bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contralateral C7 nerve transfer in the treatment of central hemiplegia after stroke under general anesthesia: A case report
Authors: Zhang Qiu‐Ying , Guo Yi , Zhang Yi‐Nan
Published: August 2022

Similar reports in the past pay less attention to the anesthetic management of these patients. We reported a 46‐year‐old man who suffered from hypertensive cerebral apoplexy 5 months ago and accepted C7 nerve transfer to improve the central spastic paralysis in the right upper limb. After careful evaluation and anesthesia management before anesthesia, the operation was successfully completed under general anesthesia. The patient was cured and discharged without complications. The anesthesia management of C7 nerve transfer should choose appropriate operation opportunities for patients according to the type of stroke, improve the preoperative preparation, and form a multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment.
Count Roy model with finite mixtures
Authors: Munkin Murat K.
Published: August 2022

This paper develops the Finite Mixture Roy model for count variables and uses this semiparametric model to analyze the effect of supplemental Medigap private insurance on the demand for prescription drugs for the U.S. elderly unemployed Medicare population. The model is an extension of the Count Roy model, which produces unrealistic treatment effects when observed count patterns are consistent with finite mixtures. To estimate the numbers of components in the mixtures for individuals with and without Medigap, this paper adopts the random permutation sampler. The considered application motivates two additional features of the model. Specifically, the smoothly mixing regression approach is utilized to model the probabilities of the components, and a continuous instrumental variable is allowed to enter the treatment equation nonparametrically. Strong evidence is found that there are two components both in the treated and untreated states. These lower and higher utilization components are interpreted as relatively healthy and unhealthy groups. The estimated treatment effects show that Medigap insurance provides incentives to increase prescription drug utilization by 2%. The results are consistent with adverse selection.
Charge order and structure transformation of hydrated cesium cobaltates revealed by variable‐temperature 133Cs NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Eugene C. , Chen Ting‐Hao , Chen Pin‐Chen , Liao Ming‐Yuan
Published: August 2022

Variable temperature 133Cs‐NMR experiments were performed to probe the local environment of the cesium ions in hydrated cesium cobaltates (Cs0.2CoO2·0.63H2O) from 170 to 390 K. Temperature dependence of the chemical shifts and linewidths reveals two‐phase transitions at a temperature near 200 and 350 K. Three inequivalent cesium sites are observed as the temperature is reduced below 200 K, indicating restricted motion of the cesium ions and a tendency to electron localization on cobalt ions. The results provide evidence for a definite order of the cesium ions and the charge order of the cobalt ions in the CoO2 layers. Two inequivalent cesium sites with larger chemical shift differences are observed as the temperature is above 350 K, indicating a spectacular change in the space between the CoO2 planes, which provides evidence for the transition between the bilayer‐hydrated and monolayer‐hydrated structures.
Psychological characteristics of Japanese patients and their family members receiving genetic counseling: A single‐institute exploratory study
Authors: Mochiki Ikuyo , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Hashizume Ryotaro , Imai Hiroshi , Ikejiri Makoto , Ogura Toru , Nakatani Kaname , Hori Hiroki
Published: August 2022

In Japan, clinical genetic services became available in the 1970s, and genomic medicine, including genetic counseling (GC), developed rapidly. However, research on the outcomes of GC in Japan is limited. Japan has a unique cultural context, and appropriate GC methods have not yet been optimized for this population. The current study aimed to evaluate the psychological status of Japanese patients and their companions undergoing GC and the outcomes of GC. We used the Quality of Care Through the Patients' Eyes‐gene cancer (QUOTE‐geneCA), the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale‐24 (GCOS‐24), and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to evaluate patients and their companions' needs and preferences regarding GC, empowerment, and anxiety, respectively. We evaluated stress status during GC by measuring saliva cortisol levels. QUOTE‐geneCA results for patients (n = 69) and a group of patients and their companions (n = 96) revealed that participants felt that it was important that skilled medical staff explained medical information and provided advice in an easily understandable manner. Japanese patients and their companions regarded the procedural aspects of counseling as most important and their autonomy in decision‐making as less important. GCOS‐24 results revealed a significant increase in empowerment scores in 38 patients (by 9.63 points) from pre‐ to post‐GC (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.79). STAI results revealed a significant decrease in state anxiety for patients (6.11 points; p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.66). Cortisol levels in patients significantly decreased after GC (p = 0.001). The improvement of empowerment scores from pre‐ to post‐GC among patients and their companions were significantly negatively correlated with pre‐GC empowerment scores (p < 0.001), trait anxiety scores (p = 0.001), and the number of people living together (p = 0.011). The change of cortisol levels during GC in patients and their companions was significantly positively correlated with trait anxiety score (p = 0.027). This study suggested that these characteristics of Japanese patients and their companions may predict GC outcomes.
Symptomatology and microbiology of the gastrointestinal tract in post‐COVID conditions
Authors: Norouzi Masir Mohamad , Shirvaliloo Milad
Published: August 2022

