bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Separation of tax service from audit service, going‐concern opinions, and discretionary accruals
Authors: Lai Kam‐Wah 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper examines whether separating tax service of auditors from audit service improves audit quality. To some critics, the separation is the only solution to the independence problem created by the joint provision of both services by auditors. However, opponents argue that auditors are likely to have less client‐specific knowledge when they only provide audit service, resulting in lower audit quality. The results of this paper show that clients without the purchase of auditor‐provided tax service are more likely to have a going‐concern modified audit opinion and lower discretionary accruals than clients with such purchase. Additional tests indicate that clients with (without) auditor‐provided tax service would have had lower (higher) discretionary accruals or been more (less) likely to receive a going‐concern opinion had they had not (had) purchased the tax service. The results are robust to the control for possible self‐selection problem of clients’ purchase of tax service of auditors.
A tiny charge‐scaling in the OPLS‐AA + L‐OPLS force field delivers the realistic dynamics and structure of liquid primary alcohols
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Wang Yongtao , Yao Jia , Li Haoran , Mochizuki Kenji 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe carry out molecular dynamics simulations for pure liquid primary alcohols ranging from methanol to 1‐decanol under ambient conditions. Based on the OPLS‐AA force field with the L‐OPLS correction, we demonstrate that a few % increases in the partial charges deliver the realistic dynamics (self‐diffusion coefficient and shear viscosity) and structure (density and X‐ray scattering intensity) as well as enthalpy of vaporization and isothermal compressibility. The validity against thermal expansion coefficient, isobaric heat capacity, and static dielectric constant are also discussed.
The bioactive compound carvacrol as a potential acaricide: An assessment of its effects on the integument of female Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks
Authors: Lima‐de‐Souza José Ribamar , de Oliveira Patrícia Rosa , Anholeto Luís Adriano , Sodelli Luís Fernando , Ferreira Allan Roberto Fernandes , Remedio Rafael Neodini , Camargo‐Mathias Maria Izabel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStudies seeking control methods for infestation of Riphicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks (dog ticks) have been carried out in order to minimize damage to both the tick's hosts and the environment, the latter due to the misuse of acaricide products. In this regard, carvacrol has been used as a natural alternative against ticks as it displays several properties including acaricidal. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the ultramorphology and morphohistochemistry of the integument of semi‐engorged R. sanguineus s.l. females exposed to different carvacrol concentrations. The findings indicate that the integument surface of females exposed to the highest carvacrol concentration (25 μl/ml) became wrinkled, suggesting dehydration or the result of integument cuticular and epithelial layer disorganization in response to the toxic product. Morphohistochemical integument layer alterations were more significant and intense in females exposed to the highest carvacrol concentration (25 μl/ml), confirming dose‐dependent carvacrol action. Among other cell and tissue alterations, changes in epithelial cell shape, size, and arrangement (epidermal layer) were noted, alongside altered and pyknotic‐shaped nuclei, suggesting a death process for these cells. This epithelium changed from simple cubic to stratified, also in response to the presence of the evaluated bioactive compound. Thus, the findings reported herein demonstrate that carvacrol may be an alternative for an efficient and more sustainable tick control in the near future.
