bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on Cleft Grafting in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) with Solanum Rootstocks, Their Compatibility and Growth Performance under Open Field Condition
Authors: Senthilvadivu G. , Pugalendhi L. , Saraswathi T. , Raguchander T. , Shanthi A. , Jeyakumar P.
Published: January 2023

Grafting in brinjal is an alternative technology for chemical treatments to control soilborne pathogens with minimum impact on product quality and environment. The present study was carried out to determine the graft compatibility of brinjal scions (Dhruva and CO 2) with five wild Solanum rootstocks and their growth performance in open field condition. The cleft grafting method was adopted in this study. The non-grafted plants were used as control under open field condition. Solanum torvum recorded less number of days for graft union with Dhruva (10.36) and CO 2 (10.54) followed by Solanum capsicoides and Solanum chrysotrichum. The results on grafting success at 30 days after grating revealed that the highest success percentage was observed in Dhruva (83.42%) and CO 2 (82.08%) grafted with Solanum torvum rootstock followed by Solanum capsicoides and Solanum chrysotrichum. The field survival rate was higher in Dhruva (88.75%) and CO 2 (85.20%) grafted onto Solanum trovum followed by Solanum capsicoides and Solanum chrysotrichum. Dhruva (90.52cm, 9.15) and CO 2 (80.17cm, 7.29) grafted onto Solanum torvum recorded maximum plant height and more number of primary branches per plant respectively followed by Solanum chrysotrichum. Though Solanum capsicoides performed well throughout the grafting process their growth performance was poor in open field condition. Hence Solanum torvum followed by Solanum chrysotrichum could be used as compatible rootstock for grafting with brinjal scions.
Performance of Sweet Corn Hybrids (Zea mays saccharata) as Influenced by Soil and Foliar Application of Zinc
Authors: Lone Altaf Hussain , Sheikh Tahir Ahmad , Lone Bilal Ahmad , Ahngar Tanveer Ahmad , Baba Zahoor Ahmad , Bashir Moneesa , Sheikh Mohmmad Aasif , Mir Mohd Salim , Rashid Zahida , Majid Shabeena , Faisul - Ur- Rasool . , Dar Z. A.
Published: January 2023

A field experiment entitled “Performance of sweet corn hybrids (Zea mays saccharata) as influenced by soil and foliar application of zinc” was conducted during kharif 2018 at the Experimental Farm of the Division of Agronomy, Wadura, SKUAST-K. The experiment comprised of two factors with three sweet corn hybrids, viz., Sugar 75, FSCH 75 and CMVL SC and four zinc levels, viz., soil application of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1, soil application of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at knee high stage, soil application of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at tasseling stage and ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSB @ 200 ml/kg of seed laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of the experiment revealed that hybrids had a significant effect on the yield attributes and yield of sweet corn and among different hybrids, Sugar 75 recorded significantly higher yield attributes and yield of sweet corn. However, hybrids had no effect on number of cobs per plant. Hybrid FSCH 75 recorded significantly lowest values for yield attributes and yield. Among zinc levels, soil application of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at knee high stage produced significantly higher yield attributes and yield whereas zinc level ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSB @ 200 ml/kg of seed recorded significantly lowest values of all the yield attributes and yield. However, zinc levels had no effect on number of cobs per plant. The economic analysis showed that highest net profit and benefit cost ratio of ₹466230.5 and 4.37 respectively was recorded by hybrid sugar 75 applied with zinc level of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at knee high stage whereas lowest net profit and benefit cost ratio of ₹294742.5 and 2.76 respectively by hybrid FSCH 75 applied with zinc level, ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSB @ 200 ml/kg of seed.
Investigation of Unusual Activities of the Universe Concerning Solar and Terrestrial Context
Authors: Ghosh S. K.
Published: January 2023

A controlled thermonuclear fusion reaction of the Sun appears to be a remarkable evidence of the existence of a planet in the outer space. A microwave background of radiation of a planet in the outer space subjected to white dwarf plasma becomes relevant to the case of a temperature at 0⁰c. Since singularity collapse concerning a Hot Big Bang, the edge of space- time fails. Irregular change of galaxies deals with a vacuum to exhibit spiral radio galaxies permeated by magnetic pressure. The expansion of universe can be extended rigorously to raise its temperature with the growing of a magnetic field as the singularity collapses at the point at infinity and the universe will become fall into ice as the temperature becomes true. Indeed, the configuration of the Sun leads to supernova explosion concerning the abundance of helium to become a neutron star.
The Association between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Demographic and Clinical Data in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients in Jeddah
Authors: Magadmi Rania , Bakedo Leyan , Abid Deema , Yaqoub Roaya , Darwish Eman , Khawjah Afrah
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major chronic systemic health concern that could develop macro- and microvascular complications. One of the commonest microvascular complications is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) which is a type of nerve damage caused by uncontrolled hyperglycemia of diabetic patients. DPN is one of the most common causes of reduction in life quality and disability in DM patients, as well as; it overload the national health care system. Finding a cost-effective, easy prognostic marker to early detect DPN could be an important step in prevention DM complications. Our research aimed to assess the association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and demographic and clinical data in diabetic neuropathy patients with average age of 60 years.

Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted on 133 patients by reviewing the data records over the period of 10 years from January 2012 to July 2022. The study was done at king Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, in the western region of KSA amongst diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients who are using either oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin with regular follow ups. 

Results: The study included a total of 133 patients with most of them being male i.e., 81 (61%). The mean age of the patients was 60(SD13.5) years. Approximately two-third of the patients 86(64.7%) had diabetes for more than 10 years. There was no significant association identified for gender, age group, nationality, and medication (p >0.05) with HbA1c or NLR. Moreover, there was no significant association between NLR and HbA1c categories.

Conclusion: In conclusion our study showed non-significant relationship between NLR and DPN among elderly diabetic patient at King Abdu al-aziz university hospital (KAUH).
Innovation in Isolation Preschool Children Learn English during Quarantine: Activity-based Crash Course for Parents in EFL Contexts
Authors: Ezzi Nemah Abdullah Ayash
Published: January 2023

This paper describes a short-term case study that explains, for parents, specifically Arab ones, how to exploit time and help their preschool children learn English during the quarantine period of COVID-19 crisis, which can be applied during any other crisis periods e.g. war. This study was conducted by the researcher herself who implemented different teaching approaches and various techniques to teach English to a four-year-old child. It explicates how early learning of EFL took place in different situations at home, and in contextualized contexts. A home-education model was adopted. The child learnt EFL in a very relaxed environment, viz. home, through natural activities, e.g. playing, singing, moving, drawing, coloring, and serving food. A sessional crash course was suggested and then used to teach English to the study's single case. Bilingual and activity-based approaches were used to teach this course. Data were collected from the steps of the child's learning within the five months of the quarantine period, i.e. the observation period. Processes and outcomes of early EFL learning were analyzed considering the child's learning of English at home, the natural activities done by the child, her use of English words in different situations, and her interaction with family members. It was concluded that parents can successfully teach English to their preschool children at home through using natural activities and can consequently motivate them for schools. Moreover, the suggested course really helped the child learn English, e.g. the alphabets, ten numbers, colors, food items, and performing a few functions, and thus it offers a deeper insight into early EFL learning.
Characteristics Associated With Refractory Course, Blindness, and Treatment Strategy–Related Outcomes in Patients With Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , van Beek Nina , Bühler Elena , Kochan Anne S. , Ranjbar Mahdy , Beissert Stefan , Zillikens Detlef , Günther Claudia , Schmidt Enno
Published: January 2023

Importance

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare and heterogeneous subepithelial autoimmune bullous disease with predominant mucosal involvement. Characteristics associated with the disease course and complications are yet to be delineated.

Objectives

To evaluate characteristics associated with refractory disease course and blindness among patients with MMP and to estimate the association of different treatment strategies with the prognostic outcome.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients diagnosed with MMP and followed up for more than 1 year from 2007 to 2020 in 2 tertiary referral centers. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Characteristics associated with refractory disease course and blindness were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

The study encompassed 121 patients with MMP (mean [SD] age, 66.0 [14.0] years; 78 (64.5%) were women), of whom 56 (46.3%) followed a refractory course and 13 (10.7%) developed blindness. Anti–LAD-1 IgA (odds ratio [OR], 3.42; 95% CI, 1.11-10.52; P = .03) and anti–dermal-epidermal/epithelial junction (DEJ) IgG (by indirect immunofluorescence on human salt-split skin; OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.26-6.78; P = .01) were significantly associated with refractory course. Development of blindness was associated with older age (≥68 years; OR, 6.38; 95% CI, 1.35-30.16; P = .009), initial presentation with bilateral ocular involvement (OR, 7.92; 95% CI, 2.04-30.68; P = .001), and scarring ocular lesions (OR, 5.11; 95% CI, 1.47-17.79; P = .006). However, 4 (30.8%) and 2 (15.4%) of those experiencing blindness had no ocular scarring lesions and unilateral ocular involvement at the onset of their disease, respectively. Patients progressing to blindness were more likely to be treated by 3 or more immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory drugs (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.17-14.14; P = .02) and by cyclophosphamide (OR, 7.64; 95% CI, 2.24-26.09; P < .001). Patients developing blindness and refractory course were more frequently managed by intravenous immunoglobulin (OR, 7.64; 95% CI, 2.24-26.09; P < .001 and OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.42-8.45; P = .005, respectively).

