bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A TRIBUTAÇÃO SOBRE O PATRIMÔNIO E A RENDA: MAIS UM CASO DE INJUSTIÇA FISCAL
Authors: Grassano de Gouvêa Mélo Luciana , Christian Nunes Campos Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Este artigo discute a tributação sobre o patrimônio e a renda, em especial a diminuição da progressividade das alíquotas do século XX para o século XXI, na medida que, nos países anglo-saxônicos que desenvolveram a tributação confiscatória sobre altos patrimônios e rendas após a segunda guerra, é onde existem as maiores forças ideológicas para reduzir a imposição sobre vultosas rendas e patrimônios, o que implica na perpetuação do patrimônio entre classes mais abastadas. E como reflexo dessa diminuição da tributação do patrimônio, agrava-se a tributação indireta sobre o consumo, esta que onera mais fortemente as classes mais desfavorecidas. Trata-se de um processo histórico em curso, agravado pela concorrência fiscal entre países e pela existência de inumeráveis paraísos fiscais.  Indo além, mostra-se o raquitismo da tributação do patrimônio no Brasil, que representa uma pequena parcela das receitas tributárias nacionais, estas centradas majoritariamente na tributação indireta sobre o consumo. No caso brasileiro, além da falta de interesse do legislador em produzir uma legislação tributária sobre patrimônio mais moderna, vê-se certa inapetência das Administrações Tributárias em aplicar com maior rigor a legislação que já existe. Tudo isso implica em uma tributação sobre o patrimônio esmaecida, geradora de injustiça fiscal, pois o ônus tributário termina gravando maiormente os contribuintes menos favorecidos. Reconhece-se que a tributação sobre a renda está em melhor forma, mas, de lege ferenda, pode avançar, em termos da diminuição da evasão e aumento de progressividade das alíquotas. E nunca se deve esquecer que a tributação não é uma mera questão de técnica jurídica, mas essencialmente de escolha política, com largo cunho filosófico, a implicar que o ônus tributário ao cidadão não é um fato da natureza, mas algo construído nos parlamentos (e tribunais).
HOMENAGEM AO PROFESSOR LUIZ PINHO PEDREIRA DA SILVA
Authors: Pamplona Rodolfo
Published: August 2020

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Aesthetics
Authors: Cavanaugh Jillian R.
Published: August 2020

Aesthetics and language are closely intertwined, overlapping systems of meaning‐ and value‐making. All aesthetic systems, including those that encompass language, are culturally and socially specific, embedded in cultural value systems about what (and who) is important, desirable, and worth attending to, as well as invisible, disgusting, and ignorable. Aesthetic systems shape evaluations of what is beautiful and ugly, tasty or off‐putting, melodious and raucous. They are also embedded in structures and processes of power, political economic hierarchies, and particular local, national, regional, and global histories. Aesthetics and language intersect in musical, performance‐oriented, and poetic genres, as well as in the language of everyday life.
Zinc‐Catalyzed N‐Alkylation of Aromatic Amines with Alcohols: A Ligand‐Free Approach
Authors: Sankar Velayudham , Kathiresan Murugavel , Sivakumar Bitragunta , Mannathan Subramaniyan
Published: August 2020

An efficient zinc‐catalyzed N‐alkylation reaction of aromatic amines was achieved using aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic alcohols as the alkylating reagent. A variety of aniline derivatives, including heteroaromatic amines, underwent the N‐alkylation reaction and furnished the corresponding monoalkylated products in good to excellent yields. The application of the reaction is also further demonstrated by the synthesis of a 2‐phenylquinoline derivative from acetophenone and 2‐aminobenzyl alcohol. Deuterium labeling experiments show that the reaction proceeds via a borrowing hydrogen process.

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Predicting the Real‐Valued Inter‐Residue Distances for Proteins
Authors: Ding Wenze , Gong Haipeng
Published: August 2020

Predicting protein structure from the amino acid sequence has been a challenge with theoretical and practical significance in biophysics. Despite the recent progresses elicited by improved inter‐residue contact prediction, contact‐based structure prediction has gradually reached the performance ceiling. New methods have been proposed to predict the inter‐residue distance, but unanimously by simplifying the real‐valued distance prediction into a multiclass classification problem. Here, a lightweight regression‐based distance prediction method is shown, which adopts the generative adversarial network to capture the delicate geometric relationship between residue pairs and thus could predict the continuous, real‐valued inter‐residue distance rapidly and satisfactorily. The predicted residue distance map allows quick structure modeling by the CNS suite, and the constructed models approach the same level of quality as the other state‐of‐the‐art protein structure prediction methods when tested on CASP13 targets. Moreover, this method can be used directly for the structure prediction of membrane proteins without transfer learning.
Parallel detection of single nucleotide variants and copy number variants with exome analysis: Validation in a cohort of 700 undiagnosed patients
Authors: Suzuki Hisato , Yamada Mamiko , Uehara Tomoko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: August 2020

