bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematologic and spirometric characteristics of Tajik and Kyrgyz highlanders in the Pamir Mountains
Authors: Sulaiman Xierzhatijiang , Xu Wei‐fang , Cai Liu‐Hong , Huang Xiao‐Yang , Cheng Lu‐Feng , Zhang Ya‐Ping 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, we measured the hematologic and spirometric parameters of native Tajik and Kyrgyz highlanders in the Pamir Mountains to investigate adaptations to high altitude stressors.MethodsHematological parameters including arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), red blood cell (RBC) counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were measured on Sarikoli Tajik (n = 80; 3100 m), Wakhi Tajik (n = 48; 3500 m), and Kyrgyz (n = 64; 3250 m) in comparison to lowland Uyghurs (n = 50; 1300 m). Spirometric parameters including forced vital capacity (FVC), the first second of forced expiration (FEV1), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF25‐75) were measured. We also reported mountain sickness symptoms in these highlanders and conducted a multivariate regression analysis to analyze the association between these symptoms and the measured parameters.ResultsSaO2 of Sarikoli Tajik, Wakhi Tajik, and Kyrgyz (91%‐93.5%) are significantly lower than lowland Uyghurs, yet are comparable to other native highlanders at a similar altitude. RBC counts and Hb concentrations of all three highland populations are significantly increased compared to Uyghurs. FVC is lower in Sarikoli Tajik, Wakhi Tajik, and Kyrgyz (male: 3.48‐3.86 L, female: 2.47‐2.78 L) compared to Uyghurs. Combined with normal FEV1, elevated FEV1/FVC ratio, and FEF25‐75, the spirometric patterns of these highlanders indicate restrictive lung disease. A high prevalence of mountain sickness symptoms such as headache and nausea was found in all three highland populations, and are attributed to low FVC and aging by regression analysis.ConclusionTajik and Kyrgyz highlanders showed adaptation in SaO2, RBC, and Hb level, but poor performance in spirometry, which causes mountain sickness.
Clinical, radiological, and genetic characteristics in patients with Huntington's disease in a Taiwanese cohort
Authors: Chen Szu‐Ju , Lee Bo‐Chin , Lee Ni‐Chung , Chien Yin‐Hsiu , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Lin Chin‐Hsien 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCharacteristics of Huntington's disease (HD) differ among various ethnicities. Few studies have explored the relationship between phenotypes and genotypes of HD in Asians. We evaluated the relationship between integrated clinical and imaging phenotypes and genotypes in a Taiwanese HD cohort, enrolling 123 HD patients genetically diagnosed between August 1994 and February 2019. The clinical presentations and brain magnetic resonance imaging characteristics were analyzed from 67 patients and examined the correlation with genetic findings. Chorea was the most common initial manifestation (66.1%), especially in patients with late‐onset disease (onset age > 60 years old), followed by psychiatric symptoms (25%) and cognitive impairment (14.3%). Compared to patients with adult‐onset HD, the prevalence of parkinsonism was significantly higher in juvenile‐onset HD patients (onset age < 20 years old, p = .007). Disease burden, which was measured by CAG repeats and age, was significantly associated with atrophy in caudate nucleus (p = .004), followed by putamen (p = .029), nucleus accumbens (p = .002), thalamus (p = .003), and total cortical volume (p = .001) after correcting for total intracranial volume. Our findings, that provided the first series of Taiwanese HD patients, delineated the clinical, radiological, and genetic characteristics in Asian HD patients.
