means and (2) what influences nurses' career success. Categorized data were unified into similar contents. Themes were developed from unified subgroups.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in the analysis. Seven themes were integrated into the factors that make sense of nurses' career success: satisfaction, positive attitude towards work, quality work in nursing, continuation of career and professional development, positive interaction at work, person–organization fit, and enrichment of an individual's life. Three themes were integrated into the factors influencing nursing career success: personal resources, positive behavior toward nursing work and research, and job resources and environment.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or members of the public were not involved in this review.
Automated bondline thickness quantification in adhesively joined composites and metals using ultrasound
Authors: Pulipati Daniel P. , Kokkada Ravindranath Pruthul , Jack David A.
Published: November 2023

The use of adhesively bonded joints between composite panels, metal panels, or between composites and metals are used in the aerospace and automotive industries to avoid stress concentrations due to fasteners while reducing weight. Quantifying the bond thickness allows for confidence that loading is being properly transferred. This study presents a methodology to measure bondline thickness using the data obtained from an immersion quality ultrasound scan using an out‐of‐tank, field‐portable, utlrasonic testing (UT) scanner. Eighteen bonded coupons were fabricated using a paste‐type adhesive filling a range of gaps between substrates of 0.254 and 1.27 mm. Three adhesively bonded coupon types were investigated: carbon fiber laminates, fiber glass laminates, and aluminum plates. A semiautomated algorithm is presented to quantify bondline thickness from the ultrasound data for each coupon type, generating a spatially varying 3D point cloud of adhesive thickness. Bondline measurements obtained using ultrasound are then validated over two orthogonal planes against measurements taken from x‐ray computed tomography reconstructions. Results indicate a typical accuracy of 0.081 mm for bondline thickness quantification for all samples studied, with the results from the inspection of the composite coupons yielding an error of 0.078 mm, whereas the accuracy when scanning the aluminum coupons yielded an error of 0.086 mm.

Highlights

Field‐portable, inspection station is presented for full waveform ultrasonics.

Mathematical procedure to characterize adhesive bondline thickness.

Results are presented for a variety of material systems and adhesive thicknesses.

Results are validated against x‐ray computed tomography with a typical accuracy of 0.081 mm.