Post‐COVID conditions, also known as post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 (PASC), refer to the persistence of symptoms in COVID‐19 long‐haulers. Various manifestations of post‐COVID conditions are general symptoms and/or manifestations of damage in multiple organs. Besides, SARS‐CoV‐2 can involve the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in sequelae such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, abdominal distension, acid reflux, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Previous investigations point to SARS‐CoV‐2 entry into enterocytes enhances by the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Interestingly, ACE2 receptors are abundantly expressed in the gut, implying infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 might occur through this route as well as in the respiratory tract. According to mounting evidence, SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA has been identified in fecal specimens of patients with COVID‐19 during and beyond the acute phase. In addition, studies have shown gut microbiome composition is altered in patients with PASC, hence, another putative mechanism linked to gastrointestinal symptoms is gut dysbiosis. The presence of the gut‐lung axis in COVID‐19 might have major implications for disease pathogenesis and treatment. This review discussed the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and pathophysiology underlying possible infection of the gut in patients with PASC. Also, SARS‐COV‐2 induced NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent inflammatory pathways are briefly addressed.
A multi‐country cross‐sectional study to assess predictors of daily versus on‐demand oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis in youth from South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe
Authors: Dietrich Janan Janine , Ahmed Nadia , Webb Emily L. , Tshabalala Gugulethu , Hornschuh Stefanie , Mulaudzi Mamakiri , Atujuna Millicent , Stranix‐Chibanda Lynda , Nematadzira Teacler , Ssemata Andrew Sentoogo , Muhumuza Richard , Seeley Janet , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Weiss Helen A. , Martinson Neil , Fox Julie ,   the CHAPS team
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) carries the burden of the HIV epidemic, especially among adolescents and young people (AYP). Little is known about pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and preferences among AYP in SSA. We describe preferences for daily and on‐demand PrEP among AYP in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2019 among 13‐ to 24‐year olds, capturing socio‐demographics, HIV risk behaviours and preferences for daily or on‐demand PrEP. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios, adjusting for site, sex and age.

Results and discussion

A total of 1330 participants from Cape Town (n = 239), Johannesburg (n = 200), Entebbe (n = 491) and Chitungwiza (n = 400) were enrolled; 673 (51%) were male, and the median age was 19 years (interquartile range 17–22 years). Of 1287 participants expressing a preference, 60% indicated a preference for on‐demand PrEP with differences by site (p < 0.001), sex (p < 0.001) and age group (p = 0.003). On‐demand PrEP was most preferred in Entebbe (75%), among males (65%) versus females (54%) and in older participants (62% in 18‐ to 24‐year‐olds vs. 47% in 13‐ to 15‐year‐olds). After adjusting for site, sex and age group, preference for on‐demand PrEP decreased as sex frequency over the past month increased (p‐trend = 0.004) and varied with the number of partners in the last 6 months, being least popular among those reporting four or more partners (p = 0.02). Participants knowing further in advance that they were likely to have sex were more likely to prefer on‐demand PrEP (p‐trend = 0.02). Participants having a larger age gap with their most recent partner and participants whose last partner was a transactional sex partner or client were both less likely to prefer on‐demand compared to daily PrEP (p = 0.05 andp = 0.09, respectively). Participants who knew their most recent partner was living with HIV or who did not know the HIV status of their most recent partner were less likely to prefer on‐demand PrEP (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data show that AYP in four SSA communities prefer on‐demand over daily PrEP options, with differences seen by site, age and sex. PrEP demand creation needs to be reviewed, optimized and tailored to socio‐demographic differences and designed in conjunction with AYP.
The melatonin contained in beer can provide health benefits, due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Maldonado MDolores , Romero‐Aibar Jerusa , Calvo JRamón
Published: August 2022

Beer is a fermented beverage with a low alcohol content originating from cereal fermentation (barley or wheat). It forms part of the diet for many people. It contains melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine). Melatonin is a molecule with a wide range of antioxidant, oncostatic, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective properties. The aim of this work was to review the data supporting the idea that a moderate consumption of beer, because of its melatonin content, is particularly useful in healthy diets and in other physiological situations (such as pregnancy, menopause, and old age). Data source: a) The MEDLINE /PubMed search was conducted from 1975 to April 2022, and b) Our own experience and published studies on melatonin, the immune system, and beer. We provide a review of research on the mechanisms of melatonin generation in beer, its concentrations, and its possible effects on health. The melatonin contained in beer, as part of a healthy diet and in some special physiological situations, could act as a protective factor and improve the quality of life of those who drink it in moderation. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of dietary supplementation with N‐carbamoyl‐aspartic acid on serum metabolites and intestinal microflora of sows
Authors: Gao Lu‐min , Liu Gang‐yi , Wang Hong‐ling , Wassie Teketay , Wu Xin , Yin Yu‐long
Published: August 2022

Background

N‐Carbamoyl‐aspartic acid (NCA) is a critical precursor for de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. To investigate the cumulative effects of maternal supplementation with NCA on the productive performance, serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota of sows, 40 pregnant sows (∼day 80) were assigned into two groups: (1) the control (CON) and (2) treatment (NCA, 50 g t−1 NCA).

