bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEEBS: Nonexpert large‐scale environment building system for deep neural network
Authors: Tajima Yoshiharu , Asaoka Masahiro , Tabuchi Akihiro , Kasagi Akihiko , Tabaru Tsuguchika
Published: November 2022

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have greatly improved the accuracy of various tasks in areas such as natural language processing (NLP). Obtaining a highly accurate DNN model requires multiple repetitions of training on a huge dataset, which requires a large‐scale cluster the compute nodes of which are tightly connected by high‐speed interconnects to exchange a large amount of intermediate data with very short latency. However, fully using the computational power of a large‐scale cluster for training requires knowledge of its components such as a distributed file system, an interconnection, and optimized high‐performance libraries. We have developed a Non‐Expert large‐scale Environment Building System (NEEBS) that aids a user in building a fast‐running training environment on a large‐scale cluster. It automatically installs and configures the applications and necessary libraries. It also optimally prepares tools to stage both data and executable programs, and launcher scripts suitable for both the applications and job submission systems of the cluster. NEEBS achieves 93.91% throughput scalability in NLP pretraining. We also present an approach to reduce pretraining time of highly accurate DNN model for NLP using a large‐scale computation environment built using NEEBS. We trained a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT)‐3.9b and a BERT‐xlarge using a dense masked language model (MLM) on Megatron‐LM framework and evaluated the improvement in learning time and learning efficiency for a Japanese language dataset using 768 graphics processing units (GPUs) on the AI Bridging Cloud Infrastructure (ABCI). Our implementation NEEBS improved learning efficiency per iteration by a factor of 10 and completed the pretraining of BERT‐xlarge in 4.7 h. This pretraining takes 5 months on a single GPU. To determine if the BERT models are correctly pretrained, we evaluated their accuracy in two tasks, Stanford Natural Language Inference Corpus translated into Japanese (JSNLI) and Twitter reputation analysis (TwitterRA). BERT‐3.9b achieved 94.30% accuracy for JSNLI, and BERT‐xlarge achieved 90.63% accuracy for TwitterRA. We constructed pretrained models with comparable accuracy to other Japanese BERT models in a shorter time.
Coal rock image recognition method based on improved CLBP and receptive field theory
Authors: Sun Chuanmeng , Xu Ruijia , Wang Chong , Ma Tiehua , Chen Jiaxin
Published: November 2022

Rapid coal‐rock identification is one of the key technologies for intelligent and unmanned coal mining. Currently, the existing image recognition algorithms cannot satisfy practical needs in terms of recognition speed and accuracy. In view of the evident differences between coal and rock in visual attributes such as color, gloss and texture, the complete local binary pattern (CLBP) image feature descriptor is introduced for coal and rock image recognition. Given that the original algorithm oversimplifies local texture features by ignoring imaging information from higher‐order pixels and the concave and convex areas between adjacent sampling points, this paper proposes a higher‐order differential median CLBP image feature descriptor to replace the original CLBP center pixel gray with a local gray median, and replace the binary differential with a second‐order differential. Meanwhile, for the high dimensionality of CLBP descriptor histogram and feature redundancy, deep learning perceptual field theory is introduced to realize data nonlinear dimensionality reduction and deep feature extraction. With relevant experiments conducted, the following conclusion can be drawn: (1) Compared with that of the original CLBP, the recognition accuracy of the improved CLBP algorithm is greatly improved and finally stabilized above 94.3% under strong noise interference; (2) Compared with that of the original CLBP model, the single image recognition time of the coal rock image recognition model fusing the improved CLBP and the receptive field theory is 0.0035 s, a reduction of 71.0%; compared with the improved CLBP model (without the fusion of receptive field theory), it can shorten the recognition time by 97.0%, but the accuracy rate still maintains more than 98.5%. The method offers a valuable technical reference for the fields of mineral development and deep mining.
Daily weight stigma experiences, and disordered and intuitive eating behaviors among young adults with body dissatisfaction
Authors: Romano Kelly A. , Heron Kristin E.
Published: November 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to extend naturalistic weight stigma research by examining the following aims among young adults with body dissatisfaction and varied body mass indices (BMIs): (1) characterize the frequency of individuals' daily weight stigma experiences, and contextual variations, over a 14‐day period; (2) examine whether BMI moderated daily associations between weight stigma experiences relative to eating disorder symptoms and intuitive eating behaviors.

Method

Women (n = 174) and men (n = 24) completed a 14‐day daily diary protocol. Concurrent and time‐lagged multilevel models examined associations between daily weight stigma, and eating disorder and intuitive eating behaviors among women only due to the small subsample of men.

Results

Over the 14‐day assessment, 43.94% (n = 87) of participants experienced weight stigma. Weight stigma rates varied based on how, where, and by whom weight stigma was expressed, and via BMI. Further, among women, multiple concurrent within‐person associations were identified between women's daily weight stigma experiences and daily eating disorder symptoms (skipping meals, binge eating, and body dissatisfaction). Time‐lagged associations also showed that women's weight stigma experiences on a given day were associated with a greater likelihood that they would limit the amount of food they consumed the next day. These associations did not differ via women's BMIs.

