bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine, Oxidative Stress and Protein–Quinone Modifications in Parkinson's and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Monzani Enrico , Nicolis Stefania , Dell'Acqua Simone , Capucciati Andrea , Bacchella Chiara , Zucca Fabio A. , Mosharov Eugene V. , Sulzer David , Zecca Luigi , Casella Luigi
Published: December 2018

Dopamine (DA) is the most important catecholamine in the brain, as it is the most abundant and the precursor of other neurotransmitters. Degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons of substantia nigra pars compacta in Parkinson's disease represents the best‐studied link between DA neurotransmission and neuropathology. Catecholamines are reactive molecules that are handled through complex control and transport systems. Under normal conditions, small amounts of cytosolic DA are converted to neuromelanin in a stepwise process involving melanization of peptides and proteins. However, excessive cytosolic or extraneuronal DA can give rise to nonselective protein modifications. These reactions involve DA oxidation to quinone species and depend on the presence of redox‐active transition metal ions such as iron and copper. Other oxidized DA metabolites likely participate in post‐translational protein modification. Thus, protein–quinone modification is a heterogeneous process involving multiple DA‐derived residues that produce structural and conformational changes of proteins and can lead to aggregation and inactivation of the modified proteins.
A convenient and practical heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative Suzuki coupling of aryl iodides with formic acid as carbon monoxide source
Authors: You Shengyong , Yan Chenyu , Zhang Rongli , Cai Mingzhong
Published: December 2018

A practical heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative Suzuki coupling of aryl iodides with arylboronic acids under carbon monoxide gas‐free conditions has been developed using a bidentate phosphino‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticle‐immobilized palladium(II) complex as catalyst. Formic acid was utilized as the carbon monoxide source with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as the activator, and a wide variety of biaryl ketones were generated in moderate to high yields. The new heterogeneous palladium catalyst can be prepared via a simple procedure and can easily be separated from a reaction mixture by simply applying an external magnet and recycled up to 10 times without any loss of activity.
Microsatellite primer development for the invasive perennial herb Gypsophila paniculata (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Leimbach‐Maus Hailee B. , Parks Syndell R. , Partridge Charlyn G.
Published: December 2018

Premise of the Study

Gypsophila paniculata (baby's breath; Caryophyllaceae) is a herbaceous perennial that has invaded much of northern and western United States and Canada, outcompeting and crowding out native and endemic species. Microsatellite primers were developed to analyze the genetic structure of invasive populations.

Methods and Results

We identified 16 polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci for G. paniculata out of 73 loci that successfully amplified from a primer library created using Illumina sequencing technology. Microsatellite primers were developed to amplify di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide repeats and tested in three invasive populations in Michigan.

Conclusions

These markers will be useful in characterizing the genetic structure of invasive populations throughout North America to aid targeted management efforts, and in native Eurasian populations to better understand invasion history. Five of these developed primers also amplified in G. elegans.
Profile and Motivations of Registered Whole‐Body Donors in Turkey: Istanbul University Experience
Authors: Gürses İlke Ali , Ertaş Ahmet , Gürtekin Başak , Coşkun Osman , Üzel Mehmet , Gayretli Özcan , Demirci Mehmet Selman
Published: December 2018

Little is known regarding the profiles of whole body donors in Muslim majority countries where donation is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to profile registered donors in Turkey by means of a survey. The explored data could be used to improve ongoing campaign efforts and ethical practices such as commemoration services. Registered donors of the donation programs at the two faculties of medicine of Istanbul University were compared with the national population and a cluster analysis was performed to reveal any concealed sub‐groups. Data from 188 respondents were analyzed. The majority of registered donors were married (42%), male (65.4%), aged over 50 years (76%), held a tertiary education degree (49.7%), and were irreligious (58.5%). Cluster analysis revealed two groups with significantly different educational levels, marital statuses, and religious choices. Regarding whether their bodies could be used for education or research, the majority (64.5%) of the respondents left the decision to the anatomy department. Similarly, 73.8% approved indefinite use of their organs, body parts and/or skeletons. The respondents were also willing to share their medical history (94.2%) and personal information (81.6%) if needed. Motivational themes for body donation including usefulness, impermanence, religion, awareness, and kinship were devised after a thematic analysis. Among the respondents, 56.5% were registered organ donors and 63.3% were frequent blood donors. The results of this study provide data that may help revising informed consent forms, developing and implementing thanksgiving ceremonies, and selecting additional targets for supporting body donation campaign activities such as organ and blood donation units.
The LKB1‐AMPK and mTORC1 Metabolic Signaling Networks in Schwann Cells Control Axon Integrity and Myelination
Authors: Beirowski Bogdan
Published: December 2018

