bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on volatility spurious almost integration effect: A threshold realized GARCH approach
Authors: Xu Dinghai
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the “spurious almost integration” effect of volatility under a threshold GARCH structure with realized volatility measures. To closely examine the effect, the realized persistence of volatility is proposed to be used as a threshold trigger for volatility regimes. Under the threshold framework, general closed‐form solutions of moment conditions are derived, which provide a convenient way to theoretically examine the “spurious almost integration” effect and its associated impacts. We find that introducing the volatility persistence‐driven threshold can capture regime‐specific characteristics well. It performs better than the traditional GARCH‐type models in terms of both in‐sample fitting and out‐of‐sample forecasting. Based on our Monte Carlo and empirical results, in general we find that overlooking the relatively low‐persistence regime(s) could lead to some misleading conclusions.
A Bayesian panel stochastic volatility measure of financial stability
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel C. , Tsionas Mike G.
Published: August 2020

We propose to model financial stability, opting for an alternative bank profit function whose volatility is measured within a framework of panel stochastic volatility. Within this model financial stability and volatility are latent variables. To observe financial stability and volatility we employ Bayesian inference procedures organized around Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) technique and particle filtering. We do so in a single stage that controls also for non‐linearities, while we also allow for some key bank and country‐specific variables to impact upon financial stability and volatility. Thus, we provide a new measure of financial stability by country, over time and also at a global level. In an empirical application, we derive financial stability indexes for a plethora of countries, as well as the global financial stability index that acts as an early warning index. Our results suggest that the financial cycle is subject to non‐linearities. We argue that the global financial system should closely monitor large, systemic, banks as key to support financial stability.
The role of institutional infrastructures in financial inclusion‐growth relations: Evidence from SSA
Authors: Ajide Kazeem B. , Alimi Olorunfemi Y. , Asongu Simplice A. , Raheem Ibrahim D.
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the role of institutional infrastructures in the financial inclusion‐growth nexus for a panel of 20 countries in sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA). Employing the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), the following insightful outcomes are established. First, while there is an unrestricted positive impact of physical access to ATMs and ICT measures of financial inclusion on SSA's growth, only the former was found significant. Second, the four institutional components via economic, political, institutional and general governances were also found to be growth‐spurring. Lastly, countries with low levels of real per capita income are catching=up with other countries with high levels of real income per capita. The empirical evidence of some negative net effects and insignificant marginal impacts are indications that imperfections in the financial markets are sometimes employed to the disadvantage of the poor. On the whole, we established positive effects on growth for the most part. The positive effects are evident because the governance indicators complement financial inclusion in reducing pecuniary constraints hindering credit access and allocation to the poor that deteriorate growth.
The news effects on exchange rate returns and volatility: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Jabeen Munazza , Rashid Abdul , Ihsan Hajra
Published: August 2020

This article explores the effects of macroeconomic news on Pak rupee's exchange rates. For this purpose, it employs GARCH models by using real‐time data on macroeconomic news and exchange rates. The results exhibit that daily Pak rupee exchange rates dynamics are linked to macroeconomic fundamentals. Both foreign and domestic macroeconomic news announcements significantly affect Pak rupee exchange rates. The exchange rate returns and volatility of Pak rupee immediately adjust to most of the foreign and domestic macroeconomic news. Most of the US and PAK domestic macroeconomic news immediately affect PKR/USD exchange rates as compared to the effect of other foreign and domestic macroeconomic news on other Pak rupee exchange rates. Finally, the article shows that Pak rupee exchange rate returns and their volatilities are responsive to foreign and domestic macroeconomic news announcements with different magnitudes for all the currency pairs. These findings suggest that the behaviour of PAK rupee exchange rate appears to be consistent with the models of exchange rate determination and the monetary authority's reaction function.
Did equity returns and volatilities change after the 2016 Trump election victory?
Authors: Yavas Burhan F. , Dedi Lidija , Škrinjarić Tihana
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the reaction of equity markets to the 2016 US presidential elections in Canada, China, Mexico and Russia, and their interaction with the US market. This objective is carried out by studying the magnitude and direction of return and volatility transmission across the major stock indices of these countries. Daily data provided by Exchange Traded Funds, (ETFs) as well as country stock indices are utilized 2 years before and 2 years after the November 2016 elections. We use the VECH specification of the multivariate GARCH model. The results indicate the existence of significant co‐movement of returns although some important differences before and after the elections are noted. Lagged values of the US returns significantly affect all other market returns in the pre‐election period, but not in the post‐election period. There is also evidence of volatility spillovers. Implications such as diversification opportunities for investors are discussed and the critical importance of understanding the transmission process between markets for risk management and economic policy are indicated.
Does bankruptcy filing always mean contagion? Evidence from industry rivals
Authors: Krzeczewska Olga , Pastusiak Radosław
Published: August 2020