Discussion

Collectively, these findings provide important information on how weight stigma experiences unfold in daily life among individuals with body dissatisfaction and varied BMIs, and the proximal and more enduring impact of women's daily weight stigma experiences on their use of multiple adverse eating behaviors that can promote poor health.

Public Significance

The present findings provide important information on how, where, and by whom weight stigma experiences unfold in daily life among young adults with body dissatisfaction and varied body weights, as well as the proximal and more enduring impact of women's daily weight stigma experiences on their use of a variety of adverse eating behaviors that can promote poor health.
Use of Mendelian randomization to evaluate the effect of atrial fibrillation on cardiovascular diseases and cardiac death
Authors: Hu Mengjin , Tan Jiangshan , Yang Jingang , Gao Xiaojin , Yang Yuejin
Published: November 2022

Aims

Several observational studies indicated that atrial fibrillation might aggravate other cardiovascular diseases apart from ischaemic stroke. However, it remains to be determined whether these associations reveal independent causation. Using Mendelian randomization (MR), we systematically investigated how genetically predicted atrial fibrillation affected other cardiovascular diseases and cardiac death.

Methods and results

Summary‐level data for atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular diseases were obtained from public genome‐wide association study data. The random inverse‐variance weighted method was treated as the primary analysis. Sensitivity analyses (including weighted median, MR‐Egger, and multivariable MR methods) were also performed. Atrial fibrillation was significantly associated with higher risks of heart failure [odds ratio (OR): 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–1.28; P < 0.001], ischaemic stroke (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.17–1.25; P < 0.001), transient ischaemic attack (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.05–1.15; P < 0.001), peripheral artery diseases (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03–1.15; P = 0.002), cardiac death (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02–1.15; P = 0.008), and hypertension (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01–1.11; P = 0.010), without effects on coronary heart disease or pulmonary embolism. Associations for heart failure and ischaemic stroke remained robust to the sensitivity analyses. MR‐Egger method (P > 0.05) and funnel plot yielded no indication of directional pleiotropy. The leave‐one‐out analysis suggested that the causal associations were not driven by individual single nucleotide polymorphism.

Conclusions

This comprehensive MR analysis verified the causal associations between atrial fibrillation and high risks of heart failure, ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, peripheral artery diseases, cardiac death, and hypertension. Interventions to reduce cardiovascular diseases beyond ischaemic stroke are warranted in patients with atrial fibrillation.
The effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with end‐stage renal disease and heart failure
Authors: Lin Donna Shu‐Han , Lin Fang‐Ju , Lin Yu‐Sheng , Lee Jen‐Kuang , Lin Yen‐Hung
Published: November 2022

Aims

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been shown to provide survival benefits in patients with heart failure; however, MRA use in patients with chronic kidney disease has been limited by safety concerns. The effects of MRAs on outcomes in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and heart failure remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of MRAs on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure under maintenance dialysis in a real‐world setting.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by collecting data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients diagnosed with heart failure and ESRD and who started maintenance dialysis between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2013 were identified. Patients were grouped according to MRA prescription. The outcomes of interest included cardiovascular (CV) death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), all‐cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischaemic stroke, any coronary revascularization procedures, and new‐onset hyperkalaemia. Propensity score matching was performed at a 1:3 ratio between MRA users and non‐users to minimize selection bias. A total of 50 872 patients who satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. After 1:3 matching, 2176 patients were included in the MRA group, and 6528 patients were included in the non‐MRA group. The risk of CV death was significantly lower among patients who received MRAs than those who did not (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–0.95), as was the risk of all‐cause mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83–0.94). Reductions in the risks of CV death and all‐cause mortality were more prominent among patients undergoing haemodialysis and those with coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing regular dialysis who are diagnosed with heart failure, the use of MRAs is associated with lower risks of all‐cause mortality and CV death. The benefits of MRA treatment in heart failure may persist in patients with ESRD. Further investigations through randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of MRAs in this high‐risk population.
Sequencing and titrating approach of therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction following the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines: an international cardiology survey
Authors: Fauvel Charles , Bonnet Guillaume , Mullens Wilfried , Giraldo Clara Ines Saldarriaga , Mežnar Anja Zupan , Barasa Anders , Tokmakova Mariya , Shchendrygina Anastasia , Costa Francisco Moscoso , Mapelli Massimo , Zemrak Filip , Tops Laurens F. , Jakus Nina , Sultan Arian , Bahouth Fadel , Hadjseyd Chahr‐eddine , Salvat Muriel , Anselmino Matteo , Messroghli Daniel , Weberndörfer Vanessa , Giverts Ilya , Bochaton Thomas , Courand Pierre Yves , Berthelot Emmanuelle , Legallois Damien , Beauvais Florence , Bauer Fabrice , Lamblin Nicolas , Damy Thibaud , Girerd Nicolas , Sebbag Laurent , Pezel Théo , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Rosano Giuseppe , Roubille François , Mewton Nathan
Published: November 2022

Aims

In symptomatic patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), recent international guidelines recommend initiating four major therapeutic classes rather than sequential initiation. It remains unclear how this change in guidelines is perceived by practicing cardiologists versus heart failure (HF) specialists.

