bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of avapritinib versus best available therapy in the treatment of advanced systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Reiter Andreas , Gotlib Jason , Álvarez-Twose Iván , Radia Deepti H. , Lübke Johannes , Bobbili Priyanka J. , Wang Aolin , Norregaard Chelsea , Dimitrijevic Saša , Sullivan Erin , Louie-Gao Melinda , Schwaab Juliana , Galinsky Ilene A. , Perkins Cecelia , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Sriskandarajah Priya , Chin Andi , Sendhil Selvam R. , Duh Mei Sheng , Valent Peter , DeAngelo Daniel J.
Published: July 2022

Advanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM) is a rare myeloid neoplasm associated with poor overall survival (OS). This study (NCT04695431) compared clinical outcomes between patients with AdvSM treated with avapritinib in the Phase 1 EXPLORER (NCT0256198) and Phase 2 PATHFINDER (NCT03580655) trials (N = 176) and patients treated with best available therapy (BAT; N = 141). A multi-center, observational, retrospective chart review study was conducted at six study sites (four European, two American) to collect data from patients with AdvSM who received BAT; these data were pooled with data from EXPLORER and PATHFINDER. Comparisons between outcomes of OS, duration of treatment (DOT), and maximum reduction in serum tryptase were conducted between the treatment cohorts, with adjustment for key covariates. The results indicated that the avapritinib cohort had significantly better survival (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.48 (0.29, 0.79); p = 0.004) and significantly longer DOT (HR: 0.36 (0.26, 0.51); p < 0.001) compared to the BAT cohort. Additionally, the mean difference in percentage maximum reduction in serum tryptase levels was 60.3% greater in the avapritinib cohort (95% CI: −72.8, −47.9; p < 0.001). With no randomized controlled trials comparing avapritinib to BAT, these data offer crucial insights into the improved efficacy of avapritinib for the treatment of AdvSM.
Quantitative phase imaging through an ultra-thin lensless fiber endoscope
Authors: Sun Jiawei , Wu Jiachen , Wu Song , Goswami Ruchi , Girardo Salvatore , Cao Liangcai , Guck Jochen , Koukourakis Nektarios , Czarske Juergen W.
Published: July 2022

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a label-free technique providing both morphology and quantitative biophysical information in biomedicine. However, applying such a powerful technique to in vivo pathological diagnosis remains challenging. Multi-core fiber bundles (MCFs) enable ultra-thin probes for in vivo imaging, but current MCF imaging techniques are limited to amplitude imaging modalities. We demonstrate a computational lensless microendoscope that uses an ultra-thin bare MCF to perform quantitative phase imaging with microscale lateral resolution and nanoscale axial sensitivity of the optical path length. The incident complex light field at the measurement side is precisely reconstructed from the far-field speckle pattern at the detection side, enabling digital refocusing in a multi-layer sample without any mechanical movement. The accuracy of the quantitative phase reconstruction is validated by imaging the phase target and hydrogel beads through the MCF. With the proposed imaging modality, three-dimensional imaging of human cancer cells is achieved through the ultra-thin fiber endoscope, promising widespread clinical applications.
Pharmacological treatment strategies for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Zhe , Sun Yaoyao , Zhang Yuyanan , Chen Yu , Guo Liangkun , Liao Yundan , Kang Zhewei , Feng Xiaoyang , Yue Weihua
Published: July 2022

Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia (AP-induced HPRL) occurs overall in up to 70% of patients with schizophrenia, which is associated with hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction. We summarized the latest evidence for the benefits of prolactin-lowering drugs. We performed network meta-analyses to summarize the evidence and applied Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation frameworks (GRADE) to rate the certainty of evidence, categorize interventions, and present the findings. The search identified 3,022 citations, 31 studies of which with 1999 participants were included in network meta-analysis. All options were not significantly better than placebo among patients with prolactin (PRL) less than 50 ng/ml. However, adjunctive aripiprazole (ARI) (5 mg: MD = −64.26, 95% CI = −87.00 to −41.37; 10 mg: MD = −59.81, 95% CI = −90.10 to −29.76; more than 10 mg: MD = −68.01, 95% CI = −97.12 to −39.72), switching to ARI in titration (MD = −74.80, 95% CI = −134.22 to −15.99) and adjunctive vitamin B6 (MD = −91.84, 95% CI = −165.31 to −17.74) were associated with significant decrease in AP-induced PRL among patients with PRL more than 50 ng/ml with moderated (adjunctive vitamin B6) to high (adjunctive ARI) certainty of evidence. Pharmacological treatment strategies for AP-induced HPRL depends on initial PRL level. No effective strategy was found for patients with AP-induced HPRL less than 50 ng/ml, while adjunctive ARI, switching to ARI in titration and adjunctive high-dose vitamin B6 showed better PRL decrease effect on AP-induced HPRL more than 50 ng/ml.
Targeting mitochondrial one-carbon enzyme MTHFD2 together with pemetrexed confers therapeutic advantages in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mo Juanfen , Gao Zhenzhen , Zheng Li , Yan Miaolong , Xue Min , Xu Jianqiu , Bao Yi , Wu Jiayuan
Published: July 2022

