bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implicit Perception of Differences between NLP‐Produced and Human‐Produced Language in the Mentalizing Network
Authors: Wei Zhengde , Chen Ying , Zhao Qian , Zhang Pengyu , Zhou Longxi , Ren Jiecheng , Piao Yi , Qiu Bensheng , Xie Xing , Wang Suiping , Liu Jia , Zhang Daren , Kadosh Roi Cohen , Zhang Xiaochu
Published: February 2023

Natural language processing (NLP) is central to the communication with machines and among ourselves, and NLP research field has long sought to produce human‐quality language. Identification of informative criteria for measuring NLP‐produced language quality will support development of ever‐better NLP tools. The authors hypothesize that mentalizing network neural activity may be used to distinguish NLP‐produced language from human‐produced language, even for cases where human judges cannot subjectively distinguish the language source. Using the social chatbots Google Meena in English and Microsoft XiaoIce in Chinese to generate NLP‐produced language, behavioral tests which reveal that variance of personality perceived from chatbot chats is larger than for human chats are conducted, suggesting that chatbot language usage patterns are not stable. Using an identity rating task with functional magnetic resonance imaging, neuroimaging analyses which reveal distinct patterns of brain activity in the mentalizing network including the DMPFC and rTPJ in response to chatbot versus human chats that cannot be distinguished subjectively are conducted. This study illustrates a promising empirical basis for measuring the quality of NLP‐produced language: adding a judge's implicit perception as an additional criterion.
Cholesterol‐Amino‐Phosphate (CAP) Derived Lipid Nanoparticles for Delivery of Self‐Amplifying RNA and Restoration of Spermatogenesis in Infertile Mice
Authors: Du Shi , Li Wenqing , Zhang Yuebao , Xue Yonger , Hou Xucheng , Yan Jingyue , Cheng Jeffrey , Deng Binbin , McComb David W. , Lin Jennifer , Zeng Hong , Cheng Xiaolin , Irvine Darrell J. , Weiss Ron , Dong Yizhou
Published: February 2023

Male infertility caused by genetic mutations is an important type of infertility. Currently, there is no reliable method in the clinic to address this medical need. The emergence of mRNA therapy provides a possible strategy for restoring mutant genes in the reproductive system. However, effective delivery of mRNA to spermatocytes remains a formidable challenge. Here a series of cholesterol‐amino‐phosphate (CAP) lipids are reported by integrating three bioactive moieties into a geometric structure, which is favorable for mRNA delivery. The results demonstrate that CAP‐derived lipid nanoparticles (CAP LNPs) can deliver RNA including traditional mRNA and self‐amplifying RNA (saRNA) encoding DNA Meiotic Recombinase 1 (Dmc1) protein in spermatocytes and treat male infertility caused by the Dmc1 gene mutation. Notably, the delivery efficiency of CAP LNPs is significantly higher than that of the MC3 and ALC‐0315 LNPs, which is consistent with the design of CAP molecules. More importantly, a single injection of CAP LNPs–saRNA can produce Dmc1 protein for an extended period, which restores the spermatogenesis in the Dmc1 gene knockout mouse model. Overall, this study proves the concept of LNPs for the delivery of mRNA to spermatocytes, which provides a unique method to probe male infertility caused by the genetic mutation.
A discriminative event‐based model for subtype diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease using brain MRI
Authors: Venkatraghavan Vikram , Pascuzzo Riccardo , Bron Esther E. , Moscatelli Marco , Grisoli Marina , Pickens Amy , Cohen Mark L. , Schonberger Lawrence B. , Gambetti Pierluigi , Appleby Brian S. , Klein Stefan , Bizzi Alberto
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) comprises multiple subtypes (MM1, MM2, MV1, MV2C, MV2K, VV1, and VV2) with distinct disease durations and spatiotemporal cascades of brain lesions. Our goal was to establish the ante mortem diagnosis of sCJD subtype, based on patient‐specific estimates of the spatiotemporal cascade of lesions detected by diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI).

Methods

We included 488 patients with autopsy‐confirmed diagnosis of sCJD subtype and 50 patients with exclusion of prion disease. We applied a discriminative event‐based model (DEBM) to infer the spatiotemporal cascades of lesions, derived from the DWI scores of 12 brain regions assigned by three neuroradiologists. Based on the DEBM cascades and the prion protein genotype at codon 129, we developed and validated a novel algorithm for the diagnosis of the sCJD subtype.

Results

Cascades of MM1, MM2, MV1, MV2C, and VV1 originated in the parietal cortex and, following subtype‐specific orderings of propagation, went toward the striatum, thalamus, and cerebellum; conversely, VV2 and MV2K cascades showed a striatum‐to‐cortex propagation. The proposed algorithm achieved 76.5% balanced accuracy for the sCJD subtype diagnosis, with low rater dependency (differences in accuracy of ± 1% among neuroradiologists).

Discussion

Ante mortem diagnosis of sCJD subtype is feasible with this novel data‐driven approach, and it may be valuable for patient prognostication, stratification in targeted clinical trials, and future therapeutics.

Highlights

Subtype diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) is achievable with diffusion MRI.

Cascades of diffusion MRI abnormalities in the brain are subtype‐specific in sCJD.

We proposed a diagnostic algorithm based on cascades of diffusion MRI abnormalities and demonstrated that it is accurate.

Our method may aid early diagnosis, prognosis, stratification in clinical trials, and future therapeutics.

The present approach is applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing the differential diagnoses.
Outcome measures for Alzheimer's disease: A global inter‐societal Delphi consensus
Authors: Ellison Tim S. , Cappa Stefano F. , Garrett Dawne , Georges Jean , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Kramer Joel H. , Lehmann Maryna , Lyketsos Constantine , Maier Andrea B. , Merrilees Jennifer , Morris John C. , Naismith Sharon L. , Nobili Flavio , Pahor Marco , Pond Dimity , Robinson Louise , Soysal Pinar , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Weber Christopher J. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Weiner Michael , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

We aim to provide guidance on outcomes and measures for use in patients with Alzheimer's clinical syndrome.

Methods

A consensus group of 20 voting members nominated by 10 professional societies, and a non‐voting chair, used a Delphi approach and modified GRADE criteria.

Results

Consensus was reached on priority outcomes (n = 66), measures (n = 49) and statements (n = 37) across nine domains. A number of outcomes and measurement instruments were ranked for: Cognitive abilities; Functional abilities/dependency; Behavioural and neuropsychiatric symptoms; Patient quality of life (QoL); Caregiver QoL; Healthcare and treatment‐related outcomes; Medical investigations; Disease‐related life events; and Global outcomes.

Discussion

This work provides indications on the domains and ideal pertinent measurement instruments that clinicians may wish to use to follow patients with cognitive impairment. More work is needed to develop instruments that are more feasible in the context of the constraints of clinical routine.
Unveiling Talbot Effect under Fresnel Diffraction at a Fork‐Shaped Grating
Authors: Ikonnikov Denis A. , Myslivets Sergey A. , Davletshin Nikolay N. , Baron Filipp A. , Arkhipkin Vasily G. , Vyunishev Andrey M.
Published: February 2023

The near‐field effect of diffraction image self‐reproduction or self‐imaging of a periodic grating illuminated by quasi‐monochromatic wave is well‐known as the Talbot effect. Introducing a dislocation to a periodic structure provides a fork‐shaped modulation of the phase/amplitude, which produces discrete diffraction pattern in a far‐field consisting of optical vortices. In this paper, Fresnel diffraction at amplitude fork‐shaped grating is theoretically and experimentally studied. The coexistence of spatial ordering and local violation of translational symmetry of the structure manifests itself in a strict diffraction pattern consisting of optical vortices in the far‐field, which is shown to be accompanied by formation of a spatially ordered intensity distribution in the near‐field, reminiscent the Talbot carpets for periodic structures. These results demonstrate the first evidence of Talbot effect occurred under light diffraction at fork‐shaped gratings, being promising for deep understanding of near‐field singular optics phenomena.
Single‐electron spodium bonds: Substituent effects
Authors: Wu Qiaozhuo , McDowell Sean A. C. , Li Qingzhong
Published: February 2023

This study performed a theoretical exploration to predict and characterize the single‐electron spodium bond in the complexes of SpX2 (Sp = Zn, Cd, and Hg; X = H, F, Cl, Br, and CH3) with the H3C radical, in which the H3C radical serves as the Lewis base and the π‐hole on the Sp atom in SpX2 plays an acid role. The interaction energy varies in the range 7–30 kJ/mol, indicating that the Sp atom in SpX2 has a good affinity for the H3C radical. The spodium bond strength is not only dependent on the size of the Sp atom of SpX2 but is also affected by the substituent X in the Lewis acid. For most complexes, the spodium bond is stronger in the rank of Hg < Cd < Zn. The halogen substitution in SpX2 strengthens the spodium bond, whereas a weakening effect is found for the CH3 groups of Sp (CH3)2. Regardless of the interaction intensity, the single‐electron spodium bond exhibits the characteristics of a partially covalent interaction.
Carboxylic‐Phosphoric Anhydrides as Direct Electrophiles for Decarbonylative Hirao Cross‐Coupling of Carboxylic Acids: DFT Investigation of Mechanistic Pathway
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Xing Yang‐Yang , Zhou Tongliang , Chen Tieqiao , Hong Xin , Szostak Michal
Published: February 2023

