bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantum Dots: A Review from Concept to Clinic
Authors: Kargozar Saeid , Hoseini Seyed Javad , Milan Peiman Brouki , Hooshmand Sara , Kim Hae‐Won , Mozafari Masoud 
Published: September 2020

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor materials that have gained great interest due to their unique characteristics like optical properties. They are extensively being used in different areas, including solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, laser technology, as well as biological and biomedical applications. In this review, comprehensive information about different aspects of QDs is provided, including their types and classifications, synthesis approaches, in vitro and in vivo toxicity, biological applications, and potentials in clinical applications. With a focus on the biological aspects, the respective in vitro and in vivo studies are collected and presented. Various surface modifications on QDs are discussed as directly influencing their properties like toxicity and optical abilities. Given the promising results, these materials are clinically used for targeted molecular therapy and imaging. However, there are a large number of questions that should be addressed before the wide application of QDs in a clinical setting. Regarding the existing barriers to QDs, suggestions are given and discussed to present an appropriate route for the clinical use of these materials.
Proactive environmental strategy and firm performance at the bottom of the pyramid
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Ning Ernestine , Adu‐Ameyaw Emmanuel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper utilizes insights from the natural resource‐based view to examine the conditions under which proactive environmental strategy (PES) drive firm performance. Using data collected from 266 small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises operating in Ghana, the results suggest that the impact of PES on firm performance is more pronounced in firms that do not purse bottom of the pyramid orientation but not significant for firms pursuing the bottom of the pyramid orientation. Besides, the findings show that the influence of PES on firm performance is amplified for firms adopting imitation orientation but not significant for nonimitation‐oriented firms. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
An observational study of drug utilization and associated outcomes among adult patients diagnosed with BRAF‐mutant advanced melanoma treated with first‐line anti‐PD‐1 monotherapies or BRAF/MEK inhibitors in a community‐based oncology setting
Authors: Cowey Charles L. , Boyd Marley , Aguilar Kathleen M. , Beeks April , Krepler Clemens , Scherrer Emilie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionAnti‐PD‐1 monotherapies (aPD‐1) and BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAF/MEKi) changed the BRAF‐mutant advanced melanoma treatment landscape. This study aimed to improve the understanding of real‐world treatment patterns and optimal treatment sequence.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of BRAF‐mutant advanced melanoma patients who initiated 1L aPD‐1 or BRAF/MEKi in the US Oncology Network between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017, followed through 31 December 2018. Patient and treatment characteristics were assessed descriptively, with Kaplan‐Meier methods used for time‐to‐event endpoints. As the primary analysis, overall survival (OS) and physician‐assessed progression‐free survival (rwPFS) were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard regression models and propensity score matching (n = 49).ResultsA total of 224 patients were included (median age 61 years, 62.9% male, 89.7% white): 36.2% received aPD‐1 and 63.8% BRAF/MEKi. Median OS and rwPFS were longer among aPD‐1 vs BRAF/MEKi patients (OS: not reached vs 13.9 months, log‐rank P = .0169; rwPFS: 7.6 vs 6.5 months, log‐rank P = .0144). Receipt of aPD‐1 was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.602 vs BRAF/MEKi [95%CI 0.382‐0.949]; P = .0287). Among patients without an event within 6 months of 1L initiation, receipt of aPD‐1 was associated with a decreased risk of progression or death from 6 months onwards (HR = 0.228 [95%CI 0.106‐0.493]; P = .0002). This association was not observed among patients within 6 months of 1L initiation (HR = 1.146; 95% CI 0.755‐1.738). Results from the propensity score‐matched pairs were consistent with these trends.ConclusionThese results suggest a clinical benefit of 1L aPD‐1 compared to BRAF/MEKi after 6 months of treatment for BRAF‐mutant advanced melanoma. Future research should explore factors associated with early progression and their relationship with clinical outcomes.
