bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 5-[2-(dicyanomethylidene)hydrazin-1-yl]-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid ethanol monosolvate
Authors: Aliyeva Fargana S. , Mammadova Gunay Z. , Akkurt Mehmet , Çelikesir Sevim Türktekin , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: August 2023

The title compound, C11H3I3N4O4·C2H6O, crystallizes in the triclinic P\overline{1} space group with one independent molecule and one ethanol solvent molecule in the asymmetric unit. The benzene ring and the methylcarbonohydrazonoyl dicyanide group of the main molecule makes a dihedral angle of 57.91 (16)°. In the crystal, O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds link pairs of molecules, forming dimers with R
2
2(14) motifs. These dimers are connected by O—H...O hydrogen bonds into chains along the a-axis direction, forming R
2
2(16) ring motifs. Further O—H...O interactions involving the ethanol solvent molecule connect the chains into a three-dimensional network. In addition, C—I...π interactions are observed. The intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure were quantified and analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis.
2-[5-(2,3-Dimethoxynaphthalen-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-3-methoxyphenol
Authors: Sung Jiha
Published: August 2023

In the title compound, C22H22N2O4, the central pyrazoline ring exhibits a nearly planar structure (r.m.s. deviation = 0.025 Å) despite having two sp
3 carbon atoms. The pyrazoline ring subtends dihedral angles of 4.61 (1) and 87.31 (1)° with the pendant benzene ring and naphthalene ring system, respectively. The dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene ring and the naphthalene ring system is 89.76 (2)°. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond forms an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, inversion dimers formed by pairwise weak N—H...N hydrogen bonds generate R
2
2(4) loops and the dimers are linked by pairwise C—H...O hydrogen bonds [which generate R
2
2(8) loops] into [100] chains.
Multi-objective optimization of FSW aviation-grade AA8090 alloy: an RSM-based design approach
Authors: Panwar Raghuraj , Chandna Pankaj
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of different friction stir welding (FSW) parameters on mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of aviation-grade AA8090 alloy joints.

Design/methodology/approach

Response surface methodology with central composite design is used to design experiments. The mechanical and microstructure characteristics of the weld joints have been studied through a standardized method, and the influence of threaded pins on the joint microstructure has also been assessed.

Findings

From a desirability strategy, the optimum parameters setting of the friction stir welding was the tool rotational speed (TRS) of 800, 1,100 and 1,400 rpm; tool traverse speed (TTS) of 20, 30 and 40 mm/min; and tilt angle 1°, 2° and 3° with different tool pin profiles, i.e. cylindrical threaded (CT), square threaded and triangular threaded (TT), for achieving the maximum tensile strength, yield strength (YTS) and % elongation as an output parameter. The TRS speed was the highest weld joint characteristics influencing parameter. Peak tensile strength (378 MPa), percentage elongation (10.1) and YTS (308 MPa) were observed for the optimized parametric value of TRS-1,400, TTS-40 mm/min and TA (3°) along with CT pin profile. Microstructure study of the welded surface was achieved by using scanning electron microscope of output parameters. When the tool rotation speed, tool transverse speed, tilt angle and tool profile are set to moderately optimal levels, a mixed mode of ductile and brittle fracture has been seen during the microstructure analysis of the welded joint. This has been aided by the material’s plastic deformation and the small cracks surrounding the weld zone.

Originality/value

From the reported literature, it has been observed that limited work has been reported on aviation-grade AA8090 alloys. Further thermal behavior of welded joints has also been observed in this experimental work.
Incremental population density improvement via missing middle housing under density-based and form-based zoning ordinances
Authors: Zhang Xingrui , Yang Eunhwa , Huang Liming , Wang Yunpeng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to observe the feasibility of missing middle housing’s (MMH) realization under density-based zoning, form-based zoning and a combination of both while simultaneously providing affordable housing, improving quality of life and making efficient use of land.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a theorist approach and designs three hypothetical cottage court projects that comply with all relevant official local zoning ordinances to showcase design feasibility, followed by an analytical component in the form of a financial model constructed using official local economic and demographic conditions.