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings of this cohort study support that patients with MMP with anti–LAD-1 IgA and anti-DEJ IgG reactivity should be carefully monitored. While initial bilateral ocular disease and scarring ocular lesions were associated with blindness, patients initially presenting with unilateral and nonscarring ocular disease may still develop severe vision impairment.
Hydrofluoric Acid‐Removable Additive Optimizing Electrode Electrolyte Interphases with Li+ Conductive Moieties for 4.5 V Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Jiang Gaoxue , Liu Jiandong , He Jian , Wang Huaping , Qi Shihan , Huang Junda , Wu Daxiong , Ma Jianmin
Published: January 2023

High‐voltage lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are capable to achieve the increasing energy density. However, their cycling life is seriously affected by unstable electrolyte/electrode interfaces and capacity instability at high voltage. Herein, a hydrofluoric acid (HF)‐removable additive is proposed to optimize electrode electrolyte interphases for addressing the above issues. N, N‐dimethyl‐4‐(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolan‐2‐yl) aniline (DMPATMB) is used as the electrolyte additive to induce PF6− decomposition to form a dense and robust LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for suppressing Li dendrite growth. Moreover, DMPATMB can help to form highly Li+ conductive Li3N and LiBO2, which can boost the Li+ transport across SEI and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). In addition, DMPATMB can scavenge traced HF in the electrolyte to protect both SEI and CEI from the corrosion. As expected, 4.5 V Li|| LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 batteries with such electrolyte deliver 145 mAh g−1 after 140 cycles at 200 mA g−1. This work provides a novel insight into high‐voltage electrolyte additives for LMBs.
Super‐Resolution Detection of DNA Nanostructures Using a Nanopore
Authors: Chen Kaikai , Choudhary Adnan , Sandler Sarah E. , Maffeo Christopher , Ducati Caterina , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Keyser Ulrich F.
Published: January 2023

High‐resolution analysis of biomolecules has brought unprecedented insights into fundamental biological processes and dramatically advanced biosensing. Notwithstanding the ongoing resolution revolution in electron microscopy and optical imaging, only a few methods are presently available for high‐resolution analysis of unlabeled single molecules in their native states. Here, label‐free electrical sensing of structured single molecules with a spatial resolution down to single‐digit nanometers is demonstrated. Using a narrow solid‐state nanopore, the passage of a series of nanostructures attached to a freely translocating DNA molecule is detected, resolving individual nanostructures placed as close as 6 nm apart and with a surface‐to‐surface gap distance of only 2 nm. Such super‐resolution ability is attributed to the nanostructure‐induced enhancement of the electric field at the tip of the nanopore. This work demonstrates a general approach to improving the resolution of single‐molecule nanopore sensing and presents a critical advance towards label‐free, high‐resolution DNA sequence mapping, and digital information storage independent of molecular motors.
Coordinatively Stiffen and Toughen Hydrogels with Adaptable Crystal‐Domain Cross‐Linking
Authors: Xu Liju , Qiao Yan , Qiu Dong
Published: January 2023

Conventional hydrogels usually suffer from the inherent conflict between stiffness and toughness, severely hampering their applications as load‐bearing materials. Herein, an adaptable crystal‐domain cross‐linking design is reported to overcome this inherent trade‐off for hydrogels by taking full advantage of both deformation‐resisting and energy‐dissipating capacities of cross‐linking points. Through solvent exchange to homogenize the polymer network, followed by salting out to foster crystallization, a class of sal‐exogels with high number densities of uniform crystalline domains embedded in homogeneous networks is constructed. During the deformation, those adaptive crystalline domains initially survive to arrest deformation, while later gradually disentangle to efficiently dissipate energy, crucial to the realization of the desirable compatibility between stiffness and toughness. The resultant sal‐exogel achieves coordinatively enhanced stiffness (52.3 ± 2.7 MPa) and toughness (120.7 ± 11.7 kJ m−2), reconciling the challenging trade‐off between them. This finding provides a practical and universal route to design stiff and tough hydrogels and has a profound impact on many applications requiring hydrogels with such combined mechanical properties.
Nonanimal Euglena gracilis‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles Enhance Skin‐Regenerative Wound Healing
Authors: Ko Yuri , Baek Hwira , Hwang Jee‐Hyun , Kim Youngseok , Lim Kyung‐Min , Kim Junoh , Kim Jin Woong
Published: January 2023

This study proposes using microalgae‐containing carbohydrate bioactives, an Euglena gracilis‐derived extracellular microvesicle (EMVEG) system, for enhanced skin regeneration. The critical deformation ratio, 1.67, during cell extrusion enables the authors to tune the particle size of the EMVEG at ≈1 µm, thus satisfying the encapsulation yield of β‐1,3‐glucan and the cellular delivery performance. In vitro 5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine and cell scratch assays reveal that the EMVEG promotes the proliferation and migration of skin cells, thereby increasing both collagen synthesis and the expressions of proliferation‐associated proteins. An ex vivo wound‐healing test using both artificial and porcine skin reveals that similar to that seen using β‐1,3‐glucan, the EMVEG can substantially increase the cell population, expressing the proliferation‐related protein, termed proliferating cell nuclear antigen. These results demonstrate that the EMVEG system shows considerable potential in the field of skin regeneration. This technique is expected to design new types of extracellular vesicles that are applicable for skin regeneration in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Bulk Incorporation with 4‐Methylphenethylammonium Chloride for Efficient and Stable Methylammonium‐Free Perovskite and Perovskite‐Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Duong The , Nguyen Thuan , Huang Keqing , Pham Huyen , Adhikari Sunita Gautam , Khan Motiur Rahman , Duan Leiping , Liang Wensheng , Fong Kean Chern , Shen Heping , Bui Anh Dinh , Mayon Azul Osorio , Truong Thien , Tabi Grace , Ahmad Viqar , Surve Sachin , Tong Jingnan , Kho Teng , Tran‐Phu Thanh , Lu Teng , Zheng Jianghui , Paetzold Ulrich W. , Lemmer Uli , Baillie Anita Ho , Liu Yun , Andersson Gunther , White Thomas , Weber Klaus , Catchpole Kylie
Published: January 2023