Copy number variants (CNVs) are significant causes of rare and undiagnosed diseases. Parallel detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and CNVs with exome analysis, if feasible, would shorten the diagnostic closure in a timely manner. We validated such “parallel” approach through a cohort study of 791 undiagnosed patients. In addition to routine exome analysis, we applied an innovative algorithm EXCAVATOR2 which enhances sensitivity by paradoxically exploiting read depth data that covers nonexonic regions where baits were not originally intended to hybridize. About 48 patients had copy number variations, 42 deletions, and 6 duplications with a resolution of 0.51–14.7 mega base pairs. Importantly from a clinical standpoint, we identified three patients with “dual diagnosis” due to concurrent pathogenic CNV and SNV. We suggest “hitting two birds with one stone” approach to exome data is an efficient strategy in deciphering undiagnosed patients and may well be considered as a first‐tier genetic test.
A functional analysis of Carabelli trait in Australian aboriginal dentition
Authors: Fung Sarah , Lee Jinyoung , Yong Robin , Ranjitkar Sarbin , Kaidonis John , Pilbrow Varsha , Panagiotopoulou Olga , Fiorenza Luca
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Carabelli is a nonmetric dental trait variably expressed as a small pit to a prominent cusp in the maxillary molars of modern humans. Investigations on the occurrence and expression rates of this trait have been conducted extensively, tracing its origin to genetic sources. However, there remains a lack of understanding about its potential role in chewing. In this study, we examine molar macrowear with the aim of reconstructing Carabelli trait occlusal dynamics occurring during chewing.

Methods

We have examined 96 deciduous and permanent maxillary molars of children and young adults from Yuendumu, an Australian Aboriginal population that was at an early stage of transition from a nomadic and hunter‐gatherer way of life to a more settled existence. We apply a well‐established method, called Occlusal Fingerprint Analysis, which is a digital approach for analyzing dental macrowear allowing the reconstruction of jaw movements required to produce wear pattern specific to each tooth.

Results

Carabelli trait slightly enlarges the surface functional area, especially in those molars where this feature is expressed in its cuspal form and it is closer to the occlusal plane. Moreover, the highly steep contact planes would also indicate that Carabelli wear areas contribute to increasing the shearing abilities of the occluded teeth, which are particularly important when processing fibrous and tough foods.

Conclusions

The macrowear analysis suggests that Carabelli trait in the Aboriginal people from Yuendumu slightly enhanced occlusion and probably played some functional role during mastication. Future biomechanical and microwear analyses could provide additional information on the mechanical adaptation of Carabelli trait in modern human dentition.
A comparison between chemical and gas hypoxia as models of global ischemia in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Marino Kaitlyn M. , Silva Emani R. , Windelborn James A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Zebrafish models for neurovascular diseases offer new methods for elucidation of molecular pathways to tissue damage. External fertilization and high fecundity provide opportunities for transgenics and other forms of genetic manipulation that are more accessible than offered by mammalian models of disease. Furthermore, behavioral analyses of zebrafish allow for connection of molecular pathways to organismal outputs such as locomotion, learning, and memory. Unfortunately, a zebrafish model of hypoxia‐ischemia has been slow to catch on, possibly due to hypoxia exposure protocols that are challenging to reproduce and result in high mortality.

Methods

In this study, we have introduced a predictable and simple method of hypoxia induction, the addition of sodium sulfite to aquarium water. The effects of this treatment on zebrafish locomotion were compared to those of zebrafish exposed to hypoxia induced by nitrogen gas bubbling, a method used in previous reports.

Results

We found that hypoxia induced by sodium sulfite significantly impaired locomotion in the hours following treatment, and its effects did not differ from those caused by nitrogen gas hypoxia.

Conclusion

These results indicate that hypoxia by sodium sulfite represents an effective and easily reproducible method for the study of hypoxia‐ischemia in zebrafish.
High dielectric constant epoxy nanocomposites containing ZnO quantum dots decorated carbon nanotube
Authors: Liu Cong , Daneshvar Farhad , Hawkins Spencer , Kotaki Masaya , Sue Hung‐Jue
Published: August 2020

Zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dot (QD) decorated multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid was utilized in the fabrication of high dielectric constant epoxy nanocomposites. Because of the shielding effect of ZnO QD, the well‐dispersed epoxy hybrid nanocomposites exhibit frequency insensitive high dielectric constant as well as greatly reduced dielectric loss. With only 1.5 wt% of MWCNT addition, the epoxy/MWCNT‐ZnO nanocomposite possesses dielectric constant as high as 31 and dielectric loss as low as 0.01 at 1 kHz. In addition, the epoxy nanocomposite exhibits greatly enhanced tensile properties. The role of ZnO QD decorated MWCNT in the preparation and property improvement of multi‐functional polymer nanocomposites is discussed.
Sustained‐release ibuprofen prodrug particle: Emulsifier and initiator regulate the diameter and distribution
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhang Haixin , Xu Jie , Qian Hao , Liu Rui , Xu Zengchang , Zhu Hongjun
Published: August 2020

