bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Magnetic Fields on Singlet Fission in Organic Semiconductors: its Understanding and Applications
Authors: Jang Hyuk‐Jae
Published: July 2020

Singlet fission is a photophysical process in which one singlet excited state converts into two triplet excited states in a molecular system. Singlet fission has gained much attention in photovoltaic technology and the interest in singlet fission stems from the possibility of drastically increasing the efficiency of solar cells. Since singlet fission is a spin‐dependent phenomenon, its dynamic process can be altered and influenced by an external magnetic field. The effect of magnetic fields on singlet fission in molecular materials has been utilized to deliver a better understanding of the phenomenon and even to enhance it. This Minireview provides an overview and an insight on recent developments as well as traditional approaches of how the magnetic field effects in organic molecular systems can be taken advantage of to elucidate the fundamental dynamics of singlet fission process, and furthermore to improve it in technological applications.
Preparation and Upconversion Emission Investigation of the YVO4: Yb3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ Nanomaterials and Their Coupling with the Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Tingting , Li Ke , Mao Huibing , Chen Ye , Wang Jiqing
Published: July 2020

The YVO4 nanomaterials doped with the Yb3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ ions and their mixture with the Au nanoparticles are synthetized with a classical sol‐gel method. With the excitation of a 975 nm laser, both the doped YVO4 sample and the corresponding mixture sample have a series of upconversion emission peaks of Eu3+ and Tb3+, which includes the 5D0→7Fj transitions of the Eu3+ ions and the 5D4→7Fj transitions of the Tb3+ ions. The slope values of the log‐log plots of laser power dependence for the upconversion emission intensities range from 1 to 2, which confirms that the upconversion process is a two‐photon process. With the plasmon coupling, the slope value for the power dependence of the magnetic dipole transition 5D0→7F1 of the Eu3+ ions decreases from 1.4 to 1.1, while it increases for other electric dipole transitions. Because of the plasmon coupling, the emission peak of the Eu3+ at about 2.095 eV decreases significantly and almost cannot be observed. Meanwhile, the emission peak of the Tb3+ at about 2.113 eV increases significantly and becomes the main emission peak in the yellow band. This phenomenon confirms that there is different mechanism for the magnetic and electric dipole emission with the plasmon coupling.
Genome‐wide analysis and prediction of Fusarium head blight resistance in soft red winter wheat
Authors: Larkin Dylan L. , Holder Amanda L. , Mason R. Esten , Moon David E. , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Price Paul P. , Harrison Stephen A. , Dong Yanhong
Published: July 2020

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum Schwabe. Fusarium head blight poses potential economic losses and health risks due to the accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on infected seed heads. The objectives of this study were to identify novel FHB resistance loci using a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) approach and to evaluate two genomic selection (GS) approaches to improve prediction accuracies for FHB traits in a population of 354 soft red winter wheat (SRWW) genotypes. The GS approaches included GS+GWAS, where markers associated with a trait were used as fixed effects, and multivariate GS (MVGS), where correlated traits were used as covariates. The population was evaluated in FHB nurseries in Fayetteville and Newport, AR, and Winnsboro, LA, from 2014 to 2017. Genotypes were phenotyped for DON, Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK), incidence (INC), and severity (SEV). Forty‐two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were significantly (false discovery rate, q [FDRq] ≤ .10) associated with resistance traits across 17 chromosomes. Ten significant SNPs were identified for DON, notably on chromosomes 2BL and 3BL. Eleven were identified for FDK, notably on chromosomes 4BL, 3AL, 1BL, 5BL, and 5DL. Nine were identified for INC, notably on chromosomes 2BS, 2BL, 7BL, 5DL, 6AS, and 5DS. Twelve were identified for SEV, notably on chromosomes 3BL, 4AL, and 4BL. The naïve GS models significantly outperformed the GS+GWAS model for all traits, whereas MVGS models significantly outperformed the naïve GS models for all traits. Results from this study will facilitate the development of SRWW cultivars with improved FHB resistance.
Characterization and pre‐breeding of diverse alfalfa wild relatives originating from drought‐stressed environments
Authors: Humphries Alan W. , Ovalle Carlos , Hughes Steve , del Pozo Alejandro , Inostroza Luis , Barahona Viviana , Yu Linqing , Yerzhanova Sakysh , Rowe Trevor , Hill Jeff , Meiirman Galiolla , Abayev Serik , Brummer E. Charles , Peck David M. , Toktarbekova Saltanat , Kalibayev Bauyrzhan , Espinoza Soledad , Ivelic‐Saez Jorge , Bingham Edwin , Small Ernest , Kilian Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Changing climates and associated increased variability pose risks to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivation, with the requirement to establish, survive, and maintain production under water stress. Crop wild relatives (CWR) of alfalfa include populations that have evolved to survive in a number of different, extreme environments, but until recently have had limited use in breeding programs. Here we report on the phenotypic diversity of alfalfa crop wild relatives that were selected to represent extremes in drought tolerance (by sourcing germplasm from environments with extremes in low rainfall, high temperature, shallow soils, and winter freezing) with the aim of providing germplasm with drought tolerance and improved forage yield traits for breeding programs in both warm and cool dry temperate environments. Newly formed hybrids created between M. sativa, M. arborea L. (a woody shrub), and M. truncatula Gaertn. (an annual species from the Mediterranean region) were developed or acquired to introduce new genetic diversity from the tertiary genepool. Preliminary characterization and evaluation was used for taxonomic classification, and to identify wild accessions and pre‐bred (hybrid) lines that offer new diversity for growth habit, seed size, fall dormancy, and forage yield. The accessions and pre‐breeding lines described have been donated to the Australian Pastures Genebank for conservation and distribution.
Hotel employees' corporate social responsibility perception and organizational citizenship behavior: Perceived external prestige and pride in organization as serial mediators
Authors: Boğan Erhan , Dedeoğlu Bekir Bora
Published: July 2020