Results

Results showed that piglets from the NCA group had heavier birth weight than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). In addition, maternal supplementation with NCA decreased the backfat loss of sows during lactation (P < 0.05). Furthermore,16S‐rRNA sequencing results revealed that maternal NCA supplementation decreased the abundance of Cellulosilyticum, Fournierella, Anaerovibrio, and Oribacterium genera of sows during late pregnancy (P < 0.05). Similarly, on the 14th day of lactation, maternal supplementation with NCA reduced the diversity of fecal microbes of sows as evidenced by significantly lower observed species, Chao1, and Ace indexes, and decreased the abundance of Lachnospire, Faecalibacterium, and Anaerovorax genera, while enriched the abundance of Catenisphaera (P < 0.05). Untargeted metabolomics showed that a total of 48 differentially abundant biomarkers were identified, which were mainly involved in metabolic pathways of arginine/proline metabolism, phenylalanine/tyrosine metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis, etc.

Conclusion

Overall, the results indicated that NCA supplementation regulated intestinal microbial composition of sows and serum differential metabolites related to arginine, proline, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and fatty acids metabolism that may contribute to regulating the backfat loss of sows, and the birth weight and diarrhea rate of piglets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Photochemistry of Azide‐Functional Polymers: Soluble Sulfoximine Polymers through Selective Nitrene–Sulfoxide Addition
Authors: Li Yuman , Bakar Rohani Abu , Roth Peter J.
Published: August 2022

Organic azides are a common functional group in polymer chemistry. Upon irradiation, they form nitrenes which are usually exploited for crosslinking based on their “universal” reactivity allowing insertion into nearby C–H bonds. Herein, it is demonstrated that polymer‐bound perfluorophenyl azide groups selectively form sulfoximines when irradiated in the presence of an excess of sulfoxide, without observable crosslinking. Poly(4‐azido‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzyl methacrylate) (carrying an azide group in every repeat unit) is prepared through azide–para‐fluoro postpolymerization modification of a 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl‐functional precursor. Samples of the azide‐functional polymer are irradiated (λmax= 254 nm) in dichloromethane in the presence of varying amounts of five different sulfoxides. Products are characterized by1H and19F NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. Irradiations for 7 h with a 40–70‐fold molar excess of sulfoxides gave soluble products with azide‐to‐sulfoximine conversions of 89–96%. This first example of a selective nitrene‐based reaction in the polymer arena shows that sulfoxide solvents must be avoided if crosslinking is desired and provides access to novel sulfoximine‐functional materials.
mRNA vaccines in the prevention and treatment of diseases
Authors: Gu Yangzhuo , Duan Jiangyao , Yang Na , Yang Yuxin , Zhao Xing
Published: August 2022

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines made their successful public debut in the effort against the COVID‐19 outbreak starting in late 2019, although the history of mRNA vaccines can be traced back decades. This review provides an overview to discuss the historical course and present situation of mRNA vaccine development in addition to some basic concepts that underly mRNA vaccines. We discuss the general preparation and manufacturing of mRNA vaccines and also discuss the scientific advances in the in vivo delivery system and evaluate popular approaches (i.e., lipid nanoparticle and protamine) in detail. Next, we highlight the clinical value of mRNA vaccines as potent candidates for therapeutic treatment and discuss clinical progress in the treatment of cancer and coronavirus disease 2019. Data suggest that mRNA vaccines, with several prominent advantages, have achieved encouraging results and increasing attention due to tremendous potential in disease management. Finally, we suggest some potential directions worthy of further investigation and optimization. In addition to basic research, studies that help to facilitate storage and transportation will be indispensable for practical applications.
Generalized‐α scheme in the PFEM for velocity‐pressure and displacement‐pressure formulations of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Fernández Eduardo , Février Simon , Lacroix Martin , Boman Romain , Ponthot Jean‐Philippe
Published: August 2022

Despite the increasing use of the particle finite element method (PFEM) in fluid flow simulation and the outstanding success of the Generalized‐ (GA) time integration method, very little discussion has been devoted to their combined performance. This work aims to contribute in this regard by addressing three main aspects. First, it includes a detailed implementation analysis of the GA method in PFEM. The work recognizes and compares different implementation approaches from the literature, which differ mainly in the terms that are ‐interpolated (state variables or forces of momentum equation) and the type of treatment for the pressure in the time integration scheme. Second, the work compares the performance of the GA method against the Backward Euler and Newmark schemes for the solution of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Third, the study is enriched by considering not only the classical velocity‐pressure formulation but also the displacement‐pressure formulation that is gaining interest in the fluid‐structure interaction field. The work is carried out using various 2D and 3D benchmark problems such as the fluid sloshing, the solitary wave propagation, the flow around a cylinder, and the collapse of a cylindrical water column.
eHealth literacy and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of parents of children needing paediatric surgery in Sweden
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Ólöf , Welander Tärneberg Anna , Stenström Pernilla , Castor Charlotte , Kristensson Hallström Inger
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe different eHealth literacy domains among parents of children needing paediatric surgery in Sweden, and the correlation between these eHealth literacy domains and parents' socioeconomic factors and demographic characteristics.

Design

Descriptive correlational design.

Method

Thirty‐five Swedish‐speaking parents participated as a historical control group within an ongoing Swedish clinical trial developing eHealth solutions for families after hospital care; of these, 30 completed the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire and the socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire.

Results

Of the seven eHealth literacy domains assessed, parents' strengths lay in those pertaining to their own digital competence, control and safety, while their weakness concerned their motivation to engage with digital services, and their ability to access eHealth platforms that work. Overall, parents presented adequate eHealth literacy. Of the five socioeconomic and demographic variables assessed (i.e. monthly wages, education levels, age, gender and residency), monthly wages correlated the strongest, and positively, with the seven eHealth literacy domains.
Tuning the Morphology of Spray‐Dried Supraparticles: Effects of Building Block Size and Concentration
Authors: Zhou Huanhuan , Pujales‐Paradela Rosa , Groppe Philipp , Wintzheimer Susanne , Mandel Karl
Published: August 2022

Tuning the morphology of supraparticles can crucially influence their final properties and is, thus, important for their application in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The present study reveals how varied nanoparticle sizes, concentrations, and weight ratios in multicomponent dispersions influence the morphology of supraparticles assembled by these nanoparticle building blocks via spray‐drying. In a droplet containing monodisperse nanoparticles, smaller nanoparticles form a coherent elastic shell due to lower cohesive forces. As the solvent enclosed in the shell evaporates less easily due to the narrow pores between the nanoparticles, this ultimately results in rather non‐spherical supraparticles, while larger nanoparticles tend to yield spherical supraparticles. When small nanoparticles outweigh large ones in binary or trinary dispersions, the small nanoparticles form the outer shell that shrinks into a mushroom cap‐like shape upon drying of the spray‐droplet, while larger nanoparticles stay in the center of the droplet, resulting in non‐spherical supraparticles. Furthermore, the findings give a more systematic insight into structures that potentially arise from multimodal‐sized building blocks, thus, paving the way to tune the supraparticle morphology upon spray‐drying, when working with more complex, multicomponent dispersions.
Development of a protein microarray for profiling circulating autoantibodies in human diseases
Authors: Ren Jing , Wang Hongye , Wei Chundi , Yang Xiaoming , Yu Xiaobo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To develop a robust microarray platform to detect thousands of serological autoantibodies (AAbs) simultaneously in different diseases.

Experimental Design

An AAbMap microarray was prepared by printing a total of 4032 purified His‐tagged human proteins and peptide probes on a chemically‐modified slide. The sensitivity, dynamic range, and the inter‐ and intra‐array reproducibility of the AAb microarray were then systematically tested and optimized. Finally, the large‐scale profiling of AAbs in the serum of patients with different human diseases using the AAbMap microarray was demonstrated.

Results

The dynamic range of antibody (Ab) detection was 2 to 3 orders of magnitude with the lowest limit of detection (LOD) of 68 pg/mL. The intra‐array (r) correlation of duplicate spots was 1.00, whereas the inter‐array correlations between different arrays and batches were 0.99 and 0.97 to 0.98, respectively. Notably, 132, 266, 171, and 84 AAbs were detected in pooled serum from healthy controls (HCs) or patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lung cancer (LC), respectively. These AAbs included antibodies that target well‐known disease biomarkers, such as anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide, anti‐ribonucleoprotein, and anti‐nucleosome.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We developed a microarray platform to measure thousands of serological AAbs simultaneously with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The array can help study autoimmunity and complement genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data for systematic investigations of human diseases.
Pre‐steady‐state kinetics and solvent isotope effects support the “billiard‐type” transport mechanism in Na+‐translocating pyrophosphatase
Authors: Malinen Anssi M. , Anashkin Viktor A. , Orlov Victor N. , Bogachev Alexander V. , Lahti Reijo , Baykov Alexander A.
Published: August 2022