Metabolic remodeling is the fundamental molecular feature of malignant tumors. Cancer cells require sufficient energy supplies supporting their high proliferative rate. MTHFD2, a mitochondrial one-carbon metabolic enzyme, is dysregulated in several malignancies and may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate in cancer treatment. Here, our data confirmed that MTHFD2 gene and protein was upregulated in the cancerous tissues of LUAD patients and was correlated with a poor survival in LUAD. MTHFD2 was involved in lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis by mediating its downstream molecules, such as DNA helicases (MCM4 and MCM7), as well as ZEB1, Vimentin and SNAI1, which contributed to tumor cell growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Moreover, we identified that miRNA-99a-3p appeared to be an upstream mediator directly regulating MTHFD2 and MCM4 expression. Moreover, specific inhibition of MTHFD2 functions by siRNA or a chemical compound, improved anti-tumor sensitivities induced by pemetrexed in LUAD. Taken together, our study revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms of MTHFD2 in regulating cell proliferation and identified a novel therapeutic strategy improving the treatment efficacies in LUAD.
Box C/D snoRNA SNORD89 influences the occurrence and development of endometrial cancer through 2’-O-methylation modification of Bim
Authors: Bao Hai-juan , Chen Xi , Liu Xin , Wu Wu , Li Qian-hui , Xian Jing-yuan , Zhao Yang , Chen Shuo
Published: July 2022

The small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) is a type of small non-coding RNA widely distributed in the nucleoli of eukaryotic cells, promoting cancer development. The aim of this study was to assess box C/D snoRNA 89 (SNORD89) dysregulations in endometrial cancer. According to the TCGA database as well as the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), higher SNORD89 expression is found in endometrial cancer tissues. In addition, the SNORD89 expression level was higher in endometrial carcinoma with lymph node metastasis than in endometrial carcinoma without lymph node metastasis. By interacting with the conservative chaperone protein methylase fibrillarin (Fbl), SNORD89 inhibits the translation process of the Bim gene, leading to a decrease in Bim protein. Cancer-promoting effect of SNORD89 can be reversed by Fbl knockdown or Bim overexpressing. What’s more, ASO-mediated silencing of SNORD89 could inhibit endometrial cancer cell proliferation and migration ability. Taken together, SNORD89 can modify Bim through 2′-O-methylation and affect downstream signaling pathways to promote endometrial cancer occurrence and development. The role of methylation modification in the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer provides a new understanding and SNORD89 may be a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for endometrial cancer.
Older Korean men with inadequate vitamin D status have lower odds of radiologic osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Seunghee , Lee Gun-Woo , Park Clara Y.
Published: July 2022

Most studies on osteoarthritis (OA) and vitamin D status were performed in Whites with relatively adequate vitamin D status. Associations may differ by baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and race. We assessed the odds of OA and joint pain according to vitamin D status in Korean adults ≥ 50 years of age in the nationally representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 8575). Agreement between radiologic OA (ROA) and self-reported OA were also assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed and participants were stratified by sex. Adults with serum 25(OH)D < 12 ng/mL and 12 to < 20 ng/mL had 26% and 18% lower odds of knee ROA, respectively, compared to those with 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL. Similar results were observed in men, but not women. No associations were found between 25(OH)D and knee ROA severity, lumbar spine ROA, symptomatic OA, or knee pain. Sensitivity of self-reported OA was low (27%), indicating a weak possibility of reverse causation. Prospective studies are required to identify the possible causality of vitamin D on OA in Korean men.
Outcomes of right-sided and left-sided colon cancer after curative resection
Authors: Yang Chien-Yi , Yen Min-Hsuan , Kiu Kee-Thai , Chen Yu-Ting , Chang Tung-Cheng
Published: July 2022

The right and left side of the colon derived from the midgut and hindgut, respectively. Previous studies have reported different characteristics of right-sided colon cancer (RCC) and left-sided colon cancer (LCC), but oncological outcomes remain unclear. This study compared the outcomes of RCC and LCC. This retrospective study included 1017 patients who received curative colectomy for stage I-III colon cancer at a single institute between August 2008 and December 2019. Overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) were analyzed as outcome measurements. No significant difference in the OS or TTR of patients with RCC and LCC were observed. In subgroup analysis, RCC was associated with shorter TTR than LCC in stage II colon cancer (HR 2.36, 95% confidence interval 1.24–4.48, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that right sidedness, R1 resection, low body mass index (BMI) and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent factors for poor prognosis for stage II colon cancer. Low BMI, perineural invasion, higher T stage and N2 stage were independent factors for poor prognosis for stage III colon cancer. The results were confirmed by multivariate analysis after propensity score matching. Our study revealed that RCC was an independent risk factor for recurrence in stage II colon cancer.
Radical-mediated carboselenation of terminal alkynes under mild conditions
Authors: Ma Chixiao , Xie Jingli , Zeng Xianghua , Wei Zheyu , Wei Yongge
Published: July 2022