Researchers' interest to examine key stakeholders' responses to hospitality companies' social responsibility practices is increasing. Current study is a micro‐level CSR research that aims to examine how hotel employees' perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect their organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and its mediated link through perceived external prestige and pride in organization. This article sample consisted of 419 employees from seven different hotels in Turkey. Structural equation modeling is employed to test research hypotheses. The findings suggest that hotel employees' CSR perception does not have direct positive effect on OCB. Perceived external prestige and pride in organization mediated the relation between CSR perception and OCB, respectively. Finally, the relationship between employees' CSR perception and OCB is sequentially and fully mediated by perceived external prestige and pride in organization. The findings are discussed and theoretical and practical implications are provided.
Effects of double spectral electron distribution and polarization force on dust acoustic waves in a negative dusty plasma
Authors: El‐Labany S.K. , El‐Taibany W.F. , El‐Tantawy A.A. , Zedan N.A.
Published: July 2020

The nonlinear features of dust acoustic waves (DAWs) propagating in a multicomponent dusty plasma with negative dust grains, Maxwellian ions, and double spectral electron distribution (DSED) are investigated. A Korteweg de Vries Burgers equation (KdVB) is derived in the presence of the polarization force using the reductive perturbation technique (RPT). In the absence of the dissipation effect, the bifurcation analysis is introduced and various types of solutions are obtained. One of these solutions is the rarefactive solitary wave solution. Additionally, in the presence of the dissipation effects, the tanh method is employed to find out the solution of KdVB equation. Both of the monotonic and the oscillatory shock structures are numerically investigated. It is found that the correlation between dissipation and dispersion terms participates strongly in creating the dust acoustic shock wave. The limit of the DSED to the Maxwell distribution is examined. The distortional effects in the profile of the shock wave that result by increasing the values of the flatness parameter, r, and the tail parameter, q, are investigated. In addition, it has been shown that the proportional increase in the value of the polarization parameter R enhances in both of the strength of the monotonic shock wave and the amplitude of the oscillatory shock wave. The effectiveness of non‐Maxwellian distributions, like DSED, in several of plasma situations is discussed as well.
Electron transfer in proton‐hydrogen collisions in nonideal classical plasmas
Authors: Das Kamalika , Rej Pramit , Ghoshal Arijit
Published: July 2020

Effects of nonideality of classical plasma on the reaction:p + H(1s) → H(nlm) + phas been investigated by carrying out fully quantum mechanical calculations within the framework of a first‐order distorted wave method. Scattering amplitude is calculated conveniently by employing a simple, variationally determined wave function of hydrogen atom embedded in nonideal classical plasma. A detailed study is made on the changes in electron transfer cross sections due to the nonideality of plasma varying from 0 to 4 and the incident proton energy lying between 10 and 500 keV. It has been found that nonideality of plasma causes substantial change in capture cross section.
Apodized chirped fiber Bragg grating for postdispersion compensation in wavelength division multiplexing optical networks
Authors: Sayed Ahmed F. , Mustafa Fathy M. , Khalaf Ashraf A.M. , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a postdispersion compensation unit is proposed leading to a better performance for the optical communication systems. This unit utilizes a chirped fiber Bragg grating (CFBG). For enhanced performance of the CFBG, a proper apodization function is chosen to improve the quality factor (Q‐factor) and the bit error rate (BER) of the system. A 110‐km wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical link is investigated. The system performance is evaluated through its Q‐factor, eye diagram, and BER showing best performance when using the Hamming apodization function.
Avian eggshell thickness in relation to egg morphometrics, embryonic development, and mercury contamination
Authors: Peterson Sarah H. , Ackerman Joshua T. , Herzog Mark P. , Toney Matthew S. , Cooney Breanne , Hartman C. Alex
Published: July 2020