Observation in inner ear of tree shrew using scanning electron microscope and the Atoh1 distribution in cochlea
Authors: He Jinling , Lu Shunlan , Mo Weijian , Tang Anzhou , Tan Songhua , Liu Lei , Fang Qin , Xie Lihong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to observe the ultrastructure on the surface of the inner ear of a normal tree shrew using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The specimens of cochlea, macula utriculi, macula sacculi, and crista ampullaris of the normal adult tree shrew were collected and observed by SEM. We used immunofluorescence for cochlear protein Atoh1 staining. We observed that cochlea of the tree shrew is centered on the cochlear axis, circling about 3.5 times from bottom to top of the cochlea. The organ of Corti is located between medial and lateral grooves, including inner and outer hair cells as well as supporting cells. Maculae staticae include macula of saccule and macula of utricle, and the surface of macula is covered with a large number of otoliths. We found a gelatinous layer below the otoliths, followed by the layer of the honeycomb structure. The hair cell cilia of macula and crista ampullaris include one kinocilium and more stereocilia. There is no obvious cross structure but numerous hair cell cilia on semicircular canal crista ampullaris. Immunofluorescence staining showed that protein Atoh1 is mainly distributed in the nucleus of the cochlea's inner and outer hair cells. The observation of the inner ear structure under SEM elucidate the fine surface morphological structure of the entire cochlea, the vestibular maculae staticae, and crista ampullaris, providing new insight into the structure and function of the inner ear of tree shrew.Highlights
This article is the first to describe the inner ear ultrastructure of a small primate tree shrew by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Under an SEM, the phalangeal processes of Deiter cells in tree shrews were observed to be connected to the tip of a neighboring hair cell, which was different from that of Deiters' cells in guinea pigs, and this crossed one hair cell, and connected to the tip of the third hair cell.
It was observed that the crista ampullaris of tree shrews were horseshoe‐shaped, and similar to that of humans and monkeys, this had no obvious “cross‐shaped hump” structure.
Tree shrew's ABR threshold value curve conforms to the mammalian U‐shaped curve, wave III is the main wave of ARB, its sensory frequency may be higher 8 kHz, and the characteristics of the stereocilia of tree shrew we have observed may be related to the perception of higher frequency hearing.
Ocean–atmosphere variability and drought in the insular Caribbean
Authors: Moraes Flávia D. S. , Mote Thomas L. , Seymour Lynne 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe insular Caribbean experiences numerous climate and environmental hazards, including but not limited to hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and drought. While some hazards are well explored in scientific literature, drought is considered one of the neglected hazards because of the lack of studies focusing on its causes and effects. This study identifies the spatial distribution of seasonal drought in insular Caribbean from 1950 to 2017, and its relationship with eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) ENSO, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM). It brings a new perspective over the region by dividing the Caribbean into Greater Antilles and Bahamas (GA), and the Lesser Antilles (LA) to compare the role of those three teleconnection patterns on drought events over larger versus smaller islands. We used an existing high‐resolution drought atlas (4 km) based on monthly estimates of the self‐calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI). Results indicate that there is a drying trend in all seasonal‐average scPDSI for both the GA and the LA, but more intense and frequent drought events occur in the LA. The LA is also the region with more widespread drought events, registering 12 years when the mid‐summer dry spell (MSD; July–August) had drought ≥80% of the area, while the GA registered only 2 years of MSD drought that extensive. The peak season AMM had the strongest positive correlation with GA and LA drought during April–November, while NAO was slightly stronger correlated with GA than with LA from July–November. For ENSO, CP El Niño years related stronger with drought in the LA from December–July, while the relationship between the two types of ENSO and the GA was not statistically significant. This effort aims to improve drought forecasts to help the region to better prepare for the prediction of seasonal droughts.
Nutrition practices and outcomes in patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Powell Matthew B. F. , Rajapreyar Prakadeshwari , Yan Ke , Sirinit Jitsupa , Mikhailov Theresa A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests enteral nutrition (EN) may be protective in critically ill children.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study comparing intubated patients with PARDS who received EEN and those who did not. We included patients aged 2 weeks to 18 years who could receive full nutrition enterally prior to their disease and excluded patients with cyanotic heart disease. Disease severity was captured with oxygenation index (OI), oxygen saturation index (OSI), and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD‐2). EEN was defined as having received ≥25% of the calculated energy goal enterally within the first 48 h of PARDS diagnosis.ResultsWe included 151 patients. Adjusted for age, OI, and OSI, the EEN group had a lower PICU mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.071; 95% CI, 0.009–0.542; P = 0.011), had a higher likelihood of PICU discharge (adjusted risk ratio = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.25–2.55; P = 0.001), and was more likely to have at least one ventilator‐free day (aOR = 3.96; 95% CI, 1.28–12.22; P = 0.017). Adjusted for age and PELOD‐2, a statistically significant association between the EEN group and lower PICU mortality (P = 0.033), shorter PICU LOS (P < 0.001), and more ventilator‐free days (P = 0.037) persisted.ConclusionOur study found that EEN was associated with superior mortality rates, PICU LOS, and ventilator‐free days in patients with PARDS.
