bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green recycling of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) into Ni‐MOF nanorod for simultaneous interfacial solar evaporation and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Fan Zifen , He Panpan , Bai Huiying , Liu Jie , Liu Huajian , Liu Lijie , Niu Ran , Gong Jiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInterfacial solar evaporation is regarded as the promising technology to mitigate freshwater scarcity. However, when polluted water is used, toxic pollutants might accumulate in the bulk water. Herein, we report the production of Ni‐MOF nanorod from waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) and fabricate bifunctional Ni‐MOF‐based evaporators. Owing to high light absorption and photothermal conversion, low thermal coefficient, and vaporization enthalpy, it shows an exciting evaporation rate (2.25 kg m−2 h−1) with good flexibility/durability, rated as one of most advanced evaporators. Density functional theory and COMSOL results show that the combination of nickel‐sites in Ni‐MOF and local heat plays a crucial role in peroxymonosulfate activation to produce reactive species. Thereby, it exhibits the high degradation activity of tetracycline. In outdoor, the freshwater production reaches 5.54 kg m−2 per day, and the tetracycline removal efficiency is 91%. This work provides a sustainable approach to produce solar evaporators capable of freshwater production and contaminant degradation.image
Chemical Activity-Based Loading of Artificial Sediments with Organic Pollutants for Bioassays: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Abel Sebastian , Eriksson Wiklund Ann-Kristin , Gorokhova Elena , Sobek Anna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) pose a risk in aquatic environments. In sediment, this risk is frequently evaluated using total or organic carbon-normalized concentrations. However, complex physicochemical sediment characteristics affect POP bioavailability in sediment, making its prediction a challenging task. This task can be addressed using chemical activity, which describes a compound's environmentally effective concentration and can generally be approximated by the degree of saturation for each POP in its matrix. We present a proof of concept to load artificial sediments with POPs to reach a target chemical activity. This approach is envisioned to make laboratory ecotoxicological bioassays more reproducible and reduce the impact of sediment characteristics on the risk assessment. The approach uses a constantly replenished, saturated, aqueous POP solution to equilibrate the organic carbon fraction (e.g., peat) of an artificial sediment, which can be further adjusted to target chemical activities by mixing with clean peat. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach using four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and fluoranthene). Within 5 to 17 weeks, the peat slurry reached a chemical equilibrium with the saturated loading solution. We used two different peat batches (subsamples from the same source) to evaluate the approach. Variations in loading kinetics and eventual equilibrium concentrations were evident between the batches, which highlights the impact of even minor disparities in organic carbon properties within two samples of peat originating from the same source. This finding underlines the importance of moving away from sediment risk assessments based on total concentrations. The value of the chemical activity-based loading approach lies in its ability to anticipate similar environmental impacts, even with varying contaminant concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:279–287. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The effects of heat stress on male reproduction and tillering in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Smith Ashley , Gentile Benjamin R. , Xin Zhanguo , Zhao Dazhong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDue to global climate change, heat stress is increasingly harming the growth, development, overall biomass, and grain yield of numerous crops. Heat stress impairs pollen development and thus reduces seed set in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench; however, the effects of heat stress on anther development at specific stages and tiller formation remain incompletely understood. Here we report that exposure to heat stress [42°C/32°C (day/night)] at pollen mother cell (PMC) and booting stages profoundly disrupts tapetum and pollen development, resulting in a significant decrease in grain yield in sorghum. Sorghum plants subjected to 9 days or less of heat stress at the PMC stage exhibited normal pollen viability, but 12 days of heat stress caused almost complete loss of grain yield and the formation of nonviable pollen grains. Similarly, sorghum plants that were heat‐stressed for 3 days at the booting stage produced few seeds. Further analysis revealed that aberrant tapetum and pollen development contributed to the sterility of pollen in these heat‐stressed plants. Notably, in addition to inhibiting plant height, a 12‐day heat stress at the PMC stage promoted the formation of basal tillers, whereas a 3‐day heat stress at the booting stage stimulated the formation of apical tillers, which helped salvage seed yield under heat stress conditions. Moreover, the application of exogenous auxin promoted the formation of apical tillers and leaf numbers per apical tiller. Collectively, our findings suggest that sorghum is susceptible to heat stress during both early and late anther development, and auxin might be involved in governing the formation of apical tillers.
