Research on female leadership has documented that female-led firms tend to engage in lower risk-taking activities than male-led firms and attributed it to females' higher propensity for risk aversion. Nevertheless, this claim and its associated findings have been increasingly challenged. In this article, we address the unclear pattern of females' risk preference in leadership by contextualizing the effect of chair gender on corporate acquisitions in the context of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in China. Drawing on expectancy violation theory, we propose that female chairs are more inclined to take risks when they operate in contexts that encourage female agency. We further explore self-affirmation mechanisms through two moderators: gender stereotype threats and self-efficacy. An analysis of chairs of 1,265 publicly listed SOEs in China from 2008 to 2020 supports predictions that female chairs are more likely than male chairs to engage in firm acquisitions. The effects are amplified under low levels of female executive representation and high levels of political appointments held by female chairs. The study shows that context determines how extensively gender affects risk-taking. It offers new insights into when and why female leaders exhibit higher levels of risk-taking in Chinese SOEs.

The existing maximum likelihood theory and its computer software in structural equation modeling are established based on linear relationships among manifest variables and latent variables. However, models with nonlinear relationships are often encountered in social and behavioral sciences. In this article, an EM type algorithm is developed for maximum likelihood estimation of a general nonlinear structural equation model. To avoid computation of the complicated multiple integrals involved, the E-step is completed by a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. It is shown that the M-step can be completed efficiently by simple conditional maximization. Standard errors of the maximum likelihood estimates are obtained via Louis's formula. The methodology is illustrated with results from a simulation study and two real examples.

Local influence analysis is an important statistical method for studying the sensitivity of a proposed model to model inputs. One of its important issues is related to the appropriate choice of a perturbation vector. In this paper, we develop a general method to select an appropriate perturbation vector and a second-order local influence measure to address this issue in the context of latent variable models. An application to nonlinear structural equation models is considered. Six perturbation schemes are investigated, including three schemes under which simultaneous perturbations are made on components of latent vectors to assess the influence of these components and pinpoint the influential ones. The proposed procedure is illustrated by artificial examples and a simulation study as well as a real example.

In this paper, we propose a Bayesian framework for estimating finite mixtures of the LISREL model. The basic idea in our analysis is to augment the observed data of the manifest variables with the latent variables and the allocation variables. The Gibbs sampler is implemented to obtain the Bayesian solution. Other associated statistical inferences, such as the direct estimation of the latent variables, establishment of a goodness-of-fit assessment for a posited model, Bayesian classification, residual and outlier analyses, are discussed. The methodology is illustrated with a simulation study and a real example.

This study aimed to demonstrate the utilization value of 1PN embryos. The 1PN zygotes collected from December 2021 to September 2022 were included in this study. The embryo development, the pronuclear characteristics, and the genetic constitutions were investigated. The overall blastocyst formation and good-quality blastocyst rates in 1PN zygotes were 22.94 and 16.24%, significantly lower than those of 2PN zygotes (63.25 and 50.23%, respectively, P = 0.000). The pronuclear characteristics were found to be correlated with the developmental potential. When comparing 1PN zygotes that developed into blastocysts to those that arrested, the former exhibited a significantly larger area (749.49 ± 142.77 vs. 634.00 ± 119.05, P = 0.000), a longer diameter of pronuclear (29.81 ± 3.08 vs. 27.30 ± 3.00, P = 0.000), and a greater number of nucleolar precursor body (NPB) (11.56 ± 3.84 vs. 7.19 ± 2.73, P = 0.000). Among the tested embryos, the diploidy euploidy rate was significantly higher in blastocysts in comparison with the arrested embryos (66.67 vs. 11.76%, P = 0.000), which was also significantly higher in IVF-1PN blastocysts than in ICSI-1PN blastocysts (75.44 vs. 25.00%, P = 0.001). However, the pronuclear characteristics were not found to be linked to the chromosomal ploidy once they formed blastocysts.

In summary, while the developmental potential of 1PN zygotes is reduced, our study shows that, in addition to the reported pronuclear area and diameter, the number of NPB is also associated with their developmental potential. The 1PN blastocysts exhibit a high diploidy euploidy rate, are recommend to be clinically used post genetic testing, especially for patients who do not have other 2PN embryos available.

The giant coronary artery aneurysm is a very rare finding (0.02% of the general population), in which the right coronary artery is most often affected by aneurysms. Herein, we present a rare case of a giant left coronary artery aneurysm involving multiple major coronary arteries and compressing the cardiac cavity. The giant coronary artery aneurysm was opened and explored under cardiopulmonary bypass, and many mixed thrombi and calcified tissue were exposed. The patient was discharged uneventfully 7 days after surgery. The best management strategy at present is based on case reports, small case series, and personal experience. Treatment must be individualized according to the aetiology, location, symptoms, size, disease progression, the existence of infection, and the degree of any coexisting atherosclerosis. Surgery is a good alternative, particularly if a giant coronary artery aneurysm has a high risk of rupture and compressing the cardiac cavity. Even today, the treatment strategy is still open to debate and a clear evidence-based management strategy has not been established.