Metal-free radical carboselenation of terminal alkynes is developed for the synthesis of (E)-γ-seleno-substituted allyl nitriles with excellent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity.
Coupling of acceptor-substituted diazo compounds and tertiary thioamides: synthesis of enamino carbonyl compounds and their pharmacological evaluation
Authors: Secka Jim , Pal Arpan , Acquah Francis A. , Mooers Blaine H. M. , Karki Anand B. , Mahjoub Dania , Fakhr Mohamed K. , Wallace David R. , Okada Takuya , Toyooka Naoki , Kuta Adama , Koduri Naga , Herndon Deacon , Roberts Kenneth P. , Wang Zhiguo , Hileman Bethany , Rajagopal Nisha , Hussaini Syed R.
Published: July 2022

This paper describes the synthesis of enamino carbonyl compounds by the copper(i)-catalyzed coupling of acceptor-substituted diazo compounds and tertiary thioamides.
Chemical constituents from the seeds ofNigella glanduliferaand their hypoglycemic activities
Authors: Li Qingqing , Xu Jing , Chen Yiyu , Xie Wenli , Mei Gui , Li Xueni , Chen Yu , Yang Guangzhong
Published: July 2022

The seed ofNigella glanduliferaFreyn et Sint. is a traditional Uygur medicine used for the treatment of diabetes.
Engineering exposed vertical nano-TiO2 (001) facets/BiOI nanosheet heterojunction film for constructing a satisfactory PEC glucose oxidase biosensor
Authors: Wu Baiqiang , Cheng Zike , Hou Yao , Chen Qian , Wang Xiaohong , Qiao Bin , Chen Delun , Tu Jinchun
Published: July 2022

Demonstration of the mechanism based on the synergistic effect of TiO2 facet heterojunctions and TiO2/BiOI heterojunctions to promote efficient separation of photogenerated carriers.
Voice Onset Time in Early- and Late-Stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Thomas Anusha , Teplansky Kristin J. , Wisler Alan , Heitzman Daragh , Austin Sara , Wang Jun
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects bulbar functions including speech and voice. Voice onset time (VOT) was examined in speakers with ALS in early and late stages to explore the coordination of the articulatory and phonatory systems during speech production.

Method:

VOT was measured in nonword /bap/ produced by speakers with early-stage ALS (
n
 = 11), late-stage ALS (
n
 = 6), and healthy controls (
n
 = 13), and compared with speech performance decline (a marker of disease progression) in ALS.

Results:

Overall comparison of the VOT values among the three groups showed a significant difference,
F
(2,27) = 11.71,
p
< .01. Speakers in late-stage ALS displayed longer voicing lead (negative VOT) than both healthy speakers and speakers in early-stage ALS. VOT was also significantly negatively correlated with speech performance (i.e., Intelligible Speaking Rate),
r
(15) = .74,
p
 < .01.

Conclusions:

Speakers with more severe ALS showed greater occurrence of voicing lead and longer voicing lead. Findings show voicing precedes articulatory onset with disease progression in the production of bilabial stops, which suggests that the relative timing of coordination between the supralaryngeal structures and the phonatory system is affected in the late stage of ALS.
Speech-Language Pathologists' and Principals' Perceptions of Classroom-Based Services: Similar or Different?
Authors: Carlin Charles H.
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

Administrative support and accurate perceptions are believed to facilitate the use of speech-language services that are integrated into the classroom (i.e., integrated classroom-based services [ICBS]). The purpose of this study was to compare elementary principals' and speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') perceptions of ICBS in three areas: (a) effectiveness and benefits, (b) impact of the SLP–teacher relationship, and (c) need for administrative support.

Method:

This study used a web-based survey to investigate Ohio elementary SLPs' and principals' perceptions of ICBS. Demographic information was collected, and participants were asked to state their level of agreement on 17 perception statements using a 5-point Likert scale. Two hundred and ten SLPs and 89 principals participated in the study.

Results:

Data showed that SLPs and principals held similar perceptions about the overall effectiveness of ICBS, the need for a positive SLP–teacher relationship, the importance of adequate administrative support, and several key benefits. Differences occurred on statements related to targeting speech goals, behavior management, student grouping, and data collection.

Conclusions:

SLPs and principals generally held more similar than different perceptions about ICBS. Where differences existed, it was recommended that SLPs work with principals to obtain professional development, implement caseload management strategies, and remove barriers that hinder the implementation of ICBS. The efforts may lead to the increased use of ICBS for elementary school–age children with speech-language impairments.
Application of improved virtual sample and sparse representation in face recognition
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Wang Zewei , Zhang Xuexue , Cui Zhongwei , Zhang Bob , Cui Jinrong , Janneh Lamin L.
Published: July 2022

Sparse representation plays an important role in the research of face recognition. As a deformable sample classification task, face recognition is often used to test the performance of classification algorithms. In face recognition, differences in expression, angle, posture, and lighting conditions have become key factors that affect recognition accuracy. Essentially, there may be significant differences between different image samples of the same face, which makes image classification very difficult. Therefore, how to build a robust virtual image representation becomes a vital issue. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a novel image classification algorithm. First, to better retain the global features and contour information of the original sample, the algorithm uses an improved non‐linear image representation method to highlight the low‐intensity and high‐intensity pixels of the original training sample, thus generating a virtual sample. Second, by the principle of sparse representation, the linear expression coefficients of the original sample and the virtual sample can be calculated, respectively. After obtaining these two types of coefficients, calculate the distances between the original sample and the test sample and the distance between the virtual sample and the test sample. These two distances are converted into distance scores. Finally, a simple and effective weight fusion scheme is adopted to fuse the classification scores of the original image and the virtual image. The fused score will determine the final classification result. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms other typical sparse representation classification methods.
Region‐based two‐stage MRI bone tissue segmentation of the knee joint
Authors: Mao Jianping , Men Peng , Guo Hao , An Jubai
Published: July 2022