Unravelling the Enigma of Nonoxidative Conversion of Methane on Iron Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Liu Yuan , Liu Jin‐Cheng , Li Teng‐Hao , Duan Zeng‐Hui , Zhang Tian‐Yu , Yan Ming , Li Wan‐Lu , Xiao Hai , Wang Yang‐Gang , Chang Chun‐Ran , Li Jun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe direct, nonoxidative conversion of methane on a silica‐confined single‐atom iron catalyst is a landmark discovery in catalysis, but the proposed gas‐phase reaction mechanism is still open to discussion. Here, we report a surface reaction mechanism by computational modeling and simulations. The activation of methane occurs at the single iron site, whereas the dissociated methyl disfavors desorption into gas phase under the reactive conditions. In contrast, the dissociated methyl prefers transferring to adjacent carbon sites of the active center (Fe1©SiC2), followed by C−C coupling and hydrogen transfer to produce the main product (ethylene) via a key −CH−CH2 intermediate. We find a quasi Mars–van Krevelen (quasi‐MvK) surface reaction mechanism involving extracting and refilling the surface carbon atoms for the nonoxidative conversion of methane on Fe1©SiO2 and this surface process is identified to be more plausible than the alternative gas‐phase reaction mechanism.
Effects of mitochondria‐associated Ca2+ transporters suppression on oocyte activation
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Ang , Li Qian‐Nan , Fan Li‐Hua , Wang Zhen‐Bo , Meng Tie‐Gang , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Ou Xiang‐Hong 
Published: July 2020

Oocyte activation deficiency leads to female infertility. [Ca2+]i oscillations are required for mitochondrial energy supplement transition from the resting to the excited state, but the underlying mechanisms are still very little known. Three mitochondrial Ca2+ channels, Mitochondria Calcium Uniporter (MCU), Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger (NCLX) and Voltage‐dependent Ca2+ Channel (VDAC), were deactivated by inhibitors RU360, CGP37157 and Erastin, respectively. Both Erastin and CGP37157 inhibited mitochondrial activity significantly while attenuating [Ca2+]i and [Ca2+]m oscillations, which caused developmental block of pronuclear formation. Thus, NCLX and VDAC are two mitochondria‐associated Ca2+ transporter proteins regulating oocyte activation, which may be used as potential targets to treat female infertility.Significance of the StudyNCLX and VDAC are two mitochondria‐associated Ca2+ transporter proteins regulating oocyte activation.
Predicting the Substrate Scope of the Flavin‐Dependent Halogenase BrvH
Authors: Neubauer Pia R. , Pienkny Silke , Wessjohann Ludger , Brandt Wolfgang , Sewald Norbert 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe recently described flavin‐dependent halogenase BrvH is able to catalyse both the bromination and chlorination of indole, but shows significantly higher bromination activity. BrvH was annotated as a tryptophan halogenase, but does not accept tryptophan as a substrate. Its native substrate remains unknown. A predictive model with the data available for BrvH was analysed. A training set of compounds tested in vitro was docked into the active site of a complete protein model based on the X‐ray structure of BrvH. The atoms not resolved experimentally were modelled by using molecular mechanics force fields to obtain this protein model. Furthermore, docking poses for the substrates and known non‐substrates have been calculated. Parameters like distance, partial charge and hybridization state were analysed to derive rules for predicting activity. With this model for activity of the BrvH, a virtual screening suggested several structures for potential substrates. Some of the compounds preselected in this way were tested in vitro, and several could be verified as convertible substrates. Based on information on halogenated natural products, a new dataset was created to specifically search for natural products as substrates/products, and virtual screening in this database yielded further hits.
Reconceptualizing Midlevel Leadership
Authors: Amey Marilyn J. , Garza Mitchell Regina L. , Rosales Jesenia , Giardello Katherine J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA cumulative reading of this volume indicates the need to rethink what it means to be in the organizational middle. In this final chapter, we draw from the lived experiences, research, and scholarly perspectives described throughout the volume to posit a reconceptualization of midlevel leadership and considerations for its future.
