bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytic formulas of peak current in cyclic voltammogram: Machine learning as an alternative way?
Authors: Sun Sheng , Zhang Bochao , Wang Jiahao , Li Kaikai , Gao Yao , Zhang Tong‐Yi
Published: November 2020

Cyclic voltammetry is most widely used in the study of electrode kinetics. The peak current density (Ip) in a cyclic voltammogram (CV) is a function of many parameters involved in the kinetics, thereby being an indicator of the reaction mechanism. Analytic expressions of Ip for reversible and irreversible reactions, proposed by Randles–Sevcik equations via dimensional analysis and numerical solutions of dimensionless equations, play the central role in the analysis of experimental results of CV. Great difficulties are encountered, however, to derive an expression of Ip in the quasireversible region by classical methods, and hence, an analytic formula is lacking yet to cover the entire reaction spectrum. The present work demonstrates the success of machine learning (ML) as an alternative way to find simple and analytic formulas of Ip for the reversible and irreversible reactions and then for the entire reaction spectrum, purely based on data from CV simulations. Two analytic formulas of Ip, both with high accuracy, are proposed by using symbolic regression combining with sparse regression. The simpler and physically meaningful one is obtained by combining ML with expert knowledge of mathematical expressions. The paper illustrates the powerful capability of ML, or by combining with expert knowledge, as a promising universal and practical tool to analyze complex electrochemical kinetics.
Near‐Infrared Boron Difluoride Formazanate Dyes
Authors: Buguis Francis L. , Maar Ryan R. , Staroverov Viktor N. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: November 2020

Near‐infrared (NIR) dyes are sought after for their utility in light harvesting, bioimaging, and light‐mediated therapies. Since long‐wavelength photoluminescence typically involves extensive π‐conjugated systems of double bonds and aromatic rings, it is often assumed that NIR dyes have to be large molecules that require complex syntheses. We challenge this assumption by demonstrating that facile incorporation of tertiary amine groups into readily available 3‐cyanoformazans affords efficient production of relatively simple NIR‐active BF2 formazanate dyes (λabs=691–760 nm, λPL=834–904 nm in toluene). Cyclic voltammetry experiments on these compounds reveal multiple reversible redox waves linked to the interplay between the tertiary amine and BF2 formazanate moieties. Density‐functional calculations indicate that the NIR electronic transitions in BF2 formazanates are of π→π*‐type, but do not always involve strong charge transfer.
1,2,4‐Oxadiazole Topsentin Analogs with Antiproliferative Activity against Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Targeting GSK3β Kinase
Authors: Carbone Daniela , Parrino Barbara , Cascioferro Stella , Pecoraro Camilla , Giovannetti Elisa , Di Sarno Veronica , Musella Simona , Auriemma Giulia , Cirrincione Girolamo , Diana Patrizia
Published: November 2020

A new series of topsentin analogs, in which the central imidazole ring of the natural lead was replaced by a 1,2,4‐oxadiazole moiety, was efficiently synthesized. All derivatives were pre‐screened for antiproliferative activity against the National Cancer Institute (NCI‐60) cell lines panel. The five most potent compounds were further investigated in various pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, including SUIT‐2, Capan‐1, and Panc‐1 cells, eliciting EC50 values in the micromolar and sub‐micromolar range, associated with significant reduction of cell migration. These remarkable results might be explained by the effects of these new topsentin analogues on epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition markers, including SNAIL‐1/2 and metalloproteinase‐9. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis after Annexin V‐FITC and propidium iodide staining demonstrated that these derivatives enhanced apoptosis of PDAC cells. Keeping with these data, the PathScan intracellular signaling and ELISA array revealed cleavage of caspase‐3 and PARP and a significant inhibition of GSK3β phosphorylation, suggesting this kinase as a potential downstream target of our novel compounds. This was further supported by a specific assay for the evaluation of GSK3β activity, showing IC50 values for the most active compounds against this enzyme in the micromolar range.
Variations in surgical spending within hospital systems for complex cancer surgery
Authors: Diaz Adrian , Chhabra Karan R. , Dimick Justin B. , Nathan Hari
Published: November 2020

Background

Approximately 70% of hospitals today are part of larger health systems. Proponents of hospital consolidation tout its potential to reduce health spending and improve outcomes, but to the authors' knowledge the available evidence has suggested that this promise is unrealized. Variations in costs and outcomes within systems may highlight opportunities for collaborative quality improvement and practice standardization. To assess this potential, the authors sought to measure variations in episode spending within and across hospital systems among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing complex cancer surgery.

Methods

Using 100% Medicare claims data, the authors identified fee‐for‐service Medicare patients who were undergoing elective pancreatectomy, lung resection, or colectomy for cancer from 2014 through 2016. Risk‐adjusted, price‐standardized payments for the surgical episode from admission through 30 days after discharge were calculated. The authors then assessed the reliability‐adjusted variations at the hospital and system levels.