In medical image segmentation, the neural network structure of the U‐Net family has demonstrated sufficient advantages. However, MRI images have different scan parameters and different scan times, resulting in different feature representation of the images. Furthermore, there is a great class imbalance between bone and cartilage tissues in MRI knee images. To address these issues, a region‐based two‐stage MRI knee bone tissue segmentation network is proposed in this paper. The segmentation network makes full use of the location characteristics of the three types of bone tissue in the knee joint and uses a two‐stage network architecture with a modified U2‐Net backbone network to segment MRI knee bone tissue. The neural network structure is divided into two phases, the first phase with a simple coded decoding structure for saliency detection to obtain the positional regional relationships of different bone tissues, and the second phase with a segmentation network consisting of 2 modified U2‐Net, one for segmenting the patella and associated cartilage and the other for segmenting the femur, tibia and associated cartilage. The algorithm was tested with a variety of MRI knee data to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Torsion point attacks on ‘SIDH‐like’ cryptosystems
Authors: Kutas Péter , Petit Christophe
Published: July 2022

Isogeny‐based cryptography is a promising approach for post‐quantum cryptography. The best‐known protocol following that approach is the supersingular isogeny Diffie–Hellman protocol (SIDH); this protocol was turned into the CCA‐secure key encapsulation mechanism SIKE, which was submitted to and remains in the third round of NIST's post‐quantum standardisation process as an ‘alternate’ candidate. Isogeny‐based cryptography generally relies on the conjectured hardness of computing an isogeny between two isogenous elliptic curves, and most cryptanalytic work referenced on SIKE's webpage exclusively focusses on that problem. Interestingly, the hardness of this problem is sufficient for neither SIDH nor SIKE. In particular, these protocols reveal additional information on the secret isogeny, in the form of images of specific torsion points through the isogeny. This paper surveys existing cryptanalysis approaches exploiting this often called ‘torsion point information’, summarises their current impact on SIKE and related algorithms, and suggests some research directions that might lead to further impact.
The Effect of Zinc, Shell, and Fishbone Supplementations on Comb Width and Length of Bangkok Rooster
Authors: Abror As Sidiqi Akhmad , Sarmin  , Mona Airin Claude , Astuti Pudji
Published: July 2022

The Bangkok rooster is a prestigious ornamental bird in Indonesia. Zinc and shell have an aromatase blocker effect that results in testosterone elevations. Additionally, fishbone contains rich protein for optimum biological functions. Serum testosterone regulates comb size in the chicken. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural aromatase blockers and protein in the comb of Bangkok roosters. This experiment divided thirteen Bangkok roosters into control and treatment groups with zinc, fishbone-shell, and fishbone supplementations. The weekly comb lengthening and widening were intervals between week 0 and the measurement week in this study. The results suggested that fishbone and fishbone-shell supplementations escalated the comb lengthening. Fishbone–shell treatment significantly increased the comb lengthening in the second and fourth weeks (p < 0.05). The significant elongation change in the fishbone group only appeared in the second week (p < 0.05). Otherwise, the treatments produced lower comb widening in the roosters. Fishbone and fishbone-shell supplementation significantly caused a lower widening in every measurement week (p < 0.05). This study uncovered the effects of zinc, shell, and fishbone supplementations on reproductive phenotype in Bangkok roosters.
Neue Arzneimittel für Großtiere 2021
Authors: Emmerich Ilka Ute
Published: July 2022

Im Jahr 2021 kam für Pferde und landwirtschaftliche Nutztiere ein neuer Wirkstoff auf den deutschen Tierarzneimittelmarkt. So steht erstmalig das Antihämorrhagikum Etamsylat (Hemosilate) für Pferde, Rinder, Schweine, Schafe, Ziege, Hunde und Katzen zur Verfügung. Ein Wirkstoff erhielt eine Tierartenerweiterung: Das Endektozid Eprinomectin (Eprecis®) aus der Gruppe der makrozyklischen Laktone wurde auch für Schafe und Ziegen zugelassen. Auf dem Markt kamen weiterhin zwei Wirkstoffe in einen neuen Wirkstoffgehalt (Bromhexin, Tiamulin) und ein Wirkstoff in einer neuen Zusammensetzung (mit Indigocarmin einfärbte intramammäre Suspension mit schwerem basischen Bismutnitrat). Des Weiteren ist ein Wirkstoff (Oxytetracyclin) wieder für Pferde in dem Markt für Pferde und landwirtschaftliche Nutztiere verfügbar.
Bedeutung der Schwanzlänge beim Schaf und Zucht auf Kurzschwänzigkeit
Authors: Hümmelchen Hannah , Wagner Henrik , König Sven , Wehrend Axel
Published: July 2022