Methylammonium (MA)‐free perovskite solar cells have the potential for better thermal stability than their MA‐containing counterparts. However, the efficiency of MA‐free perovskite solar cells lags behind due to inferior bulk quality. In this work, 4‐methylphenethylammonium chloride (4M‐PEACl) is added into a MA‐free perovskite precursor, which results in greatly enhanced bulk quality. The perovskite crystal grains are significantly enlarged, and defects are suppressed by a factor of four upon the incorporation of an optimal concentration of 4M‐PEACl. Quasi‐2D perovskites are formed and passivate defects at the grain boundaries of the perovskite crystals. Furthermore, the perovskite surface chemistry is modified, resulting in surface energies more favorable for hole extraction. This facile approach leads to a steady state efficiency of 23.7% (24.2% in reverse scan, 23.0% in forward scan) for MA‐free perovskite solar cells. The devices also show excellent light stability, retaining more than 93% of the initial efficiency after 1000 h of constant illumination in a nitrogen environment. In addition, a four‐terminal mechanically stacked perovskite‐silicon tandem solar cell with champion efficiency of 30.3% is obtained using this MA‐free composition. The encapsulated tandem devices show excellent operational stability, retaining more than 98% of the initial performance after 42 day/night cycles in an ambient atmosphere.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complex Enabled Decarboxylative Alkylation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and N‐Hydroxyphthalimide Esters with Na2S as a Catalytic Donor
Authors: Song Hai‐Yang , Zhang Zhuo‐Tao , Tan Hong‐Yu , Lu Yu‐Han , Yang Tian‐Bao , Chen Jin‐Yang , Ji Hong‐Tao , He Wei‐Min
Published: January 2023

We developed a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of various 3‐alkylated quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones (32 examples, 70%–96% yields) through electron donor‐acceptor complex enabled alkylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with N‐ hydroxyphthalimide esters as the alkyl source and Na2S as the catalytic electron donor under external photocatalyst‐, oxidant‐ and additive‐free conditions.
Syntheses, structures, and the in vitro anticancer mechanism of triorganotin (IV) complexes based on 4,4′‐stilbenedicarboxylic acid
Authors: Du Xiu‐Mei , Ma Jun‐Wei , Li Qian‐Li , Cheng Shuang , Cui Yu , Ma Chun‐Lin
Published: January 2023

Five triorganotin (IV) complexes, [(Ph3Sn)2L] (1) [(Me3Sn)2L]n (2), [(n‐Bu3Sn)2L]n (3), [(n‐Bu 3Sn)2L(4,4′‐bpy)]n (4), [(n‐Bu3Sn)2L(bpe)]n (5) [H2L = 4,4′‐stilbenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine, bpe = 4,4′‐vinylenedipyridine], were successfully prepared and structurally characterized by FT‐IR, elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, PXRD, and X‐ray crystallography. Complex 1 is a monomer containing two tin atoms, and 1D infinite chains can be formed between the monomers through CH···π interactions. Complexes 2 and 3 represent 2D network structures containing tetranuclear 38‐membered rings. Meanwhile, complexes 4 and 5 are 1D chain‐like structures and form the 2D network and 3D stereo structure via CH···O intermolecular interactions, respectively. The anticancer activities of the complexes were investigated against different cancer cells (A549, HeLa, and HepG‐2). Complexes 1 and 3–5 showed superior anticancer activity. Meanwhile, the anticancer mechanism of complex 1 was studied with the results that complex 1 can promote the production of excessive reactive oxygen species, induce mitochondrial membrane permeability depolarization, and release proapoptotic factors from mitochondria into the cytosol, followed by caspase‐3 activation, nuclei damage, and apoptosis. Excitingly, complex 1 also has good antimetastatic ability toward HepG‐2 cancer cells.
Halogen Bonding Channels for Magnetic Exchange in Cu(II) Complexes with 2,5‐Di(methylthio)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole
Authors: Lavrenova Ludmila G. , Ivanova Alina I. , Glinskaya Lyudmila A. , Artem'ev Alexander V. , Lavrov Alexander N. , Novikov Alexander S. , Abramov Pavel A.
Published: January 2023

Copper(II) complexes with 2,5‐bis(methylthio)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (tda) formulated as [Cu(tda)nX2] (n=2, X=Cl−, Br−, C2N3−; n= 1, X=C2N3−) have been isolated and fully characterized. The crystal structures of all compounds have been determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD). A study of the magnetic susceptibility in the range 1.77–300 K has shown that magnetic properties of the [Cu(tda)2Cl2] and [Cu(tda)2Br2] complexes match those of 1D chains of antiferromagnetically‐coupled Cu2+ ions. The intrachain interaction J in [Cu(tda)2Cl2] turns out to be ∼1.2 times weaker than in its bromide analogue. In its turn, [Cu(tda)2(C2N3)2] exhibits J being an order of magnitude smaller and of the opposite ferromagnetic sign. Halogen bonding (HB) between adjacent complexes is much stronger than the H‐bonds or π‐π interactions between tda ligands according to the DFT calculations.
Simulations of the M@TETelescope
Authors: Cuzco Josué , Torres Ibrahim , Sacahuí Rodrigo , González María M. , Alfaro Rubén , Pérez Yunior , Serna José , Bretz Thomas , Dorner Daniela
Published: January 2023