Methods and results

An independent academic web‐based survey was designed by a group of HF specialists and posted by email and through various social networks to a broad community of cardiologists worldwide 1 year after the publication of the latest European HF guidelines. Overall, 615 cardiologists (38 [32–47] years old, 63% male) completed the survey, of which 58% were working in a university hospital and 26% were HF specialists. The threshold to define HFrEF was ≤40% for 61% of the physicians. Preferred drug prescription for the sequential approach was angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors first (74%), beta‐blockers second (55%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists third (52%), and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (53%) fourth. Eighty‐four percent of participants felt that starting all four classes was feasible within the initial hospitalization, and 58% felt that titration is less important than introducing a new class. Age, status in training, and specialization in HF field were the principal characteristics that significantly impacted the answers.

Conclusion

In a broad international cardiology community, the ‘historical approach’ to HFrEF therapies remains the preferred sequencing approach. However, accelerated introduction and uptitration are also major treatment goals. Strategy trials in treatment guidance are needed to further change practices.
Synthesis of Naphthyridine and Azepine Backbones through Formal [4+3] and [4+2] Annulation via Cascade Ring‐Opening/Cyclization Reaction of 2H‐Azirines
Authors: Darbandizadeh Shahab A. , Amiri Kamran , Rominger Frank , Balalaie Saeed
Published: November 2022

A zinc‐mediated cascade ring‐opening cyclization of 2H‐azirines and enolized‐o‐alkenylquinoline carbaldehydes for the synthesis of naphthyridine and azepine skeletons has been disclosed. The regioselectivity of the reaction can be switched from a seven‐ to a six‐membered ring by shifting from two‐ to monosubstituted 2H‐azirine. This transformation involves the construction of two C=C and C=N double bonds. This report describes 2H‐azirine‐dependent cascade annulation in formal [4+3], and [4+2] cyclization reactions.
Determination of layer morphology of rough layers in organic light emitting diodes by X‐ray reflectivity
Authors: Sachs Ian , Fuhrmann Marc , Deferme Wim , Möbius Hildegard
Published: November 2022

X‐ray reflectivity (XRR) has been proven to be a useful tool to investigate thin layers as well as buried interfaces in stacks built of very thin layers. Nevertheless, x‐ray reflectivity measurements are limited by the roughness of the layers and interfaces as the roughness destroys the interference structure, the so‐called Kiessig fringes. As investigations of thin layers in organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) are still subject of research and development, the focus of this paper is the investigation of a layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) which serves as transparent anode material in OLEDs. Due to the fabrication process, ITO shows rough surface structures, so‐called spikes, hindering the determination of the ITO layer thickness and roughness in XRR measurements. In this paper, it is theoretically and experimentally proven that a smoothing layer on the ITO enables the determination of the buried ITO layer thickness and roughness as well as the density of the spikes. Furthermore, a sputtered aluminum layer (e.g. cathode material) showing spikes in atomic force microscopy covered with a smoothing layer reveals Kiessig fringes allowing the determination of the density of buried spikes. In general, it is shown that a smoothing layer on a rough surface enhances the sensitivity of x‐ray reflectivity measurements.
Phosphorous‐nitrogen‐boron decorated graphene hybrid for flame retardancy enhancement of epoxy resin
Authors: Li Li , Xi Hui , Yang Jing , Xiao Ting , Zuo Rui , Xu Xueqing , Yang Yaoxia , Yang Zhiwang , Lei Ziqiang
Published: November 2022

Soaring development in widely applicable materials raises an urgent demand to develop high‐performance epoxy resin (EP) materials combining superior flame retardancy, smoke suppression and mechanical properties. Phosphorus, boron and nitrogen‐containing flame retardants are high potential environmental‐friendly flame‐retardant additives in polymer manufacturing owing to their low toxicity, molecular diversity, and efficient flame resistance. In this paper, a novel additive flame retardant of RGO‐HCCP@MPB compound was fabricated which involved the functionalization of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP), and the simple complexing RGO‐HCCP with melamine phosphate borate (MPB). The prepared RGO‐HCCP@MPB was then directly mixed with EP matrix to evaluate its flame resistance. It found that the addition of RGO‐HCCP@MPB obviously inhibited the heat release and smoke emission behaviors of EP matrix during combustion. With 5 wt% addition of RGO‐HCCP@MPB in EP, the LOI value of EP/RGO‐HCCP@MPB reached up to 28.4%, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and the total heat release (THR) decreased by 61.1% and 30.5% compared to neat EP, respectively. Furthermore, the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the EP/RGO‐HCCP@MPB were also promoted compared with that of the pure EP. The flame‐retardant mechanism shows that elements of boron (B), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in RGO‐HCCP@MPB compound play a synergistic role in the enhancement of the flame retardancy of EP in a combustion.
Public drug insurance, moral hazard and children's use of mental health medication: Latent mental health risk‐specific responses to lower out‐of‐pocket treatment costs
Authors: Furzer Jill , Isabelle Maripier , Miloucheva Boriana , Laporte Audrey
Published: November 2022