Results

Average episode payments varied nearly as much within hospital systems for pancreatectomy ($1946 between the lowest and highest spending systems; 95% CI, $1910‐$1972), lung resection ($625 between the lowest and highest spending systems; 95% CI, $621‐$630), and colectomy ($813 between the lowest and highest spending systems; 95% CI, $809‐$817) as they did between the lowest and highest spending hospitals (pancreatectomy: $2034; lung resection: $1789; and colectomy: $770). For pancreatectomy, this variation was driven by index hospitalization spending whereas both index hospitalization and postacute care use drove variations for lung resection and colectomy.

Conclusions

In this analysis of Medicare patients undergoing complex cancer surgery, wide variations in surgical episode spending were noted both within and across hospital systems. System leaders may seek to better understand variations in practices among their hospitals to standardize care and reduce variations in outcomes, use, and costs.
CRAC: An automatic assistant compiler of checkpoint/restart for OpenCL program
Authors: Chen Genlang , Zhang Jiajian , Zhu Zufang , Wang Hao , Jiang Hai , Pang Chaoyi
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, people use multiple devices to meet the growing requirement for computing. With the application of multicard computing, fault tolerance, load balance, and resource sharing have been the hot issues and the checkpoint/restart (CPR) mechanism is critical in a preemptive system. This article proposes a CPR framework including the automatic compiler (CRAC) to achieve a feasible CPR system, especially for graphics processing unit applications on heterogeneous devices in OpenCL programs. By offering the positions of the CPR in source code, CRAC inserts primitives into programs and invokes the runtime support modules for final results. A comprehensive example and experiments have demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed framework.
Differential Effects of Clopidogrel With or Without Aspirin on Platelet Reactivity and Coagulation Activation: A Randomized Trial in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Traby Ludwig , Kollars Marietta , Kaider Alexandra , Siller‐Matula Jolanta Maria , Steinbrecher Oskar , Wolzt Michael , Kyrle Paul Alexander , Eichinger Sabine
Published: November 2020

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is standard in acute coronary syndrome but confers a bleeding risk. To compare effects of clopidogrel single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with clopidogrel‐based DAPT on hemostatic system activation we conducted a randomized clinical trial in 44 volunteers (clopidogrel (d1: 600 mg, d2‐6: 150 mg) ± aspirin (100 mg)). Multiple electrode aggregometry‐adenosine diphosphate (MEA‐ADP) and MEA‐arachidonic acid (MEA‐AA) triggered aggregometry, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), beta thromboglobulin, p‐selectin, thromboxane B2, d‐Dimer, prothrombin fragment 1.2 (f1.2), and a phospholipid‐dependent clotting time were measured in venous blood. Changes are described by mean differences (Δmean (95% confidence interval (CI)) or geometric mean ratios (95% CI)). DAPT and SAPT comparably and significantly decreased MEA‐ADP at 2 hours (−60% vs. −63%; P = 0.35, Δmean −4.9, 95% CI −15.4 to 5.5). At 24 hours (−59% vs. −47%, P = 0.04, Δmean −11.1, 95% CI −21.7 to −0.4]) and 8 days (−61% vs. −53%, P = 0.04, Δmean −11.3, 95% CI −22.0 to −0.6). Both treatments significantly reduced VASP and MEA‐AA after 2 hours and 8 days. DAPT inhibited MEA‐AA significantly stronger at 2 hours (−77% vs. −30%; P < 0.0001, Δmean −39.6, 95% CI −54.2 to −25.0), at 24 hours (−80% vs. −27%, P < 0.0001, Δmean −47.8, 95% CI −62.3 to −33.3), and 8 days (−79% vs. −27%, P < 0.0001, Δmean −48.9, 95% CI −62.5 to −35.4). Neither treatment significantly influenced beta thromboglobulin or p‐selectin. DAPT abolished and SAPT reduced thromboxane B2 after 24 hours and 8 days. The d‐Dimer was reduced by DAPT (0.94, 95% CI 0.89–1.00, P = 0.04) at 2 hours but not after 24 hours and 8 days. SAPT did not decrease d‐Dimer. Neither treatment affected f1.2. DAPT and SAPT comparably affect platelet and coagulation activation in venous blood.
The impact of board cultural diversity on a firm's commitment toward the sustainability issues of emerging countries: The mediating effect of a CSR committee
Authors: Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , Lozano M. Belén , Vivas Miguel
Published: November 2020

This study attempts to improve the understanding of how factors related to the board of directors in emerging countries from America determine a firm's sustainability performance. This paper examines the effect of board cultural diversity and the mediating effect of the existence of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee. To test our objectives, we carried out a sample analysis on data gathered between 2012 and 2018 from a group of firms located in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. The results suggest that board cultural diversity promotes a firm's commitment toward sustainability issues and leads to higher social and environmental performance. Moreover, the results show the mediating effect of the existence of a CSR committee, where a positive impact on sustainability performance appears to be linked to board cultural diversity.
The link between female representation in the boards of directors and corporate social responsibility: Evidence from B corps
Authors: Ardito Lorenzo , Dangelico Rosa Maria , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio
Published: November 2020