The Liver kinase B1 with its downstream target AMP activated protein kinase (LKB1‐AMPK), and the key nutrient sensor mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) form two signaling systems that coordinate metabolic and cellular activity with changes in the environment in order to preserve homeostasis. For example, nutritional fluctuations rapidly feed back on these signaling systems and thereby affect cell‐specific functions. Recent studies have started to reveal important roles of these strategic metabolic regulators in Schwann cells for the trophic support and myelination of axons. Because aberrant intermediate metabolism along with mitochondrial dysfunction in Schwann cells is mechanistically linked to nerve abnormalities found in acquired and inherited peripheral neuropathies, manipulation of the LKB1‐AMPK, and mTORC1 signaling hubs may be a worthwhile therapeutic target to mitigate nerve damage in disease. Here, recent advances in our understanding of LKB1‐AMPK and mTORC1 functions in Schwann cells are covered, and future research areas for this key metabolic signaling network are proposed.
Structural analysis of the inhibitory effects of polyphenols, (+)‐hopeaphenol and (−)‐isohopeaphenol, on human SIRT1
Authors: Loisruangsin Arthorn , Hikita Kiyomi , Seto Norikazu , Niwa Masatake , Takaya Yoshiaki , Kaneda Norio
Published: December 2018

Human sirtuin 1 (hSIRT1) is a NAD+‐dependent deacetylase that regulates several cellular processes. Unlike resveratrol, natural polymeric phenolic compounds isolated from Vitaceae are mostly hSIRT1 inhibitors. The resveratrol tetramer, (+)‐hopeaphenol ((+)‐HP), and its geometric isomer, (−)‐isohopeaphenol ((−)‐iHP), were tested for inhibitory effects on purified hSIRT1 using a fluorescent derivative of peptide substrate p53‐AMC (Fluor de Lys) and a cofactor NAD+. The Lineweaver–Burk plots indicated that both (+)‐HP and (−)‐iHP were competitive inhibitors against NAD+. Computer‐assisted modeling of the binding of these molecules with hSIRT1 protein provided the most feasible conformation of the enzyme–inhibitor complex. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):253–258, 2019
Sustainable development disclosure: Environmental, social, and governance reporting and gender diversity in the audit committee
Authors: Bravo Francisco , Reguera‐Alvarado Nuria
Published: December 2018

This paper analyzes the link between female representation on audit committees (ACs) and specific information attributes of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures. We also examine whether the role of women is moderated by the busyness and intensity of the committee. Our results reveal a positive association between gender diversity in the AC and the quality of voluntary ESG reporting, which results in greater comprehensiveness and relevance. These findings extend the academic debate concerning the role of female directors on sustainability policies. Moreover, given the importance of ESG information in capital markets and its potential benefits for firms, this evidence may help regulators and owners to implement adequate corporate governance mechanisms. In addition, the busyness of the AC negatively moderates the influence of female AC members. Therefore, we highlight the need to consider the context in which women work in order to understand their influence on sustainability reporting.
Chief executive officer ability, corporate social responsibility, and financial performance: The moderating role of the environment
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer
Published: December 2018

This paper seeks to explore how chief executive officer (CEO) ability influences the economic impact of corporate social responsibility strategic decisions. Currently, the evidence on the impact of corporate social responsibility on the value of the company is mixed; in this paper, we aim to observe the moderate role played by this particularity of the CEO in the relationship between socially responsible commitment and financial performance. Our results identify that the most able CEOs make investments in social and environmental practices that lead to greater financial performance; in contrast, the less able CEOs can overinvest or underinvest in an opportunistic way for personal benefit at shareholders' expense. In addition, the role that CEO ability plays in social and environmental strategies is particularly pertinent in munificent environments that foment managerial discretion; in these contexts, high managerial ability leads to investment in socially responsible performance, which benefits shareholders by alleviating moral hazard.
Rational Structure‐Based Design of Fluorescent Probes for Amyloid Folds
Authors: Orts Julien , Aulikki Wälti Marielle , Ghosh Dhiman , Campioni Silvia , Saupe Sven J. , Riek Roland
Published: December 2018

Amyloid fibrils are pathological hallmarks of various human diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or motor neurone disease), and prion diseases. Treatment of the amyloid diseases are hindered, among other factors, by timely detection and therefore, early detection of the amyloid fibrils would be beneficial for treatment against these disorders. Here, a small molecular fluorescent probe is reported that selectively recognize the fibrillar form of amyloid beta(1–42), α‐synuclein, and HET‐s(218–289) protein over their monomeric conformation. The rational design of the reporters relies on the well‐known cross‐β‐sheet repetition motif, the key structural feature of amyloids.
Microbial Production of Natural and Unnatural Monolignols with Escherichia coli
Authors: Aschenbrenner Jennifer , Marx Patrick , Pietruszka Jörg , Marienhagen Jan
Published: December 2018

Phenylpropanoids and phenylpropanoid‐derived plant polyphenols find numerous applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In recent years, several microbial platform organisms have been engineered towards producing such compounds. However, for the most part, microbial (poly)phenol production is inspired by nature, so naturally occurring compounds have predominantly been produced to date.