The mechanisms of lncRNA Tug1 in islet dysfunction in a mouse model of intrauterine growth retardation
Authors: Li Yihui , Dai Chengting , Yuan Yi , You Lianghui , Yuan Qingxin 
Published: September 2020

Taurine upregulated gene 1 (Tug1) is a novel lncRNA that participates in growth, and the abnormal expression of Tug1 related to mouse islet cell dysfunction. A recent study revealed that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) related to the pathogenesis of diabetes. Here, we aimed to explore the role and mechanism of Tug1 in IUGR‐mediated islet dysfunction. We observed that newborn IUGR mice had lower body and pancreas weight and smaller islets than newborn control mice. After IUGR mice were given a normal diet, they showed catch‐up growth and abnormal glucose tolerance; however, the pancreas/body weight ratio remained low. Blood glucose, serum insulin and related gene expression showed mild recovery after overexpression of Tug1 in IUGR mice. Furthermore, Tug1 was enriched in the nuclei of MIN6 cells. Using RIP and CHIP analyses we found that Tug1 could regulate Hes1 expression by binding to EZH2 to affect insulin synthesis in MIN6 cells. These findings indicate that lncRNA Tug1 could regulate the expression of Hes1 via EZH2‐driven H3K27 methylation and affect insulin production.Significance of the studyThis study suggests Tug1 as a novel biomarker, as it was shown to regulate β cell function and is worthy of further investigation due to its potential for diabetes treatment.
A Pyrimido‐Quinoxaline Fused Heterocycle Lights Up Transfer RNA upon Binding at the Mg2+ Binding Site
Authors: Patra Dipendu , Banerjee Sayanika , Sova Mandi Chandra , Haseena K. S. , Basu Gautam , Dutta Sanjay 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTransfer RNAs (tRNAs) are fundamental molecules in cellular translation. In this study we have highlighted a fluorescence‐based perceptive approach for tRNAs by using a quinoxaline small molecule. We have synthesised a water‐soluble fluorescent pyrimido‐quinoxaline‐fused heterocycle containing a mandatory piperazine tail (DS1) with a large Stokes shift (∼160 nm). The interaction between DS1 and tRNA results in significant fluorescence enhancement of the molecule with Kd∼5 μM and multiple binding sites. Our work reveals that the DS1 binding site overlaps with the specific Mg2+ ion binding site in the D loop of tRNA. As a proof‐of‐concept, the molecule inhibited Pb2+‐induced cleavage of yeast tRNAPhe in the D loop. In competitive binding assays, the fluorescence of DS1‐tRNA complex is quenched by a known tRNA‐binder, tobramycin. This indicates the displacement of DS1 and, indeed, a substantiation of specific binding at the site of tertiary interaction in the central region of tRNA. The ability of compound DS1 to bind tRNA with a higher affinity compared to DNA and single‐stranded RNA offers a promising approach to developing tRNA‐based biomarker diagnostics in the future.
Insights into LiAlH4 Catalyzed Imine Hydrogenation
Authors: Elsen Holger , Langer Jens , Ballmann Gerd , Wiesinger Michael , Harder Sjoerd 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCommercial LiAlH4 can be used in catalytic quantities in the hydrogenation of imines to amines with H2. Combined experimental and theoretical investigations give deeper insight in the mechanism and identifies the most likely catalytic cycle. Activity is lost when Li in LiAlH4 is exchanged for Na or K. Exchanging Al for B or Ga also led to dramatically reduced activities. This indicates a heterobimetallic mechanism in which cooperation between Li and Al is crucial. Potential intermediates on the catalytic pathway have been isolated from reactions of MAlH4 (M=Li, Na, K) and different imines. Depending on the imine, double, triple or quadruple imine insertion has been observed. Prolonged reaction of LiAlH4 with PhC(H)=NtBu led to a side‐reaction and gave the double insertion product LiAlH2[N]2 ([N]=N(tBu)CH2Ph) which at higher temperature reacts further by ortho‐metallation of the Ph ring. A DFT study led to a number of conclusions. The most likely catalyst for hydrogenation of PhC(H)=NtBu with LiAlH4 is LiAlH2[N]2. Insertion of a third imine via a heterobimetallic transition state has a barrier of +23.2 kcal mol−1 (ΔH). The rate‐determining step is hydrogenolysis of LiAlH[N]3 with H2 with a barrier of +29.2 kcal mol−1. In agreement with experiment, replacing Li for Na (or K) and Al for B (or Ga) led to higher calculated barriers. Also, the AlH4− anion showed very high barriers. Calculations support the experimentally observed effects of the imine substituents at C and N: the lowest barriers are calculated for imines with aryl‐substituents at C and alkyl‐substituents at N.
Importance and role of CSR and stakeholder engagement strategy in polish companies in the context of activities of experts handling public relations
Authors: Tworzydło Dariusz , Gawroński Sławomir , Szuba Przemysław 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe article provides an analysis of potential available in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in regard to other activities conducted by Polish public relations (PR) experts and professionals. Different outlooks on social responsibility and PR are also presented in this article, including stakeholder engagement, relationships and practical determinants between them, taking into account practical circumstances characteristic for Polish environment. The hypothesis presented in the article indicates that CSR projects are one of the elements of a wide offer of PR activities offered in Poland, but they do not lie in a specialisation of agencies and are underrated by PR advisors when it comes to their usefulness in image creation. This hypothesis is backed by three independent research projects realised in years 2016–2019, conducted on a group of 852 PR specialists in Poland, which represented different types of organisations. This article is based on in‐house research on PR sector in Poland. Research data was gathered by interview questionnaires using quantitative methodology.
Scale‐dependent impact of land management on above‐ and belowground biodiversity
Authors: Slabbert Eleonore L. , Schweiger Oliver , Wubet Tesfaye , Kautzner Antje , Baessler Cornelia , Auge Harald , Roscher Christiane , Knight Tiffany M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Land management is known to have consequences for biodiversity; however, our synthetic understanding of its effects is limited due to highly variable results across studies, which vary in the focal taxa and spatial grain considered, as well as the response variables reported. Such synthetic knowledge is necessary for management of agroecosystems for high diversity and function.

To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the importance of scale‐dependent effects of land management (LM) (pastures vs. meadows), on plant and soil microbe diversity (fungi and bacteria) across 5 study sites in Central Germany. Analyses included diversity partitioning of species richness and related biodiversity components (i.e., density of individuals, species‐abundance distribution, and spatial aggregation) at two spatial grains (α‐ and γ‐scale, 1 m2 and 16 km2, respectively).

Our results show scale‐dependent patterns in response to LM to be the norm rather than the exception and highlight the importance of measuring species richness and its underlying components at multiple spatial grains.

Our outcomes provide new insight to the complexity of scale‐dependent responses within and across taxonomic groups. They suggest that, despite close associations between taxa, LM responses are not easily extrapolated across multiple spatial grains and taxa. Responses of biodiversity to LM are often driven by changes to evenness and spatial aggregation, rather than by changes in individual density. High‐site specificity of LM effects might be due to a variety of context‐specific factors, such as historic land management, identity of grazers, and grazing regime.

Synthesis and applications: Our results suggest that links between taxa are not necessarily strong enough to allow for generalization of biodiversity patterns. These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple taxa and spatial grains when investigating LM responses, while promoting management practices that do the same and are tailored to local and regional conditions.