Defect and Interface Engineering on Two‐Dimensional Nanosheets for the Photocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhao Wenjun , Liu Baojun , Qin Jiangzhou , Ke Jun , Yu Lanlan , Hu Xia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractReducing dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) under mild conditions is a very significant nitrogen cyclic process, which plays a vital role in agricultural, biological and industrial fields. The Haber‐Bosch process as a current mainstream way of N2 fixation has particularly high energy consumption, occupying about 1 % of the world energy production. In contrast, the photocatalytic N2 reduction reaction provides a green route almost without energy consumption and environmental pollution. However, there are many challenges that needs to be solved urgently, such as, for example, low quantum yield, inefficient N2 adsorption and activation and an unclear N2 fixation mechanism. Nowadays, tactics for improving the catalytic performance mainly focus on producing more active sites via defect or interface engineering. Generally, two‐dimensional materials with defect or interface engineering can not only accelerate photon‐exciton interactions, but also enhance sufficient N2 binding, activation and hydrogenation. In this Minireview, we will first summarize the principles of photocatalytic N2 fixation, and then discuss progress in the development two‐dimensional (2D) materials with defect and interface engineering for photocatalytic N2 fixation. Finally, we describe ammonia detection methods and recent important developments and challenges in this field.
Low testosterone is associated with dysregulated eating symptoms in young adult men
Authors: Culbert Kristen M. , Shope Megan M. , Sisk Cheryl L. , Klump Kelly L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveExtant animal and human data indicate that natural variation in circulating levels of testosterone may contribute to differential risk for dysregulated eating among males. Indeed, testosterone ablation in postpubertal male rodents results in stimulatory effects on sweet‐taste preferences, and lower levels of circulating testosterone in adolescent boys have been found to predict dysregulated eating symptoms during mid‐to‐late puberty. Nonetheless, no prior study has examined whether lower testosterone is associated with dysregulated eating in adulthood. The current study examined this possibility.MethodParticipants were 154 young adult men (ages = 18–33) from a large Southwestern University. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory, and Loss of Control Over Eating Scale were used to assess three types of dysregulated eating symptoms: eating concerns, binge eating, and loss‐of‐control eating. Afternoon saliva samples were assayed for testosterone using high‐sensitive enzyme immunoassays.ResultsConsistent with animal data and prior research in adolescent boys, men with lower testosterone reported significantly higher levels of dysregulated eating symptoms even after controlling for depressive symptoms, body mass index, and age.DiscussionLower testosterone concentrations might serve as a sex‐specific biological factor that contributes to dysregulated eating among men.
Parameter estimation for multiple post‐wildfire hydrologic models
Authors: Ebel Brian A. , Moody John A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPredictions of post‐wildfire flooding and debris flows are needed, typically with short lead times. Measurements of soil‐hydraulic properties necessary for model parameterization are, however, seldom available. This study quantified soil‐hydraulic properties, soil‐water retention, and selected soil physical properties within the perimeter of the 2017 Thomas Fire in California. The Thomas Fire burn scar produced catastrophic debris flows in January 2018, highlighting the need for improved prediction capability. Soil‐hydraulic properties were also indirectly estimated using relations tied to soil‐water retention. These measurements and estimates are examined in the context of parameterizing post‐wildfire hydrologic models. Tension infiltrometer measurements showed significant decreases (p < .05) in field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and sorptivity (S) in burned areas relative to unburned areas. Wildfire effects on soil water‐retention were dominated by significant decreases in saturated soil‐water content (θS). The van Genuchten parameters α, N, and residual water content did not show significant wildfire effects. The impacts of the wildfire on hydraulic and physical soil properties were greatest in the top 1 cm, emphasizing that measurements of post‐fire soil properties should focus on the near‐surface. Reductions in Kfs, θs, and soil‐water retention in burned soils were attributed to fire‐induced decreases in soil structure evidenced by increases in dry bulk density. Sorptivity reductions in burned soils were attributed to increases in soil‐water repellency. Rapid post‐fire assessments of flash flood and debris flow hazards using physically‐based hydrologic models are facilitated by similarities between Kfs, S, and the Green–Ampt wetting front potential (ψf) with measurements at other southern CA burned sites. We suggest that ratios of burned to unburned Kfs (0.37), S (0.36), and ψf (0.66) could be used to scale unburned values for model parameterization. Alternatively, typical burned values (Kfs = 20 mm hr−1; S = 6 mm hr−0.5; ψf = 1.6 mm) could be used for model parameterization.