In this anniversary issue, we present a DFT study of the mechanism of decarbonylative Hirao cross‐coupling of carboxylic‐phosphoric anhydrides to afford aryl phosphonates. Traditionally, the direct activation of carboxylic acids to participate in decarbonylative couplings is performed in the presence of carboxylic acid anhydride activators. We discovered that direct dehydrogenative decarbonylative phosphorylation of benzoic acid can be performed in high yield via dehydrogenative and decarbonylative coupling in the presence of phosphite as dual activating and nucleophilic reagent, enabling direct decarbonylative phosphorylation. Control studies demonstrated that carboxylic‐phosphoric anhydride (acyl phosphate) is an intermediate in this process. DFT studies were conducted to gain insight into this decarbonylative process and compare the selectivity of C−O and P−O bond activations. Considering the utility of ubiquitous carboxylic acids, this alternative activation pathway may find applications in decarbonylative coupling of carboxylic acids for the synthesis of valuable molecules in organic synthesis.
Electroacupuncture alleviates pain after total knee arthroplasty through regulating neuroplasticity: A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Kang Bingxin , Zhao Chi , Ma Jie , Wang Haiqi , Gu Xiaoli , Xu Hui , Zhong Sheng , Gao Chenxin , Xu Xirui , A Xinyu , Xie Jun , Du Mengmeng , Shen Jun , Xiao Lianbo
Published: February 2023

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in relieving acute pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and related mechanism.

Methods

In this randomized, single‐blind, and sham‐acupuncture controlled study. Forty patients with postoperative acute pain were recruited and randomly divided electroacupuncture group (n = 20) and sham‐acupuncture group (n = 20) from November 2020 to October 2021. All patients received electroacupuncture or sham‐acupuncture for 5 days after TKA. Their brain regions were scanned with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging before and after intervention. Pain was scaled. Another 40 matched healthy controls underwent scanning once. The amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values was compared. Pearson's correlation analysis was utilized to explore the correlation of ALFF with clinical variables in patients after intervention.

Results

Compared with the HCs, patients with acute pain following TKA had significantly decreased ALFF value in right middle frontal gyrus, right supplementary motor area, bilateral precuneus, right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, and left triangular part of inferior frontal gyrus (false discovery rate corrected p < .05). Patients had higher ALFF value in bilateral precuneus, right cuneus, right angular gyrus, bilateral middle occipital gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus after electroacupuncture (AlphaSim corrected p < .01). Correlation analysis revealed that the change (postoperative day 7 to postoperative day 3) of ALFF in bilateral precuneus were negatively correlated with the change of NRS scores (r = −0.706; p = .002; 95% CI = −0.890 to −0.323) in EA group.

Conclusions

The functional activities of related brain regions decreased in patients with acute pain after TKA. The enhancement of the functional activity of precuneus may be the neurobiological mechanism of electroacupuncture in treating pain following TKA.
Where “culture wars” and therapy meet: Exploring the intersection between political issues and therapeutic practice
Authors: Farrar Nicola , Hanley Terry
Published: February 2023

In the era of “culture wars,” instances where client and practitioner discuss political issues in therapy may become more frequent. This paper introduces the way in which “culture wars” manifest in today's societies and highlights the importance of therapeutic practitioners to engage with and explore their own views in relation to these polarising political debates. In doing so, this paper reflects upon the existing research focussing on the way in which “culture wars” enter the therapeutic encounter and highlights the feelings of anxiety and conflict that arise when practitioners are tasked with “talking politics” with clients. It considers the implications for practice and policy and concludes with recommendations for future scholarship, arguing for more culturally specific studies that examine how “culture wars” issues impact therapeutic work in a variety of international settings.
Activating Blood Circulation, Anti‐Inflammatory and Diuretic Effects of Leonurus japonicus Extract on a Rat Model of Trauma Blood Stasis and Its Phytochemical Profiling
Authors: Zhang Shengyuan , Nie Hua , Yang Yali , Yang Li , He Junwei
Published: February 2023

Leonurus japonicus Houtt. has been traditionally used to treat many ailments. This study evaluated the activating blood circulation, anti‐inflammatory, and diuretic effects of L. japonicus extract (LJ) and identified its phytochemicals. In this work, the phytochemicals in LJ were identified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=8): Control group was treated with saline, while the Model group (saline) and LJ group (426 mg/kg) had induced traumatic injury. All rats were treated with once by daily oral gavage for one week. The biochemical indices and protein expression were measured. Herein, 79 constituents were identified in LJ, which were effective in elevating body weight, food consumption, water intake, and urinary excretion volume, as well as in ameliorating traumatic muscle tissues in model rats. In addition, LJ prominently decreased the contents of plasma viscosity, platelet aggregation rate, thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), TXB2/6‐keto‐prostaglandin F1α (6‐keto‐PGF1α), urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (u‐PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), PAI‐1/tissue‐type PA (t‐PA), and PAI‐1/u‐PA, while significantly increasing antithrombin III, 6‐keto‐PGF1α, and t‐PA contents. Furthermore, LJ notably inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, angiotensin II, antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, aquaporin 1 (AQP1), AQP2, and AQP3 levels, and markedly elevating IL‐10 and natriuretic peptide levels. Finally, LJ markedly reduced the protein expression of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3 compared to the model group. Collectively, LJ possessed prominent activating blood circulation, anti‐inflammatory, and diuretic effects, thus supporting the clinical application of L. japonicus.
Cyclic Sulfoxonium Ylides: Synthesis and Chemospecific Reactivity in the Catalytic Alkylation of Indoles
Authors: Caiuby Clarice A. D. , Vidal Lucas , Burtoloso Antonio C. B. , Aïssa Christophe
Published: February 2023

