bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equity return predictability, its determinants, and profitable trading strategies
Authors: Rahman Md Lutfur , Khan Mahbub , Vigne Samuel A. , Uddin Gazi Salah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper explains cross‐market variations in the degree of return predictability using the extreme bounds analysis (EBA). The EBA addresses model uncertainty in identifying robust determinant(s) of cross‐sectional return predictability. Additionally, the paper develops two profitable trading strategies based on return predictability evidence. The result reveals that among the 13 determinants of the cross‐sectional variation of return predictability, only value of stock traded (a measure of liquidity) is found to have robust explanatory power by Leamer's (1985) EBA. However, Sala‐i‐Martin's (1997) EBA reports that value of stock traded, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, level of information and communication technology (ICT) development, governance quality, and corruption perception are robust determinants. We further find that a strategy of buying (selling) aggregate market portfolios of the countries with the highest positive (negative) return predictability statistic in the past 24 months generates statistically significant positive returns in the subsequent 3 to 12 months. In the individual country level, a trading rule of buying (selling) the respective country's aggregate market portfolio, when the return predictability statistic turns out positive (negative), outperforms the conventional buy‐and‐hold strategy for many countries.
Chromosomal instability upregulates interferon in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jin Ning , Lera Robert F. , Yan Rachel E. , Guo Fen , Oxendine Kim , Horner Vanessa L. , Hu Yang , Wan Jun , Mattison Ryan J. , Weaver Beth A. , Burkard Mark E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChromosome instability (CIN) generates genetic and karyotypic diversity that is common in hematological malignancies. Low to moderate levels of CIN are well tolerated and can promote cancer proliferation. However, high levels of CIN are lethal. Thus, CIN may serve both as a prognostic factor to predict clinical outcome and as a predictive biomarker. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate CIN in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chromosome mis‐segregation frequency was correlated with clinical outcome in bone marrow core biopsy specimens from 17 AML cases. Additionally, we induced chromosome segregation errors in AML cell lines with AZ3146, an inhibitor of the Mps1 mitotic checkpoint kinase, to quantify the phenotypic effects of high CIN. We observed a broad distribution of chromosome mis‐segregation frequency in AML bone marrow core specimens. High CIN correlated with complex karyotype in AML, as expected, although there was no clear survival effect. In addition to CIN, experimentally inducing chromosome segregation errors by Mps1 inhibition in AML cell lines causes DNA damage, micronuclei formation, and upregulation of interferon stimulated genes. High levels of CIN appear to be immunostimulatory, suggesting an opportunity to combine mitotic checkpoint inhibitors with immunotherapy in treatment of AML.
Photovoltaic system configurations: an occupational health and safety assessment
Authors: Erten Begum , Utlu Zafer 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThere is an attempt to reduce CO2 emissions caused by the use of fossil fuel worldwide and the negative consequences of global warming. Thus, renewable energy systems (RES) are an alternative for reducing fossil fuel use. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it is also important to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability in the resources and systems used to achieve targets to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing RES use. Solar energy systems have an important share in RES investments and their scope of use is becoming widespread. However, employment rates are also increasing. Hence, the issue of protecting employees also gains importance. Moreover, photovoltaic (PV) systems require an accurate risk management process with a holistic approach since the design phase. Therefore, occupational health and safety (OHS) studies should be seen as an integral part of the whole. In this study, regulations and standards related to OHS in PV systems have been investigated. Studies have been evaluated in terms of human health, environmental, and economic effects. Regulations vary according to countries’ energy policies. Therefore, solutions are offered with national approaches to global problems. In this respect, the arrangements made at the national level have been investigated in Turkey and field observations have been made from an OHS perspective. The aim of this study is to support a holistic approach to the hazards and risks in PV systems and the sustainability of the systems. In this regard, the need for an inclusive basic guide is emphasized and a contribution is made to proactive approaches. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employee stock options and the flawed use of the Black–Scholes option pricing model
Authors: Le Guyader Louis P. , Meyer Thomas O. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article studies a well‐known, and flawed, use of the Black–Scholes model in reporting. It achieves two principal goals. First, it reports our critical analysis into the topic resulting from the combination of our fields’ expertise in it. Second, we report our study into an as‐yet undocumented example of that flaw. The flawed use of Black–Scholes leads to mark‐to‐model measurements errors in reporting, most notably in Earnings. Our analysis covers the major sources of the resulting mis‐measurement: the mismatch between the parametrization of Black–Scholes models versus the legal formulation of ESO contract terms; and the alteration of the models’ inputs mandated by regulators. These regulators asserted that the unavoidably incorrect values would be “sufficient” for reporting. Our study examines the infrequently studied “risk‐free rate” input to demonstrate that resulting mis‐measurements are readily quantifiable. We expect to continue this research into our fields’ disagreements on the use of the Black–Scholes class of option pricing models for reporting.