Polymers have played a vital part in the development of drug delivery systems (DDS). For DDS, having a controllable diameter and distribution are conducive to reproducibility of drug release behavior and efficacy. In this work, an ibuprofen prodrug (Ibu@PMMA) was synthesized by methyl methacrylate (MMA), ibuprofen monomer (Ibu@HEMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) via emulsion polymerization. The Ibu@PMMA exhibits spherical shapes, and its structural properties were characterized by NMR, FTIR, and SEM techniques. In addition, the hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI) of Ibu@PMMA were reduced by increasing the proportion of emulsifier. Meanwhile, by increasing the amount of initiator, the hydrodynamic diameter and PDI of Ibu@PMMA were decreased. Moreover, Ibu@PMMA exhibits good sustained‐release ability in vitro, which could be used as a potential delivery system for anti‐inflammatory agents.
Levelling the playing field between rural schools and urban schools in a HE context: A Scottish case study
Authors: Lasselle Laurence , Johnson Mike
Published: August 2020

At a time when interventions in widening access to, and participation in, higher education aim to maximise impact by engaging with schools located in the most deprived communities, school pupils in rural communities, and who experience deprivation, are, in practice, less likely to benefit. Using statistics available from the Scottish government, we show that state secondary schools located in Scottish remote or rural areas are not well served by the indicators capturing socio‐economic, educational, or geographical deprivation widely used in the selection of schools for these outreach interventions. We construct a marker that identifies schools facing higher levels of deprivation than the Scottish average. We argue that (1) this marker is a step in the direction towards levelling the playing field between remote or rural schools and urban schools; and (2) it selects a wider range of schools for outreach interventions.
The policy and practice of music education in England, 2010–2020
Authors: Savage Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Since the introduction of the National Plan for Music Education there have been significant changes in music education within England. Whilst some celebrate figures that report increased access and engagement, many teachers and others continue to have legitimate concerns regarding the quality of the music education on offer in schools and Music Education Hubs. There are concerns that the provision of music education is incoherent and patchy across the country. Many would argue that the opportunity to access high‐quality music education has become a ‘postcode lottery’. There is a sense that the fragmentation of music education as a result of curriculum reforms and the diversity of approaches taken by Music Education Hubs and other bodies has significantly enhanced this incoherence. This article seeks to review the policy and practice of music education in England over the last 10 years. It draws on recent research from various sources and maintains a particular focus on government policy and the consequences of this for the field as a whole. It reflects on how things could be improved in the future. It argues for a clearer focus on a practitioner‐led approach to research and advocacy, in particular one led by the notion of ‘policy as practice’ rather than continuing with the current approach and its intrinsic failings.
Students' habits and competencies for creating virtual learning environments
Authors: Karuović Dijana , Tasić Ivan , Hains Violeta Vidacek , Glušac Dragana , Namestovski Zolt , Szabo Csaba , Kocaleva Mirjana , Milanov Dušanka
Published: August 2020

This study examines the habits and competences of IT students in the use of information technology resources. The survey includes 650 students from seven different higher education institutions in various countries in the region. The paper investigates which information technology tools, online applications, and offline programs are being used. The paper also aims to highlight the amount of time that students spend online and how much they participate in communicating online. The goal is to assess what the opportunities provided by the Internet have been used for in terms of learning and development. The obtained results can help to develop and improve virtual learning environments, as well as create an improved form and content of online courses in the future.
Pneumopericardium causing pericardial tamponade
Authors: Fink Ryan J.
Published: August 2020

Pneumopericardium can be severe enough to cause pericardial tamponade physiology. These patients can be hemodynamically unstable and require pericardial drainage.
Chemical Looping of Manganese to Synthesize Ammonia at Atmospheric Pressure: Sodium as Promoter
Authors: Aframehr Wrya Mohammadi , Huang Chaoran , Pfromm Peter H.
Published: August 2020

Affordable synthetic ammonia (NH3) enables the production of nearly half of the food we eat and is emerging as a renewable energy carrier. Sodium‐promoted chemical looping NH3 synthesis at atmospheric pressure using manganese (Mn) is here demonstrated. The looping process may be advantageous when inexpensive renewable hydrogen from electrolysis is available. Avoiding the high pressure of the Haber‐Bosch process by chemical looping using earth‐abundant materials may reduce capital cost, facilitate intermittent operation, and allow operation in geographic areas where infrastructure is less sophisticated. At this early stage, the data suggest that 0.28 m3 of a 50 % porosity solid Mn bed may suffice to produce 100 kg NH3 per day by chemical looping, with abundant opportunities for improvement.
Fabrication of reaction bonded TiB2/Si/SiC composites for thermal applications
Authors: Wang Jiwen , McDannald Austin , Karandikar Prashant , Aghajanian Mike
Published: August 2020

