bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zyklische Schubversuche an Wänden aus Hochlochziegelmauerwerk
Authors: Fasching Stephan , Jäger Andreas , Gams Matija
Published: August 2020

Zyklische Schubversuche sind eine gängige Methode, um die Tragfähigkeit und das Verformungsverhalten von Wänden bei dynamischen Belastungen in horizontaler Richtung, wie sie zum Beispiel bei Erdbeben auftreten, zu beurteilen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden zyklische Schubversuche an 36 Wänden aus verschiedenen Mauerwerksarten beschrieben, die Testergebnisse gezeigt und mit rechnerischen Widerständen laut Eurocode 6 verglichen. Nach einer Auflistung der verwendeten Baustoffe werden für alle untersuchten Wände die verwendeten Materialien und deren Abmessungen angegeben. Darauf folgt eine Beschreibung der verwendeten Versuchsaufbauten an den Instituten UTCB in Bukarest sowie ZAG in Ljubljana. Den Hauptteil bilden die Darstellung der Messwerte hinsichtlich erreichbarer Traglasten und Driftwerte sowie die Ermittlung einer bilinearen Näherung für jeden Versuch. Im Anschluss daran werden die einhüllenden Kurven der Hystereseschleifen aller Versuche gezeigt und miteinander verglichen. Abschließend wird ein Vergleich der gewonnenen Versuchsergebnisse mit rechnerischen Widerständen laut Eurocode 6 gezeigt. Mit diesen Untersuchungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass Wände aus Mauerwerk große Driftkapazitäten aufweisen und die Bemessung mit den Modellen des Eurocode 6 sehr realitätsnahe Ergebnisse liefert und bei der Bemessung von Mauerwerk aus betonverfüllten Ziegeln mit einer Verbundsteinfestigkeit – vor allem für stärker bewehrte Wände – konservativere Ergebnisse erzielt werden.
Paper spray mass spectrometry – A potential complementary technique for the detection of polar compounds in sports drug testing
Authors: Görgens Christian , Walker Katherine , Boeser Cornelia , Wijeratne Neloni , Martins Claudia , Guddat Sven , Thevis Mario
Published: August 2020

In this proof‐of‐concept study, paper spray mass spectrometry was investigated as a high‐throughput and fully automated technique for the initial testing of particularly polar compounds that are prohibited in sports. The technique allows the ionization of analytes from complex sample matrices such as blood and urine when spotted onto a paper strip. By minimizing sample preparation and omitting chromatographic separation, paper spray mass spectrometry benefits from considerable cost‐ and time‐savings compared with conventional high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, especially in cases where conventional reversed‐phase liquid chromatography offers limited applicability. All but one of the investigated model compounds fulfilled the World Anti‐Doping Agency's (WADA's) requirements regarding the applicable minimum required performance limits for initial testing procedures. In addition, the combination of paper spray mass spectrometry and ion mobility separation results in enhanced selectivity and sensitivity and is a particularly valuable analytical configuration.
Quantifying the tolerance of chick hip joint development to temporary paralysis and the potential for recovery
Authors: Bridglal Devi L. , Boyle Colin J. , Rolfe Rebecca A. , Nowlan Niamh C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Abnormal fetal movements are implicated in joint pathologies such as arthrogryposis and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Experimentally induced paralysis disrupts joint cavitation and morphogenesis leading to postnatal abnormalities. However, the developmental window(s) most sensitive to immobility—and therefore the best time for intervention—have never been identified. Here, we systematically vary the timing and duration of paralysis during early chick hip joint development. We then test whether external manipulation of immobilized limbs can mitigate the effects of immobility.

Results

Timing of paralysis affected the level of disruption to joints, with paralysis periods between embryonic days 4 and 7 most detrimental. Longer paralysis periods produced greater disruption in terms of failed cavitation and abnormal femoral and acetabular geometry. External manipulation of an immobilized limb led to more normal morphogenesis and cavitation compared to un‐manipulated limbs.

Conclusions

Temporary paralysis is detrimental to joint development, particularly during days 4 to 7. Developmental processes in the very early stages of joint development may be critical to DDH, arthrogryposis, and other joint pathologies. The developing limb has the potential to recover from periods of immobility, and external manipulation provides an innovative avenue for prevention and treatment of developmental joint pathologies.
Power of a dual‐use SNP panel for pedigree reconstruction and population assignment
Authors: May Samuel A. , McKinney Garrett J. , Hilborn Ray , Hauser Lorenz , Naish Kerry A.
Published: August 2020