Prior studies have examined the link between female representation in the boards of directors (BoD) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). However, these studies have underestimated the multidimensional nature of CSR, whereby CSR comprises different dimensions, and organizations engage in CSR activities in various degrees, thus leading to potentially contrasting performance respect to such different dimensions. Therefore, this study aims at (a) elucidating the varying mechanisms underlying the effects of the presence of women on BoD and several dimensions of CSR performance and (b) testing these effects considering multiple CSR performance measures (i.e., environmental performance, employees' well‐being, customers' management, community engagement, and ethical governance). To do so, we propose a set of hypotheses based on upper echelon and social role theories that are tested on a sample of European and US certified Benefit Corporations (B Corps). Results reveal that female representation in the BoD is not beneficial for each specific CSR dimension, albeit it is beneficial at an aggregate level. Specifically, it is positively associated with customers' management and community engagement, negatively related to environmental performance and employees' well‐being, and not significantly associated with ethical governance.
Heterogeneous Organocatalysts for the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide with Silanes
Authors: Pramudita Ria Ayu , Motokura Ken
Published: November 2020

The utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) as feedstock for chemical industries is gaining interest as a sustainable alternative to nonrenewable fossil resources. However, CO2 reduction is necessary to increase its energy content. Hydrosilane is a potential reducing agent that exhibits excellent reactivity under ambient conditions. CO2 hydrosilylation yields versatile products such as silylformate and methoxysilane, whereas formamides and N‐methylated products are obtained in the presence of amines. In these transformations, organocatalysts are considered as the more sustainable choice of catalyst. In particular, heterogeneous organocatalysts featuring precisely designed active sites offer higher efficiency due to their recyclability. Herein, an overview is presented of the current development of basic organocatalysts immobilized on various supports for application in the chemical reduction of CO2 with hydrosilanes, and the potential active species parameters that might affect the catalytic activity are identified.
Preparation of Trace Fe2P Modified N,P Co‐doped Carbon Materials and their Application to Hydrogen Peroxide Detection
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Yaqing , Liu Sen
Published: November 2020

The determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on electrochemical sensors is highly attractive in the fields of environmental monitoring and biosensing, however development of non‐precious metal‐based electrocatalysts with high performances remains challenging. Here, a new non‐enzymatic H2O2 sensor has been reported by using Fe2P modified N,P co‐doped carbon (Fe2P/NP‐C) materials as sensing materials. Fe2P/NP‐C materials were synthesized by pyrolysis of polydopamine coating Fe‐based coordination polymer nanoparticles, which were obtained by direct mixing FeCl3 and sodium hexametaphosphate at room temperature. The electrochemical tests display that Fe2P/NP‐C‐based non‐enzymatic H2O2 sensor exhibited detection limit of 60 μM and linear range from 0.1 mM to 1 mM, respectively. This work presents a new avenue to design of non‐precious metal‐based electrocatalysts for chemical sensing and biosensing applications.
Enzymatic production of xylooligosaccharide from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed
Authors: Ataei Davoud , hamidi‐Esfahani Zohreh , Ahmadi‐Gavlighi Hassan
Published: November 2020

Date palm (phonix dactylifera L.) is an important tropical fruit growing in central and southern regions of Iran. Date seed is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, that make it an excellent candidate for xylooligosaccharide (XOS) production. In this study, two different protocols are used for the extraction of hemicellulose from date seeds. In the first protocol, hemicellulose (xylan1) was extracted by 2.25 M alkaline solution at room temperature for 24 hr. In the second protocol, date seed was treated with LCHTA (low concentration, 0.1 M, high temperature, 80°C, alkaline solution) for 3 hr, and thereafter, hemicellulose (xylan2) was extracted by 2.25 M alkaline solution at room temperature for 24 hr. The carbohydrate units of xylan1 and xylan2 were qualified and quantified by HPAEC‐ PAD. Side groups of xylan1 and xylan2 were detected by FTIR. In the next step, xylan1 and xylan2 were exposed to two commercial endoxylanases namely veron 191 and pentopan mono BG. Temperature, pH, time, and enzyme dosage of hydrolyzation were optimized to maximize XOS and minimize xylose. The results showed that the enzymes successfully hydrolyzed xylan2 and produced XOS, but cannot hydrolyze xylan1. Pentopan mono BG and veron 191 produced the highest amount of XOS after 4 (1.17 mmol/g) and 6 hr (1.13 mmol/g) of incubation, respectively. Conversion factors of xylan2 to XOS for pentopan mono BG and veron were 0.41 and 0.36, respectively. This study presence the possible prebiotic properties of date seed XOS and its application in functional foods.
Current and emerging analytical techniques for geochemical and geochronological studies
Authors: Balaram V.
Published: November 2020