Findings

MMH, and in particular cottage clusters, can be implemented under rigorous density-based, form-based and hybrid (density-based + form-based) zoning ordinances and provide affordable housing (Atlanta, GA), improve quality of life (Blackpool, UK) and make efficient use of land (Jinan, China). All hypothetical projects are financially feasible under reasonable conditions.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first in the body of knowledge to discuss how the MMH can be integrated into urban density-based zoning rather than converting density-based zoning into form-based so that the MMH can fit. The paper also takes a cross-national perspective and discusses the feasibility of MMH in the resolution of housing issues in the USA, China and the UK. The study also concludes that the issue of housing unaffordability in the UK was caused by high construction cost relative to median income.
Reflectance confocal microscopy features of vulvar lichen sclerosus in Chinese juvenile girls
Authors: Chen Lixin , Wang Ying , Qin Bei , Fang Hongwei , Li Qinfeng
Published: August 2023

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of unknown pathogenesis, characterized by porcelain‐white atrophic plaques around the vulvar and anal areas in girls. With this communication, we performed the study on 16 female girls with clinically and histologically confirmed VLS, described the main identifying characteristics of the lesions in reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and elucidated the corresponding relationship between RCM findings and histology. We recommend RCM, a noninvasive technique, as a complementary diagnostic tool for VLS.
Ecological significance of standing dead phytomass: Marcescence as a puzzle piece to the nutrient cycle in temperate ecosystems
Authors: Mudrák Ondřej , Angst Šárka , Angst Gerrit , Veselá Hana , Schnablová Renáta , Herben Tomáš , Frouz Jan
Published: August 2023

The plant economics spectrum (PES) drives nutrient cycling through effects on soil decomposers. However, dead phytomass may remain standing or unshed (marcescent), hardly accessible to decomposers and be photodegraded. In arid zones, the significant part of marcescent phytomass can be decomposed without touching the ground. In temperate zones, photodegradation of marcescent phytomass is low but prompts important chemical changes, which affect its subsequent decomposability in the soil and alters the surrounding environment. It is unknown, however, how common marcescence is among different taxa and in which habitats, and how it is coordinated by PES traits.

We sampled standing (marcescent) and lying (shed) dead phytomass from a broad spectrum of 127 herbaceous temperate species in a common garden experiment and related these parameters to PES traits, species ecological preferences and phylogeny.

Nearly all species (97%) kept their phytomass marcescent. Tall species with a small leaf area and high leaf carbon had a high level of marcescence. Marcescent species also preferred sites affected by severe (but not necessarily frequent) disturbance. The degree of marcescence was considerably conserved in phylogeny.

Synthesis. Marcescence extends PES trait effects on ecosystems, particularly in immature habitats, being a common but overlooked phenomenon of the temperate flora.
Effect of osmotic stress and salinity on germination and mucilage expansion of seeds of Plantago albicans L. (Plantaginaceae): Inter‐population variation
Authors: Mira Sara , Veiga‐Barbosa Luciana , Martínez‐Laborde Juan Bautista , Pérez‐García Félix , González‐Benito M. Elena
Published: August 2023

Plantago albicans L. (Plantaginaceae) grows in wastelands, slopes, and stony pastures, with dry and sun‐exposed soils. Its seeds produce a mucilaginous coat. The main aim of this study was to evaluate intraspecific variation of osmotic and salinity stress response and mucilage production in P. albicans seeds. The relationships between osmotic and salinity stress, germination characteristics, and mucilage expansion were studied in eight populations of P. albicans. Seeds were germinated in distilled water, 20% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG), or 100 mM NaCl solutions. In most populations, PEG and NaCl reduced final germination. Also, germination was slowed more significantly under osmotic stress than under salinity, while mucilage expansion was more affected by salinity. Therefore, there was an inverse correlation between mucilage expansion and germination under salinity and osmotic stress. Seed populations with similar climatic parameters showed different germination response; however, a correlation was found between mucilage expansion and some climatic parameters. Seeds from drier habitats germinated faster under water stress and produced more mucilage under control and water stress than populations from more humid areas.
An association study of cyclase‐associated protein 2 and frailty
Authors: Pelucchi Silvia , Macchi Chiara , D'Andrea Laura , Rossi Paolo Dionigi , Speciani Michela Carola , Stringhi Ramona , Ruscica Massimiliano , Arosio Beatrice , Di Luca Monica , Cesari Matteo , Edefonti Valeria , Marcello Elena
Published: August 2023