The main aim of the paper is to explore the intra‐industry effects of a bankruptcy filing on the capital market and to analyse the predomination of either competitive or contagion effect. The article is based on the assumption that the bankruptcy filing of the company affects the stock returns of its industry competitors and that the competitive effect dominates. The event study method is employed to assess the effect on the valuation of announcing and non‐announcing firms. The empirical study is conducted on the example of stock‐listed companies in Poland, where bankruptcy proceedings are not aimed at preserving the firm in distress. Averaged results suggest that the bankruptcy filing has a positive short‐term effect on the valuation of industry competitors in the sample, which indicates the competitive effect. However, looking at results broken down by industries there is no robust evidence of the effect. Only one sector experiences short‐lived positive investors' reaction.
The Oil Price‐Macroeconomic fundamentals nexus for emerging market economies: Evidence from a wavelet analysis
Authors: Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Raheem Ibrahim D. , Bozoklu Seref , Hammoudeh Shawkat
Published: August 2020

This study uses the (partial) cross wavelet analysis and the phase difference to decompose the time frequency effects of oil prices on major aggregate macroeconomic fundamentals (real effective exchange rate index, interest rate yield spread and stock market index) of emerging market economies, aiming to discern the direction of the lead–lag relationship between these variables at different time scales over the period December 1987 to April 2017. Our results suggest that there is a strong coherence between oil prices and the individual components of the macroeconomic fundamentals at higher frequencies (0–1 years) in those economies. The phase difference analysis shows that the variables move within the phase for the widths of higher frequency bands (1–2 and 2–4 years), but it is difficult to ascertain the leading/lagging variables. As a robustness check, the results of the conditional analysis extend the significance of the coherency to 1–2 years. However, the phase difference of the robustness check indicates that oil prices and the macroeconomic fundamentals only move within the phase at lower frequency band widths (4–8 and 8–16 years). The existence of the time‐varying comovement between the oil price and the aggregate macroeconomic fundamentals across heterogeneous time frequencies indicates that investors making decisions about their portfolio compositions and policy makers adjusting various economic stabilization schemes for greater stability should take account of varying frequency bands.
Does reputation matter for firm risk in developing country?
Authors: Brahmana Rayenda K. , You Hui‐Wei , Lau Evan
Published: August 2020

This research examines the effect of corporate reputation for firm risk in a developing country for a sample of 256 Indonesia firms for the period 2011–2015. Using two‐step generalized method of moments approach, this research documents five important findings: (a) firm with higher reputation exhibits lower total risk (stock return volatility) and lower tail risk, yet, no significant effect on default risk; (b) Firms with high leverage use reputation effect for less total risk, tail risk, and default risk; (c) Firms with low leverage only enjoy the reputation effect on less total risk, but no reputation effect on tail risk and default risk; (d) Firms with high profitability utilize reputation to reduce the tail risk and default risk; and (f) firm with low profitability has less tail risk when their reputation is high. This evidence contributes to the literature by uncovering important and previously unidentified determinants of risk, namely, reputation. It offers an insight to stakeholders that reputation does matter.
Predictive value of serum CRH/5‐HT ratio for postpartum depression
Authors: Cao Shiyue , Wei Li
Published: August 2020

Objective

To analyze the changes in the serum levels of CRH and 5‐HT in women with postpartum depression (PPD) and to study the value of the CRH/5‐HT ratio for the prediction of PPD.

Methods

This prospective study recruited pregnant women from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University between January 2017 and October 2019. Women were considered for inclusion if they had no history, or no current evidence, of a psychiatric disorder. All women were assessed at postpartum day 10 with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Blood samples were obtained at 20 weeks of pregnancy and the levels of CRH and 5‐HT were determined by radioimmunoassay and ELISA. Associations between EPDS score, the demographic variables, and hormone levels were identified using bivariate logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 185 women were included. We found that the serum level of both CRH and 5‐HT was significantly correlated with EPDS score; the AUC for CRH was 0.79, and 5‐HT was 0.85, which indicated that both CRH and 5‐HT are a reliable biomarker for PPD. The AUC, specificity, and sensitivity of CRH/5‐HT were 0.92, 0.86, and 0.95, respectively, which were better than those of CRH or 5‐HT individually.

Conclusions

We believe that the serum CRH/5‐HT ratio is an excellent biomarker for the prediction of PPD.
Further application of the generalized matching law to multialternative sports contexts
Authors: Falligant John Michael , Cero Ian , Kranak Michael P. , Kurtz Patricia F.
Published: August 2020