Membrane‐bound pyrophosphatase (mPPase) found in microbes and plants is a membrane H+ pump that transports the H+ ion generated in coupled pyrophosphate hydrolysis out of the cytoplasm. Certain bacterial and archaeal mPPases can in parallel transport Na+ via a hypothetical “billiard‐type” mechanism, also involving the hydrolysis‐generated proton. Here, we present the functional evidence supporting this coupling mechanism. Rapid‐quench and pulse‐chase measurements with [32P]pyrophosphate indicated that the chemical step (pyrophosphate hydrolysis) is rate‐limiting in mPPase catalysis and is preceded by a fast isomerization of the enzyme‐substrate complex. Na+, whose binding is a prerequisite for the hydrolysis step, is not required for substrate binding. Replacement of H2O with D2O decreased the rates of pyrophosphate hydrolysis by both Na+‐ and H+‐transporting bacterial mPPases, the effect being more significant than with a non‐transporting soluble pyrophosphatase. We also show that the Na+‐pumping mPPase of Thermotoga maritima resembles other dimeric mPPases in demonstrating negative kinetic cooperativity and the requirement for general acid catalysis. The findings point to a crucial role for the hydrolysis‐generated proton both in H+‐pumping and Na+‐pumping by mPPases.
Potential energy curves, partition functions and line intensities of HF and HCl molecules under the improved Hulburt‐Hirschfelder quantum mechanical anharmonic oscillator model
Authors: Tian Hongrui , Fan Qunchao , Fan Zhixiang , Fu Jia , Li Huidong , Ma Jie , Xie Feng
Published: August 2022

An improved Hulburt‐Hirschfelder (IHH) quantum mechanical anharmonic oscillator model which describes the exact analytical potential energy curves (PECs) of diatomic molecules is presented. The IHH analytical potential function that involves a variable parameter, four empirically determined low‐order molecular vibrational and rotational spectral constants and the dissociation energy was applied to the ground electronic states of HF and HCl, yielding a good agreement between the Rydberg‐Klein‐Rees (RKR) potential energy points and the calculations. Correspondingly, with the determined IHH PECs, the partition functions at temperatures 300–6000 Kelvin (K) and rovibrational line intensities are evaluated, and coincide well with those quoted in the HITRAN2020 database compilation. The methodology could be valuable for the detection of molecules in interstellar clouds using infrared spectroscopy, as well as thermochemical reactions.
Cystic pulmonary tuberculosis: A rare form of an ancient disease
Authors: Van Luong Dinh , Le Huy Ngoc , Pletschette Michel , Nguyen Anh Tuan , Nguyen Thinh Hoang , Nguyen Ngoc Bich Thi
Published: August 2022

Cystic pulmonary tuberculosis is a unique form of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) presenting with multiple reversible cysts of the lung. Unlike the other forms, this cystic lung disease can improve with prompt tuberculosis treatments. Here we report the case of a 15‐year‐old girl who presented with respiratory failure and severe lung damage at hospital admission. We diagnosed her with PTB based on her positive GeneXpert result test. The patient was treated with a standard tuberculosis regimen for 6 months and recovered completely.
How do investors really react to the appointment of Black CEOs?
Authors: Jeong Seung‐Hwan , Mooney Ann , Zhang Yangyang , Quigley Timothy J.
Published: August 2022

Research Summary

A recent study found that markets react negatively to the appointment of Black CEOs, with an average cumulative abnormal return of −4.2%. The authors argue this is caused by investors invoking racial biases and stereotypes. In contrast, using a comparable sampling period and analytic approach, we find markets react positively to the appointment of Black CEOs with an average abnormal return of +3.1% (or +2.0% after conservatively addressing outliers). Our results are consistent across several alternative analyses, sample adjustments, and robustness tests. We argue racial biases and stereotypes in markets are outweighed by investor appreciation for the higher bar for advancement that Black CEOs face and the exceptional attributes they must exhibit as a result. To conclude, we discuss the implications of our findings.

Managerial Summary

A recent study found that markets react negatively (−4.2%) to the appointment of Black CEOs which the authors attribute to racial biases and stereotypes among market participants. If true, boards might be dissuaded from making such appointments out of concern for the firm's stock price and their own shareholdings. Using a comparable sample, we find the opposite with an average return of +3.1% for the appointment of Black CEOs. We argue biases and stereotypes are outweighed by investor appreciation for the higher bar for advancement that Black CEOs face. Specifically, we show Black CEOs are appointed with, on average, more years of education, advanced degrees, and elite education than a comparable group of White CEOs. We share data and code underlying our primary results.
A Facile Immobilization Strategy for Soluble Phosphazene to Actualize Stable and Safe Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhu Tao , Chen Dongli , Liu Guoqing , Qi Peng , Gu Xiaoyu , Li Hongfei , Sun Jun , Zhang Sheng
Published: August 2022

