bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CEO overconfidence and bank systemic risk: Evidence from U.S. bank holding companies
Authors: Liu Liang , Le Hang , Thompson Steve 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFollowing the 2007–2008 financial crisis, the attention of financial regulators and academics has shifted from bank individual risk to bank systemic risk, that is, banks' exposure to future systemic crises. In this paper, we examine whether CEO overconfidence could explain cross‐sectional heterogeneity in the systemic risk of U.S. bank holding companies. Using measures of overconfidence based on CEOs' options exercise behaviour and language used in the Managerial Discussion and Analysis of the 10K‐filings, we find that banks with overconfident CEOs have higher systemic risk than their counterparts with non‐overconfident CEOs. Banks with overconfident CEOs also have higher holding of private mortgage‐backed securities and higher leverage. During the 2007–2008 financial crisis, banks with overconfident CEOs experienced higher realized systemic risk. Our work shows that the behaviour of overconfident bank CEOs could impose negative externalities beyond individual bank boundary.
Amniocentesis learning curve using a low‐cost simulation model to teach maternal–fetal medicine fellows
Authors: Ramirez‐Abarca Tania G. , Gallardo‐Gaona Juan M. , Lumbreras‐Marquez Mario I. , Seifert Sara M. , Rodriguez‐Sibaja Maria J. , Velazquez‐Torres Berenice , Ramirez‐Calvo Jose A. , Acevedo‐Gallegos Sandra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the learning curve for amniocentesis among Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellows using a low‐cost simulation model in Mexico.MethodsFourteen first‐ and second‐year MFM fellows with no previous experience in amniocentesis participated in this single‐center prospective study from March to June of 2019. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. After an introductory course based on a standardized technique for amniocentesis, each fellow performed this procedure using a low‐cost simulation model; experienced operators supervised the procedures. Learning curves were then created using cumulative sum analysis. Thresholds for acceptable and unacceptable failure rates were defined as 10% and 25%, respectively.ResultsExperienced MFM specialists evaluated 3675 procedures. On average, MFM fellows performed 263 ± 53 procedures. The mean number to achieve competence was 255 ± 53. The overall failure rate among the trainees was 16%.ConclusionWe describe individual learning curves for amniocentesis among MFM fellows using a low‐cost simulation model. This approach allows direct assessment of proficiency in amniocentesis before clinical practice.
Maternal organophosphate flame‐retardant exposure alters offspring feeding, locomotor and exploratory behaviors in a sexually‐dimorphic manner in mice
Authors: Walley Sabrina N. , Krumm Elizabeth A. , Yasrebi Ali , Wiersielis Kimberly R. , O'Leary Sarah , Tillery Taylor , Roepke Troy A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIncreased usage of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) has led to detectable levels in pregnant women and neonates, which is associated with negative neurological outcomes. Therefore, we investigated if maternal OPFR exposure altered adult offspring feeding, locomotor, and anxiety‐like behaviors on a low‐fat (LFD) or high‐fat diet (HFD). Wild‐type C57Bl/6J dams were orally dosed with vehicle (sesame oil) or an OPFR mixture (1 mg/kg combination each of tris(1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl)phosphate, triphenyl phosphate and tricresyl phosphate) from gestation day 7 to postnatal day 14. After weaning, pups were fed either a LFD or HFD until 19 weeks of age. Locomotor and anxiety‐like behaviors were evaluated with the open field test, elevated plus maze, and metabolic cages. Feeding behaviors and meal patterns were analyzed by a Biological Data Acquisition System. Anogenital distance was reduced in OPFR‐exposed male pups, but no effect was detected on adult body weight. We observed interactions of OPFR exposure and HFD consumption on locomotor and anxiety‐like behavior in males, suggesting an anxiogenic effect while reducing overall nighttime activity. We also observed an interaction of OPFR exposure and HFD on weekly food intake and feeding behaviors. OPFR‐exposed males consumed more total HFD than oil‐exposed males during the 72‐hour trial. However, when arcuate gene expression was analyzed, OPFR exposure induced Agrp expression in females, which would suggest greater orexigenic tone. Collectively, the implications of our study are that the behavioral effects of OPFR exposure are modulated by adult HFD consumption, which may influence the metabolic and neurological consequences of maternal OPFR exposure.