Far Apart and Close Together: Fritz Haber and Chaim Weizmann
Authors: Bielik Tom , Friedrich Bretislav 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFritz Haber (1868–1934) and Chaim Weizmann (1874–1952) were both prominent German‐speaking Jewish chemists with rather divergent views on Jewish assimilation and Zionism that only converged upon the rise of the Nazis to power in Germany. While Haber converted to Protestantism and followed the calling of a German patriot during World War One and the turmoil of the Weimar Republic, Weizmann became the leader of the Zionist movement whose efforts led to the founding of Jewish academic institutions in British Mandate Palestine and eventually to the creation of the State of Israel. Weizmann won the support of the British political establishment for the Zionist cause through his invaluable services to the British military as a chemist during World War One. Guided by the timeline of their encounters as well as their mutual correspondence, we trace the ever‐closer relationship between these two towering figures of the 20th century. Had it not been for his ill health, Haber would have likely assumed a leading position at what is today the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot as well as played a direct role in shaping other academic institutions, including The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in the future State of Israel.
Asset‐Liability Management and bank profitability: Statistical cost accounting analysis from an emerging market
Authors: Owusu Freeman Brobbey , Alhassan Abdul Latif 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper employs the Statistical Cost Accounting (SCA) model to examine the relationship between profit and Asset‐Liability Management (ALM) structure of 27 banks in Ghana over the period 2007–2015. The findings confirm the central hypothesis of the SCA model and provide evidence that profitability is linked to balance sheet items in Ghana. It also documents evidence that domestic banks have higher rate of return on assets than foreign banks over the study period. In addition, high profit banks were observed to have higher rate of return on assets as well as higher rate of cost on liabilities than low profit banks. These findings provide useful insights to bank management through the identification of the assets items that generate highest return on bank profitability.
Changing the nervous mind of small‐scale farmers who are reluctant to invest for their development*
Authors: Yamaoka Kazumi , Ofori Joseph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRecent increases in rice consumption in Sub‐Saharan Africa are noteworthy. Most of the rice production in these countries depends on an enormous number of small‐scale rice farmers. Because they have a poor investment capacity to follow the green revolution, that is, high‐yield variety with fertilizer and irrigation, it is necessary to raise the annual production by increasing the number of annual cropping and to improve the water productivity drastically. Salibu rice ratooning technology allows harvesting paddy rice seven times in two years by cultivating ratoon crops with high yield and dramatically low consumption of irrigation water. The authors have conducted a series of cultivation tests in Ghana for over a year and found that the average annual production of rice under the Salibu system was higher than that of the conventional rice cultivation system with much higher water productivity. The authors have also conducted a social experiment on commercial finance by rural banks to farmer‐based organizations (FBOs), organized by small‐scale rice farmers. The first target of the scheme is group purchasing of small agricultural machinery, which most of the members of the group eagerly want to obtain. We introduced special collateral systems in order to persuade rural banks reluctant to make finance to rice farmers. After realizing the first commercial finance by rural bank to FBO the path to realizing future investment in irrigation was set out in a scenario of gradual solidarity and development.
Photodentistry – an innovative approach to improving students’ empathy and learning experiences in comprehensive patient care
Authors: Ahmad Mas Suryalis , Radhi Diana Syazwani Muhammad , Rusle Farah Farhana , Zul Muhammad Fakhruddin , Jalaluddin Jamizan , Baharuddin Izyan Hazwani 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesPreparing future dental school graduates to provide comprehensive patient care with empathy requires the completion of adequate training in such practice. This study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of the Photodentistry learning activity, which uses visual arts, in improving dental students' empathy and learning experience in comprehensive patient care.MethodsAll fourth‐year undergraduate dental students (n = 69, response rate = 100%) participated in the Photodentistry learning activity developed by specialists from the areas of dentistry, arts, education, and psychology. A survey using the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) was conducted both pretest and posttest, followed by an open‐ended written survey of their reflection towards the learning activity. Quantitative data were analyzed via paired t‐test (P < 0.05), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThere was a significant increase in both students' total mean empathy score and the individual scores for 8 (out of 16) items of the TEQ after the learning activity. Students stated that they had an improved understanding of managing patients in a comprehensive manner (e.g., managing medically compromised patients, performing treatment planning, communication with patients who have special health care needs). Students also reported the development of skills (e.g., observation, critical thinking) and positive attitudes (e.g., empathy, responsibility) towards patients.ConclusionPhotodentistry is an effective learning approach for improving dental students' empathy and learning experience in comprehensive patient care.