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted extensive attention owing to their high energy density and abundant sulfur resources. However, LSBs are still restricted by the unsatisfactory electrochemical performance resulting from the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfide (LiPSs), and the potential fire hazard caused by inflammable ether electrolytes and polyolefin separators. Herein, a facile immobilization strategy for hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) is creatively applied to address the above issues simultaneously. Insoluble HCCP cross‐linked microspheres (H‐CMP) are firstly obtained at ambient temperature using tannic acid (TA) as a cross‐linking agent and then a multifunctional separator coating is constructed based on H‐CMP. The released phosphorus‐related radicals from H‐CMP in wide temperatures effectively prevent the combustion of electrolytes and separators, and hence improve the fire safety of the Li–S pouch cell. Furthermore, H‐CMP availably chemisorbs LiPSs to interdict the shuttle effect, thereby dramatically improving the electrochemical performance of LSBs. The effectiveness of this strategy is also verified in high sulfur loading (6.38 mg cm‐2), high temperature (50 °C), and Li–S pouch cells. More importantly, H‐CMP exhibits sufficient stability for Li metal and suppression of Li dendrites. This facile immobilization strategy for multifunctional phosphazenes provides a competitive option for the large‐scale fabrication of high‐safety and high‐performance LSBs.
Roll‐to‐roll structuring and PECVD coating of polymer foils
Authors: Barz Jakob , Umlauf Georg
Published: August 2022

In the innovation field “Functional Surfaces and Materials” at the Fraunhofer IGB, research is being carried out to tailor the surface properties of PU foils and other materials via roll‐to‐roll processes. The goal is to save considerable costs by applying a unique and resource‐saving structures and coatings to self‐adhesive, transparent and erosion‐resistant PU foils to equip various technical devices with water and ice repellency. We are now able to obtain such surfaces in two separate roll‐to‐roll processes using low‐pressure plasma (pressure p < 100 Pa) in combination with a microstructuring process. Through structure and coating, the contact area and adhesion are minimized. Compared to an untreated reference surface, we are able to increase water contact angles from 76° to 157°. The structuring and coating of polymer foils make it therefore possible to open up new fields of application at lower cost than direct treatment of the various technical surfaces.
Promoting Web-Source Evaluation and Comprehension of Conflicting Online Documents: Effects of Classroom Interventions
Authors: Mason Lucia , Moè Angelica , Tornatora Maria Caterina , Ronconi Angelica
Published: August 2022

This study examines the effectiveness of two short-term instructional interventions on the evaluation of digital sources in the classroom context. One hundred sixty-one 8th graders were involved in one of three conditions: an intervention based on providing declarative knowledge (DK) on source evaluation, an intervention based on providing contrasting cases (CC) of source evaluation strategies, and a control condition (C) with no intervention. Students in both intervention conditions carried out a series of activities in two lessons. Prior topic knowledge and interest, reading comprehension, working memory, and perceived competence in online information search and evaluation were used as control variables to ensure the equivalence of participants across conditions. In all conditions, participants were asked to read four documents on the debated issue of the potential health risks associated with the use of the mobile phone and, after reading, to rank-order them for reliability, providing justifications for their rank-ordering, and to write a short essay to judge those health risks, based on the texts read. The findings indicate that both interventions were effective, to some extent, in promoting the use of source characteristics in reliability judgments, as revealed by the justifications provided by the students for motivating their rank-ordering of the read documents. Both interventions were also effective in supporting multiple-text comprehension as revealed by the students’ argumentation in short essays.
The Motivation of Distance Learning in Universities Since Covid- 19 Outbreak
Authors: Limone Pierpaolo , Toto Giusi Antonia
Published: August 2022

Around midmonth March 2020, The World Health Organization acknowledged the COVID outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern.” Worldwide, various heads of state-imposed mandatory lockdowns to curb and ease the spread of the disease. With such restrictions in hand, the education sector was among the many which felt the pinch brought about by the restriction measures imposed. To try and flatten the curve and minimize the spreading of the virus from one person to another, there was a need for reduced physical contact among people. According to Shahzad et al. (2020), public gatherings such as parties, religious services, social amenities, political gatherings, and physical learning for both universities and lower levels stopped since health comes first before anything else. With that in hand, the world had to look for suitable solutions to cope with the pandemic since the virus was not ending time soon; as a result, the globe adapted ‘the new normal of life. In response, education facilities had to embark on e-learning since life had to continue, which is great gratitude to technology. However, it brought about various issues that we will try and highlight since a change in anything is always accompanied by multiple challenges.
Keller–Segel–(Navier–)Stokes System Modeling Coral Fertilization
Authors: Ke Yuanyuan , Li Jing , Wang Yifu
Published: August 2022

Chemotaxis, the directed movement caused by the concentration of certain chemicals, is ubiquitous in biology and ecology, and has a significant effect on pattern formation in numerous biological contexts (Hillen and Painter 2009; Maini et al. 1991).
Density-Suppressed Motility System
Authors: Ke Yuanyuan , Li Jing , Wang Yifu
Published: August 2022