Citronellal ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced hepatotoxicity via antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis, and proangiogenesis in rats
Authors: Liu Xu , Qiu Yue , Liu Yanhua , Huang Ning , Hua Cai , Wang Qianqian , Wu Zeqing , Lu Junxiu , Song Ping , Xu Jian , Li Peng , Yin Yaling 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDoxorubicin (DOX) is a very effective broad‐spectrum anticancer drug, yet its clinical application is badly restricted due to its serious side effects. Citronellal (CT), a specialized metabolite of plants found in Cymbopogon spp., is proved to exhibit many beneficial properties. In the current study, we intended to investigate the effect of CT on DOX‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were treated with CT (200 mg/kg b.w./day orally), and given DOX (2.5 mg/kg b.w./week, intraperitoneally) to induce hepatotoxicity for six consecutive weeks. The results showed that CT administration could attenuate the DOX‐induced pathological changes of liver tissues and ameliorated the inappropriate alteration of liver function biomarkers (serum glutamic aspartate aminotransferase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and albumin) in serum and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) in the liver. Moreover, CT mitigated the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression to inhibit cell apoptosis. Further study indicated that CT therapy could enhance the protein levels of p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, and CD31 in the liver. These results demonstrate that CT can ameliorate DOX‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats mediated by antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis, and proangiogenesis.
Effect of long‐term treatment with a mixture of pyrethroids on the expression of genes that govern male germ cell production in rats
Authors: Ravula Anandha R. , Yenugu Suresh 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHumans are exposed to pyrethroid‐based pesticides through agricultural produce. In this study, male Wistar rats were orally treated for 9 to 12 months with a mixture of pyrethroids that is equivalent to one‐fifth (high dose; HD) or one‐twenty fifth (low dose; LD) of the amount of pyrethroids present in the cereals and rice consumed by an average Indian. In rats treated for 9 months, the spermatogenesis‐associated genes Abp, Ar, Cd9, Dax1, Dazap1, Ddx3y, Gdnf, Gfra1, Grth, Inhb, Ovol1, P1, Plzf, Pygo2, Scf, Tgfb1, Tp1, Tp2, and Vim1 were downregulated in both LD and HD groups. In rats treated for 12 months Gdnf, Hsf2, Inhb, Tgfb1, Thy1, and Ybx2 expression was downregulated in both LD and HD groups. Steroidogenesis‐associated genes 17‐β‐Hsd, Gata4, Hmgcr, Hmgcs1, Pde4b, and Tspo gene expression were reduced in both LD‐ and HD‐treated groups treated for 9 months. In 12‐month‐treated rats, Creb1 expression decreased in both LD and HD groups. The epigenetic reprogramming‐associated genes, Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Hdac10, Hp1bp3, Kat3a Kat3b, Mch2ta, Ncoa7, and Sirt1 were downregulated in both HD and LD groups of 9‐months‐treated rats. In rats treated for 12 months, Hdac10, Mch2ta, Ncoa7, and Sirt1 messenger RNA levels decreased in both the HD and LD groups. Thus, we demonstrate that long‐term exposure to a mixture of pyrethroids caused aberrations in the transcriptome of factors involved in sperm production and development.