Here we have taken advantage of the promiscuity of the enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid synthesis and exploited the versatility of an engineered Escherichia coli strain harboring a synthetic monolignol pathway to convert supplemented natural and unnatural phenylpropenoic acids into their corresponding monolignols. The performed biotransformations showed that this strain is able to catalyze the stepwise reduction of chemically interesting unnatural phenylpropenoic acids such as 3,4,5‐trimethoxycinnamic acid, 5‐bromoferulic acid, 2‐nitroferulic acid, and a “bicyclic” p‐coumaric acid derivative, in addition to six naturally occurring phenylpropenoic acids.
You can take it with you: Delivering family‐based treatment for teen eating disorders in the home setting
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea , Tortolani Christina
Published: December 2018

Eating disorders are devastating psychiatric illnesses with potentially fatal medical consequences. Anorexia nervosa (AN) and related disorders (e.g., avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) are characterized by a failure to make developmentally appropriate gains in body weight and restrictive eating behavior, with or without co‐occurring body image disturbance. Bulimia nervosa (BN) involves recurrent episodes of binge eating (i.e., eating a large amount of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control while eating) and compensatory behaviors (e.g., self‐induced vomiting, laxative abuse), along with body image disturbance. Collectively, these disorders affect at least 5@ of adolescents in the community, impede quality of life, and lead to increased mortality due to high rates of suicidality, self‐injurious behaviors, and physical health complications.
Implementation of the transradial approach as an alternative vascular access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement guidance: Experience from a high‐volume center
Authors: Fernandez‐Lopez Leticia , Chevalier Bernard , Lefèvre Thierry , Spaziano Marco , Unterseeh Thierry , Champagne Stéphane , Benamer Hakim , Sanguineti Francesca , Garot Philippe , Hovasse Thomas
Published: December 2018

Objective

This study sought to assess the potential benefits of the transradial approach (TRA) as an alternative vascular access to the classical contralateral femoral approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

Vascular and bleeding complications in TAVR have gradually decreased owing to operator experience and downsizing of the delivery system. However, about 1/4 of vascular access site complications are related to the transfemoral (TF) secondary access.

Methods

We compared the outcomes at 30 days according to VARC‐2 after TAVR of a prospective cohort of 217 consecutive patients undergoing right or left TRA as the second vascular access (TRA‐TF TAVR) and a retrospective cohort of 194 consecutive patients undergoing TF approach as a second vascular access (TF‐TF TAVR).

Results

Baseline clinical characteristics and risk scores were well matched in both groups. Procedural success rate was 99.7%. Fluoro time was significantly lower in the TF‐TF TAVR group (16.9 ± 7.2 vs. 19.1 ± 7.8 min, P = 0.003); however, there was no significant difference in x‐ray exposure, procedure time or amount of contrast used. In the TRA‐TF TAVR group, there were no complications related to the TRA access and there were less vascular and bleeding complications (18.0% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.014; 17.0% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.026, respectively), although blood transfusion requirement or hospitalization duration stay were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

TRA approach as alternative secondary vascular access in TAVR is safe and feasible and is associated with a significant decrease in vascular and bleeding complications. Further, large‐scale studies are warranted to confirm the potential benefit of this approach.
Variation of protein molecular weight distribution parameters and their correlations with gluten and mixing characteristics for winter waxy wheat
Authors: Ohm Jae‐Bom , Dykes Linda , Graybosch Robert A.
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives

Little data have been reported on protein molecular weight distribution (MWD) for waxy (amylose‐free) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) despite their importance in quality. This research aimed to investigate variations of protein MWD parameters and their associations with gluten strength in winter waxy wheat.

Findings

Winter waxy wheat genotypes varied significantly (p < 0.001) for most protein MWD parameters including SDS‐extractable polymeric protein (EPP) and unextractable polymeric protein (UPP) fractions, which are major components of gluten proteins. Allelic variation of HMW glutenin subunits had significant influence on variations of EPP and UPP in waxy genotypes. Negative correlations for EPP and positive correlations for UPP were observed with mixograph peak time and gluten index for wheat genotypes. In particular, highly significant (p < 0.001) correlations were observed between mixograph peak time and the proportion of EPP in total protein for waxy genotypes.

Conclusions

Winter waxy wheat genotypes showed significant variations for EPP and UPP parameters, which were associated with variation of gluten strength.