The study of the reactivity of cyclic sulfoxonium ylides has been so far neglected, in particular for reactions that forms carbon‐carbon bond at the ylide carbon atom. Herein, we describe the synthesis of cyclic sulfoxonium ylides by palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular arylation and the reactivity of these ylides in the C3‐alkylation of indoles in the presence of either an acid catalyst or an iridium catalyst. This study revealed that acid catalysis is only efficient for cyclic sulfoxonium ylides in which the tether is a six‐membered lactone, whereas iridium catalysis was better suited to the reaction of cyclic sulfoxonium ylides in which the tether is a five‐membered ring ketone or lactone. The observed chemospecificity might be due to the relative basicity of the ylides under acid catalysis and to the steric hindrance around an iridium carbene intermediate when the reaction is conducted with the iridium catalyst.
Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with advanced thyroid cancer in the phase 2 KEYNOTE‐158 study
Authors: Oh Do‐Youn , Algazi Alain , Capdevila Jaume , Longo Federico , Miller Wilson , Chun Bing Jerry Tan , Bonilla Carlos Eduardo , Chung Hyun Cheol , Guren Tormod K. , Lin Chia‐Chi , Motola‐Kuba Daniel , Shah Manisha , Hadoux Julien , Yao Lili , Jin Fan , Norwood Kevin , Lebellec Loïc
Published: February 2023

Background

The authors report results from the thyroid carcinoma cohort of the multicohort phase 2 KEYNOTE‐158 study (NCT02628067), which evaluated pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with previously treated cancers.

Methods

Eligible patients had histologically and/or cytologically confirmed papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma, failure of or intolerance to prior therapy, and measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1. Patients received pembrolizumab (200 mg) every 3 weeks for up to 35 cycles. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1 by independent central review.

Results

A total of 103 patients were enrolled and received pembrolizumab. Median duration from first dose to data cutoff (October 5, 2020) was 49.4 (range, 43.9–54.9) months. ORR was 6.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8%–13.5%), and median duration of response was 18.4 (range, 4.2‒47.2+) months. ORR was 8.7% (95% CI, 2.4%‒20.8%) among patients with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 (n = 46) and 5.7% (95% CI, 1.2%‒15.7%) among patients with PD‐L1 CPS <1 (n = 53). Median overall survival and progression‐free survival were 34.5 (95% CI, 21.2 to not reached) and 4.2 (95% CI, 3.9‒6.2) months, respectively. Treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 69.9% of patients (grade 3‒5, 14.6%).

Conclusions

Pembrolizumab demonstrated manageable toxicity and durable antitumor activity in a small subset of patients with advanced thyroid cancer. These results provide evidence of modest antitumor activity in this setting regardless of tumor PD‐L1 expression. Future studies evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer should focus on biomarker‐driven patient selection or combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other agents, in order to achieve higher response rates than observed in this study.
Efficacy and safety of first‐line treatments for patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutated, non–small cell cancer: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Peng Yang , Zhao Qiang , Liao Ziyi , Ma Yingyin , Ma Daiyuan
Published: February 2023

Background

This study compares the safety and efficacy of first‐line treatments for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Abstracts related to lung cancer presented at important international conferences were also reviewed. Randomized clinical trials that qualified the inclusion criteria were subjected to Bayesian network meta‐analysis and systematically reviewed.

Results

The authors included a total of nine studies including 2441 patients and seven first‐line treatments (ensartinib, brigatinib, crizotinib, lorlatinib, alectinib, ceritinib, and pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy). Overall, lorlatinib appeared to confer the best progression‐free survival (PFS) (probability of being the best [Prbest], 90%; surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA], 98%), and the same conclusion was obtained on paired comparisons (lorlatinib vs. ceritinib [hazard ratio (HR), 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20–0.47); lorlatinib vs. chemotherapy [HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.12–0.23]; crizotinib vs. lorlatinib [HR, 3.6; 95% CI, 2.4–5.2]; and brigatinib vs. lorlatinib [HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0–2.8]). Alectinib conferred the best overall survival (OS) and safety profile. In the Asian population, ensartinib conferred the best PFS (Prbest 50%, SUCRA 87%), and for patients with brain metastases at baseline, lorlatinib showed the best PFS (Prbest 70%, SUCRA 93%).

Conclusions

For first‐line treatment of patients with ALK‐positive NSCLC, lorlatinib was associated with the best PFS and objective response rate, but poorer safety profile, whereas alectinib demonstrated the best OS and safety profile. In Asians, ensartinib conferred the best PFS benefit, and in the brain baseline metastasis population, lorlatinib conferred the best PFS benefit.

Plain Language Summary

Among the many molecularly targeted drugs currently used to treat anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation‐positive non–small cell lung cancer, lorlatinib may be one of the most effective targeted drugs.