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that results from multisystem impairment caused by age‐associated accumulation of deficits. The frailty index is used to define the level of frailty. Several studies have searched for molecular biomarkers associated with frailty, to meet the needs for personalized care. Cyclase‐associated protein 2 (CAP2) is a multifunctional actin‐binding protein involved in various physiological and pathological processes, that might reflect frailty's intrinsic complexity. This study aimed to investigate the association between frailty index and circulating CAP2 concentration in 467 community‐dwelling older adults (median age: 79; range: 65–92 years) from Milan, Italy. The selected robust regression model showed that circulating CAP2 concentration was not associated with chronological age, as well as sex and education. However, circulating CAP2 concentration was significantly and inversely associated with the frailty index: a 0.1‐unit increase in frailty index leads to ~0.5‐point mean decrease in CAP2 concentration. Furthermore, mean CAP2 concentration was significantly lower in frail participants (i.e., frailty index ≥0.25) than in non‐frail participants. This study shows the association between serum CAP2 concentration and frailty status for the first time, highlighting the potential of CAP2 as a biomarker for age‐associated accumulation of deficits.
Early‐life atomic‐bomb irradiation accelerates immunological aging and elevates immune‐related intracellular reactive oxygen species
Authors: Hayashi Tomonori , Kato Naohiro , Furudoi Keiko , Hayashi Ikue , Kyoizumi Seishi , Yoshida Kengo , Kusunoki Yoichiro , Furukawa Kyoji , Imaizumi Misa , Hida Ayumi , Tanabe Osamu , Ohishi Waka
Published: August 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in immune responses; however, their excessive production and accumulation increases the risk of inflammation‐related diseases. Although irradiation is known to accelerate immunological aging, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. To determine the possible involvement of ROS in this mechanism, we examined 10,023 samples obtained from 3752 atomic‐bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who participated in repeated biennial examinations from 2008 to 2016, for the effects of aging and radiation exposure on intracellular ROS (H2O2 and O2•−) levels, percentages of T‐cell subsets, and the effects of radiation exposure on the relationship between cell percentages and intracellular ROS levels in T‐cell subsets. The cell percentages and intracellular ROS levels in T‐cell subsets were measured using flow cytometry, with both fluorescently labeled antibodies and the fluorescent reagents, carboxy‐DCFDA and hydroethidine. The percentages of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased with increasing age and radiation dose, while the intracellular O2•− levels in central and effector memory CD8+ T cells increased. Additionally, when divided into three groups based on the percentages of naïve CD4+ T cells, intracellular O2•− levels of central and effector memory CD8+ T cells were significantly elevated with the lowest radiation dose group in the naïve CD4+ T cells. Thus, the radiation exposure‐induced decrease in the naïve CD4+ T cell pool size may reflect decreased immune function, resulting in increased intracellular ROS levels in central and effector memory CD8+ T cells, and increased intracellular oxidative stress.
Juvenile proportion as a predictor of freshwater turtle population change
Authors: Chessman Bruce C. , Dillon Martin L. , Fielder Darren P. , Spark Philip H. , Streeting Louise M.
Published: August 2023

The extreme longevity of turtles and tortoises can make it difficult to determine the conservation status of their populations because high annual adult survival may mask gradual attrition due to low levels of recruitment. When long‐term demographic trends are unknown and available data are insufficient for population modelling, it may be assumed that a scarcity of juveniles indicates low recruitment that will result in population ageing and numerical decline. However, the reliability with which the proportion of juveniles foreshadows demographic change is uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that a low proportion of juveniles in a turtle population presages its ageing by analysing over 20 years of survey data for five discrete populations of the Australian western saw‐shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii: Chelidae), a listed threatened species. The analysis tested whether the initial proportion of juvenile turtles in each population was related to its temporal trend in average body size. The five populations had varied structure and trends, with the initial proportion of juvenile turtles ranging from 10% to 39% and average body size increasing over time in some populations and decreasing in others. Contrary to expectation, the initial proportion of juveniles was unrelated to the trend in average body size and, by inference, average age, indicating that effective trend forecasting requires more detailed demographic information than merely population structure.
Reassessing the association of MUC5B with survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Cai Siyang , Allen Richard J. , Wain Louise V. , Dudbridge Frank
Published: August 2023

A variant in the mucin 5B gene (MUC5B) is strongly associated with the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, the same variant is associated with increased survival time. Previous work suggested that this may be explained by index event bias, with the true effect being to decrease survival. Here, we reassessed this claim using more recent methods and datasets. We found that the statistical assumptions of the previous analysis did not hold, and instead, we applied recent methods of corrected weighted least squares, MR‐RAPS and Slope‐hunter to both the previous data and an updated consortium meta‐analysis. However, these analyses did not yield robust evidence for increased or decreased survival. In simulations of a true effect of decreased survival, we did not observe any realistic scenario in which index event bias led to an observed effect of increased survival. We therefore regard as unsafe the claim that MUC5B has a true effect of decreased survival. Alternative explanations should be sought to explain the observed association with increased survival.
Exogenous spermidine effectively improves the quality of cryopreserved boar sperm
Authors: Li Jingchun , Wang Hechuan , Guo Minghui , Li Tianfeng , Zhang Han , Zhang Qun , Wang Qian , Song Yulun , Feng Heze , Wei Guosheng
Published: August 2023