Significance and novelty

This research identified variation of protein MWD parameters and their associations with gluten strength. The information should be valuable in segregating winter waxy wheat genotypes that have favorable gluten quality as well as unique waxy starch.
Chalcogen Bonding “2S–2N Squares” versus Competing Interactions: Exploring the Recognition Properties of Sulfur
Authors: Ams Mark R. , Trapp Nils , Schwab Anatol , Milić Jovana V. , Diederich François
Published: December 2018

Chalcogen bonding (CB) is the focus of increased attention for its applications in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and crystal engineering. However, the origin of sulfur's recognition properties remains controversial, and experimental evidence for supporting theories is still emerging. Here, a comprehensive evaluation of sulfur CB interactions is presented by investigating 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole X‐ray crystallographic structures gathered from the Cambridge Structure Database (CSD), Protein Data Bank (PDB), and own laboratory findings. Through the systematic analysis of substituent effects on a subset library of over thirty benzothiadiazole derivatives, the competing interactions have been categorized into four main classes, namely 2S–2N CB square, halogen bonding (XB), S⋅⋅⋅S, and hydrogen‐bonding (HB). A geometric model is employed to characterize the 2S–2N CB square motifs and discuss the role of electrostatic, dipole, and orbital contributions toward the interaction.
A New Drug Delivery System Based on Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid and PEDOT
Authors: Carli Stefano , Fioravanti Giulia , Armirotti Andrea , Ciarpella Francesca , Prato Mirko , Ottonello Giuliana , Salerno Marco , Scarpellini Alice , Perrone Daniela , Marchesi Elena , Ricci Davide , Fadiga Luciano
Published: December 2018

Localized drug delivery represents one of the most challenging uses of systems based on conductive polymer films. Typically, anionic drugs are incorporated within conductive polymers through electrostatic interaction with the positively charged polymer. Following this approach, the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone phosphate is often delivered from neural probes to reduce the inflammation of the surrounding tissue. In light of the recent literature on the neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory properties of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), for the first time, this natural bile acid was incorporated within poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The new material, PEDOT—TUDCA, efficiently promoted an electrochemically controlled delivery of the drug, while preserving optimal electrochemical properties. Moreover, the low cytotoxicity observed with viability assays, makes PEDOT–TUDCA a good candidate for prolonging the time span of chronic neural recording brain implants.
Bimetallic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Constructing Multifunctional Electrocatalyst
Authors: Wu Dekun , Xu Qing , Qian Jing , Li Xiaopeng , Sun Yuhan
Published: December 2018

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new class of crystalline porous polymers comprised mainly of carbon atoms, and are versatile for the integration of heteroatoms such as B, O, and N into the skeletons. The designable structure and abundant composition render COFs useful as precursors for heteroatom‐doped porous carbons for energy storage and conversion. Herein, we describe a multifunctional electrochemical catalyst obtained through pyrolysis of a bimetallic COF. The catalyst possesses hierarchical pores and abundant iron and cobalt nanoparticles embedded with standing carbon layers. By integrating these features, the catalyst exhibits excellent electrochemical catalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), with a 50 mV positive half‐wave potential, a higher limited diffusion current density, and a much smaller Tafel slope than a Pt‐C catalyst. Moreover, the catalyst displays superior electrochemical performance toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with overpotentials of −0.26 V and −0.33 V in acidic and alkaline aqueous solution, respectively, at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The overpotential in the catalysis of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was 1.59 V at the same current density.
Selective Formation of Helical Tetrapyrrin‐Fused Porphyrins by Oxidation of β‐to‐β Linked meso‐Aminoporphyrin Dimers
Authors: Fujimoto Keisuke , Shimizu Daiki , Mori Tadashi , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Mingbo , Song Jianxin , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: December 2018

Oxidation of β‐to‐β directly linked and sulfur‐bridged meso‐amino NiII‐porphyrin dimers with PbO2 gave helical tetrapyrrin (biliverdin analogue)‐fused NiII‐porphyrins. These ring cleaving reactions differ markedly from the previously reported oxidation of a β–β linked NiII‐porphyrin dimer carrying one amino group, which gave an azepine‐fused porphyrin dimer. The tetrapyrrin‐fused NiII‐porphyrins display intense NIR absorption bands at 1200–1400 nm and reversible redox processes because of the highly π‐conjugated networks and rigid structures. These tetrapyrrin‐fused NiII‐porphyrins were separated to stable enantiomers, which showed clear Cotton effects in their CD spectra with Δϵ of 102 order.
Can Synthetic All‐Metal Cluster Compound Support Multifold (π and σ) Aromaticity and d‐Orbital Aromaticity?
Authors: You Xue‐Rui , Zhai Hua‐Jin
Published: December 2018

Summary of main observation and conclusion

There are active debates on whether the concept of aromaticity should be extended beyond carbon based organic systems. One argument against such extension is that the proposed new aromatic species are not bottleable. We present herein in‐depth chemical bonding analyses of a synthetic, core‐shell, intermetalloid [Pd3Sn8Bi6]4‐cluster. The computational data unravel unprecedented five‐fold (π and σ) aromaticity, including d‐orbital aromaticity. Delocalized electron clouds in this all‐metal system cover the Pd3core, trigonal pyramid Sn4caps, peripheral Bi6ring, and roof‐like Sn2Bi2walls, each following the (4n+ 2) Hückel rule. The present finding is beyond imagination, providing a compelling example that all‐metal aromaticity not only exists in bulk compounds, but also can be in multifold π/σ fashion.
The Role of the Phosphorus Atom in Drug Design
Authors: Rodriguez Juan B. , Gallo‐Rodriguez Carola
Published: December 2018