Eggshell thickness is important for physiological, ecological, and ecotoxicological studies on birds; however, empirical eggshell thickness measurements for many species and regions are limited. We measured eggshell thickness at the equator and the egg poles for 12 avian species and related eggshell thickness to egg morphometrics, embryonic development, egg status, and mercury contamination. Within an egg, eggshells were approximately 5.1% thicker at the equator than the sharp pole of the egg, although this difference varied among species (0.6%–9.8%). Within Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri), where eggshell thickness was measured at 5 equally spaced positions along the longitude of the egg, eggshell thickness changed more rapidly near the sharp pole of the egg compared to near the blunt pole of the egg. Within species, eggshell thickness was related to egg width and egg volume for six of the 12 species but was not related to egg length for any species. Among species, mean eggshell thickness was strongly related to species mean egg width, egg length, egg volume, and bird body mass, although species mean body mass was the strongest predictor of species mean eggshell thickness. Using three species (American avocet [Recurvirostra americana], black‐necked stilt [Himantopus mexicanus], and Forster's tern), whose nests were carefully monitored, eggshell thickness (including the eggshell membrane) did not differ among viable, naturally abandoned, dead, or failed‐to‐hatch eggs; was not related to total mercury concentrations of the egg content; and did not decrease with embryonic age. Our study also provides a review of all existing eggshell thickness data for these 12 species.
Assessment of diastolic dysfunction: comparison of different cardiovascular magnetic resonance techniques
Authors: Kermer Josephine , Traber Julius , Utz Wolfgang , Hennig Pierre , Menza Marius , Jung Bernd , Greiser Andreas , Barckow Philipp , von Knobelsdorff‐Brenkenhoff Florian , Töpper Agnieszka , Blaszczyk Edyta , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette
Published: July 2020

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is still a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and accurate non‐invasive diagnosis of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) remains difficult. The current study aimed at identifying the most informative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters for the assessment of LVDD.

Methods and results

We prospectively included 50 patients and classified them into three groups: with DD (DD+, n = 15), without (DD−, n = 26), and uncertain (DD±, n = 9). Diagnosis of DD was based on echocardiographic E/E′, invasive LV end‐diastolic pressure, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide. CMR was performed at 1.5 T to assess LV and left atrial (LA) morphology, LV diastolic strain rate (SR) by tissue tracking and tagging, myocardial peak velocities by tissue phase mapping, and transmitral inflow profile using phase contrast techniques. Statistics were performed only on definitive DD+ and DD− (total number 41). DD+ showed enlarged LA with LA end‐diastolic volume/height performing best to identify DD+ with a cut‐off value of ≥0.52 mL/cm (sensitivity = 0.71, specificity = 0.84, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.75). DD+ showed significantly reduced radial (inferolateral E peak: DD−: −14.5 ± 6.5%/s vs. DD+: −10.9 ± 5.9%/s, P = 0.04; anterolateral A peak: DD−: −4.2 ± 1.6%/s vs. DD+: −3.1 ± 1.4%/s, P = 0.04) and circumferential (inferolateral A peak: DD−: 3.8 ± 1.2%/s vs. DD+: 2.8 ± 0.8%/s, P = 0.007; anterolateral A peak: DD−: 3.5 ± 1.2%/s vs. DD+: 2.5 ± 0.8%/s, P = 0.048) SR in the basal lateral wall assessed by tissue tracking. In the same segments, DD+ showed lower peak myocardial velocity by tissue phase mapping (inferolateral radial peak: DD−: −3.6 ± 0.7 ms vs. DD+: −2.8 ± 1.0 ms, P = 0.017; anterolateral longitudinal peak: DD−: −5.0 ± 1.8 ms vs. DD+: −3.4 ± 1.4 ms, P = 0.006). Tagging revealed reduced global longitudinal SR in DD+ (DD−: 45.8 ± 12.0%/s vs. DD+: 34.8 ± 9.2%/s, P = 0.022). Global circumferential and radial SR by tissue tracking and tagging, LV morphology, and transmitral flow did not differ between DD+ and DD−.

Conclusions

Left atrial size and regional quantitative myocardial deformation applying CMR identified best patients with DD.
Revisiting the relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular–arterial coupling
Authors: Mihaileanu Serban , Antohi Elena‐Laura
Published: July 2020

The aim of this article was to analyse in‐depth the relationship between left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (LVEF) and the most commonly used formulas for the calculation of LV elastance (Ees), volume intercept at 0 mmHg pressure (V0), effective arterial elastance (Ea), and ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC) as are validated today. We analyse the mathematical resulting consequences, raising the question on the physiological validity. To our knowledge, some of the following mathematical consequences have never been published. On the basis of studies demonstrating that normal LV dimensions and LVEF have a Gaussian unimodal distribution, we considered that the normal modal LVEF is 62% or very close to it. Expressed as a fraction, it is 0.62, that is, the reciprocal of the Phi number (namely, 1/Φ ~ 0.618). Applying Euclid's mathematical law on the extreme and mean ratio (the golden ratio), we studied the LVEF–VAC relationship in normal hearts. The simplification of the VAC formula (with V0 = 0) leads to false physiological results; V0 extraction from single‐beat Chen's formula leads to high negative results in normal subjects; based on the Euclid law, LVEF and Ea/Ees will be equal for a ratio value of 0.618 (62%) where V0 cannot be different from 0 mL; LVEF and VAC inverse relationship formula (Ea/Ees = 1/LVEF − 1) is reducible to a fundamental property of Phi: 1/Φ = (Φ − 1), being valid only if LVEF = VAC at a 0.618 value; according to this restriction, Vo can only be 0 mL, thus describing a very limited range. The Ea/Ees ratio, owing to its mathematical more dynamic behaviour, can be more sensitive than LVEF, being a valuable clinical tool in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced EF, acute unstable haemodynamic situations, where Ees and Ea variations are disproportionate. However, the application is doubtful in HF with preserved EF where Ees and Ea may have same‐direction augmentation. The modified VAC formula suffers from oversimplification, reducing it to a dimensionless ratio, which is supposed to approximate non‐linear time‐varying functions. Thus, we advocate for caution and in‐depth understanding when using simplified formulas in clinical practice.
Metal and Oxidant Free Construction of Substituted‐ and/or Polycyclic Indoles: A Useful Alternative to Bischler and Related Syntheses
Authors: Mari Giacomo , De Crescentini Lucia , Favi Gianfranco , Santeusanio Stefania , Mantellini Fabio
Published: July 2020