Cox et al. (2017) successfully applied the multialternative version of the generalized matching law (GML) to pitch selection among a sample of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers. The purpose of the present study was to replicate and extend these findings by fitting the multialternative GML to pitch data among a sample of MLB pitchers with varying levels of success in the major leagues. We also examined how matching parameters changed as a function of novel antecedent game contexts such as the infield shift, game location, and number of times the pitcher faced the batters in the batting order. These results replicate the findings from Cox et al. and suggest the multialternative GML is a robust descriptor of pitch selection among MLB pitchers. Together, these findings further extend the generality of the multialternative GML to naturalistic, nonlaboratory environments.
miR‐34a carried by adipocyte exosomes inhibits the polarization of M1 macrophages in mouse osteolysis model
Authors: Gao Xu‐Ren , Ge Jian , Li Wei‐Yi , Zhou Wang‐Chen , Xu Lei , Geng De‐qin
Published: August 2020

Objective

After bone prosthesis replacement, M1‐type macrophage polarization can be induced by titanium (Ti) particles and produce inflammatory, leading to osteolysis. Adipocyte‐derived exosomes (ADEs) exert immune‐modulatory impact on the macrophage, while whether it can inhibit the macrophage polarization induced by Ti is unclear. This study focuses on the M1‐type macrophage and aims to determine the effect of ADEs on Ti‐induced M1‐type macrophage polarization in osteolytic mice and the involved mechanism.

Methods

Ti particle‐induced osteolysis mouse model was established and macrophages were isolated from the osteolysis site. The levels of NLRP3 and specific markers for M1‐type macrophage were determined. ADEs isolated from adipocyte cell line 3T3‐L1, or conditioned ADEs with low‐expressed miR‐34a isolated from 3T3‐L1 transfected with miR‐34a inhibitor were co‐cultured with RAW 264.7 to determine their impact on the polarization of macrophage.

Results

ADEs reduced the M1‐type macrophage polarization and caused the upregulation of miR‐34a in macrophage of the osteolysis site of the osteolysis mouse model. Also, the level of miR‐34a in ADEs was higher than that in the adipocyte. The conditioned ADEs expressed a low level of miR‐34a and boosted the Ti‐induced M1‐type polarization. MiR‐34a could target NLRP3 and negatively regulated its expression. Moreover, NLRP3 knockdown in macrophage restricted the conditioned ADEs to promote macrophage towards to Ti‐induced M1‐type polarization. The inhibitory function of ADEs on M1‐type macrophage polarization was abolished by miR‐34a silencing in the mouse osteolysis model.

Conclusion

The miR‐34a carried by ADEs reduced the polarization of M1‐type macrophages by targeting macrophage NLRP3 during Ti particle‐induced osteolysis.
Neuroprotective effect of resveratrol against radiation after surgically induced brain injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis through NRf2/HO‐1/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhu Xiao‐bo , Zhao Jin‐chuan , Gao Xian‐feng , Zhang Xiao‐na , Hou Kun
Published: August 2020

The impact of resveratrol (RSV) on radiation (RAD)‐induced brain injury in rats' brains was investigated. A total of 40 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, RAD, RAD + RSV, and RSV groups, with 10 rats in each group). The results revealed a significant decrease in catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) content. Further, a significant elevation in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, interleukin‐1‐beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and transforming growth factor‐β1 levels were observed. Furthermore, decreased B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), increased Bcl‐2‐associated X, and tumor necrosis factor‐α genes expression, decreased nuclear factor erythroid‐related factor 2, heme oxygenase‐1, and increased nuclear factor‐κB protein levels were noticed. Also, an apoptosis marker, caspase‐3‐positive cells, was seen in the hippocampus. Those effects were observed in the RAD group of rats. The treatment of RSV displayed a significant amendment of the studied parameters in the brain tissues of the RAD group of animals. This effect is interrelated to the ability of RSV to scavenge the free radicals, enhance the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, increase GSH contents, and downregulate the inflammatory responses and apoptosis markers in the brain tissues of RAD animals. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of RSV can improve the antioxidant status and suppress the inflammatory responses and apoptosis in the brain tissues of RAD animals.
The dynamic effect of risk management on financial profitability of banks in Africa: An analytical panel quantile regression method
Authors: Manu Emmanuel Kwaku , Xuezhou Wen , Paintsil Isaac Okyere , Gyedu Samuel , Akowuah Isaac Newton
Published: August 2020

The main goal of the study is to investigate the integration of financial indicators (bank credit, capital asset, non‐performing loans, and liquidity) in the banking sector can bring macroeconomic benefits to the economies of Africa. This article highlights the performance of framework employed by Brzoza‐Brzezina and Makarski in a small open economic system with two types of financial frictions. The dataset comprises 13 banks in Africa for the period 2000–2016. We estimated our model by way of the usage of system GMM approach and panel quantile regression technique in which the data was grouped into Northern and Southern Africa. We explore the result of credit apportionment of Banks in the crisis period for African countries. We confirm that both groups of variables have significant influence on credit risk. Although we provide evidence that the marginal effect is stronger for bank credit and non‐performing loans than bank liquidity indicating that in Northern Africa countries financial profitability will increase more as a result of increasing bank credit and non‐performing loans than bank liquidity.
Layer‐by‐layer assembly and electrically controlled disassembly of water‐soluble Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivatives for bioelectronic interface
Authors: Gautam Bhaskarchand , Ayalew Hailemichael , Dhawan Udesh , Aerathupalathu Janardhanan Jayakrishnan , Yu Hsiao‐hua
Published: August 2020