Boar sperm are less resistant to the dramatic environmental changes that occur during in vitro preservation. Spermidine has various physiological functions including the anti‐oxidative effect. The main objective of this study was to clarify whether spermidine could protect boar sperm from the attack of reactive oxygen species under cryopreservation treatment. We set the concentrations of spermidine at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mmol/L and evaluated the effects of spermidine on sperm motility, viability, malformation rates, kinetic parameters, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, DNA integrity, H2O2 content, malondialdehyde content, total antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Finally, the effects of spermidine on the sperm fertility were assessed by artificial insemination. The results showed that spermidine improved various physiological parameters of sperm in a dose‐dependent manner. The quality and antioxidant capacity of sperm cryopreserved with 6 mmol/L spermidine were significantly less reduced (P < 0.05), and the contents of malformation rate, H2O2, and malondialdehyde content were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The significant increase in the number of litters indicated the possibility that spermidine had important practical value in pig reproduction (P < 0.05). Therefore, the addition of appropriate concentrations of spermidine to cryopreservation extenders may effectively improve the quality of boar sperm for in vitro preservation.
Interferon in chronic myeloid leukaemia: Is it useful for treatment‐free remission?
Authors: Breccia Massimo , Saglio Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

The role of IFNα in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients who have achieved a deep molecular response (DMR) is still unknown. The study reported by Irani et al., which shows the prospective biological effects of the drug in combination with a second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, pave the way for further clinical studies aimed at increasing the rate of DMR for a possible successful discontinuation.

Commentary on: Irani et al. Immune modulation in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients treated with nilotinib and interferon‐alpha. Br J Haematol 2023;202:1127–1136.
The utility of nostalgia for unhealthy populations: A systematic review and narrative analysis
Authors: Wohl Michael J. A. , Dowson Mackenzie E. , Salmon Melissa M. , Sedikides Constantine , Wildschut Tim
Published: August 2023

Nostalgic reverie (i.e. sentimental longing) has received increased attention as a predictor of health and well‐being, but only a handful of reviews have summarized this literature. The available reviews (Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 19, 2020, 330; Intimations of nostalgia: Multidisciplinary explorations of an enduring emotion, Bristol University Press, 2022) left a critical gap in explicating the function of nostalgia among people engaged in unhealthy behaviour. In the current systematic review and narrative analysis, we sought to answer whether and under what conditions emotion serves to help or hinder people engaged in unhealthy behaviours in terms of taking action to change. We identified 14 studies and categorized them into two themes. In Theme I, nostalgising about a time in one's life when one was healthier motivated both readiness to change and action to change unhealthy behaviour. In Theme II, nostalgizing about the perceived benefits of engaging in unhealthy behaviour (e.g. social connectedness related to drinking) was associated with the continuance or acceleration of the unhealthy behaviour. This review highlights not only the presence of a link between nostalgia and unhealthy behaviour but also that the content of one's nostalgising matters for understanding whether the unhealthy behaviour is undermined or bolstered.
Poverty for lunch: A case study of agency and food scarcity in mealtimes in disadvantaged ECE
Authors: Searle Bonnie , Cooke Emma , Staton Sally , Thorpe Karen
Published: August 2023

Quality early care and education (ECE) presents an unparalleled opportunity to avert disadvantage and promote children's development. Mealtimes are essential daily routines, yet are often overlooked in research on ECE quality. This paper crystallises a composite case study of ECE mealtimes in highly disadvantaged communities by combining Departing Radically in Academic Writing (DRAW) methodology with parent surveys, scorings of educator‐child interactions (inCLASS), and field notes. Poverty is perpetuated in these centres: children do not have enough food, and educator‐dictated feeding practices restrict children's opportunities to exercise their agency and learn. Systemic policy action is needed to address poverty in ECE.
When investors meet consumers: The roles and interactions of different backers in the crowdfunding market
Authors: Wei Feiqiong , Tan Yinliang (Ricky) , Gao Haibing , Zhao Huazhong
Published: August 2023

By harnessing the power of the crowd, crowdfunding has changed the way startup ventures, innovation‐minded entrepreneurs, and private individuals raise capital. Reward‐based crowdfunding is an established and attractive fundraising option for entrepreneurs with creative projects, while investment‐based crowdfunding has also gained popularity thanks to the progress of related regulations. Both types of crowdfunding are drawing a growing number of startups that seek funding opportunities, although backers on different types of crowdfunding platforms exhibit distinct motivations. Understanding the behavior and interaction of different types of backers is thus critical for a startup to launch a successful crowdfunding campaign across distinct platforms.

To address this issue, we conduct a field study on a popular crowdfunding platform, where each campaign offered both reward‐ and investment‐based funding. Interestingly, we find a positive relationship between investor contributions in the early stage of the campaign and the likelihood of the campaign's success. Our empirical analysis reveals that investor–consumer interaction mediates the main effect of early investor contributions. Moreover, the positive main effect is stronger when a larger amount of project‐relevant information is released and when a higher level of customization (using price discrimination or product differentiation) is offered in reward‐based funding options. These results are consistent with several robustness checks. Our findings provide relevant managerial implications for entrepreneurs and valuable insights regarding platform design.
The changing nature of ‘Regulation by Information’: Towards real‐time regulation?
Authors: Hofmann Herwig C.H. , Zetzsche Dirk A. , Pflücke Felix
Published: August 2023

The concept of ‘Regulation by Information’ is changing. Past such approaches consisted mainly of signalling regulatory intent and indirectly guiding how and when regulatory discretion should be exercised. We suggest that this conceptual understanding must be reviewed in view of developing regulatory technologies (RegTech) allowing for a far more proactive integration of data flows into regulatory processes. RegTech is thereby changing conditions of Regulation by Information.