A wide range of substituted indoles or polycyclic derivatives containing the indole core are easily accessible by acidic treatment of aromatic amines and 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes. Unlike the related indole‐Bischler synthesis, the regioselectivity of the method here reported is unique and predictable, the yields are generally good and also electron withdrawing substituted indoles are smoothly recovered.
Electron‐Withdrawing Substituted Quinazoline Push‐Pull Chromophores: Synthesis, Electrochemical, Photophysical and Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Moshkina Tatiana N. , Le Poul Pascal , Barsella Alberto , Pytela Oldřich , Bureš Filip , Robin‐Le Guen Françoise , Achelle Sylvain , Nosova Emiliya V. , Lipunova Galina N. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: July 2020

A series of chromophores bearing 4‐cyanoquinazoline, 2‐(4‐cyanophenyl)quinazoline or 2‐(4‐trifluorophenyl)quinazoline electron–acceptor (A) and 5‐(4‐aminophenyl)thiophen‐2‐yl or 4‐aminophenyl electron‐donor (D) units has been designed. The influence of the electron‐withdrawing substituent on the pyrimidine core as well as the nature of the amino electron donating group has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy. Whereas 2‐(4‐cyanophenyl)quinazoline and 2‐(4‐trifluorophenyl)quinazoline derivatives are highly luminescent in chloroform solution, 4‐cyanoquinazolines are poorly emissive. Interestingly all compounds are luminescent in the solid state with the emission ranging from blue to red. The second order nonlinear optical properties were studied using electric field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) method. Quantum‐chemical calculations corroborate the aforementioned experimental results.
Shift to all‐virtual communications to reach prospective students
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: July 2020

March 13, 2020, is a day Francesca Reed will always remember.
The landscape of tooth shape: Over 20 years of dental topography in primates
Authors: Berthaume Michael A. , Lazzari Vincent , Guy Franck
Published: July 2020

Diet plays an incontrovertible role in primate evolution, affecting anatomy, growth and development, behavior, and social structure. It should come as no surprise that a myriad of methods for reconstructing diet have developed, mostly utilizing the element that is not only most common in the fossil record but also most pertinent to diet: teeth. Twenty years ago, the union of traditional, anatomical analyses with emerging scanning and imaging technologies led to the development of a new method for quantifying tooth shape and reconstructing the diets of extinct primates. This method became known as dental topography.
Trends in Inland Commercial Fisheries in the United States
Authors: Murray Devin N , Bunnell David B , Rogers Mark W , Lynch Abigail J , Douglas Beard T. , Funge-Smith Simon
Published: July 2020

Inland fisheries, defined as finfish caught in lakes, rivers, and other water bodies, provide economic value and a source of protein at local and international levels. However, no comprehensive compilation of U.S. inland commercial fisheries exists. We sought to obtain data across all 50 states during 1990–2015 and noted a small, but significant, decline in harvest. The minimum harvest averaged 41,427 tonnes during 2009–2015 and peaked in 1995 with a minimum harvest of 49,951 tonnes. During 2009–2015, harvest and taxonomic composition varied regionally: eastern interior (the highest regional harvest, dominated by coregonines and carp), western interior (carp and Clupeidae), Gulf (catfish and Clupeidae), Pacific (salmonines), and Atlantic (the lowest regional harvest, dominated by catfish and Clupeidae). Our data compilation of commercial landings was more than double the current limited national inland harvest statistics, which might be indicative of an under appreciation for the value of inland fisheries that can have consequences when policy decisions are made regarding competing sectors for water usage.
A unified framework for association and prediction from vertex‐wise grey‐matter structure
Authors: Couvy‐Duchesne Baptiste , Strike Lachlan T. , Zhang Futao , Holtz Yan , Zheng Zhili , Kemper Kathryn E. , Yengo Loic , Colliot Olivier , Wright Margaret J. , Wray Naomi R. , Yang Jian , Visscher Peter M.
Published: July 2020