SCF FBXW17 E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates FBXL19 stability and cell migration
Authors: Dong Su , Wei Jianxin , Bowser Rachel K. , Chen Bill B. , Mallampalli Rama K. , Miao Jiaxing , Ye Qinmao , Tran Kevin C. , Zhao Yutong , Zhao Jing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Skp1‐Cul1‐F‐box protein (SCF) E3 ligase complex is one of the largest ubiquitin E3 ligase families. FBXL19, a F‐box protein in SCFFBXL19 E3 ligase complex, regulates a variety of cellular responses including cell migration. We have shown that FBXL19 is not stable and its degradation is mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome system, while the ubiquitin E3 ligase for FBXL19 ubiquitination and degradation has not been identified. In the study, we discovered that a new ubiquitin E3 ligase, SCFFBXW17, ubiquitinates and induces FBXL19 degradation. Exogenous FBXW17 targets FBXL19 for its ubiquitination and degradation. Lysine 114 in FBXL19 is a potential ubiquitin acceptor site. Acetylation of FBXL19 attenuated SCFFBXW17‐mediated FBXL19 degradation. SCFFBXL19 E3 ligase reduced Rac1 levels and cell migration, while the effects were attenuated by exogenous FBXW17. Downregulation of FBXW17 attenuated lysophosphatidic acid‐induced lamellipodia formation and Rac1 accumulation at migration leading edge. Taken together with our previous studies, FBXL19 is degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system and its site‐specific ubiquitination is mediated by SCFFBXW17 E3 ligase, which promotes cell migration.
Zebrafish hhatla is involved in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Shi Xingjuan , Zhang Yu , Gong Yijie , Chen Mengying , Brand‐Arzamendi Koroboshka , Liu Xiangdong , Wen Xiao‐Yan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCardiac hypertrophy is a compensatory response to pathological stimuli, ultimately progresses to cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden death. Although many signaling pathways have been reported to be involved in the hypertrophic process, it is still not fully clear about the underlying molecular mechanisms for cardiac hypertrophy. Hedgehog acyltransferase‐like (Hhatl), a sarcoplasmic reticulum‐resident protein, exhibits high expression in the heart and muscle. However, the biological role of Hhatl in the heart remains unknown. In this study, we first found that the expression level of Hhatl is markedly decreased in cardiac hypertrophy. We further studied the role of hhatla, homolog of Hhatl with the zebrafish model. The depletion of hhatla in zebrafish leads to cardiac defects, as well as an enhanced level of hypertrophic markers. Besides, we found that calcineurin signaling participates in hhatla depletion‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. Together, these results demonstrate a critical role for hhatla in cardiac hypertrophy.
Unraveling the mechanisms of lead adsorption and ageing process on high‐temperature biochar
Authors: Encinas‐Vázquez Alfonso , Quezada‐Renteria Javier Alan , Cervantes Francisco J , Pérez‐Rábago Carlos A , Molina‐Freaner Francisco E , Pat‐Espadas Aurora M , Estrada Claudio A 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe synthesis gas or hydrogen‐rich gas, at longer residence times and higher temperatures, is frequently the target of pyrolysis biomass. Biochars obtained at such conditions contain less functional groups but they are more effective for longer‐term soil C storage. The aim of this study was to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms and the effect of the ageing process on high‐temperature biochar towards lead adsorption. The biochars under study were produced from the pyrolysis of almond wood and olive tree pruning.RESULTSThe almond hardwood biochar was the most susceptible to the oxidation process. This biochar exhibited higher carbon loss than the olive biochar, 22.07% and 11.76%, respectively. The adsorption process was better described by the Langmuir model and pseudo‐second order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity decreased from 40.3 to 24.8 mg g–1 after the oxidation process for almond‐derived biochar and remained unchanged for the olive‐biochar. Analyses demonstrated that 67% of the adsorbed Pb2+ was removed through complexation by oxygen functionalities and phosphorous compounds. After the oxidation process, this fraction accounted for only 45% of the adsorbed Pb2+, ion exchange and cation‐π being the most prominent mechanisms for the adsorption.CONCLUSIONBiochar oxidation could cause the mobilization of 30% of the adsorbed lead under acid conditions. Special attention should be given to biochar's intrinsic properties, such as O/C and H/C ratio, for the application of these materials in the treatment of contaminated soil. High‐temperature biochars would offer the additional advantage of managing the remediation of scenarios with low pH. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
The functions of EZH2 in immune cells: Principles for novel immunotherapies
Authors: Shao Fang-Fei , Chen Bo-Jin , Wu Guo-Qing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEnhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is aberrantly expressed or mutated in multiple types of cancer cells and plays an oncogenic role in tumorigenesis and development in most cancers. Results from pilot clinical studies have implied that EZH2 inhibitors have therapeutic potential against some cancers. However, the exact mechanisms by which EZH2 plays oncogenic roles and EZH2 inhibition exerts anticancer effects are incompletely understood. To date, the findings of studies focusing on EZH2 and cancer cells have failed to fully explain the observations in preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, recent studies about the roles of EZH2 in cancers have shifted from cancer cells to immune cells. The human immune system is a complex network comprising multiple subpopulations of immune cells. Immune cells communicate and interact with cancer cells during cancer development and treatment, dictating the fate of cancer cells. Elucidating the roles of EZH2 in immune cells, especially in cancer patients, promises the identification of novel immunotherapeutic strategies or priming of existing immunotherapies against cancer. Hence, we reviewed the studies focusing on the involvement of EZH2 in various immune cells, aiming to provide ideas for immunotherapies targeting EZH2 in immune cells.