A reliable tool for detecting 7‐dehydrocholesterol and cholesterol in human plasma and its use in diagnosis of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome
Authors: Luo Yitao , Liu Zhengyuan , Zeng Yujie , Zhang Yuxiao , Luan Yujing , Ma Li , Chen Li , Zou Lin , Yang Jingmin , Huang Zhibin , Rao Yulan , Zhang Chengqiang 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundSmith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome is a birth defect caused by the deficiency of 7‐dehydrocholesterol reductase in cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, which leads to accumulation of 7‐dehydrocholesterol and reduction of cholesterol in body fluids. To effectively diagnose Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome and monitor therapy, a reliable method for simultaneous detection of 7‐dehydrocholesterol and cholesterol is needed.MethodsIn the presence of antioxidants (2,6‐ditert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol and triphenylphosphine), 50 μL of human plasma were hydrolyzed at 70℃ for 40 min with 1 M potassium hydroxide in 90% ethanol, and then 7‐dehydrocholesterol and cholesterol were extracted by 600 μL of n‐hexane for three times. After microwave‐assisted derivatization with 70 μL of N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide at 460 W for 3 min, the analytes were measured by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.ResultsThe limits of detection were 100 ng/mL for 7‐dehydrocholesterol and 300 ng/mL for cholesterol. Good linearity was obtained in the range of 1–600 μg/mL for 7‐dehydrocholesterol and 10–600 μg/mL for cholesterol, which completely covered the biochemical levels of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome patients that have been reported.ConclusionA time‐saving and accurate gas chromatography with mass spectrometry based method was developed for the determination of 7‐dehydrocholesterol and cholesterol in human plasma, which also serves as a useful tool for Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Hydrated Hydroxide Complex Dominates the AIE Properties of Nonconjugated Polymeric Luminophores
Authors: Yang Taiqun , Zhou Jiafeng , Shan Bingqian , Li Lei , Zhu Chun , Ma Chaoqun , Gao Hui , Chen Guoqing , Zhang Kun , Wu Peng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNontraditional intrinsic luminescence (NTIL) which always accompanied with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) features has received considerable attention due to their importance in the understanding of basic luminescence principle and potential practical applications. However, the rational modulation of the NTIL of nonconventional luminophores remains difficult, on account of the limited understanding of emission mechanisms. Herein, the emission color of nonconjugated poly(methyl vinyl ether‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (PMVEMA) can be readily regulated from blue to red by controlling the alkalinity during the hydrolysis process. The nontraditional photoluminescence with AIE property is from the new formed p‐band state, resulting from the strong overlapping of p orbitals of the clustered O atoms through space interactions. Hydrated hydroxide complexes embedded in the entangled polymer chain make big difference on the clustering of O atoms which dominates the AIE property of nonconjugated PMVEMA. These new insights into the photoluminescence mechanism of NTIL should stimulate additional experimental and theoretical studies and can benefit the molecular‐level design of nontraditional chromophores for optoelectronics and other applications.