The recent availability of large‐scale neuroimaging cohorts facilitates deeper characterisation of the relationship between phenotypic and brain architecture variation in humans. Here, we investigate the association (previously coined morphometricity) of a phenotype with all 652,283 vertex‐wise measures of cortical and subcortical morphology in a large data set from the UK Biobank (UKB;N= 9,497 for discovery,N= 4,323 for replication) and the Human Connectome Project (N= 1,110). We used a linear mixed model with the brain measures of individuals fitted as random effects with covariance relationships estimated from the imaging data. We tested 167 behavioural, cognitive, psychiatric or lifestyle phenotypes and found significant morphometricity for 58 phenotypes (spanning substance use, blood assay results, education or income level, diet, depression, and cognition domains), 23 of which replicated in the UKB replication set or the HCP. We then extended the model for a bivariate analysis to estimate grey‐matter correlation between phenotypes, which revealed that body size (i.e., height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage) could account for a substantial proportion of the morphometricity (confirmed using a conditional analysis), providing possible insight into previous MRI case–control results for psychiatric disorders where case status is associated with body mass index. Our LMM framework also allowed to predict some of the associated phenotypes from the vertex‐wise measures, in two independent samples. Finally, we demonstrated additional new applications of our approach (a) region of interest (ROI) analysis that retain the vertex‐wise complexity; (b) comparison of the information retained by different MRI processings.
The effect of increased cost‐sharing on low‐value service use
Authors: Gruber Jonathan , Maclean Johanna Catherine , Wright Bill , Wilkinson Eric , Volpp Kevin G.
Published: July 2020

We examine the effect of a value‐based insurance design (VBID) program implemented at a large public employer in the state of Oregon. The program substantially increased cost‐sharing for several healthcare services likely to be of low value for most patients: diagnostic services (e.g., imaging services) and surgeries (e.g., spinal surgeries for pain). Using a difference‐in‐differences design coupled with granular, administrative health insurance claims data over the period 2008–2012, we estimate the change in low‐value service use among beneficiaries before and after program implementation relative to a comparison group not exposed to the VBID. Our findings suggest that the VBID significantly reduced the use of targeted services, with an implied elasticity of demand of −0.22. We find no evidence that the VBID led to substitution to non‐targeted services or increased overall healthcare costs. However, we also observe no evidence that the program led to cost‐savings.
Eccentricities in Spectroscopy and Reactivity of Non‐Heme Metal Intermediates Contained in Bispidine Scaffolds
Authors: Mukherjee Gourab , Sastri Chivukula V.
Published: July 2020

Ligand framework in a metal complex has a pivotal role to play in orchestrating the spectroscopic and reactivity parameters. High‐valent non‐heme metal intermediates are known to be crucial species in the catalytic cycles of several metalloenzymes. Among the plethora of a variety of ligand frameworks employed in bioinorganic chemistry, the bispidine molecular scaffold is unique and privileged. In this review, we intend to discuss the overwhelming effects of the bispidine ligand scaffold in tuning the spectroscopic signatures and reactivity parameters of non‐heme metal intermediates. The basic skeleton constituting a fused and rigid bicyclic diamine framework with its tentacles tethered to C2, C4, N3 and N7 provides tuneable features to both the primary and secondary coordination spheres. Therefore, the bispidine framework offers a handle to optimize the balance of rigidity and flexibility in a coordination molecule which is thereby important in understanding the rich but surprising results in the reactivity of metal intermediates contained in these scaffolds. Herein, we summarize the significant developments in different types of oxidation reactions of reactive metal intermediates stabilized in bispidine ligands and noted their mechanistic details.
The impact of uncertainty on financial institutions: A cross‐country study
Authors: Baum Christopher F. , Caglayan Mustafa , Xu Bing
Published: July 2020

We examine the effects of uncertainty on several facets of the financial sector. Using a large country‐level unbalanced panel dataset, we show that inflation uncertainty reduces availability of private sector credit; harms banks' efficiency and operational performance, evidenced by lower returns and increased reliance on non‐interest income activities; and distorts sectoral stability, as liquidity, banks' appetite for risk and credit risk increases. Our findings, based on the full dataset and country splits, are economically meaningful and provide evidence that uncertainty threatens the overall health of the financial sector.
Board gender diversity and firm performance: The UK evidence
Authors: Brahma Sanjukta , Nwafor Chioma , Boateng Agyenim
Published: July 2020

This article examines the relationship between gender diversity, selected female attributes, and financial performance of FTSE 100 firms in the UK. Drawing on critical mass theory by measuring gender diversity as levels of female representation in the boardroom, this study finds a positive and significant relationship between gender diversity and firm performance. However, the results become highly significant and unequivocal when three or more females are appointed to the board compared to the appointment of two or less females. Further analysis reveals that post‐appointment financial performance is positively related to female age, level of education and where female board members also hold executive director positions. The results remain unchanged after accounting for endogeneity concerns and employing alternative measures of firm performance, namely, return on assets and Tobin's Q.
Long non‐coding RNA NORAD functions as a microRNA‐204‐5p sponge to repress the progression of Parkinson's disease in vitro by increasing the solute carrier family 5 member 3 expression
Authors: Zhou Shufang , Zhang Dan , Guo Junnan , Chen Zhenzhen , Chen Yong , Zhang Junshi
Published: July 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Long non‐coding RNAs have important regulatory values in various human diseases. Non‐coding RNA Activated by DNA Damage (NORAD) was reported to regulate PD progression in vitro, but its functional mechanism is fully unknown. We used 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to establish the cell‐based PD model. NORAD, microRNA‐204‐5p (miR‐204‐5p), and solute carrier family 5 member 3 (SLC5A3) levels were quantified using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by Cell Counting Kit‐8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein levels were analyzed via western blot. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the released lactate dehydrogenase level in cell supernatant. Oxidative stress and inflammation were measured by the standard indicators. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed for intergenic combination. First, we found that NORAD was obviously reduced in MPP+‐treated neuroblastoma cells and lightened the MPP+‐induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Then, NORAD was shown to be a miR‐204‐5p sponge and avoided the injury induced by MPP+ in neuroblastoma cells via targeting miR‐204‐5p. SLC5A3 was a miR‐204‐5p target and could be regulated by NORAD/miR‐204‐5p axis. SLC5A3 knockdown assuaged the anti‐miR‐204‐5p‐induced protection for neuroblastoma cells from MPP+. Altogether, NORAD played a neuroprotective role against the progression of MPP+‐induced PD model in neuroblastoma cells relying on the miR‐204‐5p/SLC5A3 axis. This study afforded the clear elaboration on the PD pathomechanism concerning NORAD.
Reducing risky behavior with habit reversal: A review of behavioral strategies to reduce habitual hand‐to‐head behavior
Authors: Heinicke Megan R. , Stiede Jordan T. , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Woods Douglas W.
Published: July 2020