Lung cancer has long been at the top of cancer rankings in terms of incidence and mortality.

Today, the treatment of lung cancer has moved into the era of precision therapy.

In this article, we use a statistical approach to compare the efficacy and safety of targeted drugs that have been used in the first‐line treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations to improve the reference for clinicians to make treatment decisions in the real world.
The association of blood ctDNA levels to mutations of marker genes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Bai Fei , Du Qian , Zou Qingliang , Xu Lin , Dong Wei , Lv Xinlin , Han Xiaorong , Zhou Huijun , Zhang Chi , Lu Tao
Published: February 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a deadly and commonly diagnosed cancer. Cell‐free circulating tumor DNAs (ctDNA) have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC, but there are open questions about the relationship between ctDNAs and CRC. Although mutations of genes detected by ctDNA in CRC have been studied, the quantitative relationship between ctDNA mutations and ctDNA concentration has not been addressed.

Aims

We hypothesized that there was an association between mutations of genes identified in ctDNAs and ctDNA concentration. His study examined this association in a population of CRC patients.

Methods

In 85 CRC patients, we sampled 282 mutations in 36 genes and conducted an association study based on a Random forest model between mutations and ctDNA concentrations in all patients.

Results

This association study showed that mutations on five genes, ALK, PMS2, KDR, MAP2K1, and MSH2, were associated with the ctDNA concentrations in CRC patients’ blood samples. Because ctDNA mutations correlate with ctDNA level, we can infer the tumor burden or tumor size from ctDNA mutations, as well as the survival time for prognosis.

Conclusion

Our findings shed light on the associations between mutations of genes identified in ctDNAs and ctDNA concentration in the blood of CRC patients. This discovery provides information regarding the tumor burden or tumor size based on ctDNA mutations.
Biohybrid Molecule‐Based Photocatalysts for Water Splitting Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zheng Tianfang , Li Aijun , Han Jiahong , Wang Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2023

The problems of resource depletion and environmental pollution caused by the excessive use of fossil fuels greatly restrict the rapid development of human technology and industry, which has led to a high demand for the development of new and clean energy sources. Hydrogen, due to its high calorific value and environmentally friendly combustion products, is undoubtedly a very promising energy carrier. The current methods of industrial hydrogen production are mainly water electrocatalytic decomposition or fossil fuels conversion, which also results in the waste of other energy sources. Since only one‐step is involved during the conversion from solar to chemical energy and thus unnecessary energy waste is avoided, solar energy photocatalytic decomposition of water provides a more viable method for hydrogen production. The utilization of biohybrid molecules, which are widely available in nature and environmentally friendly, further reduce the cost of such photocatalytic systems. This Review discusses the research progress on hydrogen production using biohybrid molecules for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The basic reaction mechanism, general types and system structures about biohybrid molecule‐based photocatalysts are summarized. The current challenges and prospects in the research of water splitting hydrogen evolution by biohybrid molecules photocatalysts are presented.
Earnings management and CSR report tone: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Wanli , Yan Tiantian , Li Yue , Yan Ziqiao
Published: February 2023

This study explores whether and how the management manipulates the tone of CSR reports to greenwash earnings management. Using the dataset of Chinese A‐share companies that published CSR reports over period 2007–2017, we discover that corporates with higher abnormal discretionary accruals and those with zero or slightly positive earnings changes are likely to release CSR reports with a more optimistic tone. Additional analyses show that this greenwash behavior is stronger when the management manages earnings upward than downward. Furthermore, the supplementary association between CSR report tone and earnings management is reduced in firms with assured CSR reports, lower financing demands and equity issue, higher accounting conservatism, as well as a better information disclosure environment, whereas the relationship is not correlated with the manner of the reporting disclosure. This study reveals that managers strategically employ CSR report tone to hide earnings management and shape stakeholders' expectations, and provides insights into both qualitative and quantitative disclosure literature.
Preliminary findings of emotion regulation in 12‐month‐old infants of mothers enrolled in a randomized controlled trial assessing a nutrition + exercise intervention
Authors: Mortaji Neda , Krzeczkowski John , Atkinson Stephanie , Amani Bahar , Schmidt Louis A. , Van Lieshout Ryan
Published: February 2023

Improved offspring emotion regulation (ER) has been associated with maternal intake of single nutrients or exercise during pregnancy but has not been examined in randomized trials. We investigated the impact of a maternal nutrition + exercise intervention during pregnancy on offspring ER at 12 months of age. Mothers in the Be Healthy In Pregnancy randomized controlled trial were randomly assigned to an individualized nutrition + exercise intervention plus usual care (UC) or UC alone (control group). A multimethod assessment of infant ER using parasympathetic nervous system function (high frequency heart rate variability [HF‐HRV] and root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]) as well as maternal reports of infant temperament (Infant Behavior Questionnaire‐ Revised short form) was completed with a subsample of infants of enrolled mothers (intervention = 9, control = 8). The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01689961). We observed greater HF‐HRV (M = 4.63, SD = 0.50, p = .04, ƞ2p = .25) and RMSSD (M = 24.25, SD = 6.15, p = .04, ƞ2p = .25) in infants of mothers in the intervention versus control group. Intervention group infants also had higher maternally rated surgency/extraversion (M = 5.54, SD = 0.38, p = .00, ƞ2p = .65) and regulation/orienting (M = 5.46, SD = 0.52, p = .02, ƞ2p = .81), and lower negative affectivity (M = 2.70, SD = 0.91, p = .03, ƞ2p = .52). These preliminary results suggest that pregnancy nutrition + exercise interventions could improve infant ER but these findings require replication in larger, more diverse samples.
Interaction between diamond and alkali metals and its application to machining of diamond
Authors: Shimada Toshihiro , Takehana Hiroki , Yamane Ichiro
Published: February 2023