Few studies have evaluated the joint effect of trace elements on spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). This study aimed to examine the relationships between the individual or mixed maternal serum concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr and Mo during pregnancy, and risk of SPTB. Inductively coupled plasma MS was employed to determine maternal serum concentrations of the six trace elements in 192 cases with SPTB and 282 controls with full-term delivery. Multivariate logistic regression, weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to evaluate the individual and joint effects of trace elements on SPTB. The median concentrations of Sr and Mo were significantly higher in controls than in SPTB group (P < 0·05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with the lowest quartile levels of individual trace elements, the third- and fourth-quartile Sr or Mo concentrations were significantly associated with reduced risk of SPTB with adjusted OR (aOR) of 0·432 (95 CI < 0·05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with the lowest quartile levels of individual trace elements, the third- and fourth-quartile Sr or Mo concentrations were significantly associated with reduced risk of SPTB with adjusted aOR of 0·432 (95 % CI 0·247, 0·756), 0·386 (95 % CI 0·213, 0·701), 0·512 (95 % CI 0·297, 0·883) and 0·559 (95 % CI 0·321, 0·972), respectively. WQSR revealed the inverse combined effect of the trace elements mixture on SPTB (aOR = 0·368, 95 % CI 0·228, 0·593). BKMR analysis confirmed the overall mixture of the trace elements was inversely associated with the risk of SPTB, and the independent effect of Sr and Mo was significant. Our findings suggest that the risk of SPTB decreased with concentrations of the six trace elements, with Sr and Mo being the major contributors.

The clay mineral content of the Oligocene sediments in the Linxia Basin has been investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The clay mineral assemblages are mainly mixed-layer illite-smectite (I-S), illite, kaolinite and minor palygorskite in the early-Middle Oligocene deposits, mixed-layer I-S, illite and kaolinite in the Middle Oligocene deposits, mainly illite and chlorite (usually >50–70 vol.%), mixed-layer I-S, and trace to minor palygorskite in the late Oligocene sediments, respectively. The mineral assemblage indicates a warm and seasonally humid climate in the Middle Oligocene, with an episode of warm and dry conditions in the early stage of the Middle Oligocene, and a trend of temperature decrease and more arid conditions in the late Oligocene. Climate evolution in the Oligocene corresponds with the significant elevation change in central Tibet since late Oligocene, and therefore, suggests that tectonic-forced cooling of climate took place in Linxia in the northeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The ubiquitous mixed-layer I-S and carbonates throughout the Oligocene sediments reflect relatively small fluctuations in climate conditions during the epoch. The changes in clay mineral components and feldspars in the late Oligocene suggest a variation in the source of clastic materials, which probably reflects an increase in erosion of soils and poorly weathered parent rock in more elevated or high-relief source areas during this period of tectonic uplift.

In order to establish a compact all-optical Thomson scattering source, experimental studies were conducted on the 45 TW Ti: sapphire laser facility. By including a steel wafer, mixed gas, and plasma mirror into a double-exit jet, several mechanisms, such as shock-assisted ionization injection, ionization injection, and driving laser reflection, were integrated into one source. So, the source of complexity was remarkably reduced. Electron bunches with central energy fluctuating from 90 to 160 MeV can be produced. Plasma mirrors were used to reflect the driving laser. The scattering of the reflected laser on the electron bunches led to the generation of X-ray photons. Through comparing the X-ray spots under different experimental conditions, it is confirmed that the X-ray photons are generated by Thomson scattering. For further application, the energy spectra and source size of the Thomson scattering source were measured. The unfolded spectrum contains a large amount of low-energy photons besides a peak near 67 keV. Through importing the electron energy spectrum into the Monte Carlo simulation code, the different contributions of the photons with small and large emitting angles can be used to explain the origin of the unfolded spectrum. The maximum photon energy extended to about 500 keV. The total photon production was 107/pulse. The FWHM source size was about 12 μm.

Findings from observational studies have suggested a possible association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE). However, the results of these studies were inconclusive. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to illuminate this association. Systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus and other databases from inception until January 2023. The qualities of included studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Nine studies (seven cohort, two case–control) were included in the meta-analysis, including 11 423 participants from five different countries. The meta-analysis indicated that a 1-unit increase in the DII score, representing pro-inflammatory diet, was associated with 13 % higher risk of GDM (OR = 1·13; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·25, I2 = 68·4 %, P = 0·004) and 24 % higher risk of PE (OR = 1·24; 95 % CI 1·14, 1·35, I2 = 52·0 %, P = 0·125). Subgroup analysis found that this association was evident among studies with Chinese populations (OR = 1·16; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·28) and studies with mid pregnancy (OR = 1·20; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·34). The findings indicate that pro-inflammatory diet can increase the risk of GDM and PE. Considering some limitations in this study, more studies are needed to verify this association.