Habit reversal training (HRT) has been a mainstay of behavior analysts' repertoire for nearly the last 50 years. HRT has been effective in treating a host of repetitive behavior problems. In the face of the current coronavirus pandemic, HRT has practical public health importance as a possible intervention for reducing hand‐to‐head behaviors that increase the risk of viral infection. The current paper provides a brief review of HRT for hand‐to‐head habits that is designed for a broad audience and concludes with practical suggestions, based on HRT, for reducing face‐touching behaviors.
Obesity Represses CYP2R1, the Vitamin D 25‐Hydroxylase, in the Liver and Extrahepatic Tissues
Authors: Elkhwanky Mahmoud‐Sobhy , Kummu Outi , Piltonen Terhi T , Laru Johanna , Morin‐Papunen Laure , Mutikainen Maija , Tavi Pasi , Hakkola Jukka
Published: July 2020

Low plasma level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH‐D), namely vitamin D deficiency, is associated with obesity and weight loss improves 25‐OH‐D status. However, the mechanism behind obesity‐induced vitamin D deficiency remains unclear. Here, we report that obesity suppresses the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2R1, the main vitamin D 25‐hydroxylase, in both mice and humans. In humans, weight loss induced by gastric bypass surgery increased the expression of CYP2R1 in the s.c. adipose tissue suggesting recovery after the obesity‐induced suppression. At the same time, CYP27B1, the vitamin D 1α‐hydroxylase, was repressed by the weight loss. In a mouse (C57BL/6N) model of diet‐induced obesity, the plasma 25‐OH‐D was decreased. In accordance, the CYP2R1 expression was strongly repressed in the liver. Moreover, obesity repressed the expression of CYP2R1 in several extrahepatic tissues, the kidney, brown adipose tissue, and testis, but not in the white adipose tissue. Obesity had a similar effect in both male and female mice. In mice, obesity repressed expression of the vitamin D receptor in brown adipose tissue. Obesity also upregulated the expression of the vitamin D receptor and CYP24A1 in the s.c. adipose tissue of a subset of mice; however, no effect was observed in the human s.c. adipose tissue. In summary, we show that obesity affects CYP2R1 expression both in the mouse and human tissues. We suggest that in mouse the CYP2R1 repression in the liver plays an important role in obesity‐induced vitamin D deficiency. Currently, it is unclear whether the CYP2R1 downregulation in extrahepatic tissues could contribute to the obesity‐induced low plasma 25‐OH‐D, however, this phenomenon may affect at least the local 25‐OH‐D concentrations. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Local anesthetic articaine ameliorates LPS‐induced acute kidney injury via inhibition of NF‐ĸB activation and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Zhao Guanjie , Lu Shan , Li Linlin , Fan Xiaodi
Published: July 2020

The present study was conducted to determine the protective effect of articaine (ART) in an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) animal model. The results suggest ART causes a significant decrease in serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and serum cystatin C level, showing a protective effect against LPS‐induced AKI. This has been further supported by histopathological findings of kidney tissues. The level of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐1β in serum and kidney tissues was remarkably inhibited by ART in a dose‐dependent manner. ART causes a significant reduction of malondialdehyde and increases the activities of glutathione and superoxide dismutase with an increase in dose as compared to the LPS‐treated group. Moreover, the ART‐treated group showed dose‐dependent inhibition of LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐κB activation and TLR4 expression as confirmed by Western blot analysis. The level of Bcl‐2 family genes (Bcl‐2 and Bax) was restored near to normal by ART. Collectively, all the above results indicated that ART had protective effects against LPS‐induced AKI by blocking inflammatory and oxidative responses.
Inhibition of the catalytic subunit of DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PKcs) stimulates osteoblastogenesis by potentiating bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) responses
Authors: Farhat Theresa , Dudakovic Amel , Chung Jay H. , van Wijnen Andre J. , St‐Arnaud René
Published: July 2020