The use of high‐throughput, low‐density sequencing approaches has dramatically increased in recent years in studies of eco‐evolutionary processes in wild populations and domestication in commercial aquaculture. Most of these studies focus on identifying panels of SNP loci for a single downstream application, whereas there have been few studies examining the trade‐offs for selecting panels of markers for use in multiple applications. Here, we detail the use of a bioinformatic workflow for the development of a dual‐purpose SNP panel for parentage and population assignment, which included identifying putative SNP loci, filtering for the most informative loci for the two tasks, designing effective multiplex PCR primers, optimizing the SNP panel for performance, and performing quality control steps for downstream applications. We applied this workflow to two adjacent Alaskan Sockeye Salmon populations and identified a GTseq panel of 142 SNP loci for parentage and 35 SNP loci for population assignment. Only 50–75 panel loci were necessary for >95% accurate parentage, whereas population assignment success, with all 172 panel loci, ranged from 93.9% to 96.2%. Finally, we discuss the trade‐offs and complexities of the decision‐making process that drives SNP panel development, optimization, and testing.
Precipitation contributes to plant height, but not reproductive effort, for western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara Sheviak & Bowles): Evidence from herbarium records
Authors: Biederman Lori A. , Weldon Sydney M. , Anderson Derek S. , Leoschke Mark J.
Published: August 2020

The western fringed prairie orchid (WFPO) is a rare plant found in mesic to wet tallgrass prairies in the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States. The size of WFPO populations varies considerably from year to year, and studies have suggested that population size is dependent on precipitation during critical periods in the plant's annual development. We hypothesized that plant height and reproductive effort would also be controlled by precipitation, either during these periods or over a broader period. We acquired available images of WFPO from 21 herbaria, and of these 141 individual plants had information adequate for analysis, although some population/year combinations were represented multiple times. For each specimen, we measured plant height (cm) and reproductive effort (as measured by total flower and bud count). We used bootstrapped linear regression, randomly selecting one individual from each population/year combination, to compare precipitation models, both during critical periods and the various summaries. We found that precipitation during the phenologically critical periods was a poor predictor of plant height and reproductive effort. Of the broader precipitation variables, accumulated precipitation from January 1 to collection date best described plant height. We also used correlations to detect a relationship among the variables WFPO height, reproductive effort, precipitation, latitude, and year of collection. Year of specimen collection was negatively correlated with WFPO plant height and accumulated precipitation, suggesting that both have declined in more recent years. Negative correlations with latitude also suggest height and precipitation decrease in the northern part of WFPO's range. Reproductive effort was not related to tested precipitation variables; however, it was weakly correlated with plant height. Although the results are limited, this study leverages available data and makes inferences on WFPO biology over broad ranges of time (1894–2012) and latitude (37.5°–49.9°).
Simulations of a weakly conducting droplet under the influence of an alternating electric field
Authors: Sahu Kirti Chandra , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Chaudhari Jay , Chakraborty Suman
Published: August 2020

We investigate the electrohydrodynamics of an initially spherical droplet under the influence of an external alternating electric field by conducting axisymmetric numerical simulations using a charge‐conservative volume‐of‐fluid based finite volume flow solver. The mean amplitude of shape oscillations of a droplet subjected to an alternating electric field for leaky dielectric fluids is similar to the steady‐state deformation under an equivalent root mean squared direct electric field for all possible electrical conductivity ratio and permittivity ratio of the droplet to the surrounding fluid. In contrast, our simulations for weakly conducting media show that this equivalence between alternating and direct electric fields does not hold for . Moreover, for a range of parameters, the deformation obtained using the alternating and direct electric fields is qualitatively different, that is, for low and high , the droplet becomes prolate under alternating electric field but deforms to an oblate shape in the case of the equivalent direct electric field. A parametric study is conducted by varying the time period of the applied alternating electric field, the permittivity and the electrical conductivity ratios. It is observed that while increasing has a negligible effect on the deformation dynamics of the droplet for , it enhances the deformation of the droplet when for both alternating and direct electric fields. We believe that our results may be of immense consequence in explaining the morphological evolution of droplets in a plethora of scenarios ranging from nature to biology.
Experimental and analytical fragility assessment of a combined heavy timber–steel‐braced frame through hybrid simulation
Authors: Miller Sean , Woods Joshua E. , Erochko Jeff , Lau David T. , Gilbert Colin F.
Published: August 2020

A combined heavy timber–steel structural system has recently been developed for the adaptation of advanced structural braces into tall timber structures. This study investigates the system‐level performance of a seven‐story combined timber–steel friction‐braced frame using hybrid simulation and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The IDA results from the hybrid simulations are compared with a numerical model to assess its ability to capture the nonlinear seismic performance of the timber–steel friction‐braced frame. Experimental and numerical IDA results are used to derive fragility curves for interstory and residual drift and assess its collapse probability under different earthquake hazard levels. The hybrid test results show that the timber–steel friction‐braced frame demonstrates excellent seismic performance under a range of ground motion intensities. The experimental results from the hybrid simulations and the experimental fragility curves correlate well with the numerical modeling results.
Solar dimming decreased maize yield potential on the North China Plain
Authors: Meng Qingfeng , Liu Baohua , Yang Haishun , Chen Xinping
Published: August 2020

