bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Networks and Dynamic Firm Performance: Evidence from the Taiwanese Semiconductor Industry
Authors: Wang Wei-Kang , Lu Wen-Min , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Chen Yu-Hsuan 
Published: January 2021

Redes sociales y rendimiento dinámico de la empresa: Evidencia de la industria de semiconductores de Taiwán.
Este estudio examina la relación entre la interconexión del consejo directivo y el rendimiento de la empresa. Utilizando datos de la industria de semiconductores de Taiwán de 2013 a 2015, este estudio utiliza la centralidad, los agujeros de la estructura y el número de interconexiones entre consejos directivos como proxies de la interconexión de los consejos directivos. Este estudio también evalúa el rendimiento de la empresa a largo plazo mediante un modelo de análisis envolvente de datos dinámicos. donde se concluye que la interconexión de los directivos mejora la eficiencia dinámica. Utilizando un análisis de la red social de los directivos, también identificamos las cinco mejores empresas con mejor interconexión del consejo directivo en términos de centralidad, agujeros estructurales, y el número de directores interconectados. En general, este trabajo es novedoso en la vinculación de la interconexión de los directivos con la eficiencia dinámica. El estudio enriquece la literatura contable existente sobre el papel de los directivos para influir en el rendimiento de la empresa y evaluar éste desde una perspectiva de eficiencia multidimensional.
This study examines the relationship between board interlock and firm performance. Using the Taiwanese semiconductor industry’s dataset from 2013 to 2015, this study uses centrality, structure holes, and the number of interlocking boards as proxies of board interlock. This study also evaluates firm performance over a long-term period through a dynamic data envelopment analysis model. which concluded that board interlock improves dynamic efficiency. Using a directors’ social network analysis, we also identified the top five companies with the best board interlock in terms of centrality, structural holes, and the number of interlocking directors. Overall, this paper is novel in linking board interlock to dynamic efficiency. The study enriches the extant accounting literature regarding the role of directors in influencing firm performance and evaluate firm performance from a multidimensional efficiency perspective.
Expression of vitamin D 1α-hydroxylase in human gingival fibroblasts in vivo
Authors: Liu Kaining , Han Bing , Hou Jianxia , Zhang Jianyun , Su Jing , Meng Huanxin 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundVitamin D 1α-hydroxylase CYP27B1 is the key factor in the vitamin D pathway. Previously, we analyzed the expression of CYP27B1 in human gingival fibroblasts in vitro. In the present study, we analyzed the gingival expression of CYP27B1 in vivo.MethodsForty-two patients with periodontitis Stage IV Grade C and 33 controls were recruited. All patients with periodontitis had unsalvageable teeth and part of the wall of the periodontal pocket was resected and obtained after tooth extraction. All controls needed crown-lengthening surgery, and samples of gingiva resected during surgery were also harvested. All the individuals’ gingivae were used for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In addition, gingivae from seventeen subjects of the diseased group and twelve subjects of the control group were analyzed by real-time PCR.ResultsExpression of CYP27B1 was detected both in gingival epithelia and in gingival connective tissues, and the expression in connective tissues colocalized with vimentin, indicating that CYP27B1 protein is expressed in gingival fibroblasts. The expression of CYP27B1 mRNA in gingival connective tissues and the CYP27B1 staining scores in gingival fibroblasts in the diseased group were significantly higher than those in the control group.ConclusionsExpression of CYP27B1 in human gingival tissues was detected, not only in the fibroblasts of gingival connective tissues, but also in the gingival epithelial cells, and might be positively correlated with periodontal inflammation.