Frontline Science: COVID-19 infection induces readily detectable morphologic and inflammation-related phenotypic changes in peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Zhang Dan , Guo Rui , Lei Lei , Liu Hongjuan , Wang Yawen , Wang Yili , Qian Hongbo , Dai Tongxin , Zhang Tianxiao , Lai Yanjun , Wang Jingya , Liu Zhiqiang , Chen Tianyan , He Aili , O’Dwyer Michael , Hu Jinsong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Excessive monocyte/macrophage activation with the development of a cytokine storm and subsequent acute lung injury, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is a feared consequence of infection with COVID-19. The ability to recognize and potentially intervene early in those patients at greatest risk of developing this complication could be of great clinical utility. In this study, we performed flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood samples from 34 COVID-19 patients in early 2020 in an attempt to identify factors that could help predict the severity of disease and patient outcome. Although we did not detect significant differences in the number of monocytes between patients with COVID-19 and normal healthy individuals, we did identify significant morphologic and functional differences, which are more pronounced in patients requiring prolonged hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Patients with COVID-19 have larger than normal monocytes, easily identified on forward scatter (FSC), side scatter analysis by routine flow cytometry, with the presence of a distinct population of monocytes with high FSC (FSC-high). On more detailed analysis, these CD14+CD16+, FSC-high monocytes show features of mixed M1/M2 macrophage polarization with higher expression of CD80+ and CD206+ compared with the residual FSC-low monocytes and secretion of higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, when compared with the normal controls. In conclusion, the detection and serial monitoring of this subset of inflammatory monocytes using flow cytometry could be of great help in guiding the prognostication and treatment of patients with COVID-19 and merits further evaluation.
3D heart morphological changes in response to developmental temperature in zebrafish: More than ventricle roundness
Authors: Dimitriadi Anastasia , Geladakis George , Koumoundouros George 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA new, three‐dimensional geometric morphometric approach was assessed to study the effect of developmental temperature on fish heart shape utilizing geometric morphometrics of three‐dimensional landmarks captured on digitally reconstructed zebrafish hearts. This study reports the first three‐dimensional analysis of the fish heart and demonstrates significant shape modifications occurring after three developmental temperature treatments (TD = 24, 28 or 32°C) at two distinct developmental stages (juvenile and adult fish). Elevation of TD induced ventricle roundness in juveniles, males and females. Furthermore, significant differences that have not been described so far in heart morphometric indices (i.e., ventricle sphericity, bulbus arteriosus elongation and relative location, heart asymmetry) were identified. Sex proved to be a significant regulating factor of heart shape plasticity in response to TD. This methodology offers unique benefits by providing a more precise representation of heart shape changes in response to developmental temperature that are otherwise not discernable with the previously described two‐dimensional methods. Our work provides the first evidence of three‐dimensional shape alterations of the zebrafish heart adding to the emerging rationale of temperature‐driven plastic responses of global warming and seasonal temperature disturbances in wild fish populations and in other ectothermic vertebrates as well (amphibians and reptiles).
Effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations on protein structures and intraviral protein–protein interactions
Authors: Wu Siqi , Tian Chang , Liu Panpan , Guo Dongjie , Zheng Wei , Huang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Yang , Liu Lijun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSince 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has infected 10 millions of people across the globe, and massive mutations in virus genome have occurred during the rapid spread of this novel coronavirus. Variance in protein sequence might lead to a change in protein structure and interaction, then further affect the viral physiological characteristics, which could bring tremendous influence on the pandemic. In this study, we investigated 20 nonsynonymous mutations in the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome in which incidence rates were all ≥ 1% as of September 1st, 2020, and then modeled and analyzed the mutant protein structures. The results showed that four types of mutations caused dramatic changes in protein structures (RMSD ≥ 5.0 Å), which were Q57H and G251V in open‐reading frames 3a (ORF3a), S194L, and R203K/G204R in nucleocapsid (N). Next, we found that these mutations also affected the binding affinity of intraviral protein interactions. In addition, the hot spots within these docking mutant complexes were altered, among which the mutation Q57H was involved in both Orf3a–S and Orf3a–Orf8 protein interactions. Besides, these mutations were widely distributed all over the world, and their occurrences fluctuated as time went on. Notably, the incidences of R203K/G204R in N and Q57H in Orf3a were both over 50% in some countries. Overall, our findings suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations could change viral protein structure, binding affinity, and hot spots of the interface, thereby might have impacts on SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID‐19.
Responses of the East Asian summer monsoon to aerosol forcing in CMIP5 models: The role of upper‐tropospheric temperature change
Authors: Mu Junyu , Wang Zhili 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe quantitatively distinguish the fast and slow responses of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) to aerosol forcing using the outputs from 16 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The mechanism of the EASM change due to aerosol forcing is then evaluated from the perspective of upper‐tropospheric temperature change. The results show that aerosol forcing leads to the weakening of the EASM circulation and decreases in precipitation. The aerosol‐induced fast atmospheric response dominates the weakening of EASM and the decreased precipitation over the eastern China. In the fast response, upper‐tropospheric cooling in the mid‐latitudes of East Asia during summer changes the circulation structure, thereby causing the weakening of the EASM. The formation of upper‐tropospheric cooling is closely related to the eastward propagation of atmospheric cooling caused by aerosol forcing in Europe and the resulting change in local meridional heat transport. The slow ocean‐mediated response to aerosol forcing partially offsets the weakening of the EASM over the eastern China in the fast response. In the slow response, southwesterly wind is enhanced and precipitation is increased over the eastern China, while southwesterly wind is weakened over the northwestern Pacific and the South China Sea, which dominates the decrease in precipitation over the oceans. The aerosol‐induced changes of land–sea thermal contrasts further confirm that the decrease of upper‐tropospheric land–sea thermal contrasts over East Asia in the fast response plays a key role in driving the weakening of the EASM.
Neanderthal last stand? Thoughts on Iberian refugia in late MIS 3
Authors: Straus Lawrence Guy 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThe history of the idea of Neanderthal/Mousterian refugia on the Iberian Peninsula over the past three decades is reviewed. Despite the recent re‐datings of several key sites that have cast doubt on late survivals, it continues to seem to be the case that Aurignacian (sensu lato) industries appeared relatively early in northern Spain, but not in southern Spain or Portugal. Although arguments for extremely late survival in Gibraltar are questioned, new information from sites in Murcia and a more conservative reading of the Gorham's Cave record seem to support the thesis of late Middle Paleolithic survival and late early Upper Paleolithic arrival in the south. Major problems continue to be the lack of either Neanderthal or Cro‐Magnon human remains of late Middle Paleolithic or early Upper Paleolithic age in Iberia and the ambiguity of the Châtelperronian record in northern Spain.