Solar dimming has been increasing in rapidly developing regions (China and India) and threatening food security. Although previous studies have summarized the effects of climate change‐associated increases in temperature on agriculture, few have examined the effects due to solar dimming. Here, we analyzed the effects of solar dimming on maize on the North China Plain (NCP). It is reported that solar dimming intensified and maize yield potential decreased since the 1960s. The total decrease in solar radiation for the whole maize growing season of this period was 17%, and solar dimming explained 87% of the decrease in yield potential. Meanwhile, solar dimming was closely related to the level of anthropogenic fine particulate matter such as PM2.5. The PM2.5 concentration in the NCP averaged 56 μg/m3 in 2014 and 2015, which was approximately three times greater than the global mean. Our results suggested that a 10 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 concentration in this region was together with a 55 MJ/m2 decrease in solar radiation. Solar dimming threatened food security in the NCP and probably in other areas of the world and has profound implications for ongoing and future efforts such as Clean Air Action and other measures.
Forecasting the production side of GDP
Authors: Bäurle Gregor , Steiner Elizabeth , Züllig Gabriel
Published: August 2020

We evaluate the forecasting performance of time series models for the production side of gross domestic product (GDP)—that is, for the sectoral real value‐added series summing up to aggregate output. We focus on two strategies to model a large number of interdependent time series simultaneously: a Bayesian vector autoregressive model (BVAR) and a factor model structure; and compare them to simple aggregate and disaggregate benchmarks. We evaluate point and density forecasts for aggregate GDP and the cross‐sectional distribution of sectoral real value‐added growth in the euro area and Switzerland. We find that the factor model structure outperforms the benchmarks in most tests, and in many cases also the BVAR. An analysis of the covariance matrix of the sectoral forecast errors suggests that the superiority can be traced back to the ability to capture sectoral comovement more accurately.
Metabolic profiling revealed the organ‐specific distribution differences of tannins and flavonols in pecan
Authors: Xu Mengyang , Liu Pei , Jia Xiaodong , Zhai Min , Zhou Shigang , Wu Baocheng , Guo Zhongren
Published: August 2020

Carya illinoinensis is rich in phenolic metabolites such as tannins and flavonols, but both the composition and the distribution of these nutritional constituents in most pecan organs were still unclear. In this experiment, a comprehensive qualification and quantification of phenolic metabolites in eight organs of pecan were conducted for the first time. Ninety‐seven phenolic metabolites were identified, in which twelve were identified for the first time in pecan, including a series of ellagitannins with high molecular weight. Hydrolysable tannin was the dominant kind of phenolic metabolites in pecan. The metabolic profiles of tannins in pecan were extended. Thirty‐three phenolic metabolites were quantified, among them the highest content was ellagic acid pentose in testa. From this experiment, we can see that the distribution of phenolic metabolites in pecan was organ‐specific, tannins tend to accumulate in pecan testa with both diverse structures and high contents, while flavonols tend to accumulate in organs such as branch, bark, or leaf. Among all organs, testa contained the highest content of phenolics, which might play important roles in protecting pecan kernel from diseases and insects. A massive phenolic metabolites' matrix in different pecan organs was built in this experiment, which should be useful for related researches in the future and help provide a theoretical basis for using these organs as functional foods.
Geochemical evolution of the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian igneous rocks from the Baolidao magmatic belt, eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Gong Mingyue , Tian Wei , Fu Bin , Zhu Wenping
Published: August 2020

The Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and the genesis of magmatic rocks in the terrane have been topics of debate for decades. We have tried to understand the processes involved in the evolution of the Late Palaeozoic Baolidao belt and magma generation by compiling data from more than 200 samples along with new age estimates and geochemical data. Spinel stability field melting of the subduction hydrated juvenile depleted mantle (DM) is the dominant mafic magma generating process. The crustal granitoids from the Late Carboniferous suite (320 ~ 300 Ma) and the Early Permian suite (300 ~ 280 Ma) have contrasting characteristics. The Late Carboniferous suite is characterized by lower crustal AFC process at hornblende‐dominated and plagioclase‐free pressure, which resulted in considerable growth of continental crust, while the Early Permian suite is characterized by low pressure partial melting (plagioclase stable in residue) of a thinned juvenile crust. The process of the extension of hydrous mantle coupled with crustal thinning from the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian can be used to explain the chemical and petrogenetic features of the Late Palaeozoic magmatism along the Baolidao belt. We propose that lithosphere‐scale extension should have been a key process in the tectonic evolution of the eastern CAOB during the Late Palaeozoic.
Highly conformal reirradiation in patients with prior oropharyngeal radiation: Clinical efficacy and toxicity outcomes
Authors: Bagley Alexander F. , Garden Adam S. , Reddy Jay P. , Moreno Amy C. , Frank Steven J. , Rosenthal David I. , Morrison William H. , Gunn Gary Brandon , Fuller Clifton D. , Shah Shalin J. , Ferrarotto Renata , Sturgis Erich M. , Gross Neil D. , Phan Jack
Published: August 2020

Background

Reirradiation of head and neck cancer is associated with high rates of locoregional failure and potentially severe treatment‐related toxicity. We report our institutional experience of reirradiation using modern highly conformal radiotherapy approaches in patients with prior oropharyngeal radiation.