Defining relictual biodiversity: Conservation units in speckled dace (Leuciscidae: Rhinichthys osculus) of the Greater Death Valley ecosystem
Authors: Mussmann Steven M. , Douglas Marlis R. , Oakey David D. , Douglas Michael E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe tips in the tree of life serve as foci for conservation and management, yet clear delimitations are masked by inherent variance at the species–population interface. Analyses using thousands of nuclear loci can potentially sort inconsistencies, yet standard categories applied to this parsing are themselves potentially conflicting and/or subjective [e.g., DPS (distinct population segments); DUs (Diagnosable Units‐Canada); MUs (management units); SSP (subspecies); ESUs (Evolutionarily Significant Units); and UIEUs (uniquely identified evolutionary units)]. One potential solution for consistent categorization is to create a comparative framework by accumulating statistical results from independent studies and evaluating congruence among data sets. Our study illustrates this approach in speckled dace (Leuciscidae: Rhinichthys osculus) endemic to two basins (Owens and Amargosa) in the Death Valley ecosystem. These fish persist in the Mojave Desert as isolated Plio‐Pleistocene relicts and are of conservation concern, but lack formal taxonomic descriptions/designations. Double digest RAD (ddRAD) methods identified 14,355 SNP loci across 10 populations (N = 140). Species delimitation analyses [multispecies coalescent (MSC) and unsupervised machine learning (UML)] delineated four putative ESUs. FST outlier loci (N = 106) were juxtaposed to uncover the potential for localized adaptations. We detected one hybrid population that resulted from upstream reconnection of habitat following contemporary pluvial periods, whereas remaining populations represent relics of ancient tectonism within geographically isolated springs and groundwater‐fed streams. Our study offers three salient conclusions: a blueprint for a multifaceted delimitation of conservation units; a proposed mechanism by which criteria for intraspecific biodiversity can be potentially standardized; and a strong argument for the proactive management of critically endangered Death Valley ecosystem fishes.
Titanium Dioxide/Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Composite Modified Pencil Graphite Sensor for Sensitive Voltammetric Determination of Propranolol in Real Samples
Authors: Dehnavi Azar , Soleymanpour Ahmad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA very effective electrochemical sensor for the analysis of propranolol was constructed using TiO2/MWCNT film deposited on the pencil graphite electrode as modifier. The modified electrode represented excellent electrochemical properties such as fast response, high sensitivity and low detection limit. The proposed sensor showed an excellent selective response to propranolol in the presence of foreign species and other drugs. The electrochemical features of the modified electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique which indicated a decrease in resistance of the modified electrode versus bare PGE and MWCNT/PGE. The surface morphology for the modified electrode was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Differential pulse technique (DPV) was used to determine propranolol which showed a good analytical response in the linear range of 8.5×10−8‐6.5×10−6 M with a limit of detection 2.1×10−8 M. The TiO2/MWCNT/PGE sensor was conveniently applied for the measurement of propranolol in biological and pharmaceutical media.
Development of an active packaging system containing zinc oxide nanoparticles for the extension of chicken fillet shelf life
Authors: Ahmadi Azam , Ahmadi Parisa , Ehsani Ali 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe casting method was employed to prepare gelatin‐based nanocomposite films containing different concentrations of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a reinforcement filler (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% w/w of gelatin) as well as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as an antimicrobial agent (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% w/w of gelatin). The results showed that the incorporation of 5% CNFs (optimum concentration) significantly boosted the films' stiffness (YM; by 47%) and strength (TS; by 72%) but decreased its flexibility (EAB; by 28%), water vapor permeability, and moisture absorption. The best G/CNF film antibacterial activity was provided by the 5% concentration of ZnO NPs according to the disk diffusion assay; Gram‐positive bacteria were inhibited significantly more than Gram‐negative bacteria. The antimicrobial efficacy of the G/CNF/ZnO NPs film as a food packaging material was assessed via counts of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculated on chicken fillets (as a food model) in the treatment (G/5% CNF/5% ZnO) and control groups (plastic bag). The antibacterial film led to a significant reduction in the bacterial load of the chicken fillets (p < .05), especially against the Gram‐positive strain. This study illustrated that G/CNF/ZnO NPs films can be utilized as active packaging to prolong the shelf life of different perishable foods such as meat.