Derivative disclosures and managerial opportunism
Authors: He Guanming , Ren Helen Mengbing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDerivatives are increasingly used by managers not only to hedge risks but also to pursue nonhedging activities for fulfilling opportunistic incentives. The Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 (SFAS 161) requires firms to disclose their objectives and strategies for using derivatives. Using the adoption of this standard, we examine whether and how derivative disclosures influence managerial opportunistic behavior. We employ insider trades and stock price crash risk to capture managerial opportunism. Applying a difference‐in‐differences research design with hand‐collected data on derivative designations, we find that, after the implementation of SFAS 161, derivative users that comply with SFAS 161 experience a significantly greater decrease in both insider trades and stock price crash risk, compared with a matched control sample of nonderivative‐users. We further provide evidence to suggest that SFAS 161 curbs managerial opportunism via reducing information asymmetry between corporate insiders and outside investors and enhancing the effectiveness of derivative hedging.
Fast food proximity and weight gain in childhood and adolescence: Evidence from Great Britain
Authors: Libuy Nicolás , Church David , Ploubidis George , Fitzsimons Emla 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe study the relationship between proximity to fast food restaurants and weight gain from late childhood to early adolescence. We use the Millennium Cohort Study, a UK‐wide nationally representative longitudinal study, linked with granular geocoded food outlet data to measure the presence of fast food outlets around children's homes and schools from ages 7 to 14. We find that proximity to fast food outlets is associated with increased weight (body mass index, overweight, obese, body fat, weight), but only among those with maternal education below degree level. Within this sample, those with lower levels of emotional regulation are at heightened risk of weight gain.
A structural test of the three‐step theory (3ST) of suicide in the Iranian population: From ideation to action
Authors: Ahmadboukani Soliman , Kivi Hosein Ghamari , Kiani Ahmadreza , Rezaeisharif Ali 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsSuicide is one of the leading causes of death, especially in adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to perform a structural test of the three‐step theory (3ST) of suicide in the Iranian population.MethodsThe research population included Iranian people over 18 years of age. The participants were 600 persons selected through convenience sampling. The data in this study were collected using the Suicide Attempt Questionnaire, the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire‐Revised, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Impulsiveness Scale, the Depressive Symptom‐Suicidality Subscale, ACSSACSS‐Fearlessness About Death, the Psychache Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Suicide Capacity Scale.ResultsData analysis showed that pain and positive helplessness (β = 0.45; p < 0.05) positively interact with suicidal behavior. Moreover, pain and negative helplessness significantly interact with suicidal ideation (β = 0.65; p < 0.001). The data also showed that the absence of interpersonal needs plays a protective role. A comparison of the three suicidal capacity factors indicated that only the practical capacity differentiates the ideation and action subgroups.ConclusionsThe insights from this study provide a clear picture of the underlying causes of suicidal ideation and behavior and can help counselors and other human health professionals working with people with suicidal thoughts and behavior to prevent suicide attempts. Following functional models, they can also make serious efforts to perform therapeutic interventions to eliminate or reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Comparison of the intima‐media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A single‐center cross‐sectional case‐control study, and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Rajabzadeh Farnood , Akhlaghipour Iman , Moosavi Sahar Sadat , Nasimi Shad Arya , Babazadeh Baghan Atefeh , Shariati‐Sarabi Zhaleh , Payandeh Asma , Hassan Nejad Ehsan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease affecting 0.5%−1% of adults worldwide. The carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) is a simple, reliable, noninvasive marker for subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the intima‐media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients with RA with that of healthy patients.MethodsIn this case‐control study, subjects were recruited from the patients who presented to a private rheumatology clinic. RA was documented by a rheumatologist. All subjects underwent an ultrasound examination of the carotid artery to assess CIMT. Subjects with RA filled out the disease activity score (DAS28) questionnaire.ResultsSixty‐two subjects (31 subjects with RA and 31 healthy subjects) took part in the study. The mean age of the subjects in the RA and the control groups was 42.39 ± 12.98 and 44.48 ± 13.56 years, respectively. Values of CIMT were significantly greater in RA subjects compared with their healthy counterparts (p < 0.001). The CIMT increased significantly with increased disease severity (r = 0.73). Subjects were divided into two age groups (≤40 and >40 years). A comparison of CIMT in the mentioned subgroups revealed a remarkable difference in CIMT values between those of the RA patients and those of their control counterparts in both age groups (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001 for those below and above 40 years, respectively).ConclusionCIMT could be used as an efficient clinical index for identifying the early stages of atherosclerosis and predicting cardiovascular events following atherosclerosis in RA patients.