The catalytic subunit of DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PKcs) is a pleiotropic enzyme involved in DNA repair, cell cycle control, and transcription regulation. A potential role for DNA‐PKcs in the regulation of osteoblastogenesis remains to be established. We show that pharmacological inhibition of DNA‐PKcs kinase activity or gene silencing of Prkdc (encoding DNA‐PKcs) in murine osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells and human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells markedly enhanced osteogenesis and the expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes. Inhibition of DNA‐PKcs inhibited cell cycle progression and increased osteogenesis by significantly enhancing the bone morphogenetic protein 2 response in osteoblasts and other mesenchymal cell types. Importantly, in vivo pharmacological inhibition of the kinase enhanced bone biomechanical properties. Bones from osteoblast‐specific conditional Prkdc‐knockout mice exhibited a similar phenotype of increased stiffness. In conclusion, DNA‐PKcs negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation, and therefore DNA‐PKcs inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for bone regeneration and metabolic bone diseases.
The influence of two land‐surface hydrology schemes on the terrestrial carbon cycle of Africa: A regional climate model study
Authors: Anwar Samy A. , Diallo Ismaila
Published: July 2020

Two 16‐year simulations were conducted to study the influence of two runoff schemes [the default one is TOPMODEL (hereafter referred as TOP) and the other one is the variable infiltration capacity (VIC)] with vegetation is being interactive [by enabling the carbon–nitrogen (CN) module] on the terrestrial carbon cycle fluxes of Africa using the regional climate model—RegCM4. The first simulation was labelled as CN‐TOP, while the second simulation was hereafter referred to as CN‐VIC. The results were evaluated and compared against various observation‐based satellites and reanalysis products. Results showed that the CN‐TOP overestimates leaf area index (LAI) and slightly underestimates the terrestrial carbon fluxes in comparison with the reference product; meanwhile, the CN‐VIC severely underestimates both LAI and terrestrial fluxes particularly over the Congo basin. In addition, the CN‐VIC shows a superior performance for simulating the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) than when it is simulated by the CN‐TOP. In summary, the coupled RegCM4‐CLM45‐CN‐VIC model can be recommended for future studies of NEE over Africa. To obtain robust results for simulating the terrestrial carbon fluxes especially the NEE; it is highly recommended to calibrate the four parameters of the VIC surface data set over Africa particularly over the Congo basin against in‐situ observations.
Reconstruction technique following total laryngectomy affects swallowing outcomes
Authors: Harris Brianna N. , Hoshal Steven G. , Evangelista Lisa , Kuhn Maggie
Published: July 2020

Objectives

How reconstruction affects function following total laryngectomy is unclear. This study seeks to determine whether reconstruction method is associated with differences in swallowing outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of reconstruction technique in patients undergoing TL was compared by pharyngeal transit time (PTT), patient‐reported dysphagia (EAT‐10), and diet‐tolerated (FOIS).

Results

Ninety‐five patients met inclusion criteria, with 40 patients (42.1%) undergoing primary closure and 55 patients (57.9%) undergoing tissue transfer. There was no difference in EAT‐10 scores between the groups (P = .09). There was a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving oral diet (FOIS >3) with primary closure (P = .003). Patients undergoing PMC vs free flap had similar rates of g‐tube dependency. Primary closure had the shortest PTT (1.89 seconds) compared to free flap (3.47‐4.65 seconds) or PMC (5.1 seconds; P = .035).

Conclusions

When primary closure is achievable, these results suggest improved swallowing outcomes with better tolerance of oral diet and shorter pharyngeal transit times.

Level of evidence

IV
Hot and sick? Impacts of warming and a parasite on the dominant zooplankter of Lake Baikal
Authors: Ozersky Ted , Nakov Teofil , Hampton Stephanie E. , Rodenhouse Nicholas L. , Woo Kara H. , Shchapov Kirill , Wright Katie , Pislegina Helena V. , Izmest'eva Lyubov R. , Silow Eugene A. , Timofeev Maxim A. , Moore Marianne V.
Published: July 2020

Climate warming impacts ecosystems through multiple interacting pathways, including via direct thermal responses of individual taxa and the combined responses of closely interacting species. In this study, we examined how warming and infection by an oomycete parasite (Saprolegnia) affect the dominant zooplankter of Russia's Lake Baikal, the endemic copepod Epischurella baikalensis. We used a combination of laboratory experiments, long‐term monitoring data, and population modeling. Experiments showed a large difference in the thermal optima of host and parasite, with strong negative effects of warm temperatures on E. baikalensis survival and reproduction and a negative effect of Saprolegnia infection on survival. Saprolegnia infection had an unexpected positive effect on E. baikalensis reproductive output, which may be consistent with fecundity compensation by females exposed to the parasite. Long‐term monitoring data suggested that Saprolegnia infections were most common during the warmest periods of the year. Population models, parameterized with experimental and literature data, correctly predicted the timing of Saprolegnia epizootics, but overestimated the negative effect of warming on E. baikalensis populations. Models suggest that diel vertical migration may allow E. baikalensis to escape the negative effects of increasing temperatures and parasitism and enable E. baikalensis to persist in the face of moderate warming of Lake Baikal. Our results contribute to understanding of how warming and parasitism interact to affect the pelagic ecosystems of cold lakes and oceans and how the consequences of these interacting stressors can vary seasonally, spatially, and interannually.
Photosynthetic energy conversion efficiency in the West Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Sherman Jonathan , Gorbunov Maxim Y. , Schofield Oscar , Falkowski Paul G.
Published: July 2020