Titanium diboride (TiB2) is an extremely hard ceramic which has excellent heat conductivity, oxidation stability, and resistance to mechanical erosion. Broader application of this material is inhibited by economic factors, particularly the cost of densifying a material with a high melting point. In this study, reaction bonded TiB2(RB‐TiB2) composites are fabricated by the reactive infiltration of molten Si into preforms of TiB2plus carbon. Microstructure analysis indicates uniform distribution of TiB2particles in the composites. RB‐TiB2composites with fine particles show higher flex strength and fracture toughness, while composites with larger particles have higher thermal conductivity, measured to be 120 W/(m K) at room. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the composites is insensitive to the particle size and can be controlled in the range of 4.0‐5.2 ppm/K (room temperature). RB‐TiB2shows the potential to be used for electronics thermal management applications with a combination of matching CTE, good thermal conductivity, high melting point, and attractive mechanical properties.
Over‐the‐counter bite splints: A randomized controlled trial of compliance and efficacy
Authors: Gerstner Geoffrey , Yao Wei , Siripurapu Krishnapriya , Aljanabi Hadel , Decker Ann , Ludkin David , Sinacola Rachel , Frimenko Katherine , Callaghan Kathryn , Penoyer Sean , Tewksbury Claire
Published: August 2020

Background

Occlusal splints are often used to curb the impacts of sleep bruxism (SB) on the dentition, and over‐the‐counter (OCT) options are becoming increasingly popular. OTC splints are usually fabricated at home by patients, but not routinely evaluated by dental professionals. It is unclear how OCT splints compare with more traditional splints that receive dental oversight.

Objectives

The present randomized controlled study tested how an OTC splint compared with a gold standard bite splint in terms of patient compliance (primary outcome) and efficacy (secondary outcomes).

Methods

Sixty‐seven subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the OTC (SOVA, N = 35) splint or the gold standard “Michigan” bite splint (MI, N = 32), with 61 completing the study (SOVA, N = 30; MI, N = 31). OTC‐splint subjects were required to fabricate their splints to clinically acceptable standards. Both groups wore the splints nightly for four months. Compliance was measured via daily diary. Efficacy outcomes evaluated stability, retention, periodontal health, night‐time rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA), and material wear.

Results

OTC‐splint subjects had difficulty fabricating splints to clinically acceptable standards. The number of night‐time RMMA bursts was significantly greater for the OTC splint group. Compliance and all other efficacy measurements were not significantly different between‐groups.

Conclusions

The results support the potential use of OTC splints for curbing the impacts of SB. However, the results strongly suggest that dentists should be actively engaged in overseeing patients' use of self‐fabricated appliances. This clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier number NCT02340663.
Confession or justification: The effects of environmental disclosure on corporate green innovation in China
Authors: Xiang Xiaojian , Liu Chuanjiang , Yang Mian , Zhao Xiaomeng
Published: August 2020

As one type of voluntary environmental regulations, environmental disclosure plays an important role in promoting sustainable development of enterprises by enhancing their environmental awareness. Based on the social responsibility and annual reports published by heavily polluting listed companies in China between 2007 and 2016, this article investigates their environmental disclosure and assesses the impact on their green innovation activities as well as its influence mechanisms. Text analysis is used to measure the environmental disclosure by way of three dimensions including environmental investment and management, environmental supervision and agency certification, and environmental performance and governance. The results of the Poisson regression model for panel data show that environmental disclosure has significantly encouraged green innovations carried out by heavily polluting listed companies in China during the past decade and this result is consistent with a variety of robustness checks. Besides, the mediation effect test demonstrates that environmental disclosure stimulated green innovations of heavily polluting listed companies by expanding their financing channels, promoting their product sales, and raising media attention.
A low‐complexity pilot contamination elimination method for channel estimation in massive MIMO systems
Authors: Ebrahimi Reza , Zamiri‐Jafarian Hossein , Khademi Morteza
Published: August 2020