This article uses financial regulation as an information‐intensive and highly regulated policy field to illustrate and analyse RegTech‐induced changes to conditions of Regulation by Information. It finds that the rise of near real‐time information flows between market participants and regulatory bodies and, consequently, the need for near real‐time regulatory responses on the European Union level have led to an ever higher degree of integration of regulatory software into market data flows.

Regulatory software now increasingly shapes the definitions of reporting standards and formats, which in turn shape regulatory choices by influencing information flows. The article shows how this development will likely be used in other data‐ and information‐dense policy areas outside of financial markets.

Critics of Regulation by Information argue that it can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency, increasing the democratic deficit within the European Union. This article scrutinises both continuities and changes in the role and significance of legal principles and procedures used in regulatory oversight, following the evolution of this new form of Regulation by Information within the EU.
The European Arrest Warrant in a context of distrust: Is the Court taking rights seriously?
Authors: Xanthopoulou Ermioni
Published: August 2023

During a time of distrust towards some Member States, the position of fundamental rights when executing a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) has been strengthened. The article considers whether the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is now ‘taking rights seriously’ as regards the EAW. To this end, it employs a theoretical and contextual approach that supports a comprehensive analysis of case‐law. First, the article borrows from a theory of rights as trumps and observes that rights are no longer treated as norms with no special force that are in the way of cooperation interests. Second, the article offers a contextual exegesis of this trajectory, by mapping drivers of distrust and evaluating their impact on the position of rights. Through contextualisation, it is argued that distrust, although limited by its circumstances, has offered a compelling opportunity for the ECJ to take rights seriously, paving the way forward for future case‐law.
Should Europe disturb historians? On the importance of methodology and interdisciplinarity
Authors: Kahn Sylvain
Published: August 2023

Does the emergence of the European Union (EU) disrupt the frames of reference of the contemporary history of Europe to such an extent that historians distrust it? It would seem that methodological Euroscepticism exists. European integration arouses scepticism among some in the community of historians of contemporary Europe, since the conceptual underpinnings of that history cannot in themselves account for European integration. This billet expresses, more than a word of caution, a call for enhanced dialogue on the EU as an object of study among the different strands of historical studies and different disciplines. On the one hand, some of the analyses provided by historical studies on contemporary Europe constitute a fertile source for the study and understanding of European integration, notably in the field of history. Using them can stimulate the development in the European studies field of new concepts, new representations and new hypotheses for grasping the EU as a reality and a comparatively new object of academic interest. On the other hand, the critical study of the EU conducted in the specific field of the history of the EU questions and sheds a new light on the analytical categories of contemporary European history. In this regard, the fruitful interaction between history, political geography, law and political science can enrich contemporary European history. Interdisciplinary studies on European integration notably enable us to decentre notions of sovereignty, territory and democracy, which have classically taken the nation state as their reference in broad explanatory narratives of contemporary European history. Research mutualisation would offer all the potential interpretative and analytical benefits of the conceptual and methodological rethink of our various disciplines and of European integration as an object of study.
Increased formation of neutrophil extracellular traps induced by autophagy and identification of autophagy‐related biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li Mingfang , Weng Luobei , Yu Datang , Yang Guofei , Hao Jin
Published: August 2023

Abnormal death of neutrophils and the subsequent ineffective clearance of cell fragments result in production of autoantigens that can lead to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can trigger the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as type I interferons, leading to tissue damage and immune dysfunction in SLE patients. In this study, we found that a decrease in neutrophil counts in the peripheral blood was correlated with clinical parameters in SLE patients. Patients with low neutrophil counts had high renal activity index and chronicity index scores. NET formation and neutrophil autophagy in SLE patients were increased. The autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine was shown to restrict NET formation. Using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we found that the expression of the autophagy‐related gene, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), was enhanced in peripheral neutrophils and in the renal glomeruli in SLE patients. Targeting HIF1A could be a potential therapeutic approach for SLE.
A comparison of machine learning and econometric models for pricing perpetual Bitcoin futures and their application to algorithmic trading
Authors: Malik Avinash
Published: August 2023