Although the phosphorus atom is found in a variety of oxidation states, most of the phosphorus‐containing molecules of pharmacological importance possess phosphorus in the form of phosphonate or phosphinate functional groups, or in a major oxidation state as a phosphate group. The most common occurrence of phosphorus in drugs is either in prodrugs or in compounds for which the phosphorus atom plays a role in the biological activity, such as in modified nucleotides, in metabolically stable analogues of metabolites bearing phosphate groups, and as bioisosteric analogues of carboxyl groups.
Smoking, age, nodal disease, T stage, p16 status, and risk of distant metastases in patients with squamous cell cancer of the oropharynx
Authors: Beitler Jonathan J. , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Dignam James J. , McDonald Mark W. , Saba Nabil F. , Shin Dong M. , Magliocca Kelly R. , Cassidy Richard J. , El‐Deiry Mark W. , Patel Mihir R. , Steuer Conor E. , Xiao Canhua , Hudgins Patricia A. , Aiken Ashley H. , Curran Walter J. , Le Quynh‐Thu
Published: December 2018

Background

With an expectation of excellent locoregional control, ongoing efforts to de‐intensify therapy for patients with human papillomavirus–associated squamous cell oropharyngeal cancer necessitate a better understanding of the metastatic risk for patients with this disease. The objective of this study was to determine what factors affect the risk of metastases in patients with squamous cell cancers of the oropharynx.

Methods

Under a shared use agreement, 547 patients from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0129 and 0522 with nonmetastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers who had a known p16 status and smoking status were analyzed to assess the association of clinical features with the development of distant metastases. The analyzed factors included the p16 status, sex, T stage, N stage, age, and smoking history.

Results

A multivariate analysis of 547 patients with a median follow‐up of 4.8 years revealed that an age ≥ 50 years (hazard ratio [HR], 3.28; P = .003), smoking for more than 0 pack‐years (HR, 3.09; P < .001), N3 disease (HR, 2.64; P < .001), T4 disease (HR, 1.63; P = .030), and a negative p16 status (HR, 1.60; P = .044) were all factors associated with an increased risk of distant disease.

Conclusions

Age, smoking, N3 disease, T4 disease, and a negative p16 status were associated with the development of distant metastases in patients with squamous cell cancers of the oropharynx treated definitively with concurrent chemoradiation.
Environmental, social, and governance and company profitability: Are financial intermediaries different?
Authors: Brogi Marina , Lagasio Valentina
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the association between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure and company profitability, as measured by return on assets (ROA). We first assess a method to indexing the ESG score of a large sample of U.S. listed companies based on MSCI ESG KLD STATS data from 2000 to 2016. The statistical model is run on 17,358 observations and studies the association of ROA and the three different dimensions of ESG score. Significant differences between industrial firms and financial intermediaries emerge. We find a significant and positive association between ESG and that the environmental awareness in banks is strongly related to profitability, providing implications for policy makers and policy takers.
National institutions, stakeholder engagement, and firms' environmental, social, and governance performance
Authors: Ortas Eduardo , Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel , Álvarez Igor
Published: December 2018

This paper studies the influence of different national institutions on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance through the varieties of institutional systems approach. This research complements previous research that used traditional approaches such as the national business systems and the varieties of capitalism, because it considers companies in understudied economies in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. To that aim, a dataset of 4,751 firms within 52 countries is examined through a multilevel model, which allows establishing three levels of analysis: (a) yearly observations of a firm ESG performance, (b) the companies, and (c) the countries. This technique is useful to address the nested nature of firms' ESG performance within higher level institutional contexts. The results identify which specific national institutions enhance/restrict companies' ESG performance. This provides interesting implications because firms' ESG represent most of the companies' contributions to environmental preservation, social well‐being, and community development.
The effects of female executives on corporate philanthropy in China
Authors: Wu Cisheng , Guang Hui , Xu Jing , Wang Sijia
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the relationship between female executives and corporate philanthropy in China with a sample of 1,944 listed A‐share Chinese companies selected from the Shanghai and Shenzhen security markets from 2014 to 2016. The results show that regarding corporate philanthropic behavior, existing female executives or top managers (chairperson or CEO) who are female will stimulate philanthropy. In the scale of corporate philanthropy, existing female executives have no significant effect on the scale of philanthropy, whereas the proportion of female executives has a promoting effect on the scale of philanthropy. In addition, the nature of the actual controller of corporations and the degree of industry competition influence female executives' tendency to promote corporate philanthropy. Existing female executives in nonstate‐controlled corporations are more likely to promote philanthropy than those in state‐controlled corporations. Existing female executives in corporations facing a normal degree of industry competition promote philanthropy more than those in corporations with a strong or weak degree of industry competition.
Sustainable Hydrocarbon Oligomer Solvent Systems for Sequestration of Trace Organics from Water
Authors: Malinski Thomas J. , Bazzi Hassan S. , Bergbreiter David E.
Published: December 2018