The M@TE (Monitoring at TeV Energies) project consists of the installation of a small Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescope (IACT) at the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional de San Pedro Mártir, Mexico, for long‐term monitoring of the TeV emission from blazars. M@TE has a similar design to the First G‐APD Cherenkov Telescope (FACT), featuring higher photon detection efficiency SiPM sensors and mechanical and electronics upgrades. In this work, simulations are used to assess M@TE's performance. FACT's simulation software was adapted to take into account M@TE's new features. This work presents the simulations as well as results on M@TE's angular resolution and energy reconstruction.
Community‐based postural control assessment in autistic individuals indicates a similar but delayed trajectory compared to neurotypical individuals
Authors: Fears Nicholas E. , Sherrod Gabriela M.c , Templin Tylan N. , Bugnariu Nicoleta L. , Patterson Rita M. , Miller Haylie L.
Published: January 2023

Autistic individuals exhibit significant sensorimotor differences. Postural stability and control are foundational motor skills for successfully performing many activities of daily living. In neurotypical development, postural stability and control develop throughout childhood and adolescence. In autistic development, previous studies have focused primarily on individual age groups (e.g., childhood, adolescence, adulthood) or only controlled for age using age‐matching. Here, we examined the age trajectories of postural stability and control in autism from childhood through adolescents using standardized clinical assessments. In study 1, we tested the postural stability of autistic (n = 27) and neurotypical (n = 41) children, adolescents, and young adults aged 7–20 years during quiet standing on a force plate in three visual conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and eyes open with the head in a translucent dome (Dome). Postural sway variability decreased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants showed greater variability than neurotypical participants across age. In study 2, we tested autistic (n = 21) and neurotypical (n = 32) children and adolescents aged 7–16 years during a dynamic postural control task with nine targets. Postural control efficiency increased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants were less efficient compared to neurotypical participants across age. Together, these results indicate that autistic individuals have a similar age trajectory for postural stability and control compared to neurotypical individuals, but have lower postural stability and control overall.
Advisory or monitoring role in ESG scenario: Which women directors are more influential in the Italian context?
Authors: Cambrea Domenico Rocco , Paolone Francesco , Cucari Nicola
Published: January 2023

Board composition has received increasingly more attention from scholars as an important determinant of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Two factors of board composition receive attention as they strongly relate to sustainability issues: gender diversity and board independence. The aim of this study is to test whether the presence of a critical mass of women in boardrooms correlates with firm ESG performance. In addition, we aim to study whether women receiving appointment as executive rather than nonexecutive directors may positively influence ESG performance. Using a sample of Italian companies listed on the Mercato Telematico Azionario during 2003–2019, the empirical results show that a critical mass of at least three female directors is necessary to improve ESG performance and that executive women directors represent a crucial component of board mechanisms, in terms of aligning the needs of stakeholders, since they increase ESG performance. Because the advising and monitoring functions impact firm value, we support the idea that female directors in strategic positions in the boardroom may benefit ESG performance. Thus, we support the idea of increasing women's presence on corporate boards and across executive leadership as a measure and a signal of how firms can respond to ESG challenges.
Usefulness of on‐site cytology of liver tumor biopsy in specimen sampling for cancer genomic profiling test
Authors: Nakabori Tasuku , Abe Yutaro , Higashi Sena , Mukai Kaori , Yoshioka Risa , Morimoto Yuki , Koyanagi Yuki , Tanada Satoshi , Nagata Shigenori , Honma Keiichiro , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2023

Aim

Appropriate sample selection with a tumor fraction ≥20% without necrosis contamination is required for successful cancer genomic profiling (CGP). Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) is performed to assess adequate sampling.

Method

This retrospective study included 54 patients who underwent CGP using liver tumor biopsy specimen with ROSE.

Result

The sampling success rate (98.1%) was higher than the previously reported 77.5%–88.9%. ROSE was performed once in 51 patients and twice in three patients; for those undergoing ROSE twice, the first ROSE was negative for malignancy, or showed few tumor cells with necrotic cell contamination, while the second ROSE obtained from another location showed abundant malignant cells. In these patients, the CGP was successful using the second specimen, though the first sample did not meet the required criteria for CGP test.

Conclusion

Performing ROSE during liver tumor biopsy may be useful for CGP test sampling because ROSE prevents sampling errors and contributes to adequate sampling.
Survival benefit stratification of partial nephrectomy versus non‐surgical treatment in elderly patients with T1a renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tang Yaxiong , Wu Kan , Hu Xu , Liu Yang , Yang Weixiao , Li Xiang
Published: January 2023

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of stage T1a has been proven to be of low‐grade malignancy and mostly affects elderly individuals with relatively limited life expectancy. However, research on the survival benefit of surgery relative to non‐surgical treatment (NST) is limited. The aim of the study was to investigate the survival difference between partial nephrectomy (PN) and NST and to establish a benefit stratification model for elderly patients (≥70 years) diagnosed with T1a RCC.