Silent variant in F8:c.222G>T (p.Thr74Thr) causes a partial exon skipping in a patient with mild hemophilia A
Authors: Letelier Anna , Ljung Rolf , Olsson Anna , Andersson Nadine G. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOne of the challenges of genetic testing in patients with hemophilia A is the interpretation of sequence variants. Here we report a silent variant found in exon 2 in the F8 gene in a 47‐year‐old patient with a previous von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 1 diagnosis. Clinically he had mild bleeding symptoms restricted to prolonged bleeding from minor wounds. Sanger sequencing of F8 gene using genomic DNA showed a hemizygous silent variant in exon 2: c.222G>T, p.Thr74Thr. When applying ACMG criteria, the variant was predicted to be “likely benign” in the analyzing software or VUS after curating. Sanger sequencing of the patient's cDNA after nested polymerase chain reaction showed that the patient had both a normal transcript containing exons 1–4 and a defect transcript lacking exon 2. These findings explain the patient's low FVIII:C level and led to the diagnosis of mild hemophilia A instead of VWD type 1. This case illustrates that mRNA work‐up may be needed to clarify a patient's phenotype–genotype.
Comment on “Bipolar fuzzy relation equations systems based on the product t‐norm”
Authors: YongBin OuYang 
Published: December 2021

This note provides counterexamples to illustrate that Theorem 4 which is proposed by Cornejo, Lobo, and Medina (Bipolar fuzzy relation equations systems based on the product t‐norm. Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences. 2019,42(17):5779‐5793) is incorrect. The incorrect of Theorem 4 is due to the inaccuracy of the definition of feasible pair. Then, we present the correction of the definition of feasible pair to the contention.
Nuclear magnetic resonance/magnetic resonance imaging on lubricating greases: Observation of bleeding and aging
Authors: Rudszuck Thomas , Schork Nicolas , Nirschl Hermann , Guthausen Gisela 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLubricating greases were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance/magnetic resonance imaging (NMR/MRI) to get insight into their structure and into their response to mechanical forces, which is related to bleeding and aging. The investigated greases are based on metallic soaps of fatty acids and oils, whereby LiOH is often used. These organic soaps act as thickeners and provide a network in which oils and their additives are embedded. Lubricating greases can thus be considered as a class of substances similar to oleogels or even hydrogels. Questions arise about translational mobility of guest molecules, mainly base oil, in these networks. Molecular structuring and interactions within the network of thickeners are of interest as they are related to macroscopic stability. Apart from NMR spectroscopy (1H‐,7Li‐ and31P‐NMR), spectrally resolved relaxation and diffusion measurements are used for characterization. In addition, magic angle spinning (MAS)‐NMR was combined with1H‐MRI to investigate the impact of mechanical stress and swelling of lubricating greases.
Improving Latex‐Based Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive Properties Using Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Gabriel Vida A. , Tousignant Mathieu N. , Wilson Sean M.W. , Faure Marie D.M. , Cranston Emily D. , Cunningham Michael F. , Lessard Benoît H. , Dubé Marc A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are becoming a popular option when producing polymer nanocomposites because they are a green alternative to petroleum‐based performance enhancers and provide significant matrix reinforcement at low loadings. DextraCel is a commercial grade CNC with carboxylate surface groups that can be dispersed in water without sonication. These carboxylated CNCs (cCNCs) can be incorporated in situ via seeded semi‐batch emulsion polymerization to produce latexes for adhesive applications. The resulting nanocomposite films exhibit 26x higher peel strength, 4.5x higher tack, and 7.7x higher shear strength relative to base case films. Curiously, adhesives produced from latexes containing cCNCs that do not undergo ultrasonication display greater adhesive property improvements relative to films produced with cCNCs that are ultrasonicated. Atomic force microscopy images reveal that cCNCs have stronger self interactions than their sulfated CNCs counterparts; cCNCs display side‐by‐side and end‐to‐end association in films when they are not ultrasonicated, which increases their “apparent” aspect ratio—an important characteristic attributed to matrix reinforcement. Omitting ultrasonication preserves cCNC‐cCNC interactions that cause them to behave like nanofibers rather than discrete nanocrystals; this allows them to display greater mechanical enhancements, similar to reinforcements provided by nanofibrils, without the technical challenges associated with producing composite latexes with nanofibrils.
