bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign ownership, bank efficiency and stability: Whether the institutional quality of countries is important?
Authors: Kallel Hela , Triki Mohamed 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis article is aimed to investigate the extent to which the home and host countries' institutional quality helps explain the efficiency and stability differences between the domestic and foreign banks operating in Tunisia and Morocco over the 2005–2017. For this purpose, a simultaneous equations approach was considered to investigate the dynamics between efficiency and stability. Our framework follows the premise that stability is endogenously related to efficiency only for Moroccan banks' sample when models' estimation has been administered considering each country separately. The findings reveal also the persistence of a positive effect of foreign ownership on bank efficiency, highlighting that banking efficiency need be effectively sustained with a reasonable level of institutional development. Moreover, the institutional differences characterizing the home and host countries has a negative impact on the foreign banks' stability. Accordingly, policy makers in the Great Maghreb area could well aspire to enhance foreign ownership in their banking sector, on the ground that it helps remarkably in improving corporate governance and boosting efficiency, given mainly the acquired technical advantages often associated with their developed home countries. The generalized moments method estimator outlines the persistence of a noticeable banking inefficiency and stability, with a significant effect of the stability variable on banks' inefficiency and performance, suggesting that banking‐efficiency boosting policies might well ultimately guide and veer management choices towards less risky investments.
ATL1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells via inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Guanli , Feng Yan , Wang Min , Liu Xin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPre‐eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of hypertension in maternal and fetal. Atlastin‐1 (ATL1), one regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology, participates in tubular ER formation and protein synthesis. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of ATL1 in PE. GEO databases showed that ATL1 was upregulated in PE patients. Our data also found that ATL1 was highly expressed in PE placental tissues. The cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo cells increased/decreased after the downregulation/upregulation of ATL1. The mTOR pathway is the downstream pathway of ATL1. The levels of p‐p70S6K and p‐mTOR were increased/decreased after the downregulation/upregulation of ATL1. Moreover, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR pathway, reversed the promotive effect of siATL1 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, ATL1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells via the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway in HTR‐8/SVneo cells.
Fenton oxidation of biochar improves retention of cattle slurry nitrogen
Authors: Cao Xinyue , Reichel Rüdiger , Brüggemann Nicolas 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNitrogen (N) losses during fertilization with livestock slurry, mainly in the form of ammonia (NH3), can cause environmental problems and reduce fertilizer efficiency. Leonardite, which is characterized by oxygen‐rich functional groups and low pH, has been found to decrease losses of slurry N. However, leonardite, as a byproduct of open‐cast lignite mining, is not a renewable resource. The objective of this study was to modify biochar by chemical surface oxidation in order to find a sustainable but similarly effective substitute for leonardite. Biochar was produced from spruce sawdust in a pyrolysis oven at a maximum temperature of 610 °C. Then the biochar was oxidized using the Fenton reaction, with a ratio of Fe2+/H2O2 of 1:1,000, as a source of highly reactive HO· radicals to introduce oxygen‐rich functional groups to the biochar surface. The ammonium (NH4+) adsorption capacity of biochar, oxidized biochar, and leonardite was tested in ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] solution, pH‐adjusted (NH4)2SO4 solution, and cattle slurry. The results showed that biochar had the highest total NH4+ adsorption of 1.4 mg N g−1 in (NH4)2SO4 solution, whereas oxidized biochar had the highest reversible NH4+ adsorption of 0.8 mg N g−1. In the pH‐adjusted ammonium solution, all materials reduced NH3 emissions by ≥90%, and oxidized biochar reduced NH3 emissions by 99.99%. In contrast, leonardite reduced NH3 emissions the most in cattle slurry, and oxidation of biochar increased the reduction in NH3 emissions from 22 to 67% compared with non‐oxidized biochar. In conclusion, biochar oxidized by means of the Fenton reaction greatly decreased NH3 emissions by increased adsorption of NH4+ in cattle slurry compared with non‐oxidized biochar, indicating the great potential of oxidized biochar for reducing N losses during slurry application.