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) derivatives display a multitude of attractive properties such as high conductivity, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization, and high thermal stability. As a result, they show promise for applications in materials and biomedical engineering. In order to increase their applications in the practical domain, trivial fabrication techniques are required. Here, we present a simple layer‐by‐layer dip methodology to assemble water‐soluble PEDOT derivatives that can then be disassembled via electrical stimulation. As a result, a dynamic PEDOT layered system is fabricated and could be applied as responsive materials for bioengineering. PEDOT‐SO3 and PEDOT‐NMe3 are synthesized via direct C‐H arylation polymerization and chemical polymerization, respectively. The electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged SO3− and NMe3+ enabled the stacking of PEDOT derivatives. The layer‐by‐layer assemblies are confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and profilometer. Morphological analyses are performed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, which revealed that the polymer coatings are uniform without any cracks. In situ material assembly is studied using quartz crystal microbalance, and we also demonstrate that these PEDOT‐derivative assemblies can be disintegrated by electrical stimulation. Cyclic voltammetry shows a proportional increase in stored charge density with the increase in bilayer thickness, confirming stable electroactivity of these assemblies. Using this approach, we can assemble conductive bio interface on both conductive and nonconductive surfaces, expanding the capability to fabricate bioelectronic electrodes.
Fostering positive youth and staff development: Understanding the roles and experiences of the afterschool workforce
Authors: Hwang Sophia H. J. , Watford J. Alexander , Cappella Elise , Yates Miranda , Mui Stephanie , Nix Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Informed by strengths‐based perspectives and systems theory of social settings, this mixed‐methods study focuses on the experiences of the afterschool workforce employed by a large, urban community‐based organization. Through directed content analysis of semi‐structured individual and small‐group interviews with afterschool instructors (ASI), this study sheds light on the roles, experiences, challenges, and supports of ASIs. Results demonstrate that ASIs navigate multiple roles in the afterschool setting, acknowledge the challenges of youth and families, experience several sources of professional support through the people and resources in afterschool, and articulate long‐term professional goals related to their current work. In addition, concurrently collected quantitative survey and administrative data about ASIs' overall work experiences and satisfaction are analyzed to examine the extent to which they confirm and complement the qualitative results. Implications for practice and policy are discussed to highlight how these findings may be used to strengthen the youth‐serving workforce in urban communities.
Has resourcing of non‐governmental harm‐reduction organizations in Ukraine improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes for people who inject drugs? Findings from multiple bio‐behavioural surveys
Authors: Trickey Adam , Semchuk Nadiya , Saliuk Tetiana , Sazonova Yana , Varetska Olga , Walker Josephine G , Lim Aaron G , Stone Jack , Vickerman Peter
Published: August 2020

Introduction

People who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine have high prevalences of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). Since the turn of the century, various organizations have funded non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ukraine to provide PWID with needles and syringes, condoms, HIV and HCV testing, and improve linkage to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and HIV treatment. We investigated whether contact with these NGOs was associated with improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes among PWID.

Methods

Five rounds of respondent‐driven sampled integrated bio‐behavioural survey data (2009 [N = 3962], 2011 [N = 9069], 2013 [N = 9502], 2015 [N = 9405], and 2017 [N = 10076]) among PWID in Ukraine (including HIV/HCV testing and questionnaires) were analysed using mixed‐effect logistic regression models (mixed‐effects: city, year). These regression models assessed associations between being an NGO client and various behavioural, OAT, HIV testing and HIV treatment outcomes, adjusting for demographic characteristics (age, gender, lifetime imprisonment, registration in a drug abuse clinic, education level). We also assessed associations between being an NGO client and being HIV positive or HCV positive, likewise adjusting for demographic characteristics (as above).

Results

NGO clients were more likely to have received HIV testing ever (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.37, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 4.97 to 5.80) or in the last year (aOR 3.37, 95% CI: 3.20 to 3.54), to have used condoms at last sexual intercourse (aOR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.44) and sterile needles at last injection (aOR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.56), to be currently (aOR 4.19, 95% CI: 3.48 to 5.05) or ever (aOR 2.52, 95% CI: 2.32 to 2.74) on OAT, and to have received syringes (aOR 109.89, 95% CI: 99.26 to 121.66) or condoms (aOR 54.39, 95% CI: 50.17 to 58.96) in the last year. PWID who were HIV positive (aOR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.33 to 1.48) or HCV positive (aOR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.49 to 1.65) were more likely to have contact with NGOs, with HIV positive PWID in contact with NGOs being more likely to be registered at AIDS centres (aOR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.88 to 2.92) and to be on antiretroviral therapy (aOR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.40 to 1.83).