Pilot contamination is a major limitation in estimating the uplink channel state in massive MIMO systems using time division duplex communication method. This limitation has a huge impediment to harnessing the main advantages of massive MIMO systems such as spectral and energy efficiencies. In this article, a new low‐complexity subspace‐based method is proposed for eliminating pilot contamination and channel estimation, which exploits virtual channel modeling combined with a new problem formulation technique. On the contrary to most of the existing approaches in which the availability of correlation matrices of users and intercell data exchanges are needed, the proposed method eliminates the pilot contamination without need these confining assumptions. By employing the virtual beam searching technique and projection onto the component subspaces of virtual beams and pilot sequences, the proposed method estimates channel vectors of different cell users with very low computational complexity. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves good performance with very low normalized mean square error and high achievable rates in the presence of severe pilot contamination and under different cell conditions.
Effects of time‐variant modal frequencies of high‐rise buildings on damping estimation
Authors: Zhou Kang , Li Qiu‐Sheng
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a method to identify the time‐variant modal frequencies of high‐rise buildings and applies the method to the field measurements from a 68‐story high‐rise building during Super Typhoon Mangkhut (September 16, 2018). The analyzed results show that the fundamental natural frequencies of the monitored building first gradually decreased by about 9% and then returned to 94% of the original values over time. Moreover, the effects of time‐variant modal frequencies on damping estimation of high‐rise buildings are investigated by a comprehensive parametric study. The results indicate that the change rate of frequency has significant effects on the damping estimation by the conventional modal identification methods such as the random decrement technique and Bayesian spectral density approach. Accordingly, an error model for describing the relationship between the estimation error of damping ratio and main parameters of time‐variant modal frequencies is established. Then, an error model‐based correction method is proposed for the conventional damping identification methods to eliminate the estimation errors of damping ratios due to the time‐variant modal frequencies, which is proved to be effective through Monte Carlo simulation and is further applied to identify the time‐variant damping ratios of the monitored high‐rise building. This paper aims to further the understanding of structural dynamic properties of high‐rise buildings during typhoons and provide accurate estimation of structural modal parameters.
The potential of portable luminescence readers in geomorphological investigations: a review
Authors: Munyikwa Kennedy , Kinnaird Tim C. , Sanderson David C.W.
Published: August 2020

The development of functional portable optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) readers over the last decade has provided practitioners with the capability to acquire luminescence signals from geological materials relatively rapidly, which allows for expedient preliminary chronostratigraphic insight when working with complex depositional systems of late Quaternary age. Typically, when using the portable OSL reader, infrared (IR) or blue post‐IR OSL signals are acquired from bulk unprocessed materials, in contrast to regular luminescence dating, which is usually based on measurements on pure quartz or feldspar mineral separates, or on select silt‐sized polymineralic portions. To demonstrate the utility of portable OSL measurements, this paper outlines the basic features of portable OSL readers and their constraints. Subsequently, case studies in which the instrument has been used to elucidate cryptostratigraphic variations in sedimentary sequences for geomorphological applications are reviewed. The studies can generally be grouped into three main categories. The first includes studies where the variation of portable OSL reader luminescence signal intensities with depth are plotted to generate profiles that contextualize sediment stratigraphy. In the second group, portable OSL reader luminescence signal intensities are used to interpret sediment processes that shed light on depositional histories. In the last category, luminescence signals from the portable OSL reader are calibrated to approximate numerical burial ages of depositional units. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible future directions. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel multi‐image visually meaningful encryption algorithm based on compressive sensing and Schur decomposition
Authors: Ye Guodong , Pan Chen , Dong Youxia , Jiao Kaixin , Huang Xiaoling
Published: August 2020

Image encryption algorithm is an important telecommunication technology for protecting personal security. In this article, we propose a novel multi‐image visual encryption algorithm based on compressive sensing (CS) and Schur decomposition. First, multiple images are sparsed by a discrete wavelet transform, and the compressed images are obtained by zigzag confusion and CS. Second, these compressed images are combined according to random sequences and scrambled again to obtain the secret image. Third, the carrier image is subjected to a two‐level lifting wavelet transform where the low‐frequency and high‐frequency subbands are selected to perform a discrete cosine transform (DCT). Fourth, Schur decomposition is employed on the secret image to calculate an upper triangular matrix and a unitary matrix (orthogonal matrix) to be embedded into the DCT coefficients of the previous low‐frequency and high‐frequency subbands, respectively. With an inverse transformation, the final visually meaningful encrypted image is achieved. Here, the initial position of the zigzag confusion is related to the plain image, which can effectively resist known‐plaintext and chosen‐plaintext attacks. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has high security and good imperceptibility.
Nexus between corporate social responsibility and firm’s performance: A panel data approach
Authors: Mughal Yasir Hayat , Jehangir Mahad , Khan Muzzamil , Saeed Mehran
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility and firm performance. Secondary data from 28 firms registered at stock exchange were selected as population of the study. Data from time period of 8 years from 2009–2017 was taken from annual reports and statements of firms. For statistical analysis STATA‐12 was used. Levin‐Lin‐Chu test is used for data stationarity. Mean,SD, correlation analysis and pooled ordinary least square were used for testing hypotheses. Fixed effect model and random effect model, Hausman test were used. Corporate social responsibility scored highest mean followed by returns on equity, earnings per share and lowest mean was scored by returns on assets. Correlation analysis revealed the positive and significant relationship among all variables. Pooled ordinary least square results show that corporate social responsibility has significant impact upon returns on assets, returns on equity and earnings per share. But most dominant is earning per share from coefficient value. Previous studies which claimed that by identifying CSR activities in annual reports would result in low returns on assets, low returns on equity and less earnings per share. Thus, findings of this study explained that by showing CSR in annual reports could result in high returns on assets, equity and earnings per share. This study have implications for firms, firms can take competitive advantage by taking part in CSR activities, by doing so will retain talented employees, enhanced brand image, reputation in society and attract more investors for firms.
U.S. stock prices and macroeconomic fundamentals: Fresh evidence using the quantile ARDL approach
Authors: Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Hurley Dene , Ferrer Román
Published: August 2020