Progress in both basic and applied geochemical studies highly depend on the progress of the analytical instrumentation in general. In recent times, there have been spectacular developments in different instrumental analytical techniques used for accurate determinations of elemental/isotopic abundances from per cent levels to pg/g levels in a variety of geological materials. Some of the important instrumental analytical techniques which are currently in use for geochemical studies include atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES), recently introduced microwave plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy (MP‐AES), X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), ICP‐time of flight mass spectrometry (ICP‐TOF‐MS), high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR‐ICP‐MS), and multi‐collector‐ICP‐MS (MC‐ICP‐MS), with each one having its own merits and the limitations. Developments in sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) opened up zircon geochronology and has revolutionized age dating of rocks by in‐situ isotopic analysis on single mineral grains such as zircons. Recently emerged MC‐ICP‐MS in combination with collision/reaction cell is allowing detection of small variations in natural isotopic compositions of non‐traditional stable isotopes. Advancements in other microanalytical techniques such as laser ablation‐ICP‐MS (LA‐ICP‐MS), electron probe micro‐analyser (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), have markedly improved direct solid analysis, in‐situ probing of individual minerals, fluids, and melt inclusions. Raman spectroscopy is currently emerging as a powerful geochemical analytical tool. Some interesting combination instruments such as ICP‐MS/AES showed synergic benefits when used in geochemical studies. There is also substantial progress in other critical areas such as sample preparation, sample decomposition, development of geochemical reference materials, and quality issues in general. Miniaturization is perhaps the most notable current trend in analytical techniques, and their use in exploration studies provide near‐real time sampling guidance in the field. In this review, all these aspects are updated, summarized and discussed at depth with practical examples. However, most of these instruments are expensive and complex and future developments may focus on some of the drawbacks of the current systems to realize their full potential for geochemical/geochronological studies.
Subduction versus non‐subduction origin of the Nagaland‐Manipur Ophiolites along the Indo‐Myanmar Orogenic Belt, northeast India: Fact and fallacy
Authors: Khogenkumar Shoraisam , Singh Athokpam Krishnakanta , Kumar Santosh , Lakhan Nongmaithem , Chaubey Monika , Imtisunep Sashimeren , Dutt Amrita , Oinam Govind
Published: November 2020

The Nagaland‐Manipur Ophiolites (NMO) in northeast India is known for its complex geological history. Tough terrain, thick vegetation, and dismembered exposure of ophiolitic suite of rocks in the region made uneasy for geological investigation and put it in a deadlock for a long time. Only in the last decade has seen an appreciable amount of publications but the results boil down to a hot debate between two opposite schools of thoughts of subduction origin versus non‐subduction origin of the NMO. In this article, we revisit the literature data and compare it with our new geochemical data with an attempt to provide fresh insight into the long‐standing debate on the geodynamic evolution of the NMO. Our investigation arrives at the conclusion that the NMO as a whole cannot be considered as 100% subduction or 100% non‐subduction origin. It is indeed a combination of both. The non‐subduction group of mafic rocks shows a high ratio of incompatible elements (Nb/Yb >1), high‐Ti, enriched LILE, and HFSE with primitive mantle normalized values >5. Their bulk‐rock geochemical composition is equivalent to mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) and ocean island basalt (OIB). The subduction group of rocks, on the other hand, shows a low ratio of incompatible elements (Nb/Yb <1), low‐Ti, depleted LILE, and HFSE with primitive mantle normalized values <1, affinity to the fore‐arc depleted N‐MORB type. Similarly, spinels present in subduction‐influenced mantle rocks show high chromium content (Cr# >50) but it is lower (Cr# <50) in non‐subduction abyssal peridotites of the NMO. Such geochemical variations cannot simply be explained by fractional crystallization or variable degree of partial melting of a single source, but rather signifies derivation from different tectonic settings of subduction and non‐subduction magma factories. We further conclude that the primary compressional force of India‐Myanmar Plate collision and secondary strike‐slip faults running along this ophiolite belt jeopardized the accretionary process which led to distortion and dismembering of the rocks like a scrambled bread.
Machine learning models to predict length of stay and discharge destination in complex head and neck surgery
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Yasaka Tyler M. , Zandi‐Toghani Mehdi , Djalilian Hamid R. , Armstrong William B. , Tjoa Tjoson , Haidar Yarah M. , Abouzari Mehdi
Published: November 2020

Background

This study develops machine learning (ML) algorithms that use preoperative‐only features to predict discharge‐to‐nonhome‐facility (DNHF) and length‐of‐stay (LOS) following complex head and neck surgeries.

Methods

Patients undergoing laryngectomy or composite tissue excision followed by free tissue transfer were extracted from the 2005 to 2017 NSQIP database.