Effects of post‐silking drought stress degree on grain yield and quality of waxy maize
Authors: Guo Jian , Qu Lingling , Wang Longfei , Lu Weiping , Lu Dalei 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrought stress (DS) induced by post‐silking have a major impact on the yield and quality of maize. In this study, the effects of different degrees of DS after pollination on grain filling, starch and protein metabolism, and functional properties were investigated using two waxy maize cultivars as materials. The levels of DS that were investigated were ‘mild water stress’ (WS1), ‘moderate water stressed’ (WS2), and ‘severe waterstressed’ (WS3).RESULTSDrought stress decreased grain fresh weight, dry weight, and moisture content in both cultivars during grain filling, and reduced kernel number, kernel weight, and grain yield at maturity. The effect on grain development and yield formation gradually increased with drought aggravation. The water stress (WS) treatment downregulated the enzymatic activities related to starch biosynthesis during grain‐filling process, accompanied by a decrease in soluble sugar and starch deposition. The WS treatment increased the enzymatic activities involved in protein synthesis during grain‐filling process, thereby increasing the protein content of grains. On average, WS2 and WS3 treatments reduced the pasting viscosities and increased the gelatinization temperatures of grains, with WS3 having the greatest effect. However, the changes of setback viscosity, gelatinization enthalpy, retrogradation enthalpy, and retrogradation percentage under WS treatment were inconsistent in both cultivars. Pearson correlation analysis showed that starch content was negatively correlated with gelatinization temperatures and positively correlated with pasting viscosities in both cultivars. However, grain pasting and gelatinization properties have opposite correlations with protein content and starch content.CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that post‐silking DS regulated the grain‐filling process and starch and protein biosynthesis, which influenced grain yield and quality. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Disruptive infrared image sensors enabled by quantum dots
Authors: Malinowski Paweł E. , Lee Jiwon , Georgitzikis Epimitheas , Pejovic Vladimir , Lieberman Itai , Kim Joo‐Hyoung , Lim Myung‐Jin , Uytterhoeven Griet , Moreno Hagelsieb Luis , Ke Tung Huei , Li Yunlong , Puybaret Renaud , Karve Gauri , Verschooten Tom , Thijs Steven , Heremans Paul , Cheyns David 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSensors based on quantum dot photodiodes promise quality and accessibility improvement of infrared imaging. We demonstrate miniaturization by sub‐2‐μm pixel pitch arrays. Functionality is confirmed with external quantum efficiencies above 40% at 1450 nm. Monolithic integration enables high throughput and wide deployment of short‐wave infrared (SWIR) imagers in applications that previously could not afford them.
Shear‐Force Photoacoustic Microscopy: Toward Super‐Resolution Near‐Field Imaging
Authors: Park Byullee , Han Moongyu , Kim Hongyoon , Yoo Jinhee , Oh Dong Kyo , Moon Seongwon , Ahn Joongho , Lim Hae Gyun , Kim Inki , Kim Hyung Ham , Rho Junsuk , Kim Chulhong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractOptical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR‐PAM) enables both high‐resolution and high‐contrast imaging of optical chromophores ranging from biological tissues to inorganic samples. The lateral spatial resolution of OR‐PAM depends on its optical configuration and is primarily determined by the numerical aperture of the objective lens. This study demonstrates a novel, lens‐free, shear‐force photoacoustic microscopy system using a tapered fiber, serving as a proof‐of‐concept toward the implementation of super‐resolution, near‐field scanning photoacoustic microscopy. An uncoated tapered fiber is attached to a quartz tuning fork, thereby maintaining the near‐field distance between the fiber and sample surface via a shear‐force detection mechanism. Light‐field simulation confirms an evanescent wave at the end of the uncoated, tapered fiber. Based on the photoacoustic simulation and 2D photoacoustic scanning experimental results, targets are imaged with high‐lateral resolutions of the order of 1.0 ± 0.3 µm. These results demonstrate the existence of near‐field photoacoustic signals and the potential for future development of super‐resolution, near‐field, scanning photoacoustic microscopy.