Methods

We reviewed patients receiving curative‐intent reirradiation with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and proton beam radiotherapy at our institution from 1999 to 2019. Disease control, survival, and toxicity rates following reirradiation were determined.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients were evaluated. Local control (LC), progression‐free survival, and overall survival at 2 years following reirradiation were 77%, 35%, and 51%, respectively. Grade 3 or greater (G3+) late toxicities occurred in 46% of patients and 41% required feeding tube placement during or after reirradiation.

Conclusions

In select patients with prior oropharyngeal radiation, highly conformal reirradiation offers acceptable LC, but G3+ toxicity and out‐of‐field failure rates remain high. These findings warrant continued evaluation of new multimodality approaches to improve oncologic outcomes.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Survival by Etiology: A SEER‐Medicare Database Analysis
Authors: Brar Gagandeep , Greten Tim F. , Graubard Barry I. , McNeel Timothy S. , Petrick Jessica L. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Altekruse Sean F.
Published: August 2020

In the United States, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) survival varies with tumor characteristics, patient comorbidities, and treatment. The effect of HCC etiology on survival is less clearly defined. The relationship between HCC etiology and mortality was examined using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data. In a cohort of 11,522 HCC cases diagnosed from 2000 through 2014, etiologies were identified from Medicare data, including metabolic disorders (32.9%), hepatitis C virus (8.2%), alcohol (4.7%), hepatitis B virus (HBV, 2.1%), rare etiologies (0.9%), multiple etiologies (26.7%), and unknown etiology (24.4%). After adjusting for demographics, tumor characteristics, comorbidities and treatment, hazard ratios (HRs) and survival curves by HCC etiology were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Compared with HBV‐related HCC cases, higher mortality was observed for those with alcohol‐related HCC (HR 1.49; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.25‐1.77), metabolic disorder–related HCC (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07‐1.47), and multiple etiology‐related HCC (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07‐1.46), but was not statistically significant for hepatitis C virus–related, rare disorder–related, and HCC of unknown etiology. For all HCC etiologies, there was short median survival ranging from 6.1 months for alcohol to 10.3 months for HBV.Conclusion:More favorable survival was seen with HBV‐related HCC. To the extent that HCC screening is more common among persons with HBV infection compared to those with other etiologic risk factors, population‐based HCC screening, applied evenly to persons across all HCC etiology categories, could shift HCC diagnosis to earlier stages, when cases with good clinical status are more amenable to curative therapy.
Management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing therapy with midostaurin: a focus on antifungal prophylaxis
Authors: Cairoli Roberto , Ferrara Felicetto , Girmenia Corrado , Luppi Mario , Pea Federico , Specchia Giorgina , Venditti Adriano
Published: August 2020

Both therapy and prophylaxis for infectious complications during the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have improved, although invasive fungal disease still remains a life‐threatening occurrence. Accordingly, prophylactic strategies with effective and well‐tolerated antifungals remain a cornerstone of management. Herein, the recent literature on antifungal prophylaxis used during the treatment of AML is reviewed, with a focus on the use in combination with midostaurin. The multikinase inhibitor midostaurin targets FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and is approved, in association with 7 + 3, for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed FLT3‐mutated AML. Midostaurin has been shown to extend both overall and event‐free survival in AML patients with an FLT3 mutation and is now the standard of care in FLT3+ AML. Antifungal prophylaxis should be adopted during all phases of treatment in all AML patients, and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor posaconazole is frequently the preferred agent. As midostaurin is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4, there is a potential for drug–drug interactions that requires further evaluation. At present, the available data suggest that there are no absolute contraindications for coadministration of midostaurin with posaconazole, albeit with cautious monitoring. Considering the survival advantage offered by midostarin, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should not be ruled out, although such use should be evaluated cautiously and used on a case‐by‐case basis only if there are no suitable alternatives. It should also be kept in mind that patients with invasive fungal infection undergoing therapy for AML with midostaurin may need prolonged antifungal therapy, which must be based on the administration of the appropriate antifungal agent.
Experimental study on the hydrological performance of green roofs in the application of novel biochar
Authors: Huang Shan , Garg Ankit , Mei Guoxiong , Huang Disheng , Chandra Rahul Balaji , Sadasiv Shaji Gayathri
Published: August 2020