Results

Among the 2786 included patients, DNHF and mean LOS were 421 (15.1%) and 11.7 ± 8.8 days. Four classification models for predicting DNHF with high specificities (range, 0.80‐0.84) were developed. The generalized linear and gradient boosting machine models performed best with receiver operating characteristic (ROC), accuracy, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.72‐0.73, 0.75‐0.76, and 0.88‐0.89. Four regression models for predicting LOS in days were developed, where all performed similarly with mean absolute error and root mean‐squared errors of 3.95‐3.98 and 5.14‐5.16. Both models were developed into an encrypted web‐based interface: https://uci-ent.shinyapps.io/head-neck/.

Conclusion

Novel and proof‐of‐concept ML models to predict DNHF and LOS were developed and published as web‐based interfaces.
A GAN‐based data augmentation method for human activity recognition via the caching ability
Authors: Shi Junhao , Zuo Decheng , Zhang Zhan
Published: November 2020

Sensor‐based human activity recognition (HAR) provides vital information for an ocean of health care and entertainment applications. However, data acquisition of such studies usually requires huge time and manpower, which delays the progress of the whole project. Data augmentation is a promising way to solve this issue. In this paper, we expand the origin dataset via a GAN‐based augmentation neural network. The experimental results suggest that the generated data has a certain substitution and complementary effect in terms of the real data based on the caching deployment ability. In addition, the quasi‐real data also gains good performance on identifying certain activities.
Elevation of Proinflammatory Cytokine HMGB1 in the Synovial Fluid of Patients With Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes Disease and Correlation With IL‐6
Authors: Kamiya Nobuhiro , Kim Harry KW
Published: November 2020

Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease (LCPD) is a childhood ischemic osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head associated with the elevation of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the synovial fluid. Currently, there is no effective medical therapy for patients with LCPD. In animal models of ischemic ON, articular chondrocytes produce IL‐6 in response to ischemic ON induction and IL‐6 receptor blockade improves bone healing. High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a damage‐associated molecular pattern released from dying cells. In addition, extracellular HMGB1 protein is a well‐known proinflammatory cytokine elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate IL‐6–related proinflammatory cytokines, including HMGB1, in the synovial fluid of patients with LCPD. Our working hypothesis was that HMGB1, produced by articular chondrocytes following ischemic ON, plays an important role in IL‐6 upregulation. Here, HMGB1 protein levels were significantly higher in the synovial fluid of patients with LCPD by threefold compared with controls (p < 0.05), and were highly correlated with IL‐6 levels (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.94, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.87). In the mouse model of ischemic ON, both HMGB1 gene expression and protein levels were elevated in the articular cartilage. In vitro studies revealed a significant elevation of HMGB1 and IL‐6 proteins in the supernatants of human chondrocytes exposed to hypoxic and oxidative stresses. Overexpressed HMGB1 protein in the supernatants of chondrocytes synergistically increased IL‐6 protein. Silencing HMGB1 RNA in human chondrocytes significantly repressed inteleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) gene expression, but not IL‐6. Further, both IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) protein levels in the synovial fluid of patients with LCPD were significantly correlated with IL‐6 protein levels. Taken together, these results suggest that proinflammatory cytokines, HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and IL‐1β, are significantly involved with IL‐6 in the pathogenesis of LCPD. This study is clinically relevant because the availability of multiple therapeutic targets may improve the development of therapeutic strategy for LCPD. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The role of directors with multiple board seats and earnings quality: A Singapore context
Authors: Chee KhanLiang Dylan , Tham Yeut Hong
Published: November 2020

This article explores whether multiple directorships has an influence on earnings management for Singaporean publicly listed firms. This article attempts to determine whether boards with multiple directorships are effective monitors and able deterrents of earnings management activities. Drawing on resource dependence theory, the results suggest that directors with multiple board seats will be able to tap on external resources for information, skills, and financial resources using their board connectedness. Data analysis is based on publicly listed firms on Singapore Stock Exchange (SSE) with a final pooled sample of 1,404 firm‐year observations from 2015 to 2018. Findings of this study show that with a higher level of multiple directorships, there is a significant negative relationship with the level of earnings management, where earnings management is measured by Dechow et al. (The Accounting Review, 1995, 70, 193–225) Modified Jones model and the Kothari et al. (Journal of Accounting and Economics, 2005, 39, 163–197) performance‐adjusted model. We also find that firms in Singapore that have a higher number of multiple directorships on its board, will have a lower level of tolerance on income‐increasing earnings manipulation. Notable secondary findings of this study include a significant negative relationship between the proportion of female directors on the board with the level of earnings management (income‐increasing manipulations). Additionally, it is found that the engagement of Big Four auditors has no significant relationship with the level of earnings management in the context of Singaporean firms. This study has significant implications and contributions to the theoretical applications and policy reforms, specifically pertaining to the Singapore Code of Corporate Governance on the issue of multiple directorships.
Retracted: Bladder cancer‐associated transcript 2 contributes to nephroblastoma progression
Authors: Zhu Jie , Zhu Zhenwei , Cai Peng , Gu Zhicheng , Wang Jian
Published: November 2020

Background

Nephroblastoma is a common pediatric kidney tumor. Existing evidence has indicated that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be associated with tumorigenesis such as nephroblastoma. However, the contribution of lncRNA bladder cancer‐associated transcript 2 (BLACAT2) to tumorigenesis and the postoperative nephroblastoma prognosis remains unknown.