Bitcoin (BTC) perpetual futures contracts are highly leveraged speculative trading instruments with daily market trading of $45 Billion. BTC perpetual futures are derivative contracts, which depend upon the underlying BTC SPOT (current) price. Pricing perpetual futures fairly is hard, using traditional arbitrage arguments, because of the volatile nature of the so called funding rate, which is used as the replacement of risk free rate in the Cryptocurrency market. This work presents a novel technique for pricing BTC futures contracts using conditional volatility and mean models. Intra‐day high‐frequency futures' return volatility and mean are modelled using different ML and econometric techniques. A comparison is made using statistical measures to find the model that best captures the intra‐day conditional mean and volatility. Exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity is shown to be an almost unbiased predictor of intra‐day volatility, while a constant autoregressive moving average (0, 0) model best captures the conditional mean of the returns. A market directional high frequency trading algorithm is developed using the volatility and mean models. The algorithm first prices the futures contract at some future point of time using the volatility and mean regression models. Next, the slope between the current futures price and the expected price are used to predict the market direction. A long or short position is taken depending upon the expected market direction movement. Extensive back‐testing results show absolute returns of 1500%–8000% depending upon the transaction fees and leverage used. On average, the market direction is predicted correctly 85% of the time by the best model. Finally, the trading technique is market neutral, in that it gives large positive returns, with low SD, in both bull and bear markets.
Examining secondary–postsecondary articulation of Chinese language programs: A survey of US college placement procedures
Authors: Zhao Ran , Coss Matthew D. , Ruan Henry , Li Bailu , Ma Jing
Published: August 2023

This study reports the results of a national survey of the types and uses of assessments for matriculating secondary students into college Chinese language programs. In addition to providing an overview of college placement procedures obtained from 35 college Chinese programs, the survey also probed into the rationales behind the varied placement procedures across different colleges and universities, the range of commonly used standardized tests and related policies and perceptions, and the perceived effectiveness of such practices by 125 secondary and 74 postsecondary instructors. Our analysis identifies both practices that hinder high school students' smooth transition to college and practices that facilitate the transition and achieve optimal placement in postsecondary Chinese programs. Based on analyses of convergent and divergent practices and perspectives, we recommend a series of principles and strategies for more effective secondary‐postsecondary articulation of Chinese language programs in the United States.
Chilling and forcing proceed in parallel to regulate spring leaf unfolding in temperate trees
Authors: Wang Xinbo , Xu Hanfeng , Ma Qimei , Luo Yue , He Dashan , Smith Nicholas G. , Rossi Sergio , Chen Lei
Published: August 2023

Aim

Temperature is the main driver of growth reactivation in plants of extratropical regions. Accumulations of chilling and forcing units during dormancy co‐regulate spring phenology. Here, we aimed to answer whether chilling and forcing proceed in parallel or sequentially to regulate spring phenology in temperate trees.

Location

Europe.

Time Period

1951–2016.

Major Taxa Studied

Nine temperate woody species.

Methods

Using long‐term and large‐scale records of in situ leaf unfolding dates of temperate tree species at more than 2300 sites, we analysed the rolling partial correlations between leaf unfolding dates and chilling and forcing in winter and spring using a weekly smoothing window. Through process‐based modelling, we further identified the start of forcing accumulation and the end of chilling accumulation using the Unified model and compared the model efficiency of the Parallel and the Sequential models.

Results

We observed negative responses of leaf unfolding dates to accumulations of both chilling and forcing units for most of winter and spring across successional types of species (early‐ and late‐successional taxa), elevations and periods. Using the Unified model, we also found overlapping windows for chilling and forcing accumulations. Moreover, the Parallel model performed better than the Sequential model. These findings suggested that chilling and forcing requirements may be fulfilled simultaneously in temperate trees.

Main Conclusions

Our study not only provides a guideline for identifying the effective periods of chilling and forcing, but also a general and robust perspective that accumulations of chilling and forcing act in parallel to regulate spring leaf unfolding in temperate trees, promoting more precise and reasonable predictions of temperature‐driven phenological shifts under future climate change.
Effects of deductive and explicit‐inductive instruction on tertiary‐level Chinese learners’ use of English subjunctive as a pragmatic mitigator
Authors: Chen Xinren , Xia Jie
Published: August 2023

This quasi‐experimental study investigates the immediate and long‐term effects of deductive instruction and explicit‐inductive instruction to L2 learners on the use of the English subjunctive as a pragmatic mitigator. Two intact classes of tertiary‐level Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners, labeled as the deductive group and the explicit‐inductive group, respectively, received two 45‐min sessions of pragmatic intervention, whereas a third intact class serving as the control group was given grammatical instruction. The immediate post‐test and delayed post‐test administered to the three groups shows that the deductive group had an immediate edge but not a long‐term one over the explicit‐inductive group, in terms of appropriateness and linguistic accuracy; however, the gain of the explicit‐inductive group was better retained than in the deductive group. This study contributes to the expansion of instructional targets within the field of L2 pragmatics. It also highlights the relative advantage of deductive and explicit‐inductive instruction methods.
Comparative analysis of mathematical formulations for the two‐dimensional guillotine cutting problem
Authors: Becker Henrique , Martin Mateus , Araujo Olinto , Buriol Luciana S. , Morabito Reinaldo
Published: August 2023