Low‐viscosity poly(α‐olefin)s (PAOs) either alone or with functional hydrocarbon oligomer cosolvents are nontoxic, nonvolatile, recyclable solvent systems that effectively and efficiently sequester trace amounts of nonpolar organic compounds such as benzene and halogenated organics from water. More polar compounds including perfluorooctanoic acid and nitrobenzene or water‐miscible compounds such as THF and triethylamine can also be sequestered if the PAO phase contains an H‐bonding PAO‐anchored cosolvent.
High‐Parameter Mass Cytometry Evaluation of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Daratumumab Demonstrates Immune Modulation as a Novel Mechanism of Action
Authors: Adams Homer C. , Stevenaert Frederik , Krejcik Jakub , Van der Borght Koen , Smets Tina , Bald Jaime , Abraham Yann , Ceulemans Hugo , Chiu Christopher , Vanhoof Greet , Usmani Saad Z. , Plesner Torben , Lonial Sagar , Nijhof Inger , Lokhorst Henk M. , Mutis Tuna , van de Donk Niels W.C.J. , Sasser Amy Kate , Casneuf Tineke
Published: December 2018

Daratumumab is a CD38‐targeted human monoclonal antibody with direct anti‐myeloma cell mechanisms of action. Flow cytometry in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients treated with daratumumab revealed cytotoxic T‐cell expansion and reduction of immune‐suppressive populations, suggesting immune modulation as an additional mechanism of action. Here, we performed an in‐depth analysis of the effects of daratumumab on immune‐cell subpopulations using high‐dimensional mass cytometry. Whole‐blood and bone‐marrow baseline and on‐treatment samples from RRMM patients who participated in daratumumab monotherapy studies (SIRIUS and GEN501) were evaluated with high‐throughput immunophenotyping. In daratumumab‐treated patients, the intensity of CD38 marker expression decreased on many immune cells in SIRIUS whole‐blood samples. Natural killer (NK) cells were depleted with daratumumab, with remaining NK cells showing increased CD69 and CD127, decreased CD45RA, and trends for increased CD25, CD27, and CD137 and decreased granzyme B. Immune‐suppressive population depletion paralleled previous findings, and a newly observed reduction in CD38+basophils was seen in patients who received monotherapy. After 2 months of daratumumab, the T‐cell population in whole‐blood samples from responders shifted to a CD8 prevalence with higher granzyme B positivity (P= 0.017), suggesting increased killing capacity and supporting monotherapy‐induced CD8+T‐cell activation. High‐throughput cytometry immune profiling confirms and builds upon previous flow cytometry data, including comparable CD38 marker intensity on plasma cells, NK cells, monocytes, and B/T cells. Interestingly, a shift toward cytolytic granzyme B+T cells was also observed and supports adaptive responses in patients that may contribute to depth of response. © 2018 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Assessing regional drought impacts on vegetation and evapotranspiration: a case study in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Authors: Cooley Savannah S. , Williams Christopher A. , Fisher Joshua B. , Halverson Gregory H. , Perret Johan , Lee Christine M.
Published: December 2018

This research investigates ecological responses to drought by developing a conceptual framework of vegetation response and investigating how multiple measures of drought can improve regional drought monitoring. We apply this approach to a case study of a recent drought in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. First, we assess drought severity with the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) based on a 64‐yr precipitation record derived from a combination of Global Precipitation Climatology Center data and satellite observations from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Global Precipitation Measurement. Then, we examine spatial patterns of precipitation, vegetation greenness, evapotranspiration (ET), potential evapotranspiration (PET), and evaporative stress index (ESI) during the drought years of 2013, 2014, and 2015 relative to a baseline period (2002–2012). We compute wet season (May–October) anomalies for precipitation at 0.25° spatial resolution, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at 30‐m spatial resolution, and ET, PET and ESI derived with the Priestley‐Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT‐JPL) model at 1‐km spatial resolution. We assess patterns of landscape response across years and land cover types including three kinds of forest (deciduous, old growth, and secondary), grassland, and cropland. Results show that rainfall in Guanacaste reached an all‐time low in 2015 over a 64‐yr record (wet season SPI = −3.46), resulting in NDVI declines. However, ET and ESI did not show significant anomalies relative to a baseline, drought‐free period. Forests in the region exhibited lower water stress compared to grasslands and had smaller declines, and even some increases, in NDVI and ET during the drought period. This work highlights the value of using multiple measures to assess ecosystem responses to drought. It also suggests that agricultural land management has an opportunity to integrate these findings by emulating some of the characteristics of drought‐resilient ecosystems in managed systems.
Partitioning genetic and species diversity refines our understanding of species–genetic diversity relationships
Authors: Pfeiffer Vera Wilder , Ford Brett Michael , Housset Johann , McCombs Audrey , Blanco‐Pastor José Luis , Gouin Nicolas , Manel Stéphanie , Bertin Angéline
Published: December 2018