Patients and Methods

Patients diagnosed with non‐metastatic T1a RCC who received PN or NST were identified from the SEER database during 2004–2015. Before survival analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and subgroup analyses were used to identify favorable factors of PN. Independent factors of survival were recognized by multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Patients diagnosed with non‐metastatic T1a RCC who received PN or NST were identified from the SEER database during 2004–2015. Before survival analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and subgroup analyses were used to identify favorable factors of PN. Independent factors of survival were recognized by multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the survival benefit of PN could be stratified based on the clinical characteristics in patients with stage T1a RCC aged 70 years or older, which may help physicians and patients optimize clinical decisions.
Medicaid expansions and differences in guideline‐adherent cervical cancer screening between American Indian and White women
Authors: Gartner Danielle R. , Islam Jessica Y. , Margerison Claire E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Although preventable through screening, cervical cancer incidence and mortality are higher among American Indian and Alaska Native women (AIAN) than White women. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Medicaid expansions may uniquely impact access and use of cervical cancer screening among AIAN women and ultimately alleviate this disparity.

Methods

Using Medicaid eligible AIAN (N = 4681) and White (N = 57,661) women aged 18–64 years from the 2010–2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we implemented difference‐in‐differences regression to estimate the association between the Medicaid expansions and guideline‐adherent cervical cancer screening and health care coverage.

Results

The Medicaid expansions were not associated with guideline‐adherent cervical cancer screening (AIAN: −1 percentage point [ppt] [95% confidence interval, CI: −4, 2 ppts]; White: 3 ppts [95% CI: −0, 6 ppts]), but were associated with a 2 ppt increase (95% CI: 0, 4 ppt) in having had a pap test in the last 5 years among White women. The Medicaid expansions were also associated with increases in having a health plan (AIAN: 5 ppts [95% CI: 1, 9]; White: 11 ppts [95% CI: 7, 15]) and decreases in avoiding medical care due to costs (AIAN: −8 ppts [95% CI: −13, −2]; White: −6 ppts [95% CI: −9, −4]).

Conclusions

While we observed improvements in health care coverage, we did not observe changes to guideline‐adherent cervical cancer screening following the ACA's Medicaid expansions. Given the disproportionate burden of cervical cancer among AIAN women, identifying ways to improve cervical cancer screening uptake and delivery should be prioritized to reduce preventable deaths.
Discovery of Novel 3,11‐Bispeptide Ester Arenobufagin Derivatives with Potential in Vivo Antitumor Activity and Reduced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Tang Wenmin , Zhang Yanming , Yang Keli , Ma Jianjiang , Dong Lian , Wu Chen , Lv Rongxue , Wang Chuanhao , Luo Chuan , Zhang Huojun , Miao Zhenyuan , Wu Yuelin
Published: January 2023

Arenobufagin, one of the bufadienolides isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Chan'su, exhibits potent antitumor activity. However, serious toxicity and small therapeutic window limits its drug development. In the present study, to our knowledge, novel 3,11‐bispeptide ester arenobufagin derivatives have been firstly designed and synthesized on the base of our previous discovery of active 3‐monopeptide ester derivative. The in vitro antiproliferative activity evaluation revealed that the moiety at C3 and C11 hydroxy had an important influence on cytotoxic activity and selectivity. Compound ZM350 notably inhibited tumor growth by 58.8 % at a dose 10 mg/kg in an A549 nude mice xenograft model. Therefore, compound ZM350 also presented a concentration‐dependent apoptosis induction and low inhibitory effect against both hERG potassium channel and Cav1.2 calcium channel. Our study suggests that novel 3,11‐bispeptide ester derivatives will be a potential benefit to further antitumor agent development of arenobufagin.
Percent body fat, but not body mass index, is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents
Authors: He Xin , Zhu Zhenni , Zang Jiajie , Wang Zhengyuan , Liao Ping , Wang Wenjing , Shi Yan , Fu Chen
Published: January 2023

Background

The epidemic of overweight and obesity has become a worldwide public health problem. Cardiometabolic diseases may originate in childhood. We investigated the association between percent body fat (PBF) measured by the bioelectrical impedance assay and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in pediatrics.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 3819 subjects (6–17 years old) in Shanghai. We assessed the association between PBF and body mass index (BMI) with multiple CMR factors. We examined the risk for cardiometabolic abnormalities attributable to overweight and obesity based on age‐ and sex‐specific PBF Z‐scores and BMI Z‐scores, respectively.