Methods

In total, 50 pairs of patient nephroblastoma and corresponding adjacent non‐tumorous tissues were analyzed for BLACAT2 expression. The underlying roles of BLACAT2 in nephroblastoma cells were also investigated. The BLACAT2 level was detected in four nephroblastoma cell lines and normal cell line NGC‐407 using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The potential influence of BLACAT2 on nephroblastoma cells was explored based on RNA interference technology in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the microRNA targeted by BLACAT2 and its target gene were predicted and verified.

Results

BLACAT2 silencing suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation and tumor growth in vivo and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, BLACAT2 could directly bind to miR‐504‐3p, thereby decreasing miR‐504‐3p expression. In addition, the impact of miR‐504‐3p on proliferation, colony formation and nephroblastoma cell apoptosis was reversed by BLACAT2. Wnt11 was identified as a target of miR‐504‐3p.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that a novel BLACAT2/miR‐504‐3p/Wnt11 axis is associated with nephroblastoma, where BLACAT2 is able to sponge miR‐504‐3p to down‐regulate Wnt11.
The average size of a connected vertex set of a graph—Explicit formulas and open problems
Authors: Vince Andrew
Published: November 2020

Although connectivity is a basic concept in graph theory, the enumeration of connected subgraphs of a graph has only recently received attention. The topic of this paper is the average order of a connected induced subgraph of a graph. This generalizes, to graphs in general, the average order of a subtree of a tree. For various infinite families of graphs, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of the proportion of vertices in an induced connected subgraph of average order. For ladders and circular ladders, an explicit closed formula is derived for the average order of a connected induced subgraph in terms of the classic Pell numbers. These formulas imply that, asymptotically, 3/4 of the vertices of a ladder or circular ladder, on average, are present in a connected induced subgraph. Results on such infinite families motivate an assortment of open problems.
Raman studies on the specific adsorption of BPE with PbI2
Authors: Zhu Lin , Ma Hao , Song Wei , Wang He , Li Peng , Ma Chao , Wu Jiawei , Guo Lin , Zhao Bing
Published: November 2020

Intercalation, the insertion of guest atomic and molecular entities into the architecture of a crystal, is an efficient route for generating new materials with novel properties. However, the detailed analysis of their new structure and properties is of great importance, which are still insufficient. Here, 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (BPE) intercalated PbI2 (BIP) has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy together with correlated studies of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectrum, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The Raman spectrum of intercalated compound discloses new lines at 83, 222, and 234 cm−1 with remarkable displacement of the bands at 1001, 1200, 1603, and 1640 cm−1, indicating a formation of a new crystal and the chemical interaction between the nitrogen atom of guest molecules with PbI2 host material. XRD confirmed the intercalation of guest molecules into a host matrix through the appearance of diffraction lines at lower angles that are corresponding to the enlarged unit cell in c axis. Furthermore, we also found that the PbI2 can specifically adsorb of BPE molecules, which was confirmed by an adsorption experiment revealed by adsorption capacity toward BPE is higher than 2,2‐bipyridine and 4,4‐bipyridine, suggesting the good adsorptive selectivity toward BPE by PbI2 film. This work further demonstrated our mechanism on enhanced Raman spectroscopy on PbI2. It is believed that this unusual discovery not only enables PbI2 to be a specific adsorbent, which also provides a new advance toward a better understanding of structure about PbI2.
Mediterranean diet: a nutrient‐packed diet and a healthy lifestyle for a sustainable world
Authors: Trajkovska Petkoska Anka , Trajkovska‐Broach Anita
Published: November 2020

The Mediterranean diet (MD), as a sustainable diet and a healthy way of living, is in a good agreement with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (2015). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Adequacy of lymph node harvest following colectomy for obstructed and nonobstructed colon cancer
Authors: Azin Arash , Hirpara Dhruvin H. , Draginov Arman , Khorasani Mohammadali , Patel Sunil V. , O'Brien Catherine , Quereshy Fayez A. , Chadi Sami A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Technical and clinical differences in resection of obstructed and non‐obstructed colon cancers may result in differences in lymph node retrieval. The objective of this study is to compare the lymph node harvest following resection of obstructed and nonobstructed colon cancer patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis utilizing the 2014–2018 NSQIP colectomy targeted data set was conducted. One‐to‐one coarsened exact matching (CEM) was utilized between patients undergoing resection for obstructed and non‐obstructed colon cancer. The primary outcome was the adequacy of lymph node retrieval (LNR, ≥12 nodes).