Biochar has the potential to be a soil amendment in green roofs owing to its water retention, nutrient supply, and carbon sequestration application. The combined effects of biochar and vegetated soil on hydraulic performance (e.g., saturated hydraulic conductivity, retention and detention, and runoff delay) are the crucial factor for the application of the novel biochar in green roofs. Recent studies investigated soil water potential (i.e., suction) either on vegetated soil or on biochar‐amended soil but rarely focused on their integrated application. With the purpose of investigating the hydraulic performance of green roofs in the application of biochar, the combined effect of biochar and vegetated soil on hydrological processes was explored. Artificial rainfall experiments were conducted on the four types of experimental soil columns, including natural soil, biochar‐amended soil, vegetated natural soil, and vegetated biochar‐amended soil. The surface ponding, bottom drainage and the volumetric water content were measured during the rainfall test. Simulation method by using HYDRUS‐1D was adopted for estimating hydraulic parameters and developing modelling analysis. The results indicated that the saturated hydraulic conductivity of vegetated soil columns were higher than bare soil columns. The addition of biochar decreased the saturated hydraulic conductivity, and the magnitude of decrease was much significant in the case of vegetated soil. The influence of vegetation on permeability is more prominent than biochar. The vegetated biochar‐amended soil has the highest retention and detention capacity, and shows a preferable runoff delay effect under heavy rain among the four soil columns. The results from the present study help to understand the hydrological processes in the green roof in the application of biochar, and imply that biochar can be an alternative soil amendment to improve the hydraulic performance.
The role of intellectual property rights in a directed technical change model
Authors: Afonso Oscar , Magalhães Manuela
Published: August 2020

We propose a two country, Innovator and Follower, directed technical change model between tradable and nontradable sectors. The Innovator performs innovative R&D and the Follower adopts the available technological knowledge. Substitutability between sectors, scale effects, international IPRs protection and R&D productivity determine the economic growth and the technological‐knowledge bias, which, in turn, affects relative prices and wages. Wages are higher in the Innovator, namely in the nontradable sector under strong substitutability. Technological‐knowledge and intra‐country wage inequality are biassed towards the tradable sector, the effect being reinforced by positive IPRs protection and substitutability. Real exchange rates accommodate the Balassa‐Samuelson proposal and increase with positive IPRs protection and substitutability. The effect of IPRs on the steady‐state growth rate is ambiguous, depending on the substitutability. Theoretical results are also influenced by labor movements and are confirmed by a calibrated exercise for 11 developed/Innovator countries and 11 developing/Follower countries, and by the empirical evidence.
Constructing a financial conditions index for the United Kingdom: A comparative analysis
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Kavanagh Ella , O'Sullivan Niall
Published: August 2020

We investigate the optimal constituent variable weighting method for a UK financial conditions index (FCI) using a small number of financial indicators. The criterion for choosing the optimal weighting model concentrates on the index's ability to predict economic activity. We develop a “two‐step” process as a new weighted‐sum method and show that it is superior to other existing weighted‐sum models in creating an FCI. For comparative purposes, we create another FCI using a time‐varying parameter factor‐augmented vector autoregressive (TVP‐FAVAR) with stochastic volatility model as a principal‐component method. The results suggest that the TVP‐FAVAR model is the best variable‐weighting model to create an FCI in relation to its purpose of forecasting developments in the economy.
Are the effects of exchange‐rate volatility on commodity trade between the U.S. and Mexico symmetric or asymmetric?
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Harvey Hanafiah
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in nonlinear modeling or asymmetry analysis have revealed that nonlinear models produce more significant results compared to linear models. Only one study has demonstrated this with establishing the link between exchange rate volatility and trade flows. We add to the body of literature by considering the possibility of asymmetric effects of exchange rate volatility on commodity trade between Mexico and the U.S. After considering a total of 95 U.S. exporting industries to Mexico and 89 U.S. importing industries from Mexico, we find evidence of short‐run asymmetric effects in 54 exporting and 46 importing industries. Short‐run asymmetric effects translate into long‐run asymmetric effects in 44 exporting and 47 importing industries. These asymmetric effects were masked by the linear model which assumes the effects to be symmetric and they have different implication for different industries.
The impact of economic policy uncertainty on stock returns: The role of corporate environmental responsibility engagement
Authors: Liao Gaoke , Hou Peng , Shen Xiaoyan , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on market‐driven common stock returns and individual‐driven idiosyncratic stock returns as well as explores the role of corporate environmental responsibility (CER) engagement on this impact based on a sample of 175 firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 index from 2008 to 2016. The results show that an increase in EPU significantly reduces the market‐driven common stock returns but increases individual‐driven idiosyncratic stock returns. Further, EPU has a lower negative impact on the common stock returns of high‐CER firms comparing with low‐CER firms. EPU has a higher positive impact on idiosyncratic stock returns of high‐CER firms comparing with low‐CER firms. Overall, the findings of this paper extremely relevant for the government, investors and firm's managers and can be utilised for policy and investment decision‐making.
Political connections, legal environments and firm performance around the world
Authors: Pang Caiji , Wang Ying
Published: August 2020