Role of Draw Rate and Molecular Weight when Electrospun Nanofibers are Post‐Drawn with Residual Solvent
Authors: Conte Adriano A. , Hu Xiao , Beachley Vince 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe postdrawing process is poorly understood for polymer nanofibers due to the difficulty of manipulating nanofiber structures. Here, an angled track system facilitates postdrawing of individual nanofibers with control of parameters including molecular weight, draw rate, draw ratio, and solvent evaporation time. In this study, the effects of molecular weight, draw rate, and relative residual solvent content on final nanofiber properties are investigated. Molecular weight is first investigated to clarify any influence polymer chain length can have on drawing in facilitating or hindering chain extensibility. Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers with 50 and 150 kDa molecular weights behave similarly with postdrawing resulting in reduced diameters and enhanced mechanics. Since solvent quantity during drawing is a time sensitive component it is meaningful to assess the impact of draw rate on the chemical and structural makeup of postdrawn fibers. Chemical bond vibrations and chain orientation are sensitive to draw rate when polycaprolactone nanofibers are dried for 3 minutes prior to postdrawing, but this dependency to draw rate is not observed when fibers are postdrawn immediately upon collection. These findings demonstrate that the amount of retained solvent at collection is relevant to this postprocessing approach, and highlights the dynamics of solvent evaporation during postdrawing.
Transcription factor Nrf2 binds to circRNAPIBF1 to regulate SOD2 in lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Zhang Zuxiong , Chen Qianshun , Huang Chen , Rao Dingyu , Sang Chengpeng , Zhu Shenyu , Gu Liang , Xie Chunfa , Tang Zhixian , Xu Xunyu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractEmerging evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in disease development, especially in cancers. Analysis of circRNA expression microarrays from the Gene Expression Omnibus database revealed that circPIBF1 was highly upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The main aim of this study was to probe the function of circPIBF1 in pyroptosis of LUAD cells and the signal transduction pathways involved. CircPIBF1 was significantly overexpressed in LUAD and was related to the dismal prognosis of patients with LUAD. CircPIBF1 could bind to nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), which further promoted the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). In addition, Nrf2 was also observed to recruit histone acetyltransferase E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) to enhance H3K27ac modification of SOD2, thus modulating the Nrf2‐Keap1 signaling pathway. Moreover, we found that knockdown of circPIBF1 significantly suppressed the expression of SOD2 in cells and LUAD cell growth, while enhanced the expression of pyroptosis‐related factors, which were further reversed by overexpression of SOD2 or EP300. Collectively, our findings suggest a direct involvement of circPIBF1 in pyroptosis‐related LUAD carcinogenesis and implicate a role of Nrf2/EP300/SOD2 signaling in this process.
Compact design of first‐order microwave integrator for Ku band applications
Authors: Gautam Usha , Rawat Tarun K. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis article demonstrates the design and implementation of a stable wideband first‐order microwave integrator. The proposed design is attained by the cascading of eight equal‐length serial transmission lines. The meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms namely real‐coded genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and sine–cosine algorithm are applied to attain the characteristic impedance of serial lines. Further, the proposed integrator, fabricated on RT/Duroid 5880 substrate with permittivity () = 2.2 and height  = 0.762 mm. The results are measured using a vector network analyzer, show its conformity with the simulated and ideal result within the frequency range of 4–18 GHz in MATLAB environment, and confirm its eligibility for Ku‐band application, which is compact in size.