About 15 years ago, a paper proposed the first integer linear programming formulation for the constrained two‐dimensional guillotine cutting problem (with unlimited cutting stages). Since then, eight other formulations followed, seven of them in the last four years. This spike of interest gave no opportunity for a comprehensive comparison between the formulations. We review each formulation and compare their empirical results over instance datasets of the literature. We adapt most formulations to allow for piece rotation. The possibility of adaptation was already predicted but not realized by the prior work. The results show the dominance of pseudo‐polynomial formulations until the point instances become intractable by them, while more compact formulations keep achieving good primal solutions. Our study also reveals a mistake in the generation of the T instances, which should have the same optima with or without guillotine cuts. We also propose hybridising a recent formulation with a prior formulation for a restricted version of the problem. The hybridisations show a reduction of about 20% of the branch‐and‐bound time thanks to the symmetries broken by the hybridisation.
Hirudin inhibits glioma growth through mTOR‐regulated autophagy
Authors: Ma Ying , Wu Senbin , Zhao Fanyi , Li Huifeng , Li Qiaohong , Zhang Jingzhi , Li Hua , Yuan Zhongmin
Published: August 2023

Glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, and survival is poor. Hirudin has anticancer pharmacological effects through suppression of glioma cell progression, but the molecular target and mechanism are poorly understood. In this study, we observed that hirudin dose‐ and time‐dependently inhibited glioma invasion, migration and proliferation. Mechanistically, hirudin activated LC3‐II but not Caspase‐3 to induce the autophagic death of glioma cells by decreasing the phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream substrates ULK1, P70S6K and 4EBP1. Furthermore, hirudin inhibited glioma growth and induced changes in autophagy in cell‐derived xenograft (CDX) nude mice, with a decrease in mTOR activity and activation of LC3‐II. Collectively, our results highlight a new anticancer mechanism of hirudin in which hirudin‐induced inhibition of glioma progression through autophagy activation is likely achieved by inhibition of the mTOR signalling pathway, thus providing a molecular basis for hirudin as a potential and effective clinical drug for glioma therapy.
The use of magnet‐controlled capsule endoscopy as the initial diagnostic tool in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Liao Zhuan , Jiang Xi , Pan Jun , Zhou Wei , Lau James Y. W.
Published: August 2023

Background

The latest magnet‐controlled capsule endoscopy (MCCE) system can examine the water‐distended stomach, duodenum, and the small bowel. We assessed the use of MCCE as the first diagnostic tool in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study that enrolled patients admitted with AUGIB from two teaching hospitals. Patients underwent MCCE as the initial diagnostic modality. Our primary endpoint was the diagnostic yield of MCCE. The subsequent care of these patients was guided by MCCE findings.

Results

Of 100 enrolled patients, 99 (mean age 54 years, 70.7% men) with a median Glasgow–Blatchford score of 6 (IQR 3–9) underwent MCCE. In three patients, MCCE found active bleeding (two duodenal ulcers and Dieulafoy's lesion). The overall diagnostic yield of MCCE was 95.8% (92 lesions in 96 patients); five in the esophagus (Mallory Weiss tears 2, varices 1, and esophagitis 2), 51 in the stomach (gastric erosions 26, gastric ulcers 14, cancer 3, GIST 3, gastric polyps 3, antral vascular ectasia 1,angiodysplasia 1), 32 in the duodenum (ulcers 28, erosions 3, polyp 1), and four in the small bowel (ulcers 2, an erosion with a nonbleeding vessel 1, Meckel's diverticulum 1). Fifty‐two (52.5%) patients were discharged without endoscopy. Forty‐five (45.5%) patients underwent inpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which found an antral ulcer and six duodenal ulcers in addition.

Conclusions

In stable patients with AUGIB, MCCE can be used as a diagnostic tool. EGD should follow in patients with an inadequate view of the duodenum.
Ultrasound‐based histological differences of pretarsal fat fascia before and after double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method
Authors: Chen Qian , Long Xiren , Luo Youqi , Li Xi , Li Gaofeng
Published: August 2023

Objective

To observe the changes of pretarsal fat fascia histological structure after double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method.