The reaction–diffusion models can reproduce a wide variety of exquisite spatio-temporal patterns arising in embryogenesis, development and population dynamics due to the diffusion-driven (Turing) instability [102, 162].
Interpreting electroweak precision data including the W-mass CDF anomaly
Authors: Strumia Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We perform a global fit of electroweak data, finding that the anomaly in the W mass claimed by the CDF collaboration can be reproduced as a universal new-physics correction to the T parameter or |H†DμH|2 operator. Contributions at tree-level from multi-TeV new physics can fit the anomaly compatibly with collider bounds: we explore which scalar vacuum expectation values (such as a triplet with zero hypercharge), Z′ vectors (such as a Z′ coupled to the Higgs only), little-Higgs models or higher-dimensional geometries provide good global fits. On the other hand, new physics that contributes at loop-level must be around the weak scale to fit the anomaly. Thereby it generically conflicts with collider bounds, that can be bypassed assuming special kinematics like quasi-degenerate particles that decay into Dark Matter (such as an inert Higgs doublet or appropriate supersymmetric particles).
Accuracy of MR arthrography in the detection of posterior glenoid labral injuries of the shoulder
Authors: Rixey Allison , Rhodes Nicholas , Murthy Naveen , Johnson Matthew , Larson Nicholas , Ringler Michael D.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of MR arthrography in detecting isolated posterior glenoid labral injuries using arthroscopy as the reference standard.

Methods

MR arthrograms of 97 patients with isolated posterior glenoid labral tears by arthroscopy and those of 96 age and gender-matched controls with intact posterior labra were reviewed by two blinded radiologists for the presence and location of posterior labral abnormalities. The sensitivity and specificity of detection of posterior labral tears were calculated as well as the prevalence of associated pathologies. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, history and direction of shoulder instability, and prior surgery.

Results

Posterior labral pathology was detected by MR arthrography with sensitivities of 76% and 84% for readers 1 and 2, and a specificity of 88% for both readers. Kappa value for interreader agreement was 0.91. Twenty-two of twenty-three (96%) tears isolated to the posteroinferior quadrant on arthroscopy were correctly identified on MRI. Commonly associated pathologies included paralabral cyst (38%), humeral fracture (7%), and glenoid fracture (2%). Fifteen of ninety-seven (16%) patients with posterior tears on both arthroscopy and MRI had glenoid rim deficiency on imaging versus no patients with intact posterior labra (p < 0.001). Forty of ninety-seven (41%) patients with posterior tears on arthroscopy had a history of posterior instability versus none without posterior tears. There was no significant difference in tear length on MRI between those with a history of instability and those without (p = 0.56).

Conclusion

MR arthrography is accurate in detecting posterior glenoid labroligamentous injuries.
HER2 status is positively associated with vessel invasion of colorectal cancer: a retrospective large cohort study
Authors: Wang Mingdian , Wang Xiang , Li Yiwei , Li Qingguo , Cai Sanjun , Li Xinxiang , Ma Maoguang
Published: August 2022

Purpose

HER2-positive colorectal cancer was drawn increasing attention in recent years. Accumulating evidence showed HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer could benefit from HER2-targeted therapy. While HER2 expression and the relationship between HER2 status and clinicopathological characteristics of overall colorectal cancer remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate HER2 expression in colorectal cancer and compare the clinicopathological features between HER2-positive and HER2-negative colorectal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 3910 primary colorectal cancer patients treated in our institution from January 2016 to December 2019. Medical records and pathology reports after surgery were collected to provide information about HER2 status and other clinicopathological characteristics.

Results

We identified 3347 HER2-negative and 79 HER2-positive colorectal cancer patients in our cohort. The chi-square test showed that vessel invasion was significantly more common in HER2-positive colorectal cancer patients. Crude analysis showed HER2 positive was associated with vessel invasion in colorectal cancer [OR and 95% CI 0.534 (0.341, 0.835), p = 0.006]. After adjusting for N stage, a significant association was still observed between HER2 status and vessel invasion in colorectal cancer [OR and 95% CI 0.550 (0.322, 0.941), p = 0.029]. Survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival rate between HER2 positive and HER2 negative group (p = 0.603).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the rate of HER2 positivity in colorectal cancer was relatively low, and HER2 status was strongly associated with vessel invasion while having no significant influence on the 3-year overall survival rate in colorectal cancer patients.
Differing sizes of bullet entrance holes in skin of the anterior and posterior trunk
Authors: Geisenberger D. , Große Perdekamp M. , Pollak S. , Thierauf-Emberger A. , Thoma V.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present study was to establish whether the size (diameter and area) of bullet entrance holes in skin varies between distant shots to the anterior and posterior trunk, respectively, when using the same ammunition (in concreto pistol cartridges 9 mm Luger). For that purpose, specimens of porcine skin from the belly region and the back were taken (10 samples each) and shot at from a distance of 1.6 m. The entrance holes were photo-documented under standardised conditions. After image processing for contrast enhancement, the maximum diameter and the area of each skin defect were measured automatically by means of an image analysis system. Both size parameters differed significantly depending on the body region affected. On the back with its comparatively thick dermis, the skin defects were considerably smaller than those on the ventral trunk where the corium is less thick. This difference can be explained by the fact that the elastic properties of skin are strongly determined by the connective tissue which is especially rich in fibres. The study results were consistent with the authors’ casework experience and support the assumption that the entrance site of gunshot wounds has a major influence on the size of the bullet hole in skin.
Alternative Food Networks in Latin America—exploring PGS (Participatory Guarantee Systems) markets and their consumers: a cross-country comparison
Authors: Kaufmann Sonja , Hruschka Nikolaus , Vildozo Luis , Vogl Christian R.
Published: August 2022