Results

CEM resulted in 9412 patients. Patients with obstructed tumors were more likely to have inadequate LNR (13.3% vs 8.2%, p < .001) compared to those with nonobstructed tumors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with obstructing tumors had worse LNR compared to non‐obstructed tumors (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–0.87; p < .005). Increased age (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.098–0.99), presence of preoperative sepsis (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.055–0.90), left‐sided and sigmoid tumors compared to right‐sided (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.51–0.81; OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58–0.82, respectively), and open surgical resection compared to an minimally invasive surgical approach were associated with inadequate LNR (p < .05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that resection for obstructing colon cancer compared to non‐obstructed colon cancer is associated with increased odds of inadequate lymph node harvest.
PCA Atrophy and Synkinesis as the Main Factors for Persistent Vocal Fold Immobility in RLN Paralysis
Authors: Foerster Gerhard , Mueller Andreas H.
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

An immobile vocal fold due to recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury usually shows no gross signs of atrophy and lies near the midline. In 1881, Felix Semon proposed that this phenomenon was due to a selective injury of nerve fibers supplying the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) and supported this with postmortem proof of selective PCA atrophy. In recent decades, evidence has emerged that the RLN regenerates after injury but does not always result in useful motion of the vocal folds. It has been proposed that this is caused by laryngeal synkinesis. Laryngeal synkinesis describes a random distribution of regenerated nerve fibers to opposing vocal fold muscles. This study was conducted to clarify the relative contribution of these two potential pathomechanisms in our patient population.

Study Design

Retrospective case analysis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of laryngeal EMG results from cases with RLN paralysis of at least 6 months duration seen at our neurolaryngology clinic.

Results

Out of 118 PCA EMGs, there was not a single normal or near‐normal tracing, whilst 33.3% of TA EMGs indicated normal or near normal innervation. PCA EMGs showed signs of persistent high‐grade partial denervation (41.5%) as a sign of atrophy, moderate or strong synkinesis (21.2%), or a combination of both (37.3%).

Conclusions

In chronic RLN paralysis the intrinsic laryngeal muscles are affected to different extents either by atrophy or synkinesis or a combination of both. The PCA is always affected. The lesser damage to TA innervation explains the commonly seen maintenance of vocal fold muscle bulk.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1244–E1248, 2021
Endoscopic Denker's Approach for the Treatment of Extensive Sinonasal Tumors: Our Experience
Authors: Stavrakas Marios , Karkos Petros D. , Tsinaslanidou Zinovia , Constantinidis Jannis
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Surgical management of large sinonasal tumors, spreading to the pterygopalatine, and infratemporal fossae have always been a challenge for the ENT surgeon and the multidisciplinary team.

Methods

Endoscopic Denker's approach allows complete exposure of the anterior, inferior, and lateral recesses of the maxillary sinus, without necessitating a gingivobuccal or a transseptal incision. Moreover, endoscopic Denker's approach facilitates direct, straight entry to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae.

Results

Twenty‐two patients with extensive sinonasal pathology underwent resection via an endoscopic Denker's approach at our institution, with the majority of them being diagnosed with JNA and inverted papilloma. Denker's procedure facilitated wide exposure of the surgical field and total tumor resection, without significant perioperative complications and good disease‐free results in follow up.

Conclusions

Our experience is in accordance with the literature, where this approach seems to be superior to alternative options for accessing the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae. We believe that adequate expertise in endoscopic sinonasal surgery is necessary prior to embarking on this technique, but in general, it represents a valuable tool in the surgeon's armamentarium.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1458–1462, 2021
A tunable LTCC fourth‐order bandpass filter with high selectivity for L‐band satellite applications
Authors: Zhang Jun , You Chang Jiang , Jiao Zhuofan , Zhu Jianhua , Xiao Qian , Cai Jingye
Published: November 2020

This Letter presents a varactor‐loaded double‐layer coupled stripline resonator to implement compact fourth‐order tunable bandpass filter. The whole structure of the proposed resonator consists of two strongly coupled striplines, a metal post and a varactor with bias circuit. Strong capacitive coupling between the striplines at different layers is introduced to significantly reduce the resonator size. A detailed investigation on the relationship between the transmission line length and loading capacitance is presented. The stripline is connected to the varactor by the metal post so that the resonant frequency can be tuned. Through cross‐coupled technology, transmission zeros are introduced in the upper and lower out‐of‐bands of the filter using combline structure for high selectivity. One prototype bandpass filter has been designed to validate the principle, and the measured results show good agreement with the simulated ones. The designed fourth‐order filter has a size of <0.1 λg × 0.1 λgand a steep frequency response with the shape factor <1.7.
Integrated analysis of phosphoproteome and ubiquitylome in epididymal sperm of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Zhang Peng‐fei , Huang Yu‐lin , Fu Qiang , He Weng‐tan , Xiao Kai , Zhang Ming
Published: November 2020