Methods

From December 2019 to February 2022, the patients with congenital single eyelid who underwent double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method at the Plastic and cosmetic surgery department of Hunan provincial people's Hospital and the same number of congenital double eyelid volunteers. Then divided into three groups: preoperative eyelid ultrasound images in Group A, postoperative eyelid ultrasound images in Group B, and congenital double eyelid volunteers in Group C. To study the histological differences of pretarsal fat fascia before and after double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method and congenital double eyelid by ultrasound.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients who underwent double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method met the inclusion criteria. All 98 patients aged 22.88 ± 3.00 years, including 7 males and 91 females, followed up for 6–12 months. Included 98 volunteers with congenital double eyelid, aged 23.58 ± 2.59 years, including 49 males and 49 females. Ultrasound showed that the pretarsal fat fascia was divided into two layers. The dense layer adhered closely to the surface of the tarsus with no statistically significant differences. There was a statistically significant difference in the thickness of the pretarsal loose fat fascia layer between Group A and B. The points a b c in Group A were significantly thicker than those in Group B and C, and there was no significant difference between Group B and C. Postoperative evaluation: 83 cases were satisfied, 11 cases were basically satisfied and 4 cases were unsatisfied.

Conclusion

After double eyelid blepharoplasty using orbital septum, the histological structure of pretarsal fat fascia is similar to that of congenital double eyelid, suggesting that double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method can change the structure of pretarsal fat fascia and make it similar to congenital double eyelid, which is one of the anatomical bases for its good clinical effect.
Ovarian cancer: Novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets regarding the microenvironment in the abdominal cavity
Authors: Yoshihara Masato , Iyoshi Shohei , Mogi Kazumasa , Uno Kaname , Fujimoto Hiroki , Miyamoto Emiri , Nomura Satoshi , Kitami Kazuhisa , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

Ovarian cancer is an intractable disease that is mostly diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a high recurrence rate. The early development of characteristic peritoneal dissemination via ascites contributes to a poor prognosis. Based on the “seed and soil” theory, ovarian cancer is considered to form a disseminated tumor that interacts with the peritoneum; superficial mesothelial cells are structurally important. Thus far, we have reported that peritoneal mesothelial cells, which originally are ecological defenses, transform into ovarian cancer‐associated mesothelial cells, which are allies of cancer. They are found to be actively involved in the formation of a friendly “soil” that promotes the survival of “seeds” of ovarian cancer cells. We also demonstrated that the progression of ovarian cancer and the induction of its refractory nature are partially mediated through competition and cooperation between ovarian cancer and mesothelial cells. We believe that it is necessary to shift the aim of treatment strategies from solely targeting cancer cells to focusing on the crosstalk between the surrounding environment and ovarian cancer, an approach that ultimately aims to achieve “coexistence” with cancer through disease control.
Growth performance and gene expression of FAS, CPT1, G6P, and HK in juveniles of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium acanthurus, fed diets with different levels of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates
Authors: Frías Gómez Susana Alejandra , Powell Madison S. , Álvarez González Carlos Alfonso , Hernández Hernández Luis Héctor
Published: August 2023

A feeding trial with Macrobrachium acanthurus juveniles was performed to determine growth performance and utilization of diets varying in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate level. Twelve diets were formulated with three levels of protein (P) and supplemented with different proportions of lipids (L) and carbohydrates (C): P30‐L20‐C8, P30‐L15‐C19, P30‐L12‐C25, P30‐L10‐C31, P35‐L20‐C3, P35‐L15‐C15, P35‐L10‐C26, P35‐L5‐C38, P40‐L15‐C8, P40‐L10‐C19, P40‐L5‐C31, and P40‐L1‐C40. Lipids and carbohydrates were added allowing an overall energy content limit of 400 kcal per 100 g of diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of juveniles with an initial weight of 60.9 ± 10.9 mg (mean ± SD) for 60 days. Overall growth performance and gene expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6P), and hexokinase (HK) in the hepatopancreas were assessed. Highest weight gain values and specific growth rates were observed in prawns fed diets with 35% of protein inclusion. Expression of FAS was downregulated when fed 30% of protein. Results indicate M. acanthurus use protein as their primary source of energy and when this is low in the diet, lipids are used to spare the energy from proteins. Suggested inclusion of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates in diets for M. acanthurus should be 35%, 15%, and 15%, respectively.
Willingness to pay heterogeneity for accommodating job attributes among people with diabetes
Authors: Ladenburg Jacob , Nexø Mette Andersen , Cleal Bryan , Thuesen Frederik
Published: August 2023

People with diabetes experience increasing needs for accommodation as their workability diminishes due to their disease. Companies and society have economic incentives to ensure that people with diabetes keep their attachment to the labour market. In the present paper, we estimate the preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) among people with diabetes for going on part‐time, receiving job accommodation relative to skills, having more breaks during working hours, and taking time off during working hours for medical visits/educational activities. Using a latent class model, we test and showcase how preferences and WTP vary over individual and job characteristics.