The interaction between diamond surfaces and alkali metals was studied experimentally and computationally. Li reacted with diamond above 600°C and significant etching of (100) surface was observed. An attempt was made to apply this etching reaction for electrical discharge machining of diamond tools.
Scheduling method for aggregated photovoltaic‐battery systems considering information notified by distribution system operator
Authors: Hyodo Fumiya , Sato Yuki , Masuta Taisuke , Tayjasanant Thavatchai
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the aggregation business has gained a lot of attention in Japan. Aggregators will make contracts with customers with photovoltaic (PV) power systems and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) including electric vehicles (EVs) to participate in electricity markets. Aggregators might have to pay electricity supply‐demand imbalance charges when generated and consumed energies contracted at the day‐ahead supply‐demand market are different from those at the current day operation due to distribution network constraints such as voltage and power flow limitations. Therefore, the information on network constraints is very important for aggregators to determine their day‐ahead schedules. In this paper, we evaluated the relationship between aggregator supply‐demand schedules and the distribution system operation. It was assumed that the reverse power flow limitations due to network constraints are notified to the aggregators by distribution system operator (DSO). Two cases of the aggregators’ schedules of PV systems and stationary BESSs were compared in the simulations. In addition, aggregator strategies for making adequate schedules were evaluated.
Migrating bars influence the formation and dynamics of their peers in large sandy‐gravel bed rivers
Authors: Le Guern Jules , Rodrigues Stéphane , Tassi Pablo , Cordier Florian , Wintenberger Coraline L. , Jugé Philippe
Published: February 2023

The present study investigates the morphodynamic interactions between migrating bars in a sandy gravel and nearly straight channel of the Loire River (France). From a large dataset collected from field campaigns performed between 2016 and 2020, we analysed the deflection power exerted by bars on flow and sediment transport that influences the dynamics of other bars present in the channel. We also investigated the role of low flows in bar formation. To this aim, the riverbed evolution has been documented using four years of bathymetrical and aDcp surveys. Flow deflection induced by the presence of bars in the channel differs for pre‐existing (first‐order) bars and bedload sediment accumulations identified as new developing bars (second‐order bars). The latter needs to reach an equilibrium size to influence flow direction. During low flows, first‐order bars emerge and create contraction/expansion zones in the channel, inducing a temporary local geometrical forcing that leads to sediment deposition at the outlet of these zones. Sediment deposited in these specific areas can constitute a nucleus for second‐order bar formation or contribute to first‐order bar aggradation. According to the linear free bar theory, the critical discharge that contributes to expressing an alternate bar pattern is exceeded during moderate flood, leading to the observation of a transitional bar pattern between alternate and central bar pattern.
Nigella sativa and its nano‐mediated approach toward management of neurodegenerative disorders: A review
Authors: Gawas Chaitali G. , Mathur Sakshi , Wani Minal , Tabassum Heena
Published: February 2023

Nigella sativa L., also known as black seed or black cumin, is a plant that has been used for centuries. In the past, this flowering plant was used as a food preservative and medicinal herb. A vital component of Nigella sativa, thymoquinone (TQ), plays a significant therapeutic role in the management of most diseases, including cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders are primarily caused by neurotransmitter hypoactivity, particularly insufficient serotonin activity. It has been discovered that many medicinal herbs and their active compounds have therapeutic value. Black cumin seeds have been used to heal ailments and its history traces back to ancient times such as ancient Babylonia. They can be used applied to alleviate edema, hair loss, and bruising, and consumd to treat stomach issues. It is one of the most feasible and effective medicinal plants. The use of nanoformulations based on Nigella sativa and TQ to treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) has yielded promising outcomes. Customized administration of nanoparticle (NP) systems and nanomedicine are two of the many options for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) that are attracting increasing interest. Delivering a therapeutic and diagnostic substance to a particular location is the core target of NPs. Because of their distinct cell uptake and trafficking mechanisms, NPs can reduce the amount that accumulates in undesirable organs. The focus of the current review is on recent studies on the various neuroprotective properties of Nigella sativa as well as nanoformulations for NDs and the brain's uptake of NPs. The review summarizes the In vivo, In vitro, and In silico studies on the protective effects of black cumin against neurodegenerative disorders.
Resveratrol‐Induced Suppression of C‐type Natriuretic Peptide Associates With Increased Vertebral Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Prickett Timothy CR , Howe Peter RC , Espiner Eric A
Published: February 2023