This paper explores the long‐run relationship and the associated short‐run dynamics between the U.S. stock market and three major macroeconomic fundamentals, namely the U.S. industrial production index, the U.S. 10‐year Treasury bond yield and the West Texas Intermediate oil price, for the time period covering 1985–2015. The quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) model presented by Cho et al. (2015) Journal of Econometrics, 188, 281–300, which combines the autoregressive distributed lag model of Pesaran and Shin (1998), Cambridge University Press, and Pesaran et al. (2001) Journal of Applied Econometrics, 16, 289–326, and the quantile regression methodology of Koenker and Bassett (1978), Econometrica, 46, 33–50, is used. This approach analyses the links among the variables over a range of quantiles which represent different states of the equity market. The findings show a significant quantile‐varying cointegration relationship between U.S. equity prices and the three selected macroeconomic factors. The U.S. industrial production index is found to have the largest long‐run influence on the equity market. These findings highlight the importance of market players as well as policymakers to develop a greater understanding and awareness of how macro variables impact stock prices under different stock market conditions, particularly in relation to optimal asset allocation and risk management strategies, among others.
Backtesting expected shortfall for world stock indexETFswith extreme value theory andGram–Charliermixtures
Authors: Molina‐Muñoz Enrique , Mora‐Valencia Andrés , Perote Javier
Published: August 2020

This paper analyses risk quantification for three main stock market index exchange‐traded funds in world financial markets. We compare the relative performance of a set of parametric and semi‐nonparametric models in terms of both value‐at‐risk and expected shortfall backtesting techniques. To this end, we explore the result of the jointly elicitability of these two risk measures. We provide a new mixture of Gram–Charlier distributions that have been used in this framework for the first time and derive a close formula for directly computing expected shortfall. This model is compared to the Gaussian (benchmark model), Student'st, generalized Pareto (a case of the extreme value theory) and mixtures of Gram–Charlier distributions. The results show that peaks‐over‐threshold (extreme value theory) and flexible Gram–Charlier approximations are suitable to quantify market risk and mitigate concerns about possible financial instabilities generated by misuse of exchange‐traded funds trading.
The effects of institutional settings and risks on bank dividend policy in an emerging market: Evidence from Tobit model
Authors: Athari Seyed Alireza
Published: August 2020

This study investigates specifically the effects of institutional settings and risks on dividend payout policy for banks operate in an emerging market of Nigeria. The present study measures the risk by using financial, business, credit, and default risk at the bank‐level and financial, economic, and political risk at the country level. To achieve the objective of this study, panel data random‐effects Tobit estimation methodology is employed from the period 2007–2016. Findings reveal that the weak institutional settings lead Nigerian banks to pay out fewer dividends and set their payouts corresponding to the substitution agency model of dividends. Also, results show that Nigerian banks typically pay out more dividends in cases of growth opportunity as a substitute mechanism for mitigating agency problems and for establishing a good reputation. However, by strengthening the levels of investor protection, Nigerian bank managers prefer a low payout policy and are less probable to use dividend policies as a substitute mechanism. Moreover, except for the positive effect of default risk, findings show that the risks at the bank‐level, in particular, business risk, and at the country level, particularly financial and economic risks, have a significant negative effect on dividend payouts. Results are robust to alternative estimation procedures and also document that global risk has a statistically significant negative impact on Nigerian banks' dividend payouts policy.
Spillovers and jumps in global markets: A comparative analysis
Authors: Moura Rodolfo C. , Laurini Márcio P.
Published: August 2020

We analyse the relation between volatility spillovers and jumps in financial markets. For this, we compared the volatility spillover index proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz, The Economic Journal, 2009, 119, 158–171 with a global volatility component, estimated through a multivariate stochastic volatility model with jumps in the mean and in the conditional volatility. This model allows a direct dating of events that alter the global volatility structure, based on a permanent/transitory decomposition in the structure of returns and volatilities and the estimation of market risk measures. We conclude that the multivariate stochastic volatility model complements the information revealed by the spillover index and can be a useful tool in measuring and managing risk in global financial markets.
3D bioprinted glioma microenvironment for glioma vascularization
Authors: Wang Xuanzhi , Li Xinda , Ding Jinju , Long Xiaoyan , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Xinzhi , Jiang Xiaochun , Xu Tao
Published: August 2020

Glioblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed primary malignant brain tumor with unfavourable prognosis and high mortality. One of its key features is the extensive abnormal vascular network. Up to now, the mechanism of angiogenesis and the origin of tumor vascularization remain controversial. It is essential to establish an ideal preclinical tumor model to elucidate the mechanism of tumor vascularization, and the role of tumor cells in this process. In this study, both U118 cell and GSC23 cell exhibited good printability and cell proliferation. Compared with 3D‐U118, 3D‐GSC23 had a greater ability to form cell spheroids, to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), and to form tubule‐like structures in vitro. More importantly, 3D‐glioma stem cells (GSC)23 cells had a greater power to transdifferentiate into functional endothelial cells, and blood vessels composed of tumor cells with an abnormal endothelial phenotype was observed in vivo. In summary, 3D bioprinted hydrogel scaffold provided a suitable tumor microenvironment (TME) for glioma cells and GSCs. This bioprinted model supported a novel TME for the research of glioma cells, especially GSCs in glioma vascularization and therapeutic targeting of tumor angiogenesis.
The role ofBacillus acidophilusin osteoporosis and its roles in proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Chen Chen , Dong Baokang , Wang Yuming , Zhang Qiang , Wang Bangmao , Feng Shuzhi , Zhu Yu
Published: August 2020

Background

Osteoporosis is one of the most closely related diseases associated with the elderly. In recent years, the studies found that gut microbiota can cause osteoporosis. We evaluated the role of Bacillus acidophilus in osteoporosis and its roles in proliferation and differentiation.

Methods

We selected 5 healthy people and 10 osteoporosis patients and analyzed their level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and procollagen type I N‐terminal peptide (PINP), the characteristic of gut microbiota. The effect oflactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosussupernatant and butanoic acids on proliferation, differentiation, and maturity of osteoblasts MC3T3‐E1 and osteoclasts RAW 264.7 cells and the activity of alkaline phosphatase, concentration of osteocalcin, and the expression of RUNX2, RANK, NFATc1, cathepsin K, DC‐STAMP, OSCAR, WNT2, and CTNNB1 were measured in the above cell lines.

Results

The diversity of gut microbiota in osteoporosis patients is decreased and imbalanced with lower abundance of lactobacillus and butyric acid bacteria; meanwhile, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and PINP of osteoporosis patient were significantly lower than the normal group. The proliferation, differentiation, and maturity of MC3T3‐E1 cells were stimulated; the activity of alkaline phosphatase, concentration of osteocalcin, and the expression of RUNX2, NFATc1, cathepsin K, DC‐STAMP, OSCAR, WNT2, and CTNNB1 were improved by supernatant oflactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus rhamnosusand butanoic acids; however, the proliferation, differentiation, maturity, and the expression of RANK, NFATc1, cathepsin K, DC‐STAMP, OSCAR, WNT2, and CTNNB1 in RAW 264.7 cells were suppressed.

Conclusions

Thelactobacillus acidophilusandLactobacillus rhamnosussupernatant could stimulate the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of osteoblasts; the production of butyric acid may be the potential mechanism.
Long noncoding RNA HNF1A‐AS1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of glioma through activation of the JNK signaling pathway via miR‐363‐3p/MAP2K4
Authors: Bi Yongyan , Mao Yuhang , Su Zuopeng , Du Jiarui , Ye Liping , Xu Fulin
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to exert important functions in the various biological processes of human cancers. It has been reported that lncRNA HNF1 homeobox A antisense RNA 1 (HNF1A‐AS1) was abnormally expressed and played a role in the initiation and development of various human cancers. In this study, we confirmed that the expression level of HNF1A‐AS1 was increased in glioma tissues and cells. Knockdown of HNF1A‐AS1 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in glioma. Then, we disclosed the downregulation of miR‐363‐3p in glioma tissues and cell lines. The interaction between HNF1A‐AS1 and miR‐363‐3p was identified in glioma cells. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between HNF1A‐AS1 and miR‐363‐3p was observed in glioma tissues. Afterwards, we recognized that MAP2K4 was a direct target of miR‐363‐3p. The expression of MAP2K4 was negatively correlated with miR‐363‐3p while positively related to HNF1A‐AS1 in glioma tissues. We also found the regulatory effect of HNF1A‐AS1 on the MAP2K4‐dependent JNK signaling pathway. All findings indicated that HNF1A‐AS1 induces the upregulation of MAP2K4 to activate the JNK signaling pathway to promote glioma cell growth by acting as a miR‐363‐3p sponge.
The role of the 5′ HoxA genes in the development of the hindgut, vent, and a novel sphincter in a derived teleost (bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli)
Authors: Crow Karen D. , Sadakian Ara , Kaslly Noelle A.
Published: August 2020