Interscapular fat is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance independent of visceral fat mass
Authors: Vosseler Andreas , Machann Jürgen , Fritsche Louise , Prystupa Katsiaryna , Kübler Christian , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Stefan Norbert , Peter Andreas , Fritsche Andreas , Wagner Robert , Heni Martin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveDysregulated body fat distribution is a major determinant of various diseases. In particular, increased visceral fat mass and ectopic lipids in the liver are linked to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, interscapular fat is considered to be a metabolically active fat compartment.MethodsThis study measured interscapular fat mass and investigated its relationship with glucose metabolism in 822 individuals with a wide range of BMI values and different glucose tolerance statuses. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify body fat depots, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed to determine glucose metabolism.ResultsElevated interscapular fat mass was positively associated with age, BMI, and total body, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue mass. High interscapular fat mass associated with elevated fasting glucose levels, glucose levels at 2 hours during the oral glucose tolerance test, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance, independent of sex, age, and total body and visceral fat mass.ConclusionsIn conclusion, interscapular fat might be a highly specific fat compartment with a potential impact on glucose metabolism and the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.
Imaging of pediatric adrenal tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper
Authors: Rees Mitchell A. , Morin Cara E. , Behr Gerald G. , Davis J. Christopher , Lai Hollie , Morani Ajaykumar C. , Parisi Marguerite T. , Saigal Gaurav , Singh Sudha , Yedururi Sireesha , Towbin Alexander J. , Shulkin Barry L. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAdrenal tumors other than neuroblastoma are uncommon in children. The most frequently encountered are adrenocortical carcinoma and pheochromocytoma. This paper offers consensus recommendations for imaging of pediatric patients with a known or suspected primary adrenal malignancy other than neuroblastoma at diagnosis and during follow‐up.
The electromagnetic wave absorption properties of woven glass fiber composites filled with Sb2O3 and SnO2 nanoparticles doped mica pigments
Authors: Akinay Yuksel , Çolak Bektaş , Turan Muhammet Emre , Akkuş Ihsan Nuri , Kazici Hilal Çelik , Kizilçay Abdullah Oğuz 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn this study, the electromagnetic wave absorption properties of woven glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites with Sb2O3 and SnO2 nanoparticles doped mica pigments were investigated. Herein, we synthesized SnO2/mica, Sb2O3/mica, and Sb2O3:SnO2/mica pigments using the sol–gel method. Subsequently, mica pigments filled glass fiber/epoxy composite panels were fabricated with a vacuum assisted resin mold. The phase, crystal, and morphological examinations of particles confirm the deposition of SnO2 and Sb2O3 nanoparticles on the mica surfaces. The electromagnetic wave absorption properties of samples were measured using the S parameters and obtained dielectric data. Sb2O3:SnO2/mica particles display higher complex permittivity and dielectric loss values due to the strong interfacial polarization between conductive nano metal‐oxide shells and mica surfaces. According to the calculated reflection loss values, Sb2O3:SnO2/mica particles exhibit superior electromagnetic wave absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −25.62 dB for 2.4 mm thicknesses with effective bandwidth between 9.3 and 12.4 GHz. The S parameters of the prepared structural composites with the size of 30 cm × 30 cm × 3 mm was determined by the free‐space technique using the transmission line technique. According to the S12 parameters, filled glass fiber/epoxy composite containing 25 wt% Sb2O3:SnO2/mica show a minimum reflection loss of −20.426 dB at 8.2 GHz with effective bandwidth between 8.2 and 9.67 GHz. These results indicate that Sb2O3:SnO2/mica‐filled fiber/epoxy composite is an excellent candidate for the practical application of electromagnetic wave absorbers.
Inverse determine the interfacial strength and surface geometry effects concerning carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites by experiment aided FFT‐based spectral analysis
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Zhangwen , Fang Guodong , Li Menglei , Zhu Jiaqi , Zhao Yuan , Meng Songhe 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe interfacial strength of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites is determined inversely by the combination of the transverse fiber bundle tensile experiment and fast Fourier transforms based spectral method. A representative volume element with transverse random fiber distribution is established to predict the strength of the composites, where the nanoscale interphase region between fiber and matrix is discretized by multi‐layer pixels. The interfacial stiffness is described by an exponential function, while the interfacial strength is a variable input. By using the spectral method, the interfacial strength of composites with different fiber types is analyzed rapidly. The effects of fiber modulus and interfacial geometric features (including interface topology and interphase thickness) on the mechanical behaviors and interfacial strength inversion are investigated to reveal the interface enhancement mechanisms. This study can be greatly helpful for interface design and performance evaluation of new‐type carbon fiber reinforced composites in engineering application.