Conclusions

Contact with PWID targeted NGOs in Ukraine is associated with consistently better preventive, HIV testing and HIV treatment outcomes, suggesting a beneficial impact of harm reduction NGO programming.
How Do Legal and Policy Frameworks Support Employment of People With Disabilities in Uganda? Findings From a Qualitative Policy Analysis Study
Authors: Griffiths Andrew , Bechange Stevens , Loryman Hannah , Iga Chris , Schmidt Elena
Published: August 2020

This policy analysis reviewed the current legislation and policies on the economic empowerment of people with disabilities in Uganda and explored the views of national stakeholders on the implementation of these policies in practice. The analysis was conducted through a document review and in‐depth stakeholder interviews. The study found that anti‐discrimination policies can only do so much for disability inclusive recruitment. Questions about policy implementation, stakeholder ownership, trust and efficiencies within the system and sufficient accountability mechanisms need addressing, if the existing framework is to be effective and positively impact the lives of people with disabilities in Uganda. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Histone H4 directly stimulates neutrophil activation through membrane permeabilization
Authors: Hsieh I-Ni , Deluna Xavier , White Mitchell R , Hartshorn Kevan L
Published: August 2020

Extracellular histones have been implicated as a cause of tissue inflammatory injury in a variety of disorders including sepsis, lung, and liver diseases. However, little is known about their interactions with neutrophils and how this might contribute to injury. Here, it is shown that histone H4 acts as neutrophil activator by inducing hydrogen peroxide production, degranulation, cell adhesion, and IL-8 generation. Histone H4 caused permeabilization of the neutrophil membrane (a phenomenon described in other cell types) leading to accelerated cell death. H4 caused sustained rise in neutrophil intracellular calcium that is necessary for respiratory burst activation and degranulation. Convincing evidence was not found for TLRs or ATP receptors in H4 mediated activation. However, pertussis toxin and wortmannin (inhibitors of G protein and PI3K) inhibited H4-induced hydrogen peroxide production and degranulation. These studies suggest that release of histone H4 in sites of infection or inflammation may potentiate neutrophil activation and promote additional inflammatory responses. These studies may provide a better basis for developing novel therapeutic strategies to block neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) and H4-related pathology in sepsis and various forms of lung injury including that induced by viruses like influenza or SAR-CoV2.
Utility of specific amino acid ratios in screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiencies and other mitochondrial disorders associated with congenital lactic acidosis and newborn screening prospects
Authors: Bedoyan Jirair K. , Hage Rosemary , Shin Ha Kyung , Linard Sharon , Ferren Edwin , Ducich Nicole , Wilson Kirkland , Lehman April , Schillaci Lori‐Anne , Manickam Kandamurugu , Mori Mari , Bartholomew Dennis , DeBrosse Suzanne , Cohen Bruce , Parikh Sumit , Kerr Douglas
Published: August 2020

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiencies (PDCDs) and other mitochondrial disorders (MtDs) can (a) result in congenital lactic acidosis with elevations of blood alanine (Ala) and proline (Pro), (b) lead to decreased ATP production, and (c) result in high morbidity and mortality. With ~140,000 live births annually in Ohio and ~1 in 9,000 overall prevalence of MtDs, we estimate 2 to 3 newborns will have PDCD and 13 to 14 others likely will have another MtD annually. We compared the sensitivities of plasma amino acids (AA) Alanine (Ala), Alanine:Leucine (Ala:Leu), Alanine:Lysine and the combination of Ala:Leu and Proline:Leucine (Pro:Leu), in subjects with known primary‐specific PDCD due to PDHA1 and PDHB mutations vs controls. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Ohio newborn screening (NBS) laboratory, we determined Ala and Pro concentrations in dried blood spot (DBS) specimens using existing NBS analytic approaches and evaluated Ala:Leu and Pro:Leu ratios from DBS specimens of 123,414 Ohio newborns in a 12‐month period. We used the combined Ala:Leu ≥4.0 and Pro:Leu ≥3.0 ratio criterion from both DBS and plasma specimens as a screening tool in our retrospective review of newborn data. The screening tool applied on DBS and/or plasma (or serum) AA specimens successfully identified three unrelated females with novel de novo PDHA1 mutations, one male with a novel de novo X‐linked HSD17B10 mutation, and a female with VARS2 mutations. This work lays the first step for piloting an NBS protocol in Ohio for identifying newborns at high risk for primary‐specific PDCD and other MtDs who might benefit from neonatal diagnosis and early institution of known therapy and/or potential novel therapies for such disorders.
TRIM22 inhibits respiratory syncytial virus replication by targeting JAK‐STAT1/2 signaling
Authors: Wang Yishu , Chen Yiling , Lin Ying , Quan Yingqin , Xiao Xiaoping , Zhang Renli
Published: August 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease. Although RSV causes major economic losses every year, effective treatments have not been found so far. Recent studies have shown that the tripartite motif‐containing (TRIM) superfamily plays an essential role in the immune response. In this study, we found that TRIM22 had an inhibitory effect on RSV infection, and downregulation of TRIM22 moderately enhanced RSV replication. Our data further demonstrated that RSV infection induced TRIM22 expression through the activation of JAK‐STAT1/2 signaling. RSV infection also induced TRIM22 expression. Taken together, these data points showed that the TRIM family member, TRIM22, had an essential role in resisting RSV infection, and this effect was closely related to the JAK‐STAT1/2 pathway. Our results provide promising evidence for a novel target for the prevention and treatment of RSV.
Predictive effects of IgA and IgG combination to assess pulmonary exudation progression in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Xue Mingshan , Zhang Teng , Hu Haisheng , Huang Zhifeng , Zhen Yingjie , Liang Yueting , Zeng Yifeng , Jin Tengchuan , Zhou Luqian , Zhang Xiaohua D. , Sun Baoqing
Published: August 2020