Eine Möglichkeit, das Kopieren von Schwänzen bei Schafen in der Zukunft zu vermeiden, stellt die Zucht auf Kurzschwänzigkeit dar. Dies erscheint vielversprechend, da die Urform der Hausschafe, der Mufflon, einen relativ kurzen schmalen Schwanz besitzt. Es kann folglich davon ausgegangen werden, dass längere Schwänze ein Resultat der Domestikation sind. Ältere Untersuchungen zur Heritabilität der Schwanzlänge beim Hausschaf konnten rasseabhängig Werte von 0,38 bis 0,77 nachweisen. Bei der Zucht auf Kurzschwänzigkeit muss jedoch darauf geachtet werden, dass keine Missbildungen der Wirbelsäule und benachbarter Strukturen auftreten. Bis in diesem Bereich ein Zuchtfortschritt erreicht ist, können durch Managementmaßnahmen die negativen Auswirkungen länger bewollter Schwänze (z. B. Myiasisbefall, Dermatitis) gemindert werden. Dazu gehören die Vermeidung von Durchfällen durch eine ausgewogene wiederkäuergerechte Fütterung, ein betriebsspezifisch angepasstes nachhaltiges Parasitenmanagementprogramm und die gezielte Schur unkupierter Schwänze.
Endoscopic Closure of Large Iatrogenic Duodenal Perforation: Right Use of Endoscopic Accessories
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Srinu Deshidi , Kakadiya Rinkal , Kurdia Kailash Chand , Jearth Vaneet , Shah Jimil
Published: July 2022

Perforations during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a rare but dreadful complication. Type I Stapfer's perforations tend to be large and can get easily complicated by peritonitis and collections if not recognized and managed in a timely manner. With advancement in endoscopic accessories, endoscopic closure is usually attempted first, and surgical interventions are reserved only in patients with a failed endoscopic attempt. Though over the scope clips (OTSC) are used in patients with defect up to 20 to 25 mm in gastric or duodenal perforation and up to 30 mm in colonic perforations, larger defects can be also closed with the right use of adjuvant accessories. Here, we report our experience of successful closure of a large duodenal perforation during ERCP, using a single OTSC clip with help of accessories.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gastroenterology Training in India
Authors: Sonika Ujjwal , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Kumar Ajay , Srivastava Siddharth , Dahale Amol , Sharma Barjesh Chander , Kumar Manish , Pandey Toshali , Yadav Devesh Prakash , Maharshi Sudhir , Nair Sandeep V. , Dalal Ashok
Published: July 2022

Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the healthcare system. The residents who are at the frontline of this pandemic have suffered the most. The extent of the training loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic on gastroenterology (GE) training is not studied in India.

Methods We designed a 36-question based google survey and distributed it to the GE residents all across India, via email. All the responses collected were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

Results A total of 140 responses were received. No significant decrease in teaching sessions/ classes was reported. Most of the residents (83.5%) reported inability to complete the target thesis enrolment. The number of patients seen by the residents in outpatient department, patients managed in wards and endoscopic procedures done by residents have decreased significantly (p-valve <0.001 for all). An overwhelming 89.9% (n = 125) of the GE residents were posted for COVID-19 duties. Almost half (50.4%) of them were COVID-19 positive.

Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the training of GE residents in India immensely and an extension period of 3 months may be offered to them.
Controllable modulation of morphology and property of CsPbCl3 perovskite microcrystals by vapor deposition method
Authors: Dong Na , You Fangfang , He Ting , Yao Yi , Xu Faqiang
Published: July 2022

As a direct wide bandgap semiconductor, CsPbCl3 has great potential applications in the field of near-ultraviolet photodetectors, lasers and higher-order multiphoton fluorescent detectors. In this work, we synthesized CsPbCl3 micro/nanocrystals by vapor deposition method with CsCl and PbCl2 powders as the source materials. It was confirmed that the formation of CsPbCl3 perovskite through the chemical reaction of CsCl with PbCl2 occurred in the quartz boat before the source evaporation, not in vapor or on substrate surface. The evaporated CsPbCl3 can form micro/nanocrystals on substrate surfaces under appropriate conditions. Various morphologies including irregular polyhedrons, rods and pyramids could be observed at lower temperature, while stable and uniform CsPbCl3 single crystal microplatelets were controllably synthesized at 450 °C. Prolonging the growth time could modulate the size and density of the microcrystals, but could not change the morphology. Substrate types made little difference to the morphology of CsPbCl3 crystals. The photoluminescence spectra indicated that the crystallinity and morphology of CsPbCl3 micro/nanocrystals have significant effects on their optical properties. The work is expected to be helpful to the development of optoelectronic devices based on individual CsPbCl3 microcrystal.
Understanding the effect of the exchange-correlation functionals on methane and ethane formation over ruthenium catalysts
Authors: Chen Chen , Jian Minzhen , Liu Jin-Xun , Li Wei-Xue
Published: July 2022