Analysis of Trends, Growth and Instability in Rice Production in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Sunandini G. P. , Paul K. Solmon Raju , Irugu Shakuntala Devi 
Published: January 2021

The study has been taken up with the objective of investigating the trends, pattern of growth and the extent of instability in area, production and productivity of rice crop in Andhra Pradesh state over a period of five and half decades from 1959-60 to 2013-14. Compound Growth Rate and Coefficient of Variation were used to calculate the annual growth rate and instability. The area, production and productivity of rice in this period has increased by 25, 201 and 138 per cent respectively. In this period, the districts were categorised and grouped under different groups based on average productivity of rice. During the study period many of the districts moved from very low productivity to high productivity group. During 1960s, 17 districts are under very low productivity group (<1500 kg/ha) and in 2010s 13 districts are under high productivity group (>3000 kg/ha). During the period 2014-19 in the divided Andhra Pradesh contribution of different productivity groups to the states paddy production was calculated and concluded that 3 districts under high productivity group (>6000kg/ha) contributed 52 per cent of the production. During 2010s annual growth rates for area, production and productivity are 4.08, 4.02 and 1.21 respectively. In all the periods in the past five and half decades, production and productivity growth rates are higher than growth rate in area except in 2010s. Instability was higher in production and area than in productivity. The annual growth rate and the instability of production and area are higher in 2010s. Suitable crop planning is to be initiated, adoption of sustainable management practices are to be intensified to maintain the growth rate and reduce the instability in area and production.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis with Atypical Localization of Shield Ulcer
Authors: Hovakimyan Anna , Kambulyan Lusine , Davtyan Araks , Kirakosyan Artak , Tsarukyan Emma 
Published: January 2021

Aims: To present an atypical case of vernal keratoconjunctivitis associated with unusual inferior location of shield ulcer.
Presentation of Case: We are presenting an unusual case of vernal disease in a 7-year-old male associated with 2 corneal ulcers in the same eye, one of which was located inferiorly. The patient was prescribed topical steroids, antihistamine and lubricating eye drops. Three weeks later the symptoms got resolved and ulcers were healed, leaving mild subepithelial fibrosis. The patient was advised to continue antihistamine eye drops for the whole year with prophylactic dosage regimen.
Discussion: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a bilateral, seasonally recurring inflammation of conjunctiva and cornea. It affects mostly children with male preponderance. In several cases vernal disease can be complicated with development of a shield ulcer, which usually has superior location under upper eyelid. Despite the fact that literature review has revealed two atypical cases with inferior localization reported in India, it is a very rare finding. Our case also was unusual with two shield ulcers, one of which was located inferiorly.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates a very rare presentation of an atypical inferiorly located shield ulcer. Literature review revealed only two similar cases in India. Our case demonstrates the usage of topical steroids to be successful and advisable in the treatment of shield ulcer, as it controls the inflammation. Topical antihistamine medications should be added and given for a long period for preventing possible recurrences.
Comparison between Conventional 2.0 mm Miniplates versus 3-D Plates In Management of Mandibular Fractures
Authors: Kumari Meena , Channar Kashif Ali , Punjabi Suneel Kumar , Memon Mahwish , Shams Salman , Hassan Syed Ghazanfar 
Published: January 2021

Objective: To compare the outcomes stability, malunion and intra operative time by using 2.0mm conventional miniplates and 3-D plates in management of the anterior mandibular fracture.
Materials and Methods: Total 94 patients were included and equally divided in two groups. Fixation of fracture was done by 2.0mm conventional miniplates in Group-A and a single 3D plate in Group-B. Stability, healing and malunion were assessed on follow-up at 1st week, 6th week, and 12th week using Chi Square Test.
Results: Stability was 91.5% in group-A and 93.6% in group-B. Clinically malunion was 12.8% at 1st week, 14.8% at 2nd week, 14.8% at 8th week in group-A while in group-B, malunion was 8.5% at 1st week, 2nd week and at 8th week. Radiographically, malunion was 12.8% at 1st week, 14.8% at 2nd week, 14.8% at 8th week in group-A while in group-B, malunion was 8.5% at 1stweek, 2nd week and at 8th week.
Conclusion: The results of the study concluded that 3-D plating system has advantages over conventional 2 mm miniplates.
Role of Serum IL‐6 in Neuropsychiatric Systemic lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Hirohata Shunsei , Kikuchi Hirotoshi 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveThe present study was designed in order to elucidate the roles of serum interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in the pathogenesis in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).MethodsPaired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained from 101 patients with SLE when they presented active neuropsychiatric manifestations (69 patients with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes [diffuse NPSLE] and 32 patients with neurologic syndromes or peripheral nervous system involvement [focal NPSLE]) and from 22 control patients without SLE with noninflammatory neurological diseases. The levels of albumin and IL‐6 in CSF and sera were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSerum IL‐6 and CSF IL‐6 were elevated in NPSLE compared with non‐SLE controls. Among NPSLE, serum IL‐6 and CSF IL‐6 were significantly elevated in acute confusional state (ACS) compared with non‐ACS diffuse NPSLE (anxiety disorder, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorder, and psychosis) or focal NPSLE. Q albumin (CSF/serum albumin quotient) was also significantly higher in ACS than in the other two groups of NPSLE. Of note, serum IL‐6 (r = 0.2801, p = 0.0207), but not CSF IL‐6 (r = 0.1602, p = 0.1918), was significantly correlated with Q albumin in patients with diffuse NPSLE, including ACS and non‐ACS.ConclusionThese results indicate that serum IL‐6 as well as CSF IL‐6 is involved in the pathogenesis of NPSLE. Moreover, it is suggested that serum IL‐6 might play a most important role in blood‐brain barrier breakdown in NPSLE.
Pluralism and the Urban Landscape: Towards a Strategic Eclecticism
Authors: Somers Dirk 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhilst Multiform has achieved a certain acceptance as a way of combating the so‐called New London Vernacular's contextual architecture, there are still many other aspects of urbanism it does not necessarily address, particularly within the public realm. The cityscape is often left out of the debate where buildings risk becoming simply self‐referential objects. Dirk Somers, manager and founder of Antwerp's Bovenbouw architectuur, argues for a reconsideration and posits successful precedents that balance convention with surprise.
Working in Public: Political and Design Inheritances in the Work of DK‐CM
Authors: Knight David , Monteiro Cristina 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLondon‐based DK‐CM is an architecture and urbanism practice that operates in the public sector. It is inspired by the complex heterogeneous nature of public space and its diverse personal histories, some oral, some institutional. David Knight and Cristina Monteiro describe their approach to community collaboration, inclusivity and designing with and for the public in all its magnificent spectrum.
Enhanced Osteoinductivity of Demineralized Bone Matrix with Noggin Suppression in Polymer Matrix
Authors: Chen Chen , Rehnama Matthew , Kim Soyon , Lee Chung‐Sung , Zhang Xiao , Aghaloo Tara , Fan Jiabing , Lee Min 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDemineralized bone matrix (DBM), a potential alternative to autologous bone grafts, has been increasingly used for clinical bone repair; however, its application in larger defects has not been successful partly due to the rapid dispersion of DBM particles and relatively lower osteoinductivity. Here, a novel strategy is created to complement the osteoinductivity of DBM by incorporating DBM in a biopolymer hydrogel combined with the abrogation of BMP antagonism. Combined treatment of DBM+noggin‐suppression displays increased osteogenic potency of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) in vitro. An injectable chitosan (MeGC)‐based hydrogel with heparinization (Hep‐MeGC) is further developed to localize and stabilize DBM. Noggin‐suppression reveals a significant increase in osteogenesis of hBMSCs in the photopolymerizable Hep‐MeGC hydrogels with the encapsulation of DBM. Moreover, the combination of DBM+noggin‐suppression in the injectable Hep‐MeGC hydrogel displays robust bone healing in mouse critical‐sized calvarial defects in vivo. The mechanistic analysis demonstrates that noggin‐suppression increases DBM osteoinductivity by stimulating endogenous BMP/Smad signals. These results have shown promise in DBM's ability as a prominent bone grafting material while being coupled with gene editing mechanism and a localizing 3D scaffold. Together, this approach poses a significant increase in the efficiency of DBM‐mediated craniofacial bone repair and dental osteointegration.