Our study intended to longitudinally explore the prediction effect of immunoglobulin A (IgA) on pulmonary exudation progression in COVID‐19 patients. The serum IgA was tested with chemiluminescence method. Autoregressive moving average model was used to extrapolate the IgA levels before hospital admission. The positive rate of IgA and IgG in our cohort was 97% and 79.0%, respectively. In this study, the IgA levels peaks within 10‐15 days after admission, while the IgG levels peaks at admission. We found that the time difference between their peaks was about 10 days. Viral RNA detection results showed that the positive rate in sputum and feces were the highest. Blood gas analysis showed that deterioration of hypoxia with the enlargement of pulmonary exudation area. And alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference and oxygenation index were correlated with IgA and IgG. The results of biopsy showed that the epithelium of lung was exfoliated and the mucosa was edematous. In severe COVID‐19 patients, the combination of IgA and IgG can predict the progress of pulmonary lesions and is closely related to hypoxemia and both also play an important defense role in invasion and destruction of bronchial and alveolar epithelium by SARS‐CoV‐2.
Anemia is associated with severe illness in COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tao Zheying , Xu Jing , Chen Wei , Yang Zhitao , Xu Xiaoman , Liu Ling , Chen Ruwu , Xie Jingyuan , Liu Mingyu , Wu Jingyi , Wang Huiming , Liu Jialin
Published: August 2020

Anemia commonly aggravates the severity of respiratory diseases, whereas thus far, few studies have elucidated the impact of anemia on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with anemia, and to further explore the relationship between anemia and the severity of COVID‐19. In this single‐center, retrospective, observational study, a total of 222 confirmed patients admitted to Wuhan Ninth Hospital from 1 December 2019 to 20 March 2020 were recruited, including 79 patients with anemia and 143 patients without anemia. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, disease progression and prognosis were collected and analyzed. Risk factors associated with the severe illness in COVID‐19 were established by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. In our cohort, compared to patients without anemia, patients with anemia were more likely to have one or more comorbidities and severe COVID‐19 illness. More patients demonstrated elevated levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and creatinine in anemia group. Levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D‐dimer, myoglobin, T‐pro brain natriuretic peptide (T‐pro‐BNP) and urea nitrogen in patients with anemia were significantly higher than those without. In addition, the proportion of patients with dyspnea, elevated CRP, and PCT was positively associated with the severity of anemia. The odd ratio of anemia related to the severe condition of COVID‐19 was 3.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02‐11.75; P = .046) and 3.77 (95% CI: 1.33‐10.71; P = .013) after adjustment for baseline date and laboratory indices, respectively. Anemia is an independent risk factor associated with the severe illness of COVID‐19, and healthcare professionals should be more sensitive to the hemoglobin levels of COVID‐19 patients on admission. Awareness of anemia as a risk factor for COVID‐19 was of great significance.
Low prevalence of antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 among voluntary blood donors in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Xu Ru , Huang Jieting , Duan Chaohui , Liao Qiao , Shan Zhengang , Wang Min , Rong Xia , Li Chengyao , Fu Yongshui , Wang Hao
Published: August 2020