Two‐step calcination synthesis of Z‐scheme α‐Fe2O3/few‐layer g‐C3N4 composite with enhanced hydrogen production and photodegradation under visible light
Authors: Hou Minshuai , Cui Lifeng , Su Fengyun , Dong Xinfa , Dang Haifeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSolar photocatalytic technology is of great significance for adjusting energy structure and environmental improvement. Developing an efficient and low‐cost photocatalyst is key to realizing the conversion of solar to chemical energy. In this study, α‐Fe2O3‐modified few‐layer g‐C3N4 hybrids (α‐Fe2O3/FL g‐C3N4) were successfully prepared by a two‐step calcination route with a mixture of α‐Fe2O3 and melamine. The samples were characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, UV–Vis absorption spectrum, photoluminescence, and Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy; furthermore, their photoelectrochemical measurements and their photocatalytic performances were evaluated by visible light‐driven hydrogen evolution and degradation of RhB. The results showed that the hydrogen production activity and degradation ability of α‐Fe2O3/FL g‐C3N4 were significantly enhanced compared with those of α‐Fe2O3/multilayer g‐C3N4 (α‐Fe2O3/ML g‐C3N4) and FL g‐C3N4. The enhanced photoactivities were mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between the increased visible‐light absorption, enhanced surface area, and highly efficient electron transfer and separation on the Z‐type heterojunction interface. This work not only provides evidence for the formation of FL g‐C3N4 nanosheets using a thermal exfoliation method but also provides new insights into the interfacial charge carrier dynamics of Z‐scheme α‐Fe2O3/FL g‐C3N4 heterostructures for photocatalytic H2 generation and pollutant degradation.
Cytoskeletal regulation of dendritic cells: An intricate balance between migration and presentation for tumor therapy
Authors: Oliveira Mariana M S , Westerberg Lisa S 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are the main players in many approaches for cancer therapy. The idea with DC tumor therapy is to promote activation of tumor infiltrating cytotoxic T cells that kill tumor cells. This requires that DCs take up tumor Ag and present peptides on MHC class I molecules in a process called cross-presentation. For this process to be efficient, DCs have to migrate to the tumor draining lymph node and there activate the machinery for cross-presentation. In this review, we will discuss recent progress in understanding the role of actin regulators for control of DC migration and Ag presentation. The potential to target actin regulators for better DC-based tumor therapy will also be discussed.
Innate lymphoid cell and adaptive immune cell cross-talk: A talk meant not to forget
Authors: Kumar V 
Published: June 2020

AbstractInnate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a relatively new class of innate immune cells with phenotypical characters of lymphocytes but genotypically or functionally behave as typical innate immune cells. They have been classically divided into 3 groups (group 1 ILCs or ILC1s, group 2 ILCs or ILC2s, and group 3 ILCs or ILC3s). They serve as the first line of defense against invading pathogens and allergens at mucosal surfaces. The adaptive immune response works effectively in association with innate immunity as innate immune cells serve as APCs to directly stimulate the adaptive immune cells (various sets of T and B cells). Additionally, innate immune cells also secrete various effector molecules, including cytokines or chemokines impacting the function, differentiation, proliferation, and reprogramming among adaptive immune cells to maintain immune homeostasis. Only superantigens do not require their processing by innate immune cells as they are recognized directly by T cells and B cells. Thus, a major emphasis of the current article is to describe the cross-talk between different ILCs and adaptive immune cells during different conditions varying from normal physiological situations to different infectious diseases to allergic asthma.
Variation in soil geochemical properties and microbial communities in areas under land developed for educational use (university and other campuses)
Authors: Teng Yong , Zhou Qixing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDuring land development, some important changes take place in the soil environment. Understanding these responses is of great significance for solving local and global environmental issues caused during land development. Till now, studies within education parks or university/college towns, especially inside and outside of a campus, were rarely reported. Herein, treating a campus as a semi‐open and coupled system, we collected soil samples (109 sites) inside and outside of a campus to reveal the variation in their soil‐geochemical parameters, available microelements, and microbial communities. Results shown that soil samples inside of the campus had lower pH (p < .05), and had 0.6–0.9‐times as much soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (TN/TP/TK), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N), and available phosphorus/potassium (AvP/AvK) as samples from outside. However, most of the available microelements (ExchCa, AvMn, AvCu, AvSi and AvS) were slightly higher (1.0–1.2‐times) than for soil samples collected from outside, except for exchangeable magnesium (ExchMg), available iron and boron (AvFe and AvB). The soil microbial communities (8 phylum and 10 genus with the relative abundance ≥1%) possessed higher richness but lower diversity inside of the campus. This study provides an insight into responses of soil environments where there is land development for education.