Studies have shown that reducing out‐of‐pocket costs can lead to higher medication initiation rates in childhood. Whether the cost of such initiatives is inflated by moral hazard issues remains a question of concern. This paper looks to the implementation of a public drug insurance program in Québec, Canada, to investigate potential low‐benefit consumption in children. Using a nationally representative longitudinal sample, we harness machine learning techniques to predict a child's risk of developing a mental health disorder. Using difference‐in‐differences analyses, we then assess the impact of the drug program on children's mental health medication uptake across the distribution of predicted mental health risk. Beyond showing that eliminating out‐of‐pocket costs led to a 3 percentage point increase in mental health drug uptake, we show that demand responses are concentrated in the top two deciles of risk for developing mental health disorders. These higher‐risk children increase take‐up of mental health drugs by 7–8 percentage points. We find even stronger effects for stimulants (8–11 percentage point increases among the highest risk children). Our results suggest that reductions in out‐of‐pocket costs could achieve better uptake of mental health medications, without inducing substantial low‐benefit care among lower‐risk children.
Exploring Photoredox‐Catalyzed (Re)functionalizations with Core‐Modified Benziodoxolones
Authors: Amos Stephanie G. E. , Le Vaillant Franck , Waser Jerome
Published: November 2022

Alkynes and nitriles are valuable building blocks in organic synthesis and also have multiple applications in chemical biology and materials science. Due to the high availability of tertiary alcohols, developing methods for their conversion into alkynes and nitriles is particularly attractive. In a previous communication, our group has reported the conversion of alcohols into alkynes through cesium oxalates based on the powerful combination of photochemistry with Ethynyl BenziodoXolones (EBXs). Herein, we report further investigations into this transformation, including our findings on the effect that backbone modification of EBXs has on the deoxyalkynylation of cesium oxalates. In addition, we disclose preliminary data on the development of new deoxycyanation and dethioalkynylation processes. We also report the serendipitous discovery of the C−H alkynylation of 1,2‐dichloroethane.
DNA methylation landscape of tumor‐associated macrophages reveals pathways, transcription factors and prognostic value relevant to triple‐negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Hey Joschka , Halperin Coral , Hartmann Mark , Mayer Shimrit , Schönung Maximilian , Lipka Daniel B. , Scherz‐Shouval Ruth , Plass Christoph
Published: November 2022

The accumulation of myeloid cells, particularly tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), characterizes the tumor microenvironment (TME) of many solid cancers, including breast cancer. Compared to healthy tissue‐resident macrophages, TAMs acquire distinct transcriptomes and tumor‐promoting functions by largely unknown mechanisms. Here, we hypothesize the involvement of TME signaling and subsequent epigenetic reprogramming of TAMs. Using the 4T1 mouse model of triple‐negative breast cancer, we demonstrate that the presence of cancer cells significantly alters the DNA methylation landscape of macrophages and, to a lesser extent, bone marrow‐derived monocytes (BMDMs). TAM methylomes, dissected into BMDM‐originating and TAM‐specific epigenetic programs, implicated transcription factors (TFs) and signaling pathways involved in TAM reprogramming, correlated with cancer‐specific gene expression patterns. Utilizing published single‐cell gene expression data, we linked microenvironmentally‐derived signals to the cancer‐specific DNA methylation landscape of TAMs. These integrative analyses highlighted the role of altered cytokine production in the TME (eg, TGF‐β, IFN‐γ and CSF1) on the induction of specific TFs (eg, FOSL2, STAT1 and RUNX3) responsible for the epigenetic reprogramming of TAMs. DNA methylation deconvolution identified a TAM‐specific signature associated with the identified signaling pathways and TFs, corresponding with severe tumor grade and poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Similarly, immunosuppressive TAM functions were identified, such as induction of the immune inhibitory receptor‐ligand PD‐L1 by DNA hypomethylation of Cd274. Collectively, these results provide strong evidence that the epigenetic landscapes of macrophages and monocytes are perturbed by the presence of breast cancer, pointing to molecular mechanisms of TAM reprogramming, impacting patient outcomes.
Molecular prediction of clinical response to anti‐PD‐1/anti‐PD‐L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors: New perspectives for precision medicine and mass spectrometry‐based investigations
Authors: Longuespée Rémi , Theile Dirk , Zörnig Inka , Hassel Jessica C. , Lindner Joshua Raoul , Haefeli Walter E. , Fresnais Margaux
Published: November 2022

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) acting as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are among the most frequently used immunotherapies in oncology. However, precision medicine approaches to adapt the treatment to the patient are still poorly exploited. Given the risk of severe adverse reactions, predicting patient eligibility for ICI therapy represents a great asset for precision medicine. Today, the extended panel of mass spectrometric approaches, accompanied by newly developed sample preparation methods is a strategy of choice for responder and non‐responder stratification on a molecular basis, and early detection of resistance. In this perspective article, we review the biodisposition of mAbs, the interest in molecular stratification of patients treated with these mAbs, and the possible analytical strategies to achieve this goal, with a major emphasis on mass spectrometric approaches.
Regulation of follicular T helper cell differentiation in antitumor immunity
Authors: Hou Yueru , Cao Yejin , Dong Lin , Huang Yijin , Zhang Zhiyuan , Bi Yujing , Liu Guangwei
Published: November 2022

Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells that play an important role in the formation of germinal centers and the maturation and differentiation of affinity‐matured B cells. Recent studies have demonstrated important functions of Tfh cells in tertiary lymphoid structures of tumors, revealing great potential of Tfh cells in tumor immunity. However, Tfh development is incompletely understood. The differentiation of Tfh cells is a complex, multistage process regulated at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. This review just summarizes current research on the molecular mechanisms of Tfh cell differentiation to better understand the role of Tfh cells in antitumor immunity.
Cover Image
Authors: Park Sangyong , Oh Seyong , Lee Dongyoung , Park Jin‐Hong
Published: November 2022

Ferro‐Floating Memory (FFM) which operates in dual‐mode mechanisms (ferroelectric switching of FeFET and charge injection of Floating gate memory) was implemented by employing a‐In2Se3 as a floating gate. The dual‐mode operation allowed the multiple stages of conductance and improved the linearity and dynamic range of conductance. On the cover, the authors illustrate the dual‐mode operation of the FFM by combining FeFET and Flash memory. (DOI : 10.1002/inf2.12367)

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Therapeutic plasma exchange for steroid refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Thompson Thomas Zachary , Bobr Aleh , Juskewitch Justin Eddie , Winters Jeffrey Lawrence
Published: November 2022

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) encompass many rheumatologic diseases characterized by inflammatory muscle disease, typically unified by proximal muscle weakness. A subset of patients with IIM present with interstitial lung disease (ILD) with identifiable antibodies such as in anti‐synthetase syndrome (AS) with antibodies to aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases, and clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) with anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated protein 5 (MDA5). Recent case reports demonstrate response to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or column filtration plasmapheresis in IIM with ILD resistant to medical management. We present our experience with eight patients with IIM with ILD undergoing TPE at a large US‐based hospital system.

Patient characteristics

Eight patients with IIM with ILD were treated with TPE over the last 10 years. The therapy consisted of 5‐7 one plasma volume exchanges every other day to daily. Seven of eight patients had identifiable antibodies.

Results

Following completion of TPE, seven of eight demonstrated improvement in pulmonary function despite lack of improvement of pulmonary function with standard therapy.

Conclusion

In antibody‐mediated, treatment refractory IIM with ILD, TPE may be a viable intervention. This is a disease for which the role of apheresis is evolving.

Clinical trial registration

Not application.
The bidirectional relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial reporting quality: Does gender diversity matter? Evidence from US companies
Authors: Toukabri Mohamed , Kateb Ines
Published: November 2022

The aim of the paper is twofold. Firstly, to analyze the bidirectional effects between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and financial reporting quality proxied by earnings management (EM). Secondly, to investigate the moderating role of board gender diversity, the gender of CEO and CFO on these two phenomena. The study employs a Panel Data set of 390 listed US companies for the period 2011 to 2019 (3510 observations). To verify a two‐way relationship between CSR and EM, we estimate a system of simultaneous equations using the GMM estimator proposed by Arellano and Bond (1991). To analyze the moderating role of gender diversity, multiple regression analysis and several robustness tests such as Propensity Score Matching and DID are adopted. Empirical results confirm that US companies engaged in CSR activities are less motivated to practice EM and more likely to produce high financial reporting quality. The study confirms that Gender diversity increases board effectiveness by reducing the level of earnings management, ensuring high quality of financial reporting, and developing CSR activities. Findings are especially important for authorities who intend to impose regulatory quotas for female board membership. The policymakers should consider gender diversity in improving CSR practices for society.
A scheme for rapid evaluation of the intermolecular three‐body polarization effect in water clusters
Authors: Li Xiao‐Lei , Li Chao‐Ming , Zhu Jia‐Yi , Zhou Zhan , Hao Qiang , Wang Chang‐Sheng
Published: November 2022