The neuro-immune microenvironment of acupoints—initiation of acupuncture effectiveness
Authors: Gong Yinan , Li Ningcen , Lv Zhongxi , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Yanfang , Yang Tao , Wang Hui , Zhao Xue , Chen Zelin , Dou Baomin , Chen Bo , Guo Yongming , Guo Yi , Xu Zhifang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAcupuncture is a centuried and unfading treatment of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been proved to exert curative effects on various disorders. Numerous works have been put in to uncover the effective mechanisms of acupuncture. And the interdependent interaction between acupuncture and acupoint microenvironment is a crucial topic. As a benign minimally invasive stimulation, the insertion and manipulation of needle at acupoint could cause deformation of local connective tissue and secretion of various molecules, such as high mobility group box 1 and ATP. The molecules are secreted into extracellular space and bind to the corresponding receptors thus active NF-κB, MAPK, ERK pathways on mast cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and monocytes/macrophages, among others. This is supposed to trigger following transcription and translation of immune factors and neural active substance, as well as promote the free ion movement (such as Ca2+ influx) and the expansion of blood vessels to recruit more immune cells to acupoint. Finally, acupuncture could enhance network connectivity of local microenvironment at acupoints. The earlier mentioned substances further act on a variety of receptors in local nerve endings, transmitting electrical and biochemical signals to the CNS, and giving full play to the acupuncture action. In conclusion, we portrayed a neuro-immune microenvironment network of acupoints that medicates the acupuncture action, and would lay a foundation for the systematic study of the complex network relationship of acupoints in the future.
Chronic treatment with hydroxychloroquine and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Ferreira António , Oliveira‐e‐Silva António , Bettencourt Paulo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) is being scrutinized for repositioning in the treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. This antimalarial drug is also chronically used to treat patients with autoimmune diseases. By analyzing the Portuguese anonymized data on private and public based medical prescriptions we have identified all cases chronically receiving HCQ for the management of diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. Additionally, we have detected all laboratory confirmed cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and all laboratory confirmed negative cases in the Portuguese population (mandatorily registered in a centrally managed database). Cross linking the two sets of data has allowed us to compare the proportion of HCQ chronic treatment (at least 2 grams per month) in laboratory confirmed cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with laboratory confirmed negative cases. Out of 26 815 SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients, 77 (0.29%) were chronically treated with HCQ, while 1215 (0.36%) out of 333 489 negative patients were receiving it chronically (P = .04). After adjustment for age, sex, and chronic treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants, the odds ratio of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection for chronic treatment with HCQ has been 0.51 (0.37‐0.70). Our data suggest that chronic treatment with HCQ confer protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
MicroRNA‐532‐5p is a prognostic marker and inhibits the aggressive phenotypes of osteosarcoma through targeting CXCL2
Authors: Ma Yong , Zhao Hai‐Xia , Shi Yin‐Ju , Cheng Ming‐Guo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe dysregulation of miR‐532‐5p is involved in the development of several cancers. Nevertheless, the roles of miR‐532‐5p in osteosarcoma (OS) have yet to be illuminated. In the present study, we found that miR‐532‐5p was significantly downregulated in both OS tissues and cell lines. The low level of miR‐532‐5p was associated with advance clinical stage and poor overall survival in patient with OS. The functional experiments implied that upregulation of miR‐532‐5p restrained OS U2OS cell growth and metastatic ability in vitro; induced apoptosis, and impaired OS cell growth in vivo. Mechanistically, chemokine (C‐X‐C Motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2) was proved as a target gene of miR‐532‐5p. The inhibitory effects of miR‐532‐5p on OS cell were rescued by CXCL2 overexpression. Altogether, we demonstrated that miR‐532‐5p exerted tumor‐inhibitory functions in OS cell via regulating CXCL2.