Results

PBF, but not BMI, was positively associated with multiple CMR factors in males and females except for total cholesterol in females (all p < 0.05). Compared with the non‐overweight group based on PBF, overweight and obese subjects had increasingly higher odds ratio of dyslipidemia (2.90 (1.99–4.23), 4.59 (2.88–7.32) for males and 1.82 (1.20–2.75), 2.46 (1.47–4.11) for females) and elevated blood pressure (BP) (3.26 (2.35–4.51), 4.55 (2.92–7.09) for males and 1.59 (1.07–2.34), 3.98 (2.27–6.17) for females). Obesity females showed a higher likelihood for hyperglycemia (2.19 (1.24–3.84)) than non‐overweight females. In both sexes, the predictive effect of PBF on dyslipidemia and elevated BP in adolescents was better than that in children. For hyperglycemia, the predictive effect of PBF was better in male adolescents and female children. There was no risk difference for cardiometabolic abnormalities attributable to BMI‐based obesity categories.

Conclusions

PBF but not BMI was associated with CMR. Overweight and obesity categories based on PBF had an increased risk for cardiometabolic abnormalities in children and adolescents.
Direct 0D‐3D coupling of a lattice Boltzmann methodology for fluid–structure aortic flow simulations
Authors: Wei Heng , Amlani Faisal , Pahlevan Niema M.
Published: January 2023

This work introduces a numerical approach and implementation for the direct coupling of arbitrary complex ordinary differential equation‐ (ODE‐)governed zero‐dimensional (0D) boundary conditions to three‐dimensional (3D) lattice Boltzmann‐based fluid–structure systems for hemodynamics studies. In particular, a most complex configuration is treated by considering a dynamic left ventricle‐ (LV‐)elastance heart model which is governed by (and applied as) a nonlinear, non‐stationary hybrid ODE‐Dirichlet system. Other ODE‐based boundary conditions, such as lumped parameter Windkessel models for truncated vasculature, are also considered. Performance studies of the complete 0D‐3D solver, including its treatment of the lattice Boltzmann fluid equations and elastodynamics equations as well as their interactions, is conducted through a variety of benchmark and convergence studies that demonstrate the ability of the coupled 0D‐3D methodology in generating physiological pressure and flow waveforms—ultimately enabling the exploration of various physical and physiological parameters for hemodynamics studies of the coupled LV‐arterial system. The methods proposed in this paper can be easily applied to other ODE‐based boundary conditions as well as to other fluid problems that are modeled by 3D lattice Boltzmann equations and that require direct coupling of dynamic 0D boundary conditions.
Internet of things based smart application for rice leaf disease classification using optimization integrated deep maxout network
Authors: Shanmugam Vimala , Madhusudhana Rao Telu Venkata , Rao Hanumantu Joga , Maram Balajee
Published: January 2023

Rice is the major crop in India. Early prevention and timely identification of plant leaf diseases are important for increasing production. Hence, an effective sunflower earthworm algorithm and student psychology based optimization (SEWA‐SPBO) based deep maxout network is developed to classify different types of diseases in rice plant leaf. The SEWA is the combination of sunflower optimization (SFO) and earthworm algorithm (EWA). Initially, the network nodes simulated in the environment capture the plant leaf images and are routed to the sink node for disease classification. After receiving the plant images at the sink node, the image is preprocessed using a Gaussian filter. Next to preprocessing, segmentation using the black hole entropic fuzzy clustering (BHEFC) mechanism is performed. Then, data augmentation is applied to segmented image results and disease classification is done by a deep maxout network. The training of the deep maxout network is done using the proposed SEWA‐SPBO algorithm. The proposed method detects the leaf disease more accurately with limited time and shows higher accuracy. Moreover, the proposed method attains higher performance with metrics, like accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity as 93.626%, 94.626%, and 90.431%, respectively.
Approximate execution and grouping of critical sections for performance‐accuracy tradeoff
Authors: Altuntaş Zuhal , Arslan Sanem , Boz Betul
Published: January 2023

Approximate computing enhances the performance and energy efficiency of applications, while still achieving acceptable accuracy. Some of the multithreaded applications can tolerate the accuracy loss when critical sections are approximately executed, which in turn will eliminate the synchronization overhead of these applications and increase their performance. In this study, our objective is to explore the behavior of the critical sections and selectively skip the ones yielding performance improvements with an acceptable accuracy loss. We have observed the behavior of 62 critical sections of 4 selected applications. We have grouped them depending on their effects on program execution and skipped or approximated them accordingly. Our experimental study indicates that skipping 76% of the critical sections offers 2.5 performance gain with 16% accuracy loss for Raytrace whereas 1.4 performance improvement with 17% accuracy loss is obtained for Radiosity on average when 36% of the critical sections are skipped. For Water_NSquared the performance gain is 1.1 with 9% accuracy loss on average with 79% of critical sections skipped. For the Ocean_CP application we see a performance improvement of 1.6 with accuracy loss 1% when we skip 38% of critical sections.
Interphase Engineering for Stabilizing Ni‐Rich Cathode in Lithium‐Ion Batteries by a Nucleophilic Reaction‐Based Additive
Authors: Zheng Wei‐Chen , Huang Zheng , Shi Chen‐Guang , Deng Yaping , Wen Zi‐Hao , Li Zhen , Chen Hui , Chen Zhongwei , Huang Ling , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: January 2023