Effects of lake warming on the seasonal risk of toxic cyanobacteria exposure
Authors: Hayes Nicole M. , Haig Heather A. , Simpson Gavin L. , Leavitt Peter R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIncidence of elevated harmful algal blooms and concentrations of microcystin are increasing globally as a result of human‐mediated changes in land use and climate. However, few studies document changes in the seasonal and interannual concentrations of microcystin in lakes. Here, we modeled 11 yr of biweekly microcystin data from six lakes to characterize the seasonal patterns in microcystin concentration and to ascertain if there were pronounced changes in the patterns of potential human exposure to microcystin in lakes of central North America. Bayesian time series analysis with generalized additive models found evidence for a regional increase in microcystin maxima and duration but recorded high variation among lakes. During the past decade, warmer temperatures, but not nutrient levels, led to a marked increase in the number of days when concentrations exceeded drinking and recreational water thresholds set by the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Imaging the In Vivo Degradation of Tissue Engineering Implants by Use of Supramolecular Radiopaque Biomaterials
Authors: Talacua Hanna , Söntjens Serge H. M. , Thakkar Shraddha H. , Brizard Aurelie M. A. , van Herwerden Lex A. , Vink Aryan , van Almen Geert C. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Janssen Henk M. , Kluin Jolanda 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFor in situ tissue engineering (TE) applications it is important that implant degradation proceeds in concord with neo‐tissue formation to avoid graft failure. It will therefore be valuable to have an imaging contrast agent (CA) available that can report on the degrading implant. For this purpose, a biodegradable radiopaque biomaterial is presented, modularly composed of a bisurea chain‐extended polycaprolactone (PCL2000‐U4U) elastomer and a novel iodinated bisurea‐modified CA additive (I‐U4U). Supramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the components ensure their intimate mixing. Porous implant TE‐grafts are prepared by simply electrospinning a solution containing PCL2000‐U4U and I‐U4U. Rats receive an aortic interposition graft, either composed of only PCL2000‐U4U (control) or of PCL2000‐U4U and I‐U4U (test). The grafts are explanted for analysis at three time points over a 1‐month period. Computed tomography imaging of the test group implants prior to explantation shows a decrease in iodide volume and density over time. Explant analysis also indicates scaffold degradation. (Immuno)histochemistry shows comparable cellular contents and a similar neo‐tissue formation process for test and control group, demonstrating that the CA does not have apparent adverse effects. A supramolecular approach to create solid radiopaque biomaterials can therefore be used to noninvasively monitor the biodegradation of synthetic implants.
PasT of Escherichia coli sustains antibiotic tolerance and aerobic respiration as a bacterial homolog of mitochondrial Coq10
Authors: Fino Cinzia , Vestergaard Martin , Ingmer Hanne , Pierrel Fabien , Gerdes Kenn , Harms Alexander 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAntibiotic‐tolerant persisters are often implicated in treatment failure of chronic and relapsing bacterial infections, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained elusive. Controversies revolve around the relative contribution of specific genetic switches called toxin–antitoxin (TA) modules and global modulation of cellular core functions such as slow growth. Previous studies on uropathogenic Escherichia coli observed impaired persister formation for mutants lacking the pasTI locus that had been proposed to encode a TA module. Here, we show that pasTI is not a TA module and that the supposed toxin PasT is instead the bacterial homolog of mitochondrial protein Coq10 that enables the functionality of the respiratory electron carrier ubiquinone as a “lipid chaperone.” Consistently, pasTI mutants show pleiotropic phenotypes linked to defective electron transport such as decreased membrane potential and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. We link impaired persister formation of pasTI mutants to a global distortion of cellular stress responses due to defective respiration. Remarkably, the ectopic expression of human coq10 largely complements the respiratory defects and decreased persister levels of pasTI mutants. Our work suggests that PasT/Coq10 has a central role in respiratory electron transport that is conserved from bacteria to humans and sustains bacterial tolerance to antibiotics.