Density functional theory (DFT) has been established as a powerful research tool for heterogeneous catalysis research in obtaining key thermodynamic and/or kinetic parameters like adsorption energies, enthalpies of reaction, activation barriers, and rate constants. Understanding of density functional exchange-correlation approximations is essential to reveal the mechanism and performance of a catalyst. In the present work, we reported the influence of six exchange-correlation density functionals, including PBE, RPBE, BEEF+vdW, optB86b+vdW, SCAN, and SCAN+rVV10, on the adsorption energies, reaction energies and activation barriers of carbon hydrogenation and carbon-carbon couplings during the formation of methane and ethane over Ru(0001) and Ru(101¯1) surfaces. We found the calculated reaction energies are strongly dependent on exchange-correlation density functionals due to the difference in coordination number between reactants and products on surfaces. The deviation of the calculated elementary reaction energies can be accumulated to a large value for chemical reaction involving multiple steps and vary considerably with different exchange-correlation density functionals calculations. The different exchange-correlation density functionals are found to influence considerably the selectivity of Ru(0001) surface for methane, ethylene, and ethane formation determined by the adsorption energies of intermediates involved. However, the influence on the barriers of the elementary surface reactions and the structural sensitivity of Ru(0001) and Ru(101¯1) are modest. Our work highlights the limitation of exchange-correlation density functionals on computational catalysis and the importance of choosing a proper exchange-correlation density functional in correctly evaluating the activity and selectivity of a catalyst.
Temperature dependent charge transport in ferroelectrically gated graphene far from the Dirac point
Authors: Figueroa Kelotchi S. , Zimbovskaya Natalya A. , Pinto Nicholas J. , Wen Chengyu , Johnson A. T. Charlie
Published: July 2022

Charge transport in ferroelectric (FE) gated graphene far from the Dirac point (DP) was studied in the temperature range 300 K < T < 350 K. A non-monotonic/monotonic/non-monotonic behavior in the conductivity [σ(T)] was observed as one moved away from the DP. As the gate polarization increased, additional impurity charges were compensated, which reduced charge scattering. The uncompensated charges doped graphene and σ(T) switched to a monotonic increase with increasing T. However, far from the DP, the polarization reached saturation, which resulted in still lower impurity charge scattering. The carrier concentration increased, and a non-monotonic response in σ(T) reappeared, which was attributed to phonon scattering. A theoretical model is presented that combined impurity charge and phonon scattering conduction mechanisms. The top gate polarizable FE provided a novel approach to investigate charge transport in graphene via controlled compensation of impurity charges, and in the process revealed non-monotonic behavior in σ(T) not previously seen in SiO2 back gated graphene devices.
Far-from-equilibrium universality in the two-dimensional Heisenberg model
Authors: Rodriguez-Nieva Joaquin F. , Piñeiro Orioli Asier , Marino Jamir
Published: July 2022

We characterize the universal far-from-equilibrium dynamics of the two-dimensional quantum Heisenberg magnet isolated from its environment. For a broad range of initial conditions, we find a long-lived universal prethermal regime characterized by self-similar behavior of spin–spin correlations. We analytically derive the spatial–temporal scaling exponents and find excellent agreement with numerics using phase space methods. The scaling exponents are insensitive to the choice of initial conditions, which include coherent and incoherent spin states with values of total magnetization and energy in a wide range. Compared to previously studied self-similar dynamics in nonequilibrium O(n) field theories and Bose gases, we find qualitatively distinct scaling behavior originating from the presence of spin modes that remain gapless at long times and are protected by the global SU(2) symmetry. Our predictions, which suggest a distinct nonequilibrium universality class from Bose gases and O(n) theories, are readily testable in ultracold atoms simulators of Heisenberg magnets.
What is the opposite of Henduo ‘many’ in Mandarin?
Authors: Liu Haiyong
Published: July 2022

This article first studies the contrastive properties of Q-adjectives many and
few, as well as henduo ‘many’ and henshao ‘few’ in Mandarin from the
perspective of their strengths as determiners (Milsark, 1974 & 1977). Although all falling into the weak-determiner category for being existential and
indefinite, many/henduo show more properties as leaning towards strong definiteness and universal quantification
than few/henshao. Secondly, because of the kind-demoting mass NP nature of Chinese nouns and the fact that
Mandarin is a topic-comment pro-drop language, henduo ‘many’ and henshao ‘few’ can appear both
in the pre-nominal attributive and the predicative positions, unlike their English counterparts many and
few that cannot be used as predicates due to the token-denoting nature of English nouns and that English is
not a pro-drop language. I also argue that the determiner strengths demonstrated by Q-adjectives are not related to indefinite
specificity.
The Oncologist v2.0: Building on a 27-Year Legacy of Accomplishment
Authors: Bates Susan E
Published: July 2022

Susan E. Bates reflects on the history of The Oncologist and articulates her vision for the future of the journal as she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief.
Complex regulatory role of DNA methylation in caste- and age-specific expression of a termite
Authors: Harrison Mark C. , Dohmen Elias , George Simon , Sillam-Dussès David , Séité Sarah , Vasseur-Cognet Mireille
Published: July 2022