Theoretically, political connections may be a double‐edged sword to a firm. On the one hand, political connections may help the firm to reduce the policy risk and access to more critical resources. On the other hand, political connections may introduce the government or politicians as influential stakeholders who may impose their own interests on other stakeholders and cause multiple agency conflicts. Although there are many studies have investigated the effects of political connections on firm performance in single countries, the worldwide effects of political connections are still ambiguous. Moreover, whether the value and costs of political connections are contingent on legal systems, regulatory institutions and industry characteristics are also under‐explored. By using a sample covers 49 countries and 151,475 firm‐year observations, we find that firms with financial constraints, firms in heavily regulated industries, and firms in countries with worse legal environment or shareholder protection mechanism are more likely to establish political connections. We further find that political connections have an adverse net effect on the firm's operating performance as well as the firm value. This adverse effect is especially pronounced if a firm is in heavily regulated industries. However, the cost of rent‐seeking activities involved in political connections can be restrained in a better legal system or by a better shareholder protection mechanism, thus significantly mitigating the adverse effect.
Asymmetric exchange rate pass‐through into import prices of Slovenia's manufacturing sector
Authors: Kurtović Safet , Maxhuni Nehat , Halili Blerim , Talović Sead
Published: August 2020

The goal of this paper is to estimate the asymmetry of exchange rate pass‐through into aggregate and disaggregate import prices and the composition of imports of Slovenia's manufacturing sectors. We used the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model and the monthly data from 2007:M1 to 2017:M12. We found that, in the long run, there was an asymmetry in the complete pass‐through into aggregate import prices due to currency appreciation. Moreover, we found that for 6 out of 14 manufacturing sectors, there was a long‐run asymmetry complete and partial pass‐through due to the appreciation of the nominal effective exchange rate. Compared with depreciation, long‐run appreciation has a stronger impact on aggregate and disaggregate import prices of the manufacturing sectors. On the other hand, we found that there was a short‐run asymmetry due to depreciation in the complete and partial pass‐through for the majority of manufacturing sectors. Compared with appreciation, short‐run depreciation has a stronger impact on aggregate and disaggregate import prices of the manufacturing sectors. The degree of asymmetric pass‐through is higher for aggregate and disaggregate import prices of the manufacturing sectors compared to the degree of symmetric pass‐through. Finally, we confirmed that the degree of pass‐through is higher for homogenous products than for heterogeneous products.
Should stock investors include cryptocurrencies in their portfolios after all? Evidence from a conditional diversification benefits measure
Authors: Demiralay Sercan , Bayracı Selçuk
Published: August 2020

Higher media coverage and stronger investor interest in cryptocurrency market may create closer linkages with traditional assets, leading to deteriorated diversification benefits. Cryptocurrencies have recently emerged as an alternative digital asset class; however, very little is known about their portfolio performances. In this study, we investigate the time‐varying investment benefits of cryptocurrencies for stock portfolios using a correlation‐based conditional diversification benefits (CDB) measure. We construct six portfolios consisting of cryptocurrencies, developed and emerging equity markets and find that the time‐varying correlations between cryptocurrencies and stock markets are generally low. However, the level of correlations significantly increases in turbulent periods, such as Brexit referendum and Coincheck hack. The dynamic CDB measures suggest that adding cryptocurrencies to equity market portfolios enhances portfolio diversification; however, the benefits of diversification have diminished after late 2017. Our results offer significant insights and potential implications for market participants.
The Musculoskeletal Knowledge Portal: Making Omics Data Useful to the Broader Scientific Community
Authors: Kiel Douglas P , Kemp John P , Rivadeneira Fernando , Westendorf Jennifer J , Karasik David , Duncan Emma L , Imai Yuuki , Müller Ralph , Flannick Jason , Bonewald Lynda , Burtt Noël
Published: August 2020

The development of high-throughput genotyping technologies and large biobank collections, complemented with rapid methodological advances in statistical genetics, has enabled hypothesis-free genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which have identified hundreds of genetic variants across many loci associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Similarly, basic scientists have valuable molecular cellular and animal data based on musculoskeletal disease that would be enhanced by being able to determine the human translation of their findings. By integrating these large-scale human genomic musculoskeletal datasets with complementary evidence from model organisms, new and existing genetic loci can be statistically fine-mapped to plausibly causal variants, candidate genes, and biological pathways. Genes and pathways identified using this approach can be further prioritized as drug targets, including side-effect profiling and the potential for new indications. To bring together these big data, and to realize the vision of creating a knowledge portal, the International Federation of Musculoskeletal Research Societies (IFMRS) established a working group to collaborate with scientists from the Broad Institute to create the Musculoskeletal Knowledge Portal (MSK-KP)(http://mskkp.org/). The MSK consolidates omics datasets from humans, cellular experiments, and model organisms into a central repository that can be accessed by researchers. The vision of the MSK-KP is to enable better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal disease and apply this knowledge to identify and develop new disease interventions. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
IRE1α/NOX4 signaling pathway mediates ROS‐dependent activation of hepatic stellate cells in NaAsO2‐induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Tao Ye , Qiu Tianming , Yao Xiaofeng , Jiang Liping , Wang Ningning , Jiang Jintong , Jia Xue , Wei Sen , Zhang Jingyuan , Zhu Yuhan , Tian Wenyue , Yang Guang , Liu Xiaofang , Liu Shuang , Ding Yang , Sun Xiance
Published: August 2020