Since the first case of COVID‐19 reported in late December of 2019 in Wuhan, China, the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus has caused approximately 20 million infections and 732 thousand deaths around the world by 11 August 2020. Although the pathogen generally infects the respiratory system, whether it is present in the bloodstream and whether it poses a threat to the blood supply during the period of the outbreak is of serious public concern. In this study, we used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to screen total antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 in 2199 blood donors, who had donated blood at the Guangzhou Blood Center during the epidemic. The Ig‐reactive samples were further characterized for IgA, IgG, and IgM subtypes by ELISA and viral nucleic acid by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Among the 2199 plasma samples, seven were reactive under total antibodies' screening. Further testing revealed that none of them had detectable viral nucleic acid or IgM antibody, but two samples contained IgA and IgG. The IgG antibody titers of both positive samples were 1:16 and 1:4, respectively. Our results indicated a low prevalence of past SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in our blood donors, as none of the tests were positive for viral nucleic acid and only 2 out of 2199 (0.09%) of samples were positive for IgG and IgA. There would be a limited necessity for the implementation of such testing in blood screening in a COVID‐19 low‐risk area.
A novel β‐Ga2O3 HEMT with fT of 166 GHz and X‐band POUT of 2.91 W/mm
Authors: Singh Rajan , Lenka Trupti Ranjan , Velpula Ravi Teja , Jain Barsha , Bui Ha Quoc Thang , Nguyen Hieu Pham Trung
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a novel β‐Ga2O3 high electron mobility transistor (BGO‐HEMT) with record‐high intrinsic unity current gain cut‐off frequency (fT) of 166 GHz and RF output power (POUT) of 2.91 W/mm is demonstrated through 2D device simulations using an appropriate negative differential mobility model. The highly scaled proposed device uses 10 nm AlN barrier layer on 50 nm β‐Ga2O3 buffer with gate‐length (LG) of 50 nm and aspect‐ratio (gate length to barrier thickness) of 5 ensures significant gain in high‐frequency performance. The novel device design offers very low access and dynamic resistance due to highly doped n+ access regions, and a finite gap between ohmic contacts and barrier layer to mitigate source choking effect. The device's superior DC and RF performance is well supported by large two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density (ns) of the order of 1013 cm−2 due to large band discontinuity in AlN/β‐Ga2O3 heterostructure and highly polarized AlN material. The device shows maximum drain current density (IDMAX) of ~11.5 A/mm and peak transconductance (gm) of 0.917 S/mm at VDS = 15 V and VGS = 0 and − 7 V respectively. Furthermore, the term 2π (fT × LG) for the device shows a value of 0.5 × 107 cm/s, very close to vsat of 1.5 × 107 cm/s in β‐Ga2O3. These promising results enhance the potential of β‐Ga2O3 for future high power RF and microwave applications.
Dynamic environmental‐economic load dispatch in grid‐connected microgrids with demand response programs considering the uncertainties of demand, renewable generation and market price
Authors: Rezaee Jordehi Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Microgrids (MGs) as a key building block of smart grids have been emerged to address the proliferation of distributed energy resources. In grid‐connected MGs, dynamic economic load dispatch (DELD) module determines optimal schedule of distributed energy resources and adjustable loads and power to be exchanged with upstream grid, while all operational constraints of the MG are respected. DELD in MGs represents a constrained optimization problem with uncertain input data, as the forecasts of demand, renewable generation and market price are uncertain. In this research, particle swarm optimization (PSO) as a bio‐inspired optimization algorithm is used to solve DELD in grid‐connected MGs, while demand response program is integrated into MG and the uncertainties of demand, renewable power generation and market price are dealt with two‐point estimate method (TPEM). Load curtailment as a demand response program is used for reducing operation cost of microgrids. The performance of PSO is compared with two optimization algorithms including grey wolf optimization and backtracking search algorithm. As per the results, at times with low grid power price, microgrid imports power from upstream grid and at times with high power price it exports power to the upstream grid. The results show that the integration of demand response has significantly reduced the operation cost of the microgrid. The effect of change in maximum curtailable power on the operation cost of the MG has been investigated.
Role of β3‐adrenergic receptor in the modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity in mouse cerebellar cortex
Authors: Lippiello Pellegrino , Hoxha Eriola , Cristiano Claudia , Malvicini Emilia , Stanley Adrien , Russo Roberto , Tempia Filippo , Miniaci Maria Concetta
Published: August 2020

Convergent lines of evidence have recently highlighted β3‐adrenoreceptors (ARs) as a potentially critical target in the regulation of nervous and behavioral functions, including memory consolidation, anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, the role of β3‐ARs in the cerebellum has been never investigated. To address this issue, we first examined the effects of pharmacological manipulation of β3‐ARs on motor learning in mice. We found that blockade of β3‐ARs by SR 59230A impaired the acquisition of the rotarod task with no effect on general locomotion. Since the parallel fiber–Purkinje cell (PF–PC) synapse is considered to be the main cerebellar locus of motor learning, we assessed β3‐AR modulatory action on this synapse as well as its expression in cerebellar slices. We demonstrate, for the first time, a strong expression of β3‐ARs on Purkinje cell soma and dendrites. In addition, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings revealed that bath application of β3‐AR agonist CL316,243 depressed the PF–PC excitatory postsynaptic currents via a postsynaptic mechanism mediated by the PI3K signaling pathway. Application of CL316,243 also interfered with the expression of PF long‐term potentiation, whereas SR 59230A prevented the induction of LTD at PF–PC synapse. These results underline the critical role of β3‐AR on cerebellar synaptic transmission and plasticity and provide a new mechanism for adrenergic modulation of motor learning.
Spatiotemporal variability of total cloud cover measured by visual observation stations and their comparison with ERA5 reanalysis over South Korea
Authors: Ansari Kutubuddin , Bae Tae‐Suk , Lee Jisun
Published: August 2020