Localization and Physiological Implication of Aldose Reductase and Sorbitol Dehydrogenase in Reproductive Tracts and Spermatozoa of Male Rats
Authors: KOBAYASHI TAKASHI , KANEKO TOMOKO , IUCHI YOSHIHITO , MATSUKI SHINGO , TAKAHASHI MOTOKO , NAKADA TERUHIRO , FUJII JUNICHI 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTThe polyol metabolizing pathway, which consists of two enzymes, aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), converts glucose to fructose. The enzymatic activities, expression, and localization of AR and SDH were studied in reproductive tracts and spermatozoa of male rats by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and enzyme assays. Immunoreactivity to an AR antibody was observed mainly in epithelia of epididymis, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, and prostate gland in adult rats. Similar staining profiles were observed for these tissues when an SDH antibody was used. However, in testis, the cells that express these 2 enzymes differed; whereas AR was expressed in Sertoli cells and to lesser extent in spermatogenic cells, SDH was detected in spermatogenic cells of seminiferous tubules. This cell type‐specific gene expression was confirmed in primary cultured cells isolated from rat testes. SDH protein levels were higher during spermatid elongation, and large amounts of SDH were carried over to the spermatozoa. Because one of the functions of members of the aldo‐keto reductase superfamily is to detoxify harmful carbonyl compounds, an intrinsic function of AR in Sertoli cells may be to catalyze the reduction of cytotoxic metabolites, such as lipid peroxidation products and steroid hormones, which are produced during spermatogenesis. Because uterine fluid and seminal plasma both contain sorbitol, it is likely that SDH in spermatozoa converts sorbitol to fructose for use as an energy source.
Activation of Protein Kinase A During Human Sperm Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction
Authors: LEFIÈVRE LINDA , JHA KULA N. , de LAMIRANDE EVE , VISCONTI PABLO E. , GAGNON CLAUDE 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTSpermatozoa undergo a variety of changes during their life that are prerequisites to their maturation and ability to fertilize eggs. Mammalian sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction are regulated by signal transduction systems involving cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as a second messenger. This second messenger acts through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and indirectly regulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation. cAMP levels are controlled by a balance of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and adenylyl cyclase (AC) enzymatic activities, which are responsible for its degradation and production, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between the intracellular levels of cAMP and PDE and PKA activities during human sperm capacitation induced by fetal cord serum ultrafiltrate (FCSu) and acrosome reaction induced by calcium ionophore A23187. We report that PKA activity was higher in capacitating than in noncapacitating spermatozoa and that intracellular levels of cAMP decreased but that PDE activity remained constant during capacitation. The acrosome reaction induced by A23187 was associated with increases in cAMP and PKA activity but not in PDE activity. These results strongly suggest that net cAMP concentration is under the control of AC, since PDE activity is constant during sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Moreover, the results suggest that low levels of cAMP are sufficient for capacitation and PKA activation and/or that the cAMP concentration measured in whole spermatozoa does not reflect the effective intracellular cAMP levels present in specific compartments of these cells.
Effect of Leukocytospermia on Sperm DNA Integrity: A Negative Effect in Abnormal Semen Samples
Authors: ERENPREISS JURIS , HLEVICKA SOLVEIGA , ZALKALNS JANIS , ERENPREISA JEKATERINA 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTControversy exists over levels of DNA integrity in the sperm of fertile and infertile men. In addition, the effect of leukocytospermia on sperm DNA in these 2 groups is unclear. We decided to address these questions by collecting semen samples from men known or presumed to be fertile and men from infertile couples. Samples were analyzed and assessed for sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Samples failing to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards in one or more of these parameters were judged abnormal. Samples were then arbitrarily assigned normalized scores in each of the above parameters, and scores were summed to give a normalized value for overall sperm quality. DNA abnormality was determined by an in situ DNA denaturation test with acridine orange and expressed as a percentage of cells with abnormal DNA integrity (ADI). Assessment of 187 samples revealed a moderate inverse correlation between ADI and sperm quality (r = .58), although a large degree of ADI dispersion was observed in abnormal semen samples. The average ADI for normal and abnormal semen samples was 18% ± 2.8% and 36% ± 5.8%, respectively, with the threshold of 95% probability set at 30%. When sorted for leukocytospermia, the difference in ADI between normal and abnormal semen groups without leukocytospermia was much smaller (17% ± 2.2% and 22% ± 4.6%; P = .023). Leukocytospermia had no significant effect on ADI in the normal semen group (P = .46); however, ADI was more than double the ADI in the abnormal semen group (18% ± 2.4% and 50% ± 11%; P < .001). The results of our analysis show that at least 3 factors affect net DNA integrity in leukocytospermic samples that fail to meet WHO standards: 1) primary DNA damage, which is moderately inverse to sperm quality, in particular to sperm concentration; 2) effect of leukocytes increasing primary or provoking potential DNA damage in a cascade‐like manner, particularly in sperm with poor morphology and motility; and 3) a decreasing proportion of cells with damaged DNA in semen with the worst quality.