Alternative food networks (AFN) are argued to provide platforms to re-socialize and re-spacealize food, establish and contribute to democratic participation in local food chains, and foster producer–consumer relations and trust. As one of the most recent examples of AFN, Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) have gained notable traction in attempting to redefine consumer-producer relations in the organic value chain. The participation of stakeholders, such as consumers, has been a key element theoretically differentiating PGS from other organic verification systems. While research on farmer participation in PGS is attracting interest, consumer participation is still widely overlooked. Using a mixed methods approach, this paper describes five PGS markets in Mexico, Chile and Bolivia. A survey was conducted with consumers in the PGS markets to explore their awareness of the PGS, how consumers participate in the PGS, and their level of trust in the respective PGS and its certified products. Results showed a low level of awareness of PGS among market consumers, few participation possibilities, and minimal consumer participation overall. Nevertheless, trust in organic quality was generally high. Consumers primarily relied on the direct relationship with producers and the PGS market itself as sources of trust. These results provide novel insight into PGS consumer-market interactions, and contribute to discussions concerning social embeddedness, awareness and participation within AFN.
Self-admitted technical debt in R: detection and causes
Authors: Sharma Rishab , Shahbazi Ramin , Fard Fatemeh H. , Codabux Zadia , Vidoni Melina
Published: August 2022

Self-Admitted Technical Debt (SATD) is primarily studied in Object-Oriented (OO) languages and traditionally commercial software. However, scientific software coded in dynamically-typed languages such as R differs in paradigm, and the source code comments’ semantics are different (i.e., more aligned with algorithms and statistics when compared to traditional software). Additionally, many Software Engineering topics are understudied in scientific software development, with SATD detection remaining a challenge for this domain. This gap adds complexity since prior works determined SATD in scientific software does not adjust to many of the keywords identified for OO SATD, possibly hindering its automated detection. Therefore, we investigated how classification models (traditional machine learning, deep neural networks, and deep neural Pre-Trained Language Models (PTMs)) automatically detect SATD in R packages. This study aims to study the capabilities of these models to classify different TD types in this domain and manually analyze the causes of each in a representative sample. Our results show that PTMs (i.e., RoBERTa) outperform other models and work well when the number of comments labelled as a particular SATD type has low occurrences. We also found that some SATD types are more challenging to detect. We manually identified sixteen causes, including eight new causes detected by our study. The most common cause was failure to remember, in agreement with previous studies. These findings will help the R package authors automatically identify SATD in their source code and improve their code quality. In the future, checklists for R developers can also be developed by scientific communities such as rOpenSci to guarantee a higher quality of packages before submission.
Phenotypic, Genetic and Environmental Architecture of the Components of Sleep Quality
Authors: Madrid-Valero Juan J. , Sánchez-Romera Juan F. , Martínez-Selva Jose M. , Ordoñana Juan R.
Published: August 2022

The genetic and environmental underpinnings of sleep quality have been widely investigated. However, less is known about the etiology of the different sleep quality components and their associations. Subjective sleep quality has been studied most commonly using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Therefore, this work aimed to study the structure of sleep quality dimensions in a population-based twin sample by examining the etiology of the associations among the PSQI components themselves and between them. The sample comprised 2129 participants from the Murcia Twin Registry. In order to study the phenotypic, genetic and environmental structure of the PSQI we used three alternative multivariate twin models including all seven sub-scales of the PSQI (subjective sleep quality, latency, duration, efficiency, disturbances, use of sleeping medication and daytime dysfunction): a multivariate model (with seven separate correlated factors), a common pathway model and an independent pathway model. The multivariate correlated factors model showed the best fit to the data. All twin models indicated significant genetic overlap among most of the PSQI components, except daytime dysfunction and use of sleep medication. Bivariate heritability explained between 25 and 50% of the covariance for most associations between dimensions. Furthermore, the common pathway model showed that around one third of the variance (0.32; CI 95% 0.18.0.43) of a latent factor common to all questionnaire dimensions is explained by genetic factors. Genetic influences on a latent factor common to all questionnaire dimensions produced the same heritability estimates as the PSQI global score. However, sleep quality dimensions showed considerable specificity regarding its genetic-environmental structure.