The ability to accurately and rapidly evaluate the intermolecular many‐body polarization effect of the water system is very important for computer simulations of biomolecule in aqueous. In this paper, a scheme is proposed based on the polarizable dipole–dipole interaction model and used to rapidly estimate the intermolecular many‐body polarization effect in water clusters. We use a bond‐dipole‐based polarization function to evaluate the polarization energy. We regard two OH bonds of a water molecule as two bond‐dipoles and set the permanent OH bond‐dipole moment of a water molecule to be 1.51 Debye. We estimate the induced OH bond‐dipole moment via a simple formula in which only one correction factor is needed. This scheme is then applied to tens of water clusters to calculate the three‐ and four‐body interaction energies. The three‐body interaction energies of 93 water clusters produced by our scheme are compared with those produced by the counterpoise‐corrected CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVDZ, MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ, M06‐2X/jul‐cc‐pVTZ methods, by the AMOEBApro13, iAMOEBA, AMOEBA+, AMOEBA+(CF) methods, and by the MB‐pol method. The four‐body interaction energies of 47 water clusters yielded by our scheme are compared with those yielded by the counterpoise‐corrected MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ and M06‐2X/ jul‐cc‐pVTZ methods, by the AMOEBApro13, AMOEBA+, AMOEBA+(CF) methods, and by the MB‐pol method. The comparison results show that the scheme proposed in this paper can reproduce the counterpoise‐corrected CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVDZ three‐body interaction energies and reproduce the counterpoise‐corrected MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ four‐body interaction energies both accurately and efficiently. We anticipate the scheme proposed here can be useful for computer simulations of liquid water and aqueous solutions.
Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy in the transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease
Authors: Habshi Tahib , Shelke Vishwadeep , Kale Ajinath , Anders Hans‐Joachim , Gaikwad Anil Bhanudas
Published: November 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are global health concerns with increasing rates in morbidity and mortality. Transition from AKI‐to‐CKD is common and requires awareness in the management of AKI survivors. AKI‐to‐CKD transition is a main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and progression to end‐stage kidney disease. The mechanisms driving AKI‐to‐CKD transition are being explored to identify potential molecular and cellular targets for renoprotective drug interventions. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy are involved in the process of AKI‐to‐CKD transition. Excessive ER stress results in the persistent activation of unfolded protein response, which is an underneath cause of kidney cell death. Moreover, ER stress modulates autophagy and vice‐versa. Autophagy is a degradation defensive mechanism protecting cells from malfunction. However, the underlying pathological mechanism involved in this interplay in the context of AKI‐to‐CKD transition is still unclear. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between ER stress and autophagy in AKI, AKI‐to‐CKD transition, and CKD progression. In addition, we explore possible therapeutic targets that can regulate ER stress and autophagy to prevent AKI‐to‐CKD transition to improve the long‐term prognosis of AKI survivors.
Rapid and efficient isolation platform for plasma extracellular vesicles: EV‐FISHER
Authors: Pan Wei‐Lun , Feng Jun‐Jie , Luo Ting‐Ting , Tan Yong , Situ Bo , Nieuwland Rienk , Guo Jing‐Yun , Liu Chun‐Chen , Zhang Han , Chen Jing , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Chen Jun , Chen Xian‐Hua , Chen Hong‐Yue , Zheng Lei , Chen Jin‐Xiang , Li Bo
Published: November 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have found diverse applications in clinical theranostics. However, the current techniques to isolate plasma EVs suffer from burdensome procedures and limited yield. Herein, we report a rapid and efficient EV isolation platform, namely, EV‐FISHER, constructed from the metal‐organic framework featuring cleavable lipid probes (PO43−‐spacer‐DNA‐cholesterol, PSDC). The EV‐FISHER baits EVs from plasma by cholesterol and separates them with an ordinary centrifuge. The captured EVs could be released and collected upon subsequent cleavage of PSDC by deoxyribonuclease I. We conclude that EV‐FISHER dramatically outperforms the ultracentrifugation (UC) in terms of time (∼40 min vs. 240 min), isolation efficiency (74.2% vs. 18.1%), and isolation requirement (12,800 g vs. 135,000 g). In addition to the stable performance in plasma, EV‐FISHER also exhibited excellent compatibility with downstream single‐EV flow cytometry, enabling the identification of glypican‐1 (GPC‐1) EVs for early diagnosis, clinical stages differentiation, and therapeutic efficacy evaluation in breast cancer cohorts. This work portrays an efficient strategy to isolate EVs from complicated biological fluids with promising potential to facilitate EVs‐based theranostics.
Spatiotemporal trends in daily and subdaily rainfall extremes and return levels in Turkey
Authors: Albayrak Derya , Sen Omer Lutfi , Yucel Ismail
Published: November 2022

In this study, we present the long‐term daily and subdaily station data of annual extreme rainfall (1970–2015) and the trend analyses in rainfall regimes in Turkey. Trends in 5, 10, 15, and 30 min, 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hr of extreme rainfall in seven different rainfall regimes are estimated through nonparametric tests. The trends in return levels (2, 20, and 100 years) are defined by an appropriate three‐parameter generalized extreme value distribution and are evaluated in the climatological context of rainfall regimes. Overall, from 5‐min to 2‐hr durations, magnitudes of trends in extreme rainfall constantly increase in all rainfall regimes, which may be attributed to the intensified contribution of convective rainfall as a response to warming. Trend analysis of return levels reveals that, compared with 2‐year return levels, low‐probability high‐impact extreme rainfall events generally have the lowest estimated median trends until 30‐min to 2‐hr range. A shift in the magnitudes of trends occurs generally at 30‐min and 1‐hr durations; trends of rare intense events increase at the expense of less intense extreme rainfall. Thus, the intensification of 1–2‐hr extreme rainfall events can arise from both the increasing trends of more common events in shorter rainfall durations and from the increase in the trends of low‐probability high‐impact extreme rainfall events at this range. Moreover, explicitly in continental rainfall regimes, increases in the magnitudes of the trends in 30‐min to 2‐hr duration range are accompanied by various declines in 6–24‐hr duration range. Although coastal regimes generally have increasing trend values from 5‐min to 24‐hr durations, in northern and southern clusters, changes occur in the variability of extreme rainfall and the trend values of rarer (20‐ and 100‐year return periods) extreme rainfall exhibit increases in 6–12‐hr range.
Lipid extract from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) improves glycemic traits in Chinese type 2 diabetic mellitus patients: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kuang Xiaotong , Shao Xianfeng , Li Huiying , Jiang Dongmei , Gao Tianlin , Yang Jie , Li Kelei , Li Duo
Published: November 2022

Background

Studies have shown that blue mussel lipid extract (BMLE) has strong anti‐inflammatory activity in both rheumatoid arthritis patients and animal arthritis models. Chronic inflammation was closely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Though the beneficial effects cannot be completely attributed to n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the aim of this study was to investigate whether BMLE can improve glycemic traits of T2DM patients.