Disentangling the origin of species–genetic diversity correlations (SGDCs) is a challenging task that provides insight into the way that neutral and adaptive processes influence diversity at multiple levels. Genetic and species diversity are comprised by components that respond differently to the same ecological processes. Thus, it can be useful to partition species and genetic diversity into their different components to infer the mechanisms behind SGDCs. In this study, we applied such an approach using a high‐elevation Andean wetland system, where previous evidence identified neutral processes as major determinants of the strong and positive covariation between plant species richness and AFLP genetic diversity of the common sedge Carex gayana. To tease apart putative neutral and non‐neutral genetic variation of C. gayana, we identified loci putatively under selection from a dataset of 1,709 SNPs produced using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq). Significant and positive relationships between local estimates of genetic and species diversities (α‐SGDCs) were only found with the putatively neutral loci datasets and with species richness, confirming that neutral processes were primarily driving the correlations and that the involved processes differentially influenced local species diversity components (i.e., richness and evenness). In contrast, SGDCs based on genetic and community dissimilarities (β‐SGDCs) were only significant with the putative non‐neutral datasets. This suggests that selective processes influencing C. gayana genetic diversity were involved in the detected correlations. Together, our results demonstrate that analyzing distinct components of genetic and species diversity simultaneously is useful to determine the mechanisms behind species–genetic diversity relationships.
Natal habitat preference induction in large mammals—Like mother, like child?
Authors: Larue Benjamin , Côté Steeve D. , St‐Laurent Martin‐Hugues , Dussault Christian , Leblond Mathieu
Published: December 2018

Habitat selection has received considerable attention from ecologists during the last decades, yet the underlying forces shaping individual differences in habitat selection are poorly documented. Some of these differences could be explained by the early experience of individuals in their natal habitat. By selecting habitat attributes like those encountered early in life, individuals could improve resource acquisition, survival, and ultimately fitness. This behavior, known as natal habitat preference induction (NHPI), could be particularly common in large mammals, because offspring generally stay with their mother for an extended period. We used three complementary approaches to assess NHPI in a marked population of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou): (a) population‐based resource selection functions (RSFs), (b) individual‐based RSFs, and (c) behavioral repeatability analyses. All approaches compared the behavior of calves in their natal range to their behavior as independent subadults during the snow‐covered (Dec–Apr) and snow‐free (May–Nov) seasons. Using RSFs, we found that the magnitude of habitat selection between calf and subadult stages differed for most covariates, yet the signs of statistically significant effects (selection vs. avoidance) were generally the same. We also found that some habitat selection tactics were highly repeatable across life stages. Notably, caribou responses to habitat disturbances were highly repeatable year‐round, meaning that different individuals reacted differently, but consistently, to disturbances. This study highlights the potential role of natal habitat preference induction in shaping individual differences in habitat selection in large mammals and provides valuable knowledge for the management and conservation of a threatened species.
Parental habituation to human disturbance over time reduces fear of humans in coyote offspring
Authors: Schell Christopher J. , Young Julie K. , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V. , Santymire Rachel M. , Mateo Jill M.
Published: December 2018

A fundamental tenet of maternal effects assumes that maternal variance over time should have discordant consequences for offspring traits across litters. Yet, seldom are parents observed across multiple reproductive bouts, with few studies considering anthropogenic disturbances as an ecological driver of maternal effects. We observed captive coyote (Canis latrans) pairs over two successive litters to determine whether among‐litter differences in behavior (i.e., risk‐taking) and hormones (i.e., cortisol and testosterone) corresponded with parental plasticity in habituation. Thus, we explicitly test the hypothesis that accumulating experiences of anthropogenic disturbance reduces parental fear across reproductive bouts, which should have disparate phenotypic consequences for first‐ and second‐litter offspring. To quantify risk‐taking behavior, we used foraging assays from 5–15 weeks of age with a human observer present as a proxy for human disturbance. At 5, 10, and 15 weeks of age, we collected shaved hair to quantify pup hormone levels. We then used a quantitative genetic approach to estimate heritability, repeatability, and between‐trait correlations. We found that parents were riskier (i.e., foraged more frequently) with their second versus first litters, supporting our prediction that parents become increasingly habituated over time. Second‐litter pups were also less risk‐averse than their first‐litter siblings. Heritability for all traits did not differ from zero (0.001–0.018); however, we found moderate support for repeatability in all observed traits (r = 0.085–0.421). Lastly, we found evidence of positive phenotypic and cohort correlations among pup traits, implying that cohort identity (i.e., common environment) contributes to the development of phenotypic syndromes in coyote pups. Our results suggest that parental habituation may be an ecological cue for offspring to reduce their fear response, thus emphasizing the role of parental plasticity in shaping their pups’ behavioral and hormonal responses toward humans.
Observer‐free experimental evaluation of habitat and distance effects on the detection of anuran and bird vocalizations
Authors: MacLaren Andrew R. , Crump Paul S. , Royle J. Andrew , Forstner Michael R. J.
Published: December 2018