In mammals, sperm need to mature in the epididymis to gain fertilization competency. However, the molecular mechanism underlying buffalo sperm maturation remains elusive. Exploring sperm physiology at the posttranslational modification (PTM) level could help to develop our understanding of these mechanisms. Protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination are major PTMs in the regulation of many biological processes. In the present study, to our knowledge, we report the first phosphoproteome and ubiquitylome of sperm collected from the caput, corpus, and cauda segments of the epididymis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry combined with affinity purification. In total, 647 phosphorylation sites in 294 proteins and 1063 ubiquitination sites in 446 proteins were characterized. Some of these proteins were associated with cellular developmental processes and energy metabolic pathways. Interestingly, 84 proteins were both phosphorylated and ubiquitinated, simultaneously. Some of these proteins were involved in, for example, spermatogenesis, reproduction, and spermatid development. Taken together, these data provide a theoretical basis for further functional analysis of phosphorylation and ubiquitination in epididymal sperm of buffalo and other mammals, and serve as an important resource for exploring the physiological mechanism underlying sperm maturation.
A novel numerical manner for two‐dimensional space fractional diffusion equation arising in transport phenomena
Authors: Tuan Nguyen H. , Aghdam Yones Esmaeelzadeh , Jafari Hossein , Mesgarani Hamid
Published: November 2020

Fractional diffusion equations include a consistent and efficient explanation of transport phenomena that manifest abnormal diffusion, that cannot be often represented by second‐order diffusion equations. In this article, a two‐dimensional space fractional diffusion equation (SFDE‐2D) with nonhomogeneous and homogeneous boundary conditions is considered in Caputo derivative sense. An instant and nevertheless accurate scheme is obtained by the finite‐difference discretization to get the semidiscrete in temporal derivative with convergence order . Moreover, space fractional derivative can be approximated based on the Chebyshev polynomials of second kind which are powerful methods for basing the operational matrix. The convergence and stability of the proposed scheme are discussed theoretically in detail. Finally, two numerical problems with an exact solution are given that numerical results show the effectiveness of the new techniques. These schemes can be simply extended to three spatial dimensions, which will be the subject of our subsequent research.
The Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index version 7.2: Further psychometric testing
Authors: Vellone Ercole , De Maria Maddalena , Iovino Paolo , Barbaranelli Claudio , Zeffiro Valentina , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Durante Angela , Alvaro Rosaria , Riegel Barbara
Published: November 2020

Clinicians and researchers need valid and reliable instruments to evaluate heart failure (HF) self‐care. The Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) is a theoretically driven instrument developed for this purpose. The SCHFI measures self‐care with three scales: self‐care maintenance, measuring behaviors to maintain HF stability; symptom perception, measuring monitoring behaviors; and self‐care management, assessing the response to symptoms. After the theory underpinning the SCHFI was updated, the instrument was updated to version 7.2 but it was only tested in the United States. In this study we tested the psychometric characteristics (structural and construct validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability) of the SCHFI v.7.2 in an Italian population of HF patients. We used a cross‐sectional design to study 280 HF patients with additional data collected after 2 weeks for test–retest reliability. Adults with HF (mean age 75.6 (±10.8); 70.8% in New York Heart Association [NYHA] classes II and III) were enrolled from six centers across Italy. Confirmatory factor analysis showed supportive structural validity in the three SCHFI v.7.2 scales (CFI from 0.94 to 0.95; RMSEA from 0.05 to 0.07). Internal consistency reliability estimated with Cronbach's α and composite reliability ranged between .73 and .88; test–retest reliability ranged between 0.73 and 0.92. Construct validity was supported with significant correlations between the SCHFI v.7.2 scale scores and quality of life, brain natriuretic peptide levels and NYHA class. This study further supports the psychometric characteristics of the SCHFI v.7.2, illustrating that it can be used in clinical practice and research also in an Italian population.
Chance‐constrained optimal inflow control in hyperbolic supply systems with uncertain demand
Authors: Göttlich Simone , Kolb Oliver , Lux Kerstin
Published: November 2020

In this article, we address the task of setting up an optimal production plan taking into account an uncertain demand. The energy system is represented by a system of hyperbolic partial differential equations and the uncertain demand stream is captured by an Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck process. We determine the optimal inflow depending on the producer's risk preferences. The resulting output is intended to optimally match the stochastic demand for the given risk criteria. We use uncertainty quantification for an adaptation to different levels of risk aversion. More precisely, we use two types of chance constraints to formulate the requirement of demand satisfaction at a prescribed probability level. In a numerical analysis, we analyze the chance constrained optimization problem for the Telegrapher's equation and a real‐world coupled gas‐to‐power network.