Respiratory characteristics in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 receiving nusinersen
Authors: Xiao Lena , Chiang Jackie , Castro‐Codesal Maria , Kolski Hanna , Bedi Prabhjot , Al Amrani Fatema , Gonorazky Hernan D. , Amin Reshma ,   SickKids SMA Group
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is a neuromuscular disorder with a natural history of chronic respiratory failure and death during infancy without ventilation. Recently, disease‐modifying therapies such as nusinersen have improved disease trajectory. However, objective data on the trajectory of polysomnography outcomes, the relationship between motor scores and respiratory parameters, respiratory technology dependence and healthcare utilization in children with SMA1 remain to be elucidated.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study of children with SMA1 receiving nusinersen between October 2016 and February 2021 at two tertiary care hospitals in Canada. Baseline polysomnography data, motor scores, respiratory technology, and unanticipated healthcare utilization were examined.ResultsEleven children (five females, two SMN2 copies each) were included. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at diagnosis was 3.6 (2.8–5.0) months and age at diagnostic polysomnogram following nusinersen initiation was 9.4 (5.3–14.0) months. Nusinersen was initiated at a median (IQR) age of 5.4 (3.4–7.6) months and 8/11 children had respiratory symptoms at that time. Diagnostic polysomnography data showed a median (IQR) central apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of 4.1 (1.8–10.0) and obstructive AHI of 2.2 (0–8.0) events/h. We observed an inverse relationship between motor scores and central apnea‐hypopnea indices. All children required ventilatory support at the end of the study period.ConclusionThis study showed abnormal polysomnography parameters and need for ventilation despite nusinersen suggesting ongoing need for regular monitoring with polysomnography. Understanding the respiratory disease trajectory of children undergoing treatment with nusinersen will inform decision‐making regarding optimal timing of ventilatory support initiation.
β‐adrenergic sweat test in children with inconclusive cystic fibrosis diagnosis: Do we need new reference ranges?
Authors: Zampoli Marco , Verstraete Janine , Nguyen‐Khoa Thao , Sermet‐Gaudelus Isabelle , Zar Heather J. , Gonska Tanja , Morrow Brenda M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundInvestigating inconclusive cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis in children is difficult without advanced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function tests. This study investigated the utility of beta (β)‐adrenergic sweat test to exclude CF in participants with inconclusive diagnosis (CF suspects) in South Africa.Methodsβ‐adrenergic sweat test and sweat chloride tests (SCT) were performed simultaneously in CF suspects and adult controls (healthy, CFTR heterozygotes and CF). Cholinergic and β‐adrenergic induced sweat rate was measured by evaporimetry (transepithelial water loss [TEWL]: g H2O/m2/h) following intradermal injections. Next‐generation sequencing of CFTR was performed in CF suspects. CF diagnosis was defined by genotype.ResultsThirty‐seven controls (10 healthy, 14 CF, 13 CFTR heterozygotes) and 32 CF suspects (26 children; 6 adults) were enrolled. Six were excluded from formal analyses due to β‐adrenergic sweat test failure. In adults, evaporimetry was superior to SCT for diagnosis of CF with β‐adrenergic:cholinergic ratio TEWL ≤ 0.05 achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity. Twenty‐two CF suspect children (age range: 3.4–15.6 years) completed β‐adrenergic sweat testing of which none had CF confirmed by genotyping: β‐adrenergic:cholinergic ratio > 0.05 successfully excluded CF in all but one child who was CFTR heterozygous. Median peak β‐adrenergic TEWL and β‐adrenergic:cholinergic ratio in CFTR negative and CFTR heterozygous children was significantly lower than adult controls.Conclusionβ‐adrenergic sweat test is more accurate than SCT for excluding CF in children with inconclusive diagnosis. Established reference ranges for β‐adrenergic sweat test may not be suitable for children due to lower β‐adrenergic sweat secretion compared to adults.