C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a paracrine growth factor essential in driving endochondral bone growth in mammals including humans. Despite evidence from animal experiments and tissues that CNP signaling stimulates osteoblast proliferation and osteoclast activity, whether CNP participates in bone remodeling in the mature skeleton is unknown. Using stored plasma samples from a previous randomized controlled clinical trial (RESHAW) of resveratrol supplementation in postmenopausal women exhibiting mild osteopenia, we have studied changes in plasma aminoterminal proCNP (NTproCNP) and concurrent change in bone turnover markers of formation (osteocalcin [OC] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and resorption (C‐terminal telopeptide type 1 collagen [CTX]) with bone mineral density (BMD) over a 2‐year period of study in 125 subjects. In year one, subjects received placebo or resveratrol, switching to resveratrol or placebo, respectively, in year two. Across all time points, there were no significant associations of NTproCNP with CTX, ALP, or OC. During year one, plasma NTproCNP declined significantly in both groups. In the crossover comparison, analysis of change within individuals showed that, compared with placebo, NTproCNP declined after resveratrol (p = 0.011) and ALP increased (p = 0.008), whereas CTX and OC were unchanged. Inverse association of NTproCNP (r = −0.31; p = 0.025) and positive association of OC (r = 0.32, p = 0.022) with BMD at the lumbar spine were identified after resveratrol but not found after placebo. Decline in NTproCNP was independently associated with resveratrol treatment. This is the first evidence that CNP is modulated during a period of increasing BMD in postmenopausal women. Further study of NTproCNP and associations with drivers of bone formation or resorption can be expected to clarify CNP's role during other interventions directed to bone health in adults. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
QSM Throughout the Body
Authors: Dimov Alexey V. , Li Jiahao , Nguyen Thanh D. , Roberts Alexandra G. , Spincemaille Pascal , Straub Sina , Zun Zungho , Prince Martin R. , Wang Yi
Published: February 2023

Magnetic materials in tissue, such as iron, calcium, or collagen, can be studied using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). To date, QSM has been overwhelmingly applied in the brain, but is increasingly utilized outside the brain. QSM relies on the effect of tissue magnetic susceptibility sources on the MR signal phase obtained with gradient echo sequence. However, in the body, the chemical shift of fat present within the region of interest contributes to the MR signal phase as well. Therefore, correcting for the chemical shift effect by means of water‐fat separation is essential for body QSM. By employing techniques to compensate for cardiac and respiratory motion artifacts, body QSM has been applied to study liver iron and fibrosis, heart chamber blood and placenta oxygenation, myocardial hemorrhage, atherosclerotic plaque, cartilage, bone, prostate, breast calcification, and kidney stone.
Cell reprogramming for oligodendrocytes: A review of protocols and their applications to disease modeling and cell‐based remyelination therapies
Authors: McCaughey‐Chapman Amy , Connor Bronwen
Published: February 2023

Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cells that produce a lipid‐rich membrane called myelin. Myelin assembles into a sheath and lines neuronal axons in the brain and spinal cord to insulate them. This not only increases the speed and efficiency of nerve signal transduction but also protects the axons from damage and degradation, which could trigger neuronal cell death. Demyelination, which is caused by a loss of myelin and oligodendrocytes, is a prominent feature of many neurological conditions, including Multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries (SCI), and leukodystrophies. Demyelination is followed by a time of remyelination mediated by the recruitment of endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor cells, their migration to the injury site, and differentiation into myelin‐producing oligodendrocytes. Unfortunately, endogenous remyelination is not sufficient to overcome demyelination, which explains why there are to date no regenerative‐based treatments for MS, SCI, or leukodystrophies. To better understand the role of oligodendrocytes and develop cell‐based remyelination therapies, human oligodendrocytes have been derived from somatic cells using cell reprogramming. This review will detail the different cell reprogramming methods that have been developed to generate human oligodendrocytes and their applications to disease modeling and cell‐based remyelination therapies. Recent developments in the field have seen the derivation of brain organoids from pluripotent stem cells, and protocols have been devised to incorporate oligodendrocytes within the organoids, which will also be reviewed.
Foliar humic acid and salicylic acid application stimulates physiological responses and antioxidant systems to improve maize yield under water limitations
Authors: Altaf Adnan , Nawaz Fahim , Majeed Sadia , Ahsan Muhammad , Ahmad Khawaja Shafique , Akhtar Gulzar , Shehzad Muhammad Asif , Javeed Hafiz Muhammad Rashad , Farman Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Background

Humic acid (HA) is an organic acid that is naturally present in soil organic matter and improves nutrient availability and the mechanisms involved in plant growth and development. Likewise, salicylic acid (SA) is an important plant hormone involved in the regulation of plant growth and development. A pot experiment was carried out to determine the effects of individual or combined HA and SA application on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under drought stress conditions. Two maize hybrids, namely, 30T60 (drought tolerant) and 75S75 (drought sensitive), were grown in semi‐controlled conditions and foliar applied with SA (1 mM), HA (100 mg L−1) and their combination (HA + SA). The plants were exposed to drought stress at the tasseling stage (R1, 60 days after sowing) for 2 weeks, while control plants were given normal irrigation.