Vibrios from the Norwegian marine environment: Characterization of associated antibiotic resistance and virulence genes
Authors: Håkonsholm Fredrik , Lunestad Bjørn Tore , Aguirre Sánchez Jose Roberto , Martinez‐Urtaza Jaime , Marathe Nachiket Prakash , Svanevik Cecilie Smith 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA total of 116 Vibrio isolates comprising V. alginolyticus (n = 53), V. metschnikovii (n = 38), V. anguillarum (n = 21), V. antiquarius (n = 2), and V. fujianensis (n = 2) were obtained from seawater, fish, or bivalve molluscs from temperate Oceanic and Polar Oceanic area around Norway. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed resistance or reduced susceptibility to ampicillin (74%), oxolinic acid (33%), imipenem (21%), aztreonam (19%), and tobramycin (17%). Whole‐genome sequence analysis of eighteen drug‐resistant isolates revealed the presence of genes like β‐lactamases, chloramphenicol‐acetyltransferases, and genes conferring tetracycline and quinolone resistance. The strains also carried virulence genes like hlyA, tlh, rtxA to D and aceA, E and F. The genes for cholerae toxin (ctx), thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), or zonula occludens toxin (zot) were not detected in any of the isolates. The present study shows low prevalence of multidrug resistance and absence of virulence genes of high global concern among environmental vibrios in Norway. However, in the light of climate change, and projected rising sea surface temperatures, even in the cold temperate areas, there is a need for frequent monitoring of resistance and virulence in vibrios to be prepared for future public health challenges.
Comparison of BOLD and CBV using 3D EPI and 3D GRASE for cortical layer functional MRI at 7 T
Authors: Beckett Alexander J. S. , Dadakova Tetiana , Townsend Jennifer , Huber Laurentius , Park Suhyung , Feinberg David A. 
Published: June 2020

PurposeFunctional MRI (fMRI) at the mesoscale of cortical layers and columns requires both sensitivity and specificity, the latter of which can be compromised if the imaging method is affected by vascular artifacts, particularly cortical draining veins at the pial surface. Recent studies have shown that cerebral blood volume (CBV) imaging is more specific to the actual laminar locus of neural activity than BOLD imaging using standard gradient‐echo EPI sequences. Gradient and spin‐echo (GRASE) BOLD imaging has also shown greater specificity when compared with standard gradient‐echo EPI BOLD. Here we directly compare CBV and BOLD contrasts in high‐resolution imaging of the primary motor cortex for laminar functional MRI in four combinations of signal labeling, CBV using slice‐selective slab‐inversion vascular space occupancy (VASO) and BOLD, each with 3D gradient‐echo EPI and zoomed 3D‐GRASE image readouts.MethodsActivations were measured using each sequence and contrast combination during a motor task. Activation profiles across cortical depth were measured to assess the sensitivity and specificity (pial bias) of each method.ResultsBoth CBV imaging using gradient‐echo 3D‐EPI and BOLD imaging using 3D‐GRASE show similar specificity and sensitivity and are therefore useful tools for mesoscopic functional MRI in the human cortex. The combination of GRASE and VASO did not demonstrate high levels of sensitivity, nor show increased specificity.ConclusionThree‐dimensional EPI with VASO contrast and 3D‐GRASE with BOLD contrast both demonstrate sufficient sensitivity and specificity for laminar functional MRI to be used by neuroscientists in a wide range of investigations of depth‐dependent neural circuitry in the human brain.
Electrical resistivity monitoring of river–groundwater interactions in a Chalk river and neighbouring riparian zone
Authors: McLachlan P. , Chambers J. , Uhlemann S. , Sorensen J. , Binley A. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTIn the past several decades, there has been considerable interest in groundwater–surface water interactions and their ability to regulate and cycle nutrients and pollutants. These interactions are spatially and temporally complex, but electrical resistivity imaging can be a useful tool for their characterization. Here, an electrical resistivity imaging monitoring array was installed laterally across a groundwater‐dominated Chalk river and into the adjacent riparian wetland; data were collected over a period of 1 year. Independent inversions of data from the entire transect were performed to account for the changing river stage and river water conductivity. Additionally, data from just the riparian zone were inverted using a temporally constrained inversion, and the correlation between the riparian zone resistivity patterns and river stage was assessed using time‐series analysis. The river stage and the Chalk groundwater level followed similar patterns throughout the year, and both exhibited a sharp drop following cutting of in‐stream vegetation. For the independent inversions, fixing the river resistivity led to artifacts, which prevented reliable interpretation of dynamics in the riverbed. However, the resistivity structure of the riparian zone coincided well with the intrusively derived boundary between the peat and the gravel present at the field site. Time‐series analysis of the inverted riparian zone models permitted identification of seven units with distinct hydrological resistivity dynamics (five zones within the peat and two within the gravel). The resistivity patterns in the gravel were predominantly controlled by up‐welling of resistive groundwater and the down‐welling of more conductive peat waters following the river vegetation cutting event. In comparison, although the vegetation cutting influenced the resistivity dynamics in the peat zones, the resistivity dynamics were also influenced by precipitation events and increasing pore‐water conductivity, likely arising from biological processes. It is evident that such approaches combining electrical resistivity imaging and time‐series analysis are useful for understanding the spatial extent and timing of hydrological processes to aid in the better characterization of groundwater‐surface water interactions.