Modulation of Mechanical Stress Mitigates Anti‐Dsg3 Antibody‐Induced Dissociation of Cell–Cell Adhesion
Authors: Jin Xiaowei , Rosenbohm Jordan , Kim Eunju , Esfahani Amir Monemian , Seiffert‐Sinha Kristina , Wahl James K. , Lim Jung Yul , Sinha Animesh A. , Yang Ruiguo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIt is becoming increasingly clear that mechanical stress in adhesive junctions plays a significant role in dictating the fate of cell–cell attachment under physiological conditions. Targeted disruption of cell–cell junctions leads to multiple pathological conditions, among them the life‐threatening autoimmune blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris (PV). The dissociation of cell–cell junctions by autoantibodies is the hallmark of PV, however, the detailed mechanisms that result in tissue destruction remain unclear. Thus far, research and therapy in PV have focused primarily on immune mechanisms upstream of autoantibody binding, while the biophysical aspects of the cell–cell dissociation process leading to acantholysis are less well studied. In work aimed at illuminating the cellular consequences of autoantibody attachment, it is reported that externally applied mechanical stress mitigates antibody‐induced monolayer fragmentation and inhibits p38 MAPK phosphorylation activated by anti‐Dsg3 antibody. Further, it is demonstrated that mechanical stress applied externally to cell monolayers enhances cell contractility via RhoA activation and promotes the strengthening of cortical actin, which ultimately mitigates antibody‐induced cell–cell dissociation. The study elevates understanding of the mechanism of acantholysis in PV and shifts the paradigm of PV disease development from a focus solely on immune pathways to highlight the key role of physical transformations at the target cell.
Electrowetting‐Assisted Generation of Ultrastable High Charge Densities in Composite Silicon Oxide–Fluoropolymer Electret Samples for Electric Nanogenerators
Authors: Mendel Niels , Wu Hao , Mugele Frieder 
Published: January 2021

AbstractElectric nanogenerators that directly convert the energy of moving drops into electrical signals require hydrophobic substrates with a high density of static electric charge that is stable in “harsh environments” created by continued exposure to potentially saline water. The recently proposed charge‐trapping electric generators (CTEGs) that rely on stacked inorganic oxide–fluoropolymer (FP) composite electrets charged by homogeneous electrowetting‐assisted charge injection (h‐EWCI) seem to solve both problems, yet the reasons for this success have remained elusive. Here, systematic measurements at variable oxide and FP thickness, charging voltage, and charging time and thermal annealing up to 230 °C are reported, leading to a consistent model of the charging process. It is found to be controlled by an energy barrier at the water‐FP interface, followed by trapping at the FP‐oxide interface. Protection by the FP layer prevents charge densities up to −1.7 mC m−2 from degrading and the dielectric strength of SiO2 enables charge decay times up to 48 h at 230 °C, suggesting lifetimes against thermally activated discharging of thousands of years at room temperature. Combining high dielectric strength oxides and weaker FP top coatings with electrically controlled charging provides a new paradigm for developing ultrastable electrets for applications in energy harvesting and beyond.
Highly Photostable and Luminescent Donor–Acceptor Molecules for Ultrasensitive Detection of Sulfur Mustard
Authors: Cui Linfeng , Gong Yanjun , Cheng Chuanqin , Guo Yongxian , Xiong Wei , Ji Hongwei , Jiang Lang , Zhao Jincai , Che Yanke 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReal‐time, high signal intensity, and prolonged detection is challenging because of the rarity of fluorophores with both high photostability and luminescence efficiency. In this work, new donor–acceptor (D–A) molecules for overcoming these limitations are reported. A hybridized local and an intramolecular charge‐transfer excited state is demonstrated to afford high photoluminescence efficiency of these D–A molecules in solution (≈100%). The twisted molecular structure and bulky alkyl chains effectively suppress π–π and dipole–dipole interactions, enabling high luminescence efficiency of 1 and 2 in the solid state (≈94% and 100%). Furthermore, two D–A aggregates exhibit high photostability as evidenced by 4% and 8% of the fluorescence decreasing after 6 h of continuous irradiation in air, which is in sharp contrast to ≈95% of fluorescence decreasing in a reference compound. Importantly, with these molecules, ultrasensitive detection of sulfur mustard (SM) with a record limit of 10 ppb and selective detection of SM in complex matrices are achieved.