Investigation of the Long‐term Stability of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Stacks under Pressurized Conditions in Exothermic Steam and Co‐electrolysis Mode
Authors: Riedel M. , Heddrich M. P. , Friedrich K. A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study three identically constructed ten‐layer stacks with electrolyte supported cells were tested in exothermic steam and co‐electrolysis mode at elevated pressures of 1.4 and 8 bar. Investigations during constant‐current operation at a current density of –0.5 A cm−2 and a reactant conversion of 70% over 1,000–2,000 h were carried out. The inlet gas composition for steam electrolysis was 90/10 (H2O/H2) and 63.7/31.3/3.3/1.7 (H2O/CO2/H2/CO) for co‐electrolysis operation. All stacks showed highly similar resistances at the beginning of the tests indicating a high level of accuracy and repeatability during manufacturing. The stack operated in steam electrolysis mode at 1.4 bar showed comparably low degradation of 8 mV kh−1 cell−1, whereas the stack operated at 8 bar showed an approximately four times higher degradation. The third stack was operated in co‐electrolysis mode at 1.4 and 8 bar and showed noticeably higher degradation rates than during steam electrolysis mode. The predominant increase of the ohmic resistance during operation was identified to be mainly responsible for the observed degradation of all three stacks, whereas the increase of the polarization resistances played a subordinate role. Within the post‐test analysis, noticeably high nickel depletion was observed for the stack operated at the highest pressure in steam electrolysis mode. Furthermore, partial delamination of electrodes was observed. The degradation is discussed with relation to phenomena and experimental parameters during operation.
The impact of net buying pressure on index options prices
Authors: Ryu Doojin , Ryu Doowon , Yang Heejin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study examines whether the demand for options, as measured by the net buying pressure of index options, explains the implied volatility structure created by options prices. We decompose the buying pressure into the direction‐motivated (i.e., delta‐informed) and the volatility‐motivated (i.e., vega‐informed) demand for options. After controlling for options traders' hedging demand, we find that both delta‐ and vega‐informed trading play significant roles in explaining changes in implied volatility. Foreign institutions are more directionally informed in index options trading than their domestic counterparts are. Domestic investors effectively implement volatility trading using put options.
Subsurface flow measurements using passive flux meters in variably‐saturated cold‐regions landscapes
Authors: Devoie Élise G. , Connon Ryan F. , Craig James R. , Quinton William L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo date, passive flux meters have predominantly been applied in temperate environments for tracking the movement of contaminants in groundwater. This study applies these instruments to reduce uncertainty in (typically instantaneous) flux measurements made in a low‐gradient, wetland dominated, discontinuous permafrost environment. This method supports improved estimation of unsaturated and over‐winter subsurface flows which are very difficult to quantify using hydraulic gradient‐based approaches. Improved subsurface flow estimates can play a key role in understanding the water budget of this landscape.
Improving statistical arbitrage investment strategy: Evidence from Latin American stock markets
Authors: Caneo Fernando , Kristjanpoller Werner 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper analyses the profitability of pairs trading strategy in Latin American stock markets through a PCA approach with a multi‐factorial model. We propose two criteria for selecting the optimal thresholds by using moving training‐trading windows. By applying the methodology in six countries with 338 stocks in total for the period 2013–2017, we found that this strategy outperforms the markets' Sharpe ratio by 1.55 points on average. In addition, by using a correlation matrix, we found that the largest eigenvalue is clearly dominant and that its associated eigenportfolio presents a co‐movement with the market while the number of dominant components is contrary to market volatility.
The role of time‐varying risk premia in international interbank markets
Authors: Karouzakis Nikolaos 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe study international interbank spreads within a no‐arbitrage dynamic term structure model and attempt to disentangle time‐varying risk premia in the interbank market for major currencies. Our results suggest that, at the peak of financial crisis, the interbank spread was clearly driven by liquidity risk. In the aftermath of the crisis, credit risk has become the dominant driver of the spread. This effect is stronger in the Euro and UK markets, due to the escalation of the European sovereign debt crisis, and weaker in the Japanese market which experienced remarkably low credit pressures. Furthermore, we assess the effectiveness of monetary policy actions and demonstrate that the establishment of the unconventional policy programmes led to the deterioration of liquidity risk in the interbank market, and the policy of major Central banks to substantially cut interest rates kept credit pressures at low levels. We also partition the spread into expectation hypothesis and time‐varying risk premium components and reject the hypothesis of constant risk premium. We find strong evidence of predictability inferred from the interbank spread model with time‐varying risk premia.