Liver fibrosis is a severe health problem worldwide, and it is characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive deposition of collagen. Prolonged arsenic exposure can induce HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. In the present study, the results showed that chronic NaAsO2 ingestion could result in liver fibrosis and oxidative stress in Sprague–Dawley rats, along with representative collagen deposition and HSCs activation. In addition, the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)–endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐stress pathway was activated, and the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) was upregulated in rat livers. Simultaneously, the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could induce HSCs activation, and NOX4 played an important role in generating ROS in vitro. Moreover, ER stress occurred with HSCs activation at the same time under NaAsO2 exposure, and during ER stress, the IRE1α pathway was responsible for NOX4 activation. Therefore, inhibition of IRE1α activation could attenuate the HSCs activation induced by NaAsO2. In conclusion, the present study manifested that inorganic arsenic exposure could activate HSCs through IRE1α/NOX4‐mediated ROS generation.
Molecular characteristics and physiological roles of Na+–K+–Cl− cotransporter 2
Authors: Marcoux Andree‐Anne , Tremblay Laurence E. , Slimani Samira , Fiola Marie‐Jeanne , Mac‐Way Fabrice , Garneau Alexandre P. , Isenring Paul
Published: August 2020

Na+–K+–Cl− cotransporter 2 (NKCC2; SLC12A1) is an integral membrane protein that comes as three splice variants and mediates the cotranslocation of Na+, K+, and Cl− ions through the apical membrane of the thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH). In doing so, and through the involvement of other ion transport systems, it allows this nephron segment to reclaim a large fraction of the ultrafiltered Na+, Cl−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− loads. The functional relevance of NKCC2 in human is illustrated by the many abnormalities that result from the inactivation of this transport system through the use of loop diuretics or in the setting of inherited disorders. The following presentation aims at discussing the physiological roles and molecular characteristics of Na+–K+–Cl− cotransport in the TALH and those of the individual NKCC2 splice variants more specifically. Many of the historical and recent data that have emerged from the experiments conducted will be outlined and their larger meaning will also be placed into perspective with the aid of various hypotheses.
Impact of experiential learning on dental students’ training in nitrous oxide inhalation sedation
Authors: Crivello Brandon J. , Reddy Avanija A. , Pazdernik Vanessa K. , Davis Joan M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose/Objectives

Competence in nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) inhalation sedation is expected of dental graduates, but applying what is learned through didactic instruction to patient care can be challenging without firsthand experience. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of experiential learning on dental students’ confidence and sense of preparedness for administration of N2O/O2.

Methods

A biphasic, mixed methods study was conducted at a Midwestern dental school and included 2 cohorts of dental students. In Phase 1 (spring 2019), a cross‐sectional study design was used to survey outgoing third‐year and fourth‐year students who received didactic N2O/O2 instruction alone. In Phase 2 (summer 2019), a nonrandomized, preintervention‐postintervention study design was used to survey incoming third‐year students before and after a hands‐on N2O/O2 laboratory exercise.

Results

Of the 79 Phase 1 students (99% response rate), all believed a firsthand learning experience with N2O/O2 during didactic learning would increase their confidence and preparedness when administering to a patient (both P < .001). Of the 41 Phase 2 students (100% response rate), after the lab exercise, all felt that firsthand experience enhanced classroom instruction and increased confidence and preparedness when administering N2O to a patient (all P < .001). Fifty‐six (71%) Phase 1 and 39 (80%) Phase 2 students believed classroom instruction alone was inadequate to prepare them to administer N2O/O2 (both P < .001).

Conclusions

Our results strongly suggest that experiential learning of N2O/O2 inhalation sedation through a hands‐on laboratory exercise should be incorporated into the predoctoral curricula of dental schools.
The outcome of COVID‐19 in patients with hematological malignancy
Authors: Yigenoglu Tugce N. , Ata Naim , Altuntas Fevzi , Bascı Semih , Dal Mehmet Sinan , Korkmaz Serdal , Namdaroglu Sinem , Basturk Abdulkadir , Hacıbekiroglu Tuba , Dogu Mehmet H. , Berber İlhami , Dal Kursat , Erkurt Mehmet A. , Turgut Burhan , Ulgu Mustafa Mahir , Celik Osman , Imrat Ersan , Birinci Suayip
Published: August 2020