Proteinaceous Hydrogels for Bioengineering Advanced 3D Tumor Models
Authors: Blanco‐Fernandez Barbara , Gaspar Vítor M. , Engel Elisabeth , Mano João F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe establishment of tumor microenvironment using biomimetic in vitro models that recapitulate key tumor hallmarks including the tumor supporting extracellular matrix (ECM) is in high demand for accelerating the discovery and preclinical validation of more effective anticancer therapeutics. To date, ECM‐mimetic hydrogels have been widely explored for 3D in vitro disease modeling owing to their bioactive properties that can be further adapted to the biochemical and biophysical properties of native tumors. Gathering on this momentum, herein the current landscape of intrinsically bioactive protein and peptide hydrogels that have been employed for 3D tumor modeling are discussed. Initially, the importance of recreating such microenvironment and the main considerations for generating ECM‐mimetic 3D hydrogel in vitro tumor models are showcased. A comprehensive discussion focusing protein, peptide, or hybrid ECM‐mimetic platforms employed for modeling cancer cells/stroma cross‐talk and for the preclinical evaluation of candidate anticancer therapies is also provided. Further development of tumor‐tunable, proteinaceous or peptide 3D microtesting platforms with microenvironment‐specific biophysical and biomolecular cues will contribute to better mimic the in vivo scenario, and improve the predictability of preclinical screening of generalized or personalized therapeutics.
Direct Pyrolysis of a Manganese‐Triazolate Metal–Organic Framework into Air‐Stable Manganese Nitride Nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Yating , Li Changjian , Xi Shibo , Deng Zeyu , Liu Ximeng , Cheetham Anthony K. , Wang John 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are being widely used to derive functional nanomaterials through pyrolysis, the actual mechanisms involved remain unclear. In the limited studies to date, elemental metallic species are found to be the initial products, which limits the variety of MOF‐derived nanomaterials. Here, the pyrolysis of a manganese triazolate MOF is examined carefully in terms of phase transformation, reaction pathways, and morphology evolution in different conditions. Surprisingly, the formation of metal is not detected when manganese triazolate is pyrolyzed in an oxygen‐free environment. Instead, a direct transformation into nanoparticles of manganese nitride, Mn2Nx embedded in N‐doped graphitic carbon took place. The electrically conductive Mn2Nx nanoparticles show much better air stability than bulk samples and exhibit promising electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction. The findings on pyrolysis mechanisms expand the potential of MOF as a precursor to derive more functional nanomaterials.
Light‐Promoted Electrostatic Adsorption of High‐Density Lewis Base Monolayers as Passivating Electron‐Selective Contacts
Authors: Yang Xi , Ying Zhiqin , Yang Zhenhai , Xu Jia‐Ru , Wang Wei , Wang Jiajia , Wang Zenggui , Yao Lingze , Yan Baojie , Ye Jichun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAchieving efficient passivating carrier‐selective contacts (PCSCs) plays a critical role in high‐performance photovoltaic devices. However, it is still challenging to achieve both an efficient carrier selectivity and high‐level passivation in a sole interlayer due to the thickness dependence of contact resistivity and passivation quality. Herein, a light‐promoted adsorption method is demonstrated to establish high‐density Lewis base polyethylenimine (PEI) monolayers as promising PCSCs. The promoted adsorption is attributed to the enhanced electrostatic interaction between PEI and semiconductor induced by the photo‐generated carriers. The derived angstrom‐scale PEI monolayer is demonstrated to simultaneously provide a low‐resistance electrical contact for electrons, a high‐level field‐effect passivation to semiconductor surface and an enhanced interfacial dipole formation at contact interface. By implementing this light‐promoted adsorbed PEI as a single‐layered PCSC for n‐type silicon solar cell, an efficiency of 19.5% with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.641 V and a high fill factor of 80.7% is achieved, which is one of the best results for devices with solution‐processed electron‐selective contacts. This work not only demonstrates a generic method to develop efficient PCSCs for solar cells but also provides a convenient strategy for the deposition of highly uniform, dense, and ultra‐thin coatings for diverse applications.