External validation of Solomon–Greenwell nomogram for female bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Mai Hsing‐Chia , Wu Richard C. , Lin Victor C. , Kuo Wade W.‐T. , Wu Chun‐Hsien 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimThere is no unified diagnostic standard for female bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) to date. The Solomon–Greenwell (S–G) nomogram was developed to indicate the probability of female BOO by performing a pressure‐flow study, and the equation of the BOO Index in females (BOOIf) is PdetQmax − 2.2 × Qmax. We aimed to validate the diagnostic value of the S–G nomogram in female BOO.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a videourodynamic study (VUDS) cohort in our institution. Between 2015 and 2020, 192 female patients underwent VUDS for lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). We excluded patients with neurogenic LUTD (n = 30) and patients with no detrusor contraction and/or no void during VUDS (n = 51). The diagnosis of female BOO was based on the Nitti criteria (radiological evidence of urethral narrowing in the presence of a sustained detrusor pressure). BOOIf was calculated for each enrolled patient. The cutoff values of BOOIf were set at <0, >5, and >18 as the original S–G nomogram proposed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of each threshold to diagnose female BOO were calculated.ResultsOut of the 111 enrolled patients, 43 (38.7%) were diagnosed as having female BOO by VUDS. The most common etiology of female BOO was dysfunctional voiding (19/43, 44.2%), followed by primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO, 15/43, 34.9%). When the cutoff value was <0 (low probability of obstruction), the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 90%, 91%, 92%, and 87%, respectively; when >5 (likely obstructed), the values were 79%, 96%, 92%, and 88%, respectively; and when >18 (obstruction almost certain), the values were 47%, 100%, 100%, and 75%, respectively. Fourteen of 15 PBNO patients would be classified as non‐BOO if the cutoff value was >18. Six PBNO patients would not be diagnosed as female BOO if the threshold was >5.ConclusionA BOOIf <0 showed good diagnostic value for excluding female BOO. A BOOIf >18 had perfect specificity and PPV for diagnosing female BOO. However, the sensitivity of the S–G nomogram for detecting female BOO was unsatisfactory, especially for patients with PBNO. VUDS remains the examination of choice for patients with suspected female BOO.
Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma in children and adolescents: A retrospective series from a referral pediatric oncology center
Authors: Livellara Virginia , Bergamaschi Luca , Puma Nadia , Chiaravalli Stefano , Podda Marta , Casanova Michela , Gasparini Patrizia , Pecori Emilia , Alessandro Ombretta , Nigro Olga , Sironi Giovanna , Gattuso Giovanna , Terenziani Monica , Spreafico Filippo , Meazza Cristina , Biassoni Veronica , Schiavello Elisabetta , Massimino Maura , Luksch Roberto , Ferrari Andrea 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundExtraosseous Ewing sarcoma is a rare entity and less is known about its clinical behavior and optimal treatment than for its counterpart in bone. This study is a retrospective analysis on a cohort of patients <21 years treated according to a “soft tissue sarcoma approach.”MethodsThe “extraosseous” origin of the tumor was established on radiological findings, based on the lack of any bone involvement. Patients were treated using a multimodality approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. All patients received chemotherapy with alkylating agents and anthracyclines for 25 weeks (nine courses). Radiotherapy (45–54.8 Gy) was required for all cases except those who had an initial R0 resection of tumors smaller than 5 cm.ResultsFifty‐seven patients (age 2–20 years, median 14) were treated from 1990 to 2020. Ten‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 77.5% and 85.5% in patients with localized disease, and 11.1% and 29.6% in those with metastatic disease (p < .001) (follow‐up 5–349 months, median 107 months). In patients with localized disease, the most recent IVADo‐IVE regimen achieved excellent survivals, that is, 10‐year EFS 95.5%.ConclusionsOur study showed that satisfactory results were achieved in patients with localized extraosseous Ewing sarcoma treated with a tailored approach derived from soft tissue sarcoma protocols, which was less intensive and shorter as compared to the standards utilized for the management of bone Ewing sarcoma. Our study suggests that the extraskeletal site might be considered as a variable to stratify patients and modulate treatment intensity accordingly in Ewing sarcoma protocol.