The reproductive castes of eusocial insects are often characterized by extreme lifespans and reproductive output, indicating an absence of the fecundity/longevity trade-off. The role of DNA methylation in the regulation of caste- and age-specific gene expression in eusocial insects is controversial. While some studies find a clear link to caste formation in honeybees and ants, others find no correlation when replication is increased across independent colonies. Although recent studies have identified transcription patterns involved in the maintenance of high reproduction throughout the long lives of queens, the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of these genes is unknown. We carried out a comparative analysis of DNA methylation in the regulation of caste-specific transcription and its importance for the regulation of fertility and longevity in queens of the higher termite
Macrotermes natalensis
. We found evidence for significant, well-regulated changes in DNA methylation in mature compared to young queens, especially in several genes related to ageing and fecundity in mature queens. We also found a strong link between methylation and caste-specific alternative splicing. This study reveals a complex regulatory role of fat body DNA methylation both in the division of labour in termites, and during the reproductive maturation of queens.
Mimicking orchids lure bees from afar with exaggerated ultraviolet signals
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Daniela , Lunau Klaus , Guzzetti Lorenzo , Cozzolino Salvatore , Dyer Adrian G. , Tommasi Nicola , Biella Paolo , Galimberti Andrea , Labra Massimo , Bruni Ilaria , Pecoraro Lorenzo , Pattarini Giorgio , Brundrett Mark , Gagliano Monica
Published: July 2022

Flowers have many sensory traits to appeal to pollinators, including ultraviolet (UV) absorbing markings, which are well known for attracting bees at close proximity (e.g. < 1 m). While striking UV signals have been thought to attract pollinators also at greater distances of meters, how the signals impact the plant pollination success over distance remains unknown. Here we report the case of the Australian orchid Diuris brumalis, a non-rewarding species, pollinated by bees via mimicry of rewarding pea plant Daviesia decurrens. When distant from the pea plant, Diuris brumalis was hypothesized to enhance pollinator attraction by exaggerately mimicking the floral ultraviolet (UV) reflecting patterns of its model.

By experimentally modulating floral UV reflectance with a UV screening solution, we quantified the orchid pollination success at variable distance from the model plants.

We demonstrate that the deceptive orchid Diuris brumalis attracts bee pollinators by emphasizing the visual stimuli, which mimic the floral UV signalling of the rewarding model D. decurrens. Moreover, the exaggerated UV reflectance of D. brumalis flowers impacted pollinators’ visitation at an optimal distance from D. decurrens, and the effect decreased when orchids were too close or too far away from the model.

Our findings show that salient UV flower signalling plays a functional role in visual floral mimicry, likely exploiting perceptual gaps in bee neural coding, and mediates the plant pollination success at much greater spatial scales than previously expected.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-(4-bromophenyl)-4-methyl-6-oxo-1-phenyl-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Naghiyev Farid N. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Dobrokhotova Ekaterina V. , Akkurt Mehmet , Khalilov Ali N. , Bhattarai Ajaya , Mamedov İbrahim G.
Published: July 2022

In the title compound, C19H13BrN2O, the pyridine ring is essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.024 (4) Å for the N atom] and makes dihedral angles of 74.6 (2) and 65.8 (2)°, respectively, with the phenyl and bromophenyl rings, which subtend a dihedral angle of 63.1 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected along the c-axis direction via C—Br...π interactions, generating zigzag chains parallel to the (010) plane. C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions further connect the molecules, forming a three-dimensional network and reinforcing the molecular packing. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (36.2%), C...H/H...C (21.6%), N...H/H...N (12.2%), and Br...H/H...Br (10.8%) interactions.
Sr9La2(WO6)4 containing [WO6] octahedra
Authors: Simura Rayko , Watanabe Tomoki , Yamane Hisanori
Published: July 2022

A polycrystalline sample of Sr9La2(WO6)4, nonastrontium dilanthanum tetrakis[orthotungstate(VI)], was prepared by heating a compacted powder mixture of SrCO3, WO3, and La2O3 with an Sr:La:W molar ratio of 9:2:4 at 1473 K. X-ray crystal structure analysis was performed for a Sr9La2(WO6)4 single-crystal grain grown by reheating the sample at 1673 K. Sr9La2(WO6)4 crystallizes with four formula units in the tetragonal space group I41/a and is isotypic with Sr11(ReO6)4. Two W sites with site symmetries of \overline{1} are located at the center of isolated [WO6] octahedra, and four mixed (Sr/La) sites are surrounded by eight to twelve O atoms of the [WO6] octahedra. The structure of Sr9La2(WO6)4 can be described on the basis of the double-perovskite structure with [WO6] and [(Sr/La)O
x
] polyhedra alternately placed, and a vacancy (□).
Crystal structure of 8-hexyloxy-2-[(Z)-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)ethenyl]quinoline
Authors: Liu Xiaozhou , Wang Lu , Feng Ying , Cui Deliang , Liu Zhi
Published: July 2022

In the title molecule, C27H27NO, the naphthalene and quinoline groups are both planar and subtend a dihedral angle of 15.47 (7)°. They are nearly coplanar with the cis-vinyl bridge and the hexyloxy chain, which adopts an all-trans conformation, resulting in transannular bifurcated intramolecular C—H...N,O contact. The crystal structure features γ-packing of the aromatic moieties, while the parallel packing of alkyl chains resembles that of alkanes.
I “showroom” but “webroom” too: investigating cross-shopping behaviour in a developing nation
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Sharma Kirti , Choudhary Sharuti
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The concepts of showrooming and webrooming have been well researched but majorly from the marketing/economic perspectives. The present study explores the socio-psychological motivations and different types of satisfaction derived from “cross-shopping” behaviour namely, showrooming and webrooming in a developing nation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory and is conducted using an interpretive approach. The researchers conducted 52 in-depth interviews and the collected data were subjected to open and axial coding to generate the conceptual model.