The current study aims to confirm the positive effects of dietary nano-Se on nutrients deposition and muscle fibre formation in grass carp fed with high-fat diet (HFD) before overwintering and to reveal its possible molecular mechanism. The lipid deposition, protein synthesis and muscle fibre formation in grass carp fed with regular diet (RD), HFD or HFD supplemented with nano-Se (0·3 or 0·6 mg/kg) for 60 d were tested. Results show that nano-Se significantly reduced lipid content, dripping loss and fibre diameter (P < 0·05), but increased protein content, post-mortem pH24 h and muscle fibre density (P < 0·05) in muscle of grass carp fed with HFD. Notably, dietary nano-Se decreased lipid deposition in the muscle by regulating amp-activated protein kinase activity and increased protein synthesis and fibre formation in muscle by activating target of rapamycin and myogenic determining factors pathways. In summary, dietary nano-Se can regulate the nutrients deposition and muscle fibre formation in grass carp fed with HFD, which exhibit potential benefit for improving flesh quality of grass carp fed with HFD.

The current studies investigated how a manipulation in joint outcome influenced individuals’ responses to pro-equality/individualistic decision makers. In Study 1 (N = 175), we examined the impact of whether equal distribution led to maximum joint outcome or not on individuals’ evaluations of, and reactions to, partners choosing either equal or individualistic distributions. In Study 2 (N = 164), we further examined the moderating roles of individual differences in general social value orientation (SVO) and preferences for joint outcome (vs. equality). Important findings include: a) individuals evaluated a pro-equality partner as less warm when equal distribution did not afford maximum joint outcome than when it did; b) individuals, especially those who scored high on preferences for joint outcome (relative to equality), were less likely to chose equal distribution when equality did not maximize joint outcome than when it did; and c) individuals who preferred joint outcome to equality evaluated individualistic partners as warmer when equal distribution did not yield maximum joint outcome than when it did. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Recently, Scholten and Read (2014) found new violations of dominance in intertemporal choice. Although adding a small receipt before a delayed payment or adding a small delayed receipt after an immediate receipt makes the prospect objectively better, it decreases the preference for that prospect (better is worse). Conversely, although adding a small payment before a delayed receipt or adding a small delayed payment after an immediate payment makes the prospect objectively worse, it increases the preference for that prospect (worse is better). Scholten and Read explained these violations in terms of a preference for improvement. However, to produce violations such as these, we find that the temporal sequences need not be constructed as Scholten and Read suggested. In this study, adding a small receipt before a dated receipt (thus constructed as improving) or adding a receipt after a dated payment (thus constructed as improving) decreases preferences for those prospects. Conversely, adding a small payment after a dated receipt (thus constructed as deteriorating) or adding a small payment before a delayed payment (thus constructed as deteriorating) increases preferences for those prospects.

The subduction model of the Neo-Tethys during the Early Cretaceous has always been a controversial topic, and the scarcity of Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks in the southern part of the Gangdese batholith is the main cause of this debate. To address this issue, this article presents new zircon U–Pb chronology, zircon Hf isotope, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope data for the Early Cretaceous quartz diorite dykes with adakite affinity in Liuqiong, Gongga. Zircon U–Pb dating of three samples yielded ages of c. 141–137 Ma, indicating that the Liuqiong quartz diorite was emplaced in the Early Cretaceous. The whole-rock geochemical analysis shows that the Liuqiong quartz diorite is enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare-earth elements (LREEs) and is depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), which are related to slab subduction. Additionally, the Liuqiong quartz diorite has high SiO2, Al2O3 and Sr contents, high Sr/Y ratios and low heavy rare-earth element (HREE) and Y contents, which are compatible with typical adakite signatures. The initial 87Sr/86Sr values of the Liuqiong adakite range from 0.705617 to 0.705853, and the whole-rock ϵNd(t) values vary between +5.78 and +6.24. The zircon ϵHf(t) values vary from +11.5 to +16.4. Our results show that the Liuqiong adakite magma was derived from partial melting of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic plate (mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) + sediment + fluid), with some degree of subsequent peridotite interaction within the overlying mantle wedge. Combining regional data, we favour the interpretation that the Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust was subducted at a low angle beneath the Gangdese during the Early Cretaceous.

A droplet impinging on a superhydrophobic substrate in an electric field is an important process in droplet manipulation and electrostatic spraying. Here, the entire impinging dynamic of the droplet in a vertical electric field is studied by a visualization experiment and numerical simulation with OpenFOAM. We investigate the effect of an electrostatic force on droplet impact in depth, where four ejection modes and three rebound modes are found experimentally. In particular, the filamentous ejecting phenomenon occurs after a droplet impinging on a superhydrophobic substrate is first discovered. In the numerical simulation, the strong coupling between the dynamic distribution of the interface electric charge and the evolution of the droplet profile can lead to different ejection modes, and the different ejection behaviours are caused by the combined effects of electrostatic pressure, capillary pressure, dynamic pressure and static pressure on the droplet apex. A charge scaling law for the ejection droplets is proposed. Furthermore, a set of theoretical models is established, which can successfully predict the threshold electric capillary number for different droplet ejection modes. The results reveal some important characteristics for a droplet impinging on a superhydrophobic surface in an electric field, which could facilitate the design of electrically operated droplet equipment and guide the safe and stable operation of the device.