Acoustic surveys of vocalizing animals are conducted to determine density, distribution, and diversity. Acoustic surveys are traditionally performed by human listeners, but automated recording devices (ARD) are becoming increasingly popular. Signal strength decays, or attenuates, with increasing distance between source and receiver and some habitat types may differentially increase attenuation beyond the effects of distance alone. These combined effects are rarely accounted for in acoustic monitoring programs. We evaluated the performance of three playback devices and three ARD models using the calls of six anurans, six birds, and four pure tones. Based on these evaluations, we determined the optimal playback and recording devices. Using these optimal devices, we broadcast and recorded vocalizations in five habitat types along 1,000 m transects. We used generalized linear models to test for effects of habitat, distance, species, environmental, and landscape variables. We predicted detection probabilities for each vocalization, in each habitat type, from 0 to 1,000 m. Among playback devices, only a remote predator caller simulated vocalizations consistently. Differences of ~10 dB were observed among ARDs. For all species, we found differences in detectability between open and closed canopy habitats. We observed large differences in predicted detection probability among species in each habitat type, as well as along 1,000 m transects. Increases in temperature, barometric pressure, and wind speed significantly decreased detection probability. However, aside from differences among species, habitat, and distance, topography impeding a line‐of‐sight between sound source and receiver had the greatest negative influence on detections. Our results suggest researchers should model the effects of habitat, distance, and frequency on detection probability when performing acoustic surveys. To optimize survey design, we recommend pilot measurements among varying habitats.
Predicting one‐year mortality in heart failure using the ‘Surprise Question’: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Straw Sam , Byrom Rowenna , Gierula John , Paton Maria F. , Koshy Aaron , Cubbon Richard , Drozd Michael , Kearney Mark , Witte Klaus K.
Published: December 2018

Background

The Surprise Question: ‘would you be surprised if this patient were to die within the next year?’ has been shown to predict mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and cancer. This prospective study aimed to determine whether the Surprise Question could identify heart failure patients with a prognosis of less than 1 year, and whether the Surprise Question can be used by different healthcare professionals.

Methods and results

Overall, 129 consecutive patients admitted with decompensated heart failure were included. Doctors and nurses were asked to provide a ‘surprised’ or ‘not surprised’ response to the Surprise Question for each patient. Patients were followed up until death or 1 year following study inclusion. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the Surprise Question were assessed. Cox regression was used to determine covariates significantly associated with survival. The Surprise Question showed excellent sensitivity (0.85) and negative predictive value (0.88) but only fair specificity (0.59) and positive predictive value (0.52) when asked of cardiologists. There were similar levels of accuracy between doctors and specialist nurses. The Surprise Question was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in multivariate regression analysis (hazard ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.0–7.9, P = 0.046).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the Surprise Question can identify heart failure patients within the last year of life. Despite over‐classification of patients into the ‘not surprised’ category, the Surprise Question identified nearly all patients who were within the last year of life, whilst also accurately identifying those unlikely to die.
Electrophile Recruitment as a Structural Element in Bis‐Pyrazolate Pyridine Complex Aggregation
Authors: Cook Brian J. , Pink Maren , Chen Chun‐Hsing , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: December 2018

Redox inert cations are increasingly featuring participating in non‐innocent structural aggregation roles. The six‐coordinate bis‐pyrazolate pyridine pincer (L) complex LFeII(DMAP)3 (DMAP = 4‐dimethylaminopyridine) is oxidized, to FeIII, by excess silver triflate. All beta nitrogen atoms of the pyrazolate rings bind Ag+, to create a species with two linear N–Ag–N units parallel to the linear Fe–O‐Fe unit, in [LFe(DMAP)2Ag]2O2+. Excess silver triflate oxidizes LCoII(PEt3)2 to form CoL2Ag4(OTf)2(PEt3)2+ as its triflate salt, and this has a bis‐pincer CoIII center where two pyrazolate nitrogen atoms carry Ag(PEt3)+ groups and the other two carry AgOTf groups. Finally, deprotonation of the free‐base ligand, H2L, with potassium hydride leads to [K2L]n. The structure again shows the electrophiles K+ interacting with all pincer nitrogen atoms, by multiple interactions of the empirical formula unit with neighbors of the same formula, to give a helical polymeric solid. This illustrates the general characteristics of this pincer ligand as multifunctional, using every available nitrogen to recruit exogenous electrophiles, and these features are discussed for their potential in multi‐metal aggregate‐building, for example, for their resulting magnetic properties.