This analysis investigates the spatiotemporal variation of total cloud cover (TCC) across South Korea from 96 visual observation stations (VOS) during the years 2010–2019. The thin‐plate spline interpolation technique is used to interpolate the spatial variation of TCC within the country. The annual average of TCC distribution is closely related to topographical features and does not show excessive variation, with 50–56% over land. The seasonal TCC distribution has the lowest (highest) pattern in spring (summer), with a minimum (maximum) pattern of approximately 45% (95%). The lowest pattern in spring and highest pattern in summer may be due to the combined effect of lower cloud cover with TCC during March, and higher cloud cover with TCC from June to July. Interpolated VOS data are compared with the TCC obtained from ERA5 reanalysis products. The correlation coefficient between VOS and ERA5 is higher than 0.80 on the eastern coast, and approximately 0.20–0.40 on the western coast, indicating a strong and poor sampling effect. The largest variability between VOS and ERA5 is observed during the winter season, with a percentage deviation of −70–20%, possibly due to inaccurate cloud detection under cold low‐level atmospheric temperatures or snow cover. In summer, variability is −35–40%, which is slightly less than that in winter, possibly because of the incorrect detection of frequently occurring cumulus clouds. Principal component analysis of the TCC variability used to examine the relationship with other climate parameters. The first principal component, containing the major portion, correlated with precipitation, diurnal temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed, with correlation coefficients of 0.293, 0.246, −0.360, −0.258, and 0.470, respectively, indicating positive or negative relationship. We believe the outcomes from this study will contribute a better understanding of climate over South Korea and establish links between East Asia and the Pacific Ocean cloud formation.
Formational history of the Wicklow Trough: a marine‐transgressed tunnel valley revealing ice flow velocity and retreat rates for the largest ice stream draining the late‐Devensian British–Irish Ice Sheet
Authors: Coughlan Mark , TÓth Zsuzsanna , Van Landeghem Katrien J. J. , Mccarron Stephen , Wheeler Andrew J.
Published: August 2020

The Wicklow Trough is one of several Irish Sea bathymetric deeps, yet unusually isolated from the main depression, the Western Trough. Its formation has been described as proglacial or subglacial, linked to the Irish Sea Ice Stream (ISIS) during the Last Glacial Maximum. The evolution of the Wicklow Trough and neighbouring deeps, therefore, help us to understand ISIS dynamics, when it was the main ice stream draining the former British–Irish Ice Sheet. The morphology and sub‐seabed stratigraphy of the 18 km long and 2 km wide Wicklow Trough is described here from new multibeam echosounder data, 60 km of sparker seismic profiles and five sediment cores. At a maximum water depth of 82 m, the deep consists of four overdeepened sections. The heterogeneous glacial sediments in the Trough overlay bedrock, with indications of flank mass‐wasting and subglacial bedforms on its floor. The evidence strongly suggests that the Wicklow Trough is a tunnel valley formed by time‐transgressive erosional processes, with pressurised meltwater as the dominant agent during gradual or slow ice sheet retreat. Its location may be fault‐controlled, and the northern end of the Wicklow Trough could mark a transition from rapid to slow grounded ice margin retreat, which could be tested with modelling.
Ultrasound Training in Radiology Residency Programs
Authors: Mansoori Bahar , Golnari Pedram , Sharifi Arghavan , Khoshpouri Pegah , Chalian Hamid , Herrmann Karin , Chalian Majid
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Comprehensive training in ultrasound (US) imaging during radiology residency is crucial if radiologists are expected to maintain a substantial role in this widely used imaging modality. This study aimed to evaluate the current curriculum of US training among radiology residency programs across the country via a nationwide survey.

Methods

A 28‐question survey was distributed among all academic radiology departments in the United States and their radiology residents. The survey consisted of 4 sections: general demographic information, training information, clinical competency, and adequacy of training (perspective). The Student t test and 1‐way analyses of variance were performed to assess statistical significance.

Results

Overall, 256 residents from 32 states completed the questionnaire. Only 114 (45%) residents reported having a dedicated rotation for performing US studies. Although 228 (89%) of trainees believed they received adequate experience for interpreting US studies, only 66 (26%) of them had the same belief about performing them. Only 116 (45%) of the residents were comfortable operating the US machines in their departments. Higher years of residency training, having a dedicated rotation for performing US studies, and having more than 10 hours per year of didactic lectures and/or more than 5 hours per year of case conferences dedicated to US had a positive impact on the residents' clinical competency and perspective (all P < .05).

Conclusions

Most radiology residents do not feel confident in performing US examinations by themselves. However, higher clinical competency was reported in the residents who had dedicated rotations for performing US studies and received more hours of US lectures and case conferences throughout their residency.