Method

In a double‐blind randomized controlled trial, 133 Chinese T2DM participants were randomized to either fish oil (FO, n = 44), BMLE (n = 44), or corn oil (CO, n = 45) groups for 60 days. The participants were asked to take the corresponding oil capsules (two capsules per day, 0.8 g per capsule), which provided 1.6 g day−1 of FO (29.9% eicosapentaenoic acid + 20.4% docosahexaenoic acid), BMLE (20.7% eicosapentaenoic acid + 26.7% docosahexaenoic acid), or CO (53.5% linoleic acid).

Results

The fasting serum concentration of insulin (P = 0.005) and the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (P = 0.026) were significantly decreased in the BMLE group, whereas no significant change was found in the FO or CO groups. There was no significant difference between groups on serum glycosylated hemoglobin. Tumor necrosis factor‐α was significantly decreased in the BMLE group (P = 0.003), but not in the FO or CO groups. A significant decrease of interleukin‐1β was observed in the BMLE and CO groups (P = 0.004 and P = 0.011 respectively), but not in the FO group. The total cholesterol was significantly decreased in the BMLE and CO groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively), but not in the FO group. Triacylglycerol was significantly decreased in the BMLE group (P = 0.007), but not in the FO or CO groups. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in the BMLE and CO groups than in the FO group (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Blue mussel lipid supplements improved glycemic traits, inflammatory cytokines, and lipids profile in Chinese T2DM patients (Chinese Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR1900025617). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diabetes in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and its association with malignancy
Authors: Zhou Hao , Chen Xin , Wang Cheng , Lin Tingting , Li Xiaoshuang , Cui Wenjing , Wang Jianhua , Wang Yu , Chen Xiao
Published: November 2022

Background

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) have the potential to become malignant. Few studies have focused on the prevalence of the diabetes mellitus (DM) in IPMNs and its association with malignancy. We evaluated the association between DM and malignant IPMNs in this study.

Methods

A total of 226 patients with pathologically confirmed IPMNs were included. Demographic data, serum biochemical data, and imaging findings were collected. The malignant IPMNs were defined as those with high‐grade dysplasia and associated invasive carcinoma. The association between DM and malignant IPMNs was studied using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of DM was 17.7% for all type IPMNs and 31.7% for malignant IPMNs. Compared to patients without DM, those with DM had a 3.6‐fold (odds ratio [OR]: 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–10.44) higher risk of invasive carcinoma and 2.5‐fold (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.06–5.77) higher risk of malignant IPMNs. Similar results were observed in main pancreatic duct (MPD) involved IPMNs. New‐onset DM was associated with a 4.13‐fold (OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 1.27–13.36) higher risk of invasive carcinoma.

Conclusion

DM is associated with a higher risk of malignant IPMNs and invasive carcinoma, especially in patients with MPD‐involved IPMNs.
Effect of land use change on carbon stocks in an agricultural region of southern Benin
Authors: Houssoukpèvi Issiakou Alladé , le Maire Guerric , Aholoukpè Hervé Nonwègnon Sayimi , Fassinou Démayi Jorès Mauryo , Amadji Guillaume Lucien , Chapuis‐Lardy Lydie , Chevallier Tiphaine
Published: November 2022

Land use change is one of the most important determinants of carbon storage and dynamics in ecosystems. Areas in the proximity of metropoles undergo land use changes but are poorly studied for their soil and biomass carbon budget, especially in Africa. Close to Benin's economic capital, the Lama Territory located on the Allada Plateau and is subject to high demographic and urbanization pressures. Carbon (C) stocks in the region are likely to be rapidly changing. This research assessed the land use changes and quantified the spatial distribution and variation of C stocks between 2000 and 2018 on the Ferralsols of the study area. Random forest models using spectral bands of LANDSAT images and some spectral indices as predictors were calibrated to classify the land use. C stocks of four C pools (aboveground, belowground biomass, litter, and soil) were mapped with InVEST (integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs) model. Land use change occurred in 61% of the Ferralsol area between 2000 and 2018. The surface of forests and crop‐plantation associations decreased in benefit of tree plantations, adult palm groves, and built‐up areas. With the loss of forest surface and the increasing urbanization, C stocks of the region decreased by −218 Gg C with 4% uncertainty (−175 Gg C in soil pools, and − 125 Gg C in aboveground biomass with both 6% uncertainty) between 2000 and 2018. Results highlight: (i) the need for soil C stock accounting to avoid underestimation of C stocks evolution in a rural region; and (ii) the relevance of tree plantations and deforestation control to maintain the C stocks in tropical areas.
Effects of upwelling and runoff on water mass mixing and nutrient supply induced by typhoons: Insight from dual water isotopes tracing
Authors: Lao Qibin , Lu Xuan , Chen Fajin , Jin Guangzhe , Chen Chunqing , Zhou Xin , Zhu Qingmei
Published: November 2022