In this study, we aim to report the outcomes for COVID‐19 in patients with hematological malignancy in Turkey. Data from laboratory‐confirmed 188 897 COVID‐19 patients diagnosed between 11 March 2020 and 22 June 2020 included in the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Health database were analyzed retrospectively. All COVID‐19 patients with hematological malignancy (n = 740) were included in the study and an age, sex, and comorbidity‐matched cohort of COVID‐19 patients without cancer (n = 740) at a 1:1 ratio was used for comparison. Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (30.1%), myelodysplastic syndrome (19.7%), myeloproliferative neoplasm (15.7%) were the most common hematological malignancies. The rates of severe and critical disease were significantly higher in patients with hematological malignancy compared with patients without cancer (P = .001). The rates of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were higher in patients with hematological malignancy compared with the patients without cancer (P = .023, P = .001, respectively). The length of hospital stay and ICU stay was similar between groups (P = .7, P = .3, retrospectively). The rate of mechanical ventilation (MV) support was higher in patients with hematological malignancy compared with the control group (P = .001). The case fatality rate was 13.8% in patients with hematological malignancy, and it was 6.8% in the control group (P = .001). This study reveals that there is an increased risk of COVID‐19‐related serious events (ICU admission, MV support, or death) in patients with hematological malignancy compared with COVID‐19 patients without cancer and confirms the high vulnerability of patients with hematological malignancy in the current pandemic.
Convalescent plasma is a clutch at straws in COVID‐19 management! A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sarkar Soumya , Soni Kapil D. , Khanna Puneet
Published: August 2020

In the absence of definitive therapy for coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) may be a critical therapeutic option. This review was conducted to evaluate the impact of CPT in COVID‐19 patients based on the publications reported to date. A robust screening of electronic databases was conducted up to 10th July 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case series with a control group evaluating the effectiveness and safety of CPT in patients with COVID‐19 are included for the meta‐analyses. Our search retrieved seven studies, including two RCTs and five cohort studies, with a total of 5444 patients. In patients with COVID‐19, the use of CPT reduces mortality (odd's ratio [OR] 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25‐0.77), increases viral clearance (OR, 11.29; 95% CI, 4.9‐25.9) and improves clinically (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 0.8 to 4.9). However, the evidence is of low quality (mortality reduction, and viral clearance), and very low quality (clinical improvement). CPT may be beneficial for reducing mortality, viral shedding and improving clinical conditions in COVID‐19 patients. However, further randomized control trials (RCT) are required to substantiate the safety margin, initiation, optimal dosage, titre and duration of CPT.
Neuroanatomy of transgender persons in a Non‐Western population and improving reliability in clinical neuroimaging
Authors: Sorouri Khorashad Behzad , Khazai Behnaz , Talaei Ali , Acar Freya , Hudson Anna R. , Borji Nahid , Saberi Hedieh , Aminzadeh Behzad , Mueller Sven C.
Published: August 2020

Although the neuroanatomy of transgender persons is slowly being charted, findings are presently discrepant. Moreover, the major body of work has focused on Western populations. One important factor is the issue of power and low signal‐to‐noise (SNR) ratio in neuroimaging studies of rare study populations including endocrine or neurological patient groups. The present study focused on the structural neuroanatomy of a Non‐Western (Iranian) sample of 40 transgender men (TM), 40 transgender women (TW), 30 cisgender men (CM), and 30 cisgender women (CW), while assessing whether the reliability of findings across structural anatomical measures including gray matter volume (GMV), cortical surface area (CSA), and cortical thickness (CTh) could be increased by using two back‐to‐back within‐session structural MRI scans. Overall, findings in transgender persons were more consistent with sex assigned at birth in GMV and CSA, while no group differences emerged for CTh. Repeated measures analysis also indicated that having a second scan increased SNR in all regions of interest, most notably bilateral frontal poles, pre‐ and postcentral gyri and putamina. The results suggest that a simple time and cost‐effective measure to improve SNR in rare clinical populations with low prevalence rates is a second anatomical scan when structural MRI is of interest.
Gross rates of nitrogen transformation in soils of a global biodiversity hotspot (Western Ghats, India)
Authors: Sharma Niharika , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: August 2020

Background:Being one of the important nutrients required by plants during photosynthesis, nitrogen (N) exerts a significant control on primary productivity and carbon dioxide sequestration. Therefore, it is essential to quantify the rates of N cycling processes, such as gross N mineralization and nitrification, to understand the flow and availability of N in different ecosystems. Lack of such data in tropical regions, particularly the Indian subcontinent, has constrained our understanding of N dynamics in soils of the subcontinent.

Aims:Here, we report the results of gross N transformation rates from the hot and humid tropical forest soils of the Western Ghats, one of the global biodiversity hotspots located in India.

Results:The experiments conducted using the15N isotope dilution technique showed higher average gross N mineralization (2.6 ± 1.1 mg N kg−1d−1) and gross nitrification (1.7 ± 1.1 mg N kg−1d−1) rates in the top soil layers (0–20 cm), which decreased significantly with depth (20–40 cm) indicating potential for higher microbial activity in the top soils. The overall consumption rate of mineral N exceeded its production rate with higher consumption of ammonium () than nitrate () suggesting as a preferred N source for microbes. The consumption of was higher through immobilization than nitrification indicating active N conservation mechanism and an efficient microbial adaptation.

Conclusion:Despite high rates of consumption, accumulation of and in soils of the Western Ghats suggested additional sources of mineral N other than internal recycling of N. Long residence time of and in soils implied longer availability of unutilized mineral N leading to high soil acidity and potential for loss of N through leaching and denitrification.