Findings

The findings indicate various motivations of cross-shopping such a habit and the joy of discovery while novel aspects of satisfaction emerge such as process satisfaction and social satisfaction. The findings also revealed contextual moderators of the cross-shopping process.

Research limitations/implications

The present study contributes to the domain of cross shopping behaviour by illustrating the social motivators behind the same and novel satisfaction outcomes because of the cross-shopping process.

Practical implications

The present study has multiple implications that would enable managers to effectively utilize cross shopping behaviour such understanding of satisfaction beyond those derived from the product only.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to investigate consumer behaviour related to cross shopping based on psycho-social dimensions.
An intelligent fast controller for autonomous wheeled robot path navigation in challenging environments
Authors: Mukherjee Subhradip , Kumar R. , Borah Siddhanta
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to incorporate one intelligent particle swarm optimization (IPSO) controller to realize an optimum path in unknown environments. In this paper, the fitness function of IPSO is designed with intelligent design parameters, solving the path navigation problem of an autonomous wheeled robot towards the target point by avoiding obstacles in any unknown environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This controller depends on randomly oriented positions with all other position information and a fitness function. Evaluating the position’s best values, this study gets the local best values, and finally, the global best value is updated as the current value after comparing the local best values.

Findings

The path navigation of the proposed controller has been compared with particle swarm optimization algorithm, BAT algorithm, flower pollination algorithm, invasive weed algorithm and genetic algorithm in multiple challenging environments. The proposed controller shows the percent deviation in path length near 14.54% and the percent deviation in travel time near 4% after the simulation. IPSO is applied to optimize said parameters for path navigation of the wheeled robot in different simulation environments.

Originality/value

A hardware model with a 32-bit ARM board interfaced with a global positioning system (GPS) module, an ultrasonic module and ZigBee wireless communication module is designed to implement IPSO. In real-time, the IPSO controller shows the percent deviation in path length near 9%.
Risk committee and stock price crash risk in the Malaysian financial sector: the moderating role of institutional ownership
Authors: Aldhamari Redhwan , Mohamad Nor Mohamad Naimi , Al Farooque Omar , Al-sabri Haithm Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The authors empirically investigate the impact of the existence of a stand-alone risk committee (RC) and its characteristics on the likelihood of stock price crash risk in listed financial firms on the Bursa Malaysia. The authors also test whether the effect of RC on crash risk is attenuating or amplifying by the level of institutional ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a principal components analysis (PCA) to aggregate and derive a factor score for risk committee characteristics (i.e. independence, qualification, and size) as a proxy for the effectiveness of RC. The study also employs two distinct stock price crash risk measurements to corroborate the findings and partition institutional ownership into dedicated and transient to examine the potential impact of institutional shareholding on RC-stock price crash risk association.

Findings

Regression analysis reveals that only RC qualification has a significant negative impact on stock price crash risk. However, when RC characteristics are aggregated into one composite factor, the authors find that firms with effective RCs exhibit lower risk of stock price crash. The authors also find that firms with high level of institutional shareholdings and effective RCs are less likely to experience crash risk likelihood. The additional analyses indicate that the complementary moderating effect of institutional ownership on RC-crash risk nexus is likely to be driven by dedicated institutional ownership. The results are robust across two measures of stock price crash risk and regression specifications for a longer run window.

Originality/value

The study, to the best of the researchers' knowledge, is the first to provide evidence in an emerging market financial sector companies' perspective suggesting that effective RCs are individually and aggregately associated with lower stock price crash risk, which is further strengthened by dedicated institutional investors. These findings are unique and contribute to a small but growing body of literature documenting the need for effective RCs and specific institutional investors and their consequences of improvements in stock price crash risk environment. Results of our research in this area provide important insights to financial and capital market participants, investors, regulators, and policymakers in Malaysia.
Modelling the role of predation on disease burdens of prey
Authors: Gagne Roderick B.
Published: July 2022

Research Highlight: Brandell, E. E., Cross, P. C., Smith, D. W., Rogers, W., Galloway, N. L., MacNulty, D. R., Stahler, D. R., Treanor, J. & Hudson, P. J. (2022). Examination of the interaction between age‐specific predation and chronic disease in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Journal of Animal Ecology, 00, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13661. Predation can alter disease dynamics in prey. If predators select for infected individuals, they can reduce disease burdens. In other cases, predators can increase disease burdens via various mechanisms such as altered prey behaviour. The influence of predation on disease dynamics is a result of interactions among various traits of the predators, prey and the pathogen itself. For example, pathogens tend to vary with age and predators typically select for certain age classes. Thus, the overlap between ages selected by predators and those infected will likely contribute to any effects of predation on reducing disease burdens. In this paper, Brandell et al. (2022) develop a model to evaluate the predator cleansing effect given age‐based variation in pathogens and predation. The model was developed for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) infections in deer and elk facing predation by cougars and grey wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The results indicate that predators can reduce CWD outbreak size, especially if selecting for infected individuals. CWD is an always fatal disease and this work suggests that predators could reduce disease burdens in cervids. The model is also applicable to other systems and promises to further our understanding of the role of predation on disease in prey, as well as drive future empirical studies.