Unique expression patterns of the 5′ HoxA genes are associated with the evolution and development of novel features including claspers in cartilaginous fishes, modified pectoral fins in batoids, and the yolk sac extension in Cypriniformes. Here, we demonstrate a role for HoxA11a and HoxA13a in demarcating the hindgut in fishes of the family Gobiidae, including a novel sphincter called the intestinal rectal sphincter (IRS). Disruption of 5′ HoxA expression, via manipulation of retinoic acid signaling, results in failure of the IRS and/or vent to develop. Furthermore, exposure to HoxA disruptors alters 5′ HoxA expression, in association with developmental phenotypes, demonstrating a functional link between 5′ HoxA expression and development of a novel feature in the bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli.
Evolution of the acoustic startle response of Mexican cavefish
Authors: Paz Alexandra , McDole Brittnee , Kowalko Johanna E. , Duboue Erik R. , Keene Alex C.
Published: August 2020

The ability to detect threatening stimuli and initiate an escape response is essential for survival and under stringent evolutionary pressure. In diverse fish species, acoustic stimuli activate Mauthner neurons, which initiate a C‐start escape response. This reflexive behavior is highly conserved across aquatic species and provides a model for investigating the neural mechanism underlying the evolution of escape behavior. Here, we characterize evolved differences in the C‐start response between populations of the Mexican cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus. Cave populations of A. mexicanus inhabit an environment devoid of light and macroscopic predators, resulting in evolved differences in various morphological and behavioral traits. We find that the C‐start is present in river‐dwelling surface fish and multiple populations of cavefish, but that response kinematics and probability differ between populations. The Pachón population of cavefish exhibits an increased response probability, a slower response latency and speed, and reduction of the maximum bend angle, revealing evolved differences between surface and cave populations. Analysis of the responses of two other independently evolved populations of cavefish, revealed the repeated evolution of reduced angular speed. Investigation of surface‐cave hybrids reveals a correlation between angular speed and peak angle, suggesting these two kinematic characteristics are related at the genetic or functional levels. Together, these findings provide support for the use of A. mexicanus as a model to investigate the evolution of escape behavior.
Signature of high altitude adaptation in the gluteus proteome of the yak
Authors: Xin Jin‐Wei , Chai Zhi‐Xin , Zhang Cheng‐Fu , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Yong , Cao Han‐Wen , Ji Cidan Yang , Chen Xiao‐Ying , Jiang Hui , Zhong Jin‐Cheng , Ji Qiu‐Mei
Published: August 2020

Yak is the unique Bovidae species in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. A previous proteomic study has compared the yak muscle tissue to one cattle strain using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification approach. In this study, to further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying yak adaptation, the proteomic profiles of gluteus were compared between yak and one moderate‐altitude cattle strain (Tibetan cattle) and two low‐altitude cattle strains (Holstein and Sanjiang cattle) using a label‐free quantitative method. The comparisons identified 20, 364, 143 upregulated proteins and 4, 6, 37 downregulated proteins in yak, compared with Tibetan, Holstein, and Sanjiang cattle, respectively. Protein–protein interaction analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins were mainly related to “oxidative phosphorylation” and “electron transport chain.” Further analysis revealed that NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 11, NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 4, cytochrome C oxidase subunit 6A2, mitochondrial and cytochrome c oxidase subunit NDUFA4 were all increased in the yak, suggesting that yak might increase mitochondrial capacity to sustain metabolic rates under high altitude conditions, which might be a long‐term adaptive mechanism underlying adaptation to high altitude environments. Yak increased the level of thioredoxin reductase 2 to protect themselves from oxidative damages. Moreover, the increased expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform and caveolin‐1 in yak suggested that yaks promoted glucose uptake for adaptation to high altitude. These results provided more information to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying yak adaption.
Neuroinflammation at single cell level: What is new?
Authors: Brandão W N , De Oliveira M G , Andreoni R T , Nakaya H , Farias A S , Peron J P S
Published: August 2020

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), most prevalent in women, and with an important social and economic cost worldwide. It is triggered by self-reacting lymphocytes that infiltrate the CNS and initiate neuroinflammation. Further, axonal loss and neuronal death takes place, leading to neurodegeneration and brain atrophy. The murine model for studying MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), consists in immunizing mice with myelin-derived epitopes. APCs activate encephalitogenic T CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes that migrate mainly to the spinal cord resulting in neuroinflammation. Most of the knowledge on the pathophysiology and treatment of MS was obtained from EAE experiments, as Th17 cells, anti-alpha4 blocking Abs and the role of microbiota. Conversely, recent technology breakthroughs, such as CyTOF and single-cell RNA-seq, promise to revolutionize our understanding on the mechanisms involved both in MS and EAE. In fact, the importance of specific cellular populations and key molecules in MS/EAE is a constant matter of debate. It is well accepted that both Th1 and Th17 T CD4 lymphocytes play a relevant role in disease initiation after re-activation in situ. What is still under constant investigation, however, is the plasticity of the lymphocyte population, and the individual contribution of both resident and inflammatory cells for the progression or recovery of the disease. Thus, in this review, new findings obtained after single-cell analysis of blood and central nervous system infiltrating cells from MS/EAE and how they have contributed to a better knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation are discussed.