Ni‐rich cathode materials are considered promising candidates for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries because of their high energy density and low cost. However, interphase failure at the surface of Ni‐rich cathodes negatively impacts cycling performance, making it challenging to meet the requirements of long‐term applications. In this study, a strategy is developed to improve interphase properties through introduction of a nucleophilic reaction‐based additive, using an appropriate amount of the inducer lithium isopropoxide (LIP) in the commercial electrolyte to achieve long‐term cycling stability of Li||LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 (NCM83) cells. This strategy enables Li||NCM83 cells to maintain a capacity of 148.7 mAh g−1 with a retention of 83.3 % even after 500 cycles. This outstanding cycling stability is attributed to a robust cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) constructed on NCM83 surface LIP‐induce ring‐opening polymerization of ethylene carbonate (EC). As a result, the organic‐inorganic components of the CEI effectively constrain gas evolution and the corresponding phase transformation behavior. Furthermore, the CEI also suppresses microcrack formation and eventually sustains the Ni valence and coordination environment at high voltage.
Establishing connectivity patterns of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) on regional oceanographic scales
Authors: Powers Sean P. , Roman Henry , Meixner Jessica , Wirasaet Damrongsak , Brus Steven , Fricano Gail , Westerink Joannes
Published: January 2023

Localized depletion of marine and estuarine populations often results from large‐scale natural and anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills) as well as overharvest of fisheries resources. Understanding how such localized depletions may affect populations at larger regional scales requires knowledge of connectivity among local populations within the larger regional landscape or metapopulation. Efforts to restore populations following such decreases require similar knowledge. During the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, dramatic declines of oysters occurred throughout estuaries west and east of the Mississippi River. We examined trajectories of particles, which were parameterized to mimic oyster larvae, using the ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC; https://adcirc.org) model to evaluate potential connectivity within and among embayments from Western Louisiana to Alabama. Patterns of larval settlement, which we defined as the intersection of a larval particle with known or expected oyster habitat at any point 13–21 days post‐release, reflected much greater local contributions, with 50%–90% of settled particles originating within the same subdivision of embayments. Exchange among subdivision was much less (0%–40%) and settlement originating from outside the embayment of release was trivial under most scenarios (0%–14%). Connectivity between adjacent basins was greatest for larvae released in the southern portions of the embayment, whereas connectivity among nonadjacent basins was not predicted under the scenarios modeled. Because most local populations are relatively isolated on ecological timescales, areas suffering from extensive local depletion are likely to require extensive time to recover due to the lack of larval subsidy from the overall regional population. Restoration would require building stepping‐stone populations or reefs within and among basin to restore a high degree of connectivity.
Large shifts of niche and range in the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), an aquatic invasive species
Authors: Yang Rujing , Cao Runyao , Gong Xiang , Feng Jianmeng
Published: January 2023

Niche and range shifts of invasive species are essential in assessing the risk of biological invasions and developing ecological niches and species distribution theories. Studies on invasive aquatic species' niche and range shifts have important implications for conserving aquatic invasive ecosystems. Here we used niche and range dynamic models to explore niche and range shifts of the golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, one of the world's most invasive aquatic species. The major factors responsible for P. canaliculata niche shifts in native and invaded regions were minimum temperature of the coldest month and precipitation in the warmest quarter. The niche and range of invasive P. canaliculata snails were not conserved relative to their native counterparts and had a broader niche and larger range, which are consistent with the findings that invasive P. canaliculata snails could survive in colder, hotter, drier, and wetter climates. Given that niche nonconservatism could result in range nonconservatism and small increases in niche breadth could induce large range expansions, niche shifts might provide a more sensitive indicator of invasion risk than range shifts. In contrast to most invasive species that show conservatism of their native niches, we observed high niche lability between the P. canaliculata snails in the native and invaded regions. Our findings indicate that the golden apple snail is a high‐risk invasive aquatic species for its ability to aggressively proliferate through its rapid reproduction rate, fast growth as suggested by previous studies, and also for its highly labile niches and ranges, which facilitates adaptation to the climate of the introduced regions.
Correction factor for determining mean velocity of shallow flow on rough surfaces under varying inundation conditions using dye tracer method
Authors: Fan Dengxing , Yu Xinxiao , Jia Guodong , Zheng Pengfei , Wu Ningshan
Published: January 2023

Accurate estimation of mean flow velocity is crucial for hydraulics and soil erosion studies. A correction factor (α) is required to convert flow surface velocity to mean velocity when using the dye tracer method. However, the determination of an appropriate α value is challenging and little information is available about how α varies with progressive inundation conditions, especially for rough surfaces with protruding roughness elements (e.g., stones). Therefore, laboratory experiments were conducted in a flume with sandpaper (SD) and stones (ST) surfaces to investigate the impact of roughness elements on the correction factor with varying inundation conditions. The results showed that using a single α value is inappropriate for rough surfaces. The correction factor was positively correlated with the Reynolds number and is controlled by flow regimes as well. Moreover, the impacts of inundation conditions as well as protruding roughness elements should be taken into account for determining α. Correction factor varied non‐monotonically with inundation ratio, depending on the progressive inundation status of protruding roughness elements. The developed equations introducing the inundation ratio performed well in predicting α, with R2 = 0.86 and NSE = 0.91. The results contribute to our understanding of measuring mean flow velocity using the dye tracer method.