The issue of whether the increase in nutrients is supplied by increasing runoff or by enhancing upwelling in coastal marine ecosystems after a typhoon is considered controversial. This is because it is relatively difficult to quantify water mixing using traditional methods. Dual water isotopes in the northwestern South China Sea during Typhoon Wipha (July–August 2019) were investigated to address this issue. Weak mixing among different water masses was observed before the typhoon because of strong thermal stratification. After the typhoon, temperature and salinity dropped in the water column, particularly in the upper layer (<20 m), due to strengthened mixing. Mixing in the upper layer predominantly originated from coastal diluted water (36%) in the nearshore, whereas it changed to upwelling (51%) offshore. Upwelling was stronger on the right of the typhoon path (50%) than on the left (36%). Nutrients predominantly originated from the coastal diluted water input (50%) in the upper nearshore layer, while upwelling occurred (53%) offshore. The nutrient supply from upwelling on the right of the typhoon path (43%) was also more considerable than that on the left (25%). This study suggests that typhoon‐induced nutrient supply to the coastal upper water layers from the upwelling water (38%) was more substantial than that from the runoff input (30%), providing new insight into the biogeochemical and ecological responses of coastal marine systems to typhoons.
Silk Fibroin Combined with Electrospinning as a Promising Strategy for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Chen Kai , Li Yonghui , Li Youbin , Pan Weisan , Tan Guoxin
Published: November 2022

The development of tissue engineering scaffolds is of great significance for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues and organs. Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein polymer with good biocompatibility, biodegradability, excellent physical and mechanical properties and processability, making it an ideal universal tissue engineering scaffold material. Nanofibers prepared by electrospinning have attracted extensive attention in the field of tissue engineering due to their excellent mechanical properties, high specific surface area, and similar morphology as to extracellular matrix (ECM). The combination of silk fibroin and electrospinning is a promising strategy for the preparation of tissue engineering scaffolds. In this review, the research progress of electrospun silk fibroin nanofibers in the regeneration of skin, vascular, bone, neural, tendons, cardiac, periodontal, ocular and other tissues is discussed in detail.
Progress in Isocyanide‐Based Step‐Growth Polymerization
Authors: Li Mingzhao , Fu Xinyao , Wang Jia , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2022

Isocyanide is an important class of active synthon with a special electronic structure and abundant chemical properties, which can participate in various organic reactions and has a wide range of applications in the efficient synthesis of pharmaceutical molecules, heterocyclic compounds, and natural products, etc. With the development of chemical science, isocyanide‐based reactions have been gradually applied from the synthesis of low mass molecules to functional polymers. This review focuses on the recent progress in isocyanide‐based step‐growth polymerization, as well as the properties and applications of the resultant functional polymers. These polymerizations are divided into six main parts including Passerini polymerization, Ugi polymerization, multicomponent polymerization (MCP) of isocyanide and dialkylacetylenedicarboxylates (DAADs), MCP of isocyanide and green monomer, MCP of isocyanide and industrial waste, as well as the polymerization based on isocyanoacetate. The existing challenges and the promising opportunities are concisely discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Copolymer Consisting of Polyamide 1210 and Reactive Phosphorus−Nitrogen Flame‐Retardant
Authors: Qin Lizheng , Zhou Yang , Gong Shun , Zhao Shikun , Cao Zhiwen , Deng Jianping , Pan Kai
Published: November 2022

The thermal stability and reactivity of organophosphorus flame‐retardants play a critical role in synthesizing copolymerized flame‐retardant polyamides. Herein, this work successfully synthesizes a flame‐retardant CEPPA‐DDA salt (CDS) with both good thermal stability and high reactivity by reacting 2‐carboxyethyl phenyl phosphonic acid (CEPPA) with 1,12‐dodecanediamine (DDA). Flame‐retardant polyamide 1210 (FRPA) is further prepared by copolymerizing the CDS, DDA, and sebacic acid (SEA). The test results show that the introduction of CDS can significantly improve the flame‐retardant properties of FRPA. Specifically, the flame‐retardant polyamide 1210 (FRPA‐7) with 7 wt% CDS addition can reach V‐0 grade according to UL‐94 standard, accompanying limiting oxygen index value of 30.2% and tensile strength of 38.62 MPa. Compared with pure polyamide 1210, the peak heat release rate and total heat release rate of FRPA‐7 reduce by 24.11% and 9.40%, respectively. This study provides a simple strategy to prepare flame‐retardant polyamides with high flame retardancy and good mechanical properties, which are expected to show great potentials in future industrial applications.
The time‐domain scattering by the elastic shell in a two‐layered unbounded structure
Authors: Zhang Lei
Published: November 2022

The subject of this research is the time‐domain scattering problem for a three‐dimensional layered elastic shell submerged in a two‐layered fluid separated by an unbounded rough surface. The essence of the problem is to model the scattering interaction between the given elastic shell and some incident wave in a two‐layered medium. Using the exact transparent boundary condition (TBC), we reformulate the unbounded scattering problem into an equivalent initial‐boundary value problem. The well‐posedness is proved for the problem by the Laplace transform and variational method in the s‐domain. Moreover, we show that the reduced problem has a unique weak solution by the energy method. The priori estimates with explicit dependence on the time are derived for the acoustic pressure and the elastic displacement in the time domain.