The West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is a highly productive polar ecosystem where phytoplankton dynamics are regulated by intense bottom‐up control from light and iron availability. Rapid climate change along the WAP is driving shifts in the mixed layer depth and iron availability. Elucidating the relative role of each of these controls and their interactions is crucial for understanding of how primary productivity will change in coming decades. Using a combination of ultra‐high‐resolution variable chlorophyll fluorescence together with fluorescence lifetime analyses on the 2017 Palmer Long Term Ecological Research cruise, we mapped the temporal and spatial variability in phytoplankton photophysiology across the WAP. Highest photosynthetic energy conversion efficiencies and lowest fluorescence quantum yields were observed in iron replete coastal regions. Photosynthetic energy conversion efficiencies decreased by ~ 60% with a proportional increase in quantum yields of thermal dissipation and fluorescence on the outer continental shelf and slope. The combined analysis of variable fluorescence and lifetimes revealed that, in addition to the decrease in the fraction of inactive reaction centers, up to 20% of light harvesting chlorophyll‐protein antenna complexes were energetically uncoupled from photosystem II reaction centers in iron‐limited phytoplankton. These biophysical signatures strongly suggest severe iron limitation of photosynthesis in the surface waters along the continental slope of the WAP.
Experimental and theoretical studies of cinnamyl alcohol as a novel corrosion inhibitor for copper foils in rolling oil
Authors: Zhao Zhangliang , Sun Jianlin , Tang Huajie , Yan Xudong
Published: July 2020

Cinnamyl alcohol (CA) was added to the rolling oil of copper foils as a novel corrosion inhibitor, and its anticorrosion performance and mechanism were studied using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Microstructure and chemical composition of the copper electrode surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that CA acted as a mixed‐type inhibitor, and the maximum inhibition efficiency of 87.7% was achieved at 2.4 mM. Moreover, a protective film was formed on the copper surface, which attributed to the C–OH groups in the CA molecule. The absorption of CA on the copper surface was physisorption, which conformed to Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with a standard adsorption free energy of −11.38 kJ/mol. In the presence of CA, some flaky corrosion products changed into granular corrosion products. The synergistic effect of the granular corrosion products (copper chloride hydroxide) and the CA film further decreased the corrosion rate.
The “Superlubricity State” of Carbonaceous Fillers on Polymer Composites
Authors: Ferreira Eder H. C. , de Lima Lucas P. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M.
Published: July 2020

In 2019 Ferreira et al. observed for the first time the influence of the superlubricity phenomenon of platelet‐like fillers on the properties of high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) in the molten state. At the time, the study was carried out in the solid state of the polymer, analyzing the influence of the superlubricity phenomenon of oxide graphene and oxide graphite (GrO) agglomerates on the mechanical properties of the HMWPE. It was observed that the agglomerates, due to their superlubricity state, toughen the HMWPE polymer matrix. Here, mechanical tests (tensile), X‐ray microtomography, and scanning electron microscopy are carried out to elucidate this phenomenon. The same is observed for polystyrene containing very poorly dispersed GrO. The results presented here are a paradigm shift, as it has always been thought that the presence of agglomerates is harmful, but the opposite is proven here. In general, this paper can contribute a lot to the development of new composites and nanocomposites based on fillers that present the superlubricity phenomenon.
Polyelectrolyte Translocation through a Corrugated Nanopore
Authors: Nagarajan Karthik , Chen Shing Bor
Published: July 2020

The problem of slowing down the rate of DNA translocation through a nanopore so as to facilitate detection of the genetic information remains a major challenge. In this study, the effectiveness of employing corrugated nanopores to reduce the polymer translocation velocity is investigated using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations. The average translocation time, <τ>, increases with the pore length and extent of variation of the pore cross‐sectional area. A systematic comparison of <τ> between flat and corrugated nanopores with walls that are either neutral or attractive for the polymer is performed. The value of <τ> for a corrugated nanopore with an attractive wall is 158% greater than that for a flat pore with a neutral wall. The extent of increase in <τ> obtained by manipulating either the geometry of the pore or the nature of its interaction with the polymer alone is significantly smaller. This is because the combined effect of monomer‐pore interactions and the spatial variation of the electric field strength significantly slows down the entry and escape of the chain from the pore.
Kinetics and thermal studies for the copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate by incorporation of mesoporous diatomite
Authors: Khezri K. , Fazli Y.
Published: July 2020

Activators generated by electron transfer (AGET) for atom transfer radical copolymerization (ATRP) was employed to synthesize tailor‐made random poly (styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate)/mesoporous kieselgur nanocomposites. Some inherent features of the mesoporous kieselgur platelets were studied by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm and transmission electron microscopy images. Conversion and molecular weight determinations were carried out using gas chromatography and size exclusion chromatography respectively. Addition of 3 wt.% mesoporous kieselgur platelets results in increments of conversion from 72 % to 87 % and molecular weight of copolymer chains from 15986 g mol−1 to 18564 g mol−1 respectively; however, polydispersity index values increases from 1.19 to 1.48. Increasing thermal stability of the nanocomposites is demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry shows an increase in glass transition temperature from 70.6 °C to 75.7 °C by adding 3 wt.% of mesoporous kieselgur platelets.