The relationship of board diversity and stock performance in monistic and dualistic board structures: Results from Germany and UK
Authors: Herberger Tim Alexander , Oehler Andreas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe analysis of the relationship between board diversity and corporate performance is a well‐documented area of research. Our analysis of the stock market in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) from 2005 to 2018 contributes to the literature by considering different corporate constitutions (monistic and dualistic) as well as a variety of diversity factors and diversity potential factors in a uniform analytical framework. We implement the stock price performance as a company performance proxy because this can be observed more easily by non‐professional investors than Tobin's Q, commonly used in former studies, and represents a pure market‐based view of the company performance. Based on generalized least squares panel regressions (GLS), our results reveal no significant difference between monistic and dualistic corporate constitutions regarding a possible relationship between diversity and company performance. They support former studies that the size of a top management board is significantly negatively related to company performance in the long run. Furthermore, no significant correlation can be found between changes in a board in a fiscal year and company performance, which was analyzed for the first time in such a framework.
Cognitive‐exercise dual‐task promotes cognitive function recovery in chronic cerebral ischemia male rats through regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway via inhibition of EphrinA3/EphA4
Authors: Zhang Rong , Tao Xue , Sun Ruifeng , Dai Tengteng , Xi3 XiaoShuang , Sun Weishuang , Song Li , Gong Weijun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) can lead to vascular cognitive impairment, but therapeutic options are limited. Cognitive‐exercise dual‐task (CEDT), as a potential rehabilitation intervention, can attenuate cognitive impairment. However, the related mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 2‐vessel occlusion (2‐VO) in male SD rats was performed to establish the CCI model. The rats were treated with cognitive, exercise, or CEDT intervention for 21 days. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess cognitive ability. TUNEL staining was used to detect the neuronal apoptosis. Immunofluorescence, RT‐qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the protein or mRNA levels of EphrinA3, EphA4, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt. The results showed that CEDT could improve performance in the MWM test, reverse the increased expression of EphrinA3 and EphA4, and the reduced expression of p‐PI3K and p‐Akt in CCI rats, which was superior to exercise and cognitive interventions. In vitro, oxygenglucose deprivation (OGD) challenge of astrocytes and neuronal cells were used to mimic cerebral ischemia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that the levels of MAP‐2, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt were reduced in EphrinA3 overexpressed cells after OGD stimulation. Finally, the knock‐down of EphrinA3 by shRNA significantly promoted the recovery of cognitive function and activation of PI3K/Akt after CEDT treatment in CCI rats. In conclusion, our study suggests that CEDT promotes cognitive function recovery after CCI by regulating the signaling axis of EphrinA3/EphA4/PI3K/Akt.
Is augmented femoral lateral plating with helically shaped medial plates biomechanically advantageous over straight medial plates?
Authors: Pastor Torsten , Zderic Ivan , Drenchev Ludmil , Skulev Hristo K. , Berk Till , Beeres Frank J. P. , Link Björn‐Christian , Gueorguiev Boyko , Stoffel Karl , Knobe Matthias 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDual plating of comminuted distal femoral fractures allows for early patient mobilization. An additional helically shaped medial plate avoids the medial vital structures of the thigh. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical competence of an augmented lateral locking compression plate distal femur (LCP‐DF) using an additional straight versus a helically shaped medial LCP of the same length. Ten pairs of human cadaveric femora were instrumented with a lateral anatomical 15‐hole LCP‐DF. Following, they were pairwise instrumented with either an additional medial straight 14‐hole LCP (group 1) or a 90°‐helical shape LCP (group 2). All specimens were biomechanically tested under quasi‐static and progressively increasing combined cyclic axial and torsional loading until failure. Initial interfragmentary axial displacement and flexion under static compression were significantly smaller in group 1 (0.11 ± 0.12 mm and 0.21 ± 0.10°) versus group 2 (0.31 ± 0.14 mm and 0.68 ± 0.16°), p ≤ 0.007. Initial varus deformation under static compression remained not significantly different between group 1 (0.57 ± 0.23°) and group 2 (0.75 ± 0.34°), p = 0.085. Flexion movements during dynamic loading were significantly bigger in group 2 (2.51 ± 0.54°) versus group 1 (1.63 ± 1.28°), p = 0.015; however, no significant differences were observed in terms of varus, internal rotation, and axial and shear displacements between the groups, p ≥ 0.204. Cycles to failure and load at failure were higher in group 2 (25,172 ± 6376 and 3017 ± 638 N) compared to group 1 (22,277 ± 4576 and 2728 ± 458 N) with no significant differences between them, p = 0.195. From a biomechanical perspective, helical double plating may be considered a useful alternative to straight double plating, demonstrating ameliorated damping capacities during flexion deformation and safer application as the medial neurovascular structures of the thigh are avoided.