Results

The results showed that HA and SA applications significantly enhanced the gas exchange characteristics (photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance), and antioxidant activity (catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) of water stressed maize plants. Foliar SA spray significantly increased the photosynthetic efficiency and activity of enzymatic antioxidants closely followed by HA + SA application that ultimately improved the yield and net benefit cost ratio of maize under water deficit conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that foliar spraying of SA at the initiation of the reproductive stage is a cost‐effective strategy to obtain a high maize yield under limited water conditions.
Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Defect with Composite Scaffold of 3D Printed ADM/PLA in a Rat Model
Authors: Song Zhicheng , Yang Dongchao , Hu Qingxi , Wang Yiming , Zhang Haiguang , Dong Wenpei , Yang Jianjun , Gu Yan
Published: February 2023

Abdominal wall defects are a frequently occurring condition in surgical practice. The most important are material structure and biocompatibility. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) mesh composited with a 3D printing of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) material is used to repair abdominal wall defects. The results show that the adhesion score of ADM/PLA composite scaffolds is smaller than PLA meshes. Immunohistochemical assessment reveals that the ADM/PLA composite scaffold can effectively reduce the inflammatory response at the contact surface between the meshes and the abdominal organs. And the ADM/PLA composite scaffold can effectively reduce the expression levels of the inflammation‐related factors IL‐6 and IL‐10. In addition, the ADM/PLA composite scaffold repair is rich in the expression levels of tissue regeneration‐related factors vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor β. Thus, ADM/PLA composite scaffolds can effectively reduce surrounding inflammation to effectively promote the repair of abdominal wall defects.
Degree of convergence of a function of several variables in generalized Hölder spaces
Authors: Nigam Hare Krishna , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Nandy Swagata
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we obtain degree of convergence of a function of two‐dimensional variables in generalized Hölder spaces by matrix means of its conjugate Fourier series. We also obtain degree of convergence of a function of N‐dimensional variables in generalized Hölder spaces by matrix means of its conjugate Fourier series. We also deduce important corollaries from our main results.
High birefringence and near‐zero dispersion control of nonlinear photonic crystal fibers with a double‐cladded coaxial core
Authors: Kim Jeong
Published: February 2023

Optical propagation characteristics of high birefringence (HB), near‐zero chromatic dispersion, and small effective mode area are first investigated along with simultaneously effective controllability for the new double‐cladded coaxial core photonic crystal fibers with the breakthrough air‐hole defects at the middle‐top, middle‐bottom, right‐top, and left‐bottom, as pairs, which enable the adaptation of novel systematic approach for design goals in the inner first hexagonal cladding layer. Compared with results (around 3.2 × 10−4) of well‐known HB optical fibers, superior performance for preserving the lightwave polarization state by about three times higher HB levels has been achieved with additive advantages of fabrication from only pure fused silica material and broadly unlimited stable single‐mode operation.
A robust computational strategy for failure prediction of masonry structures using an improved multi‐surface damage‐plastic based interface model
Authors: Nie Yu , Sheikh Abdul , Visintin Phillip , Griffith Michael
Published: February 2023

In this study, a new traction‐separation based constitutive model for use in finite element simulation of masonry joints under complex loading conditions is developed for cohesive elements. The proposed model is formulated using damage parameters and plastic deformation with mutual couplings, and can accurately simulate the complex nonlinear behaviors of masonry joints considering hardening or softening of strength and stiffness degradation. To enhance the numerical stability of the model, plasticity and damage are separated algorithmically and implemented in two phases. In the first phase, the plastic deformations are treated using a multi‐surface plasticity model composed of a smooth hyperbolic yield surface for tension‐shear mixed‐mode failure and an elliptical cap primarily for the compressive failure. This is implemented in effective stress space and helps restrict the evolution of yield surfaces with no softening, significantly enhancing the efficiency of stress return mapping by the closed point projection method. In addition, an adaptive sub‐stepping scheme is adopted to further improve the robustness of the numerical implementation. In the second phase, nominal stresses are computed from the effective stresses using damage parameters. The evolution of these damage parameters is defined in terms of plastic work which is defined by a polynomial form, and is recommended in this study for a better calibration capability. Improvements are made in the formulation of compressive cap including incorporation of hardening of strength and stiffness degradations as these are ignored in existing interface models. This approach helped improve simulation of masonry under cyclic loads with tension‐compression transitions. For the structural level applications, the interface model is implemented within a finite element program, which is utilized to simulate failure of a number of masonry specimens under in‐plane/out‐of‐plane monotonic/cyclic loading. The simulated results are rigorously validated with existing experimental data that shows a good potential in modeling masonry structures.