bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agency Cost and Credit Risk Management: Empirical Evidence from Listed Commercial Banks in Nigeria
Authors: Ayunku Peter E. , Uzochukwu Akwarandu 
Published: September 2020

This study explores the relationship between agency cost and credit risk of quoted commercial banks in Nigeria. Five hypotheses were formulated following the dependent variable of credit risk which we proxy as non-performing loan. The independent variables employed for this study include agency cost, profitability, income diversification, corporate governance and firm leverage. This study is based on ex-post facto research design and made use of panel data set collected from twelve (12) quoted commercial banks within thirteen years of 2007 and 2019 financial year. We analyzed the data set using a random effect regression analysis. The result showed that agency cost which is measured as managerial inefficiency is strongly and positively related to the non-performing loan of commercial banks in Nigeria during the period under investigation. However, in light of the obtained result, we recommend that bank managers in Nigeria should take a keen look at the activities that make up agency cost. Hence, they should consider new policies that will lower the size of its agency cost to reduce the level of nonperforming loans which will ultimately create room for greater profit.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Based on Agro-Morphological Traits
Authors: Mohanty Tushar Arun , Singh Umesh Kumar , Singh Satish Kumar , Singh Digvijay , Kushwaha Nitesh 
Published: September 2020

Genetic divergence among parents is of paramount importance in selecting them for hybridization programme for crop improvement. Genetic divergence was assessed among 30 sesame genotypes which were evaluated in RBD with an objective to classify and understand the nature and magnitude of genetic diversity with regard to grain yield, yield components and quality traits using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The genotypes differed significantly regarding the characters studied and displayed marked divergence and were grouped into four clusters following Tocher’s method. Cluster I had twenty-seven genotypes while the Cluster II, cluster III and cluster IV were monogenotypic comprised only one genotype each. The oil content exhibited maximum contribution towards divergence. The maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster III and IV (2717.76) followed by cluster I and IV (1760.59), cluster II and III (991.96), cluster I and II (695.67), cluster I and III (637.32) and cluster II and IV (584.59) indicating the chances of getting high yielding recombinants would be better if the crosses are made among the genotypes of these groups under timely sown condition. The genotypes in cluster III and cluster IV, due to maximum inter cluster distance between them, exhibited high degree of genetic diversity and thus may be utilized under inter varietal hybridization programme (transgressive breeding) for getting high yielding recombinants. The analysis of divergence indicated significant differences among parental lines for all the agro-morphological characters. Based on results obtained in the present investigation, it is concluded that the allelic diversity can be used for future breeding program. The traits under study are largely associated with each other and should be taken into consideration either simultaneously or alone for selecting a high yielding sesame genotype.
Corchorus olitorius Extract Attenuate Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Injury via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress, Arrhythmia and Pro-Apoptotic Protein Bax Expression
Authors: Alabi Babatunde Adebola , Omobowale Temidayo Olutayo , Oyagbemi Ademola , Emmanuel Ileri-Oluwa Busayo , Adedapo Adeolu , Fagbemi Oluwole , Iwalewa Olugbenga 
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim: Corchorus olitorius (CO) leaf was reported to possess abundant antioxidants and used in the traditional treatment of heart disease. Previous studies revealed the protective roles of antioxidants against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are important underlying pathogenesis of myocardial injury that leads to infarction and heart failure. Therefore, CO leaf was chosen to evaluate its cardio-protective effects against ischemic-induced myocardial injury.
Materials and Methods: Thirty male rats (Wistar strains) were divided into five groups (n = 6): normal control group, myocardial injury control group, pretreatment groups (250 and 500 mg/kg), positive control group (10 mg/kg enalapril). After pre-treatment of rats with ethanol leaf extract of CO for 19 days, Isoprenaline (100 mg/kg) administration induced acute myocardial injury and parameters like blood pressure, electrocardiogram, lipid peroxidation, antioxidants were assessed and tissue subjected to histological evaluations.
Results: Isoproterenol given through subcutaneous significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood pressure and electrocardiography showed reduced p-interval and prolongation of QRS-interval in rats. The extract significantly increased the blood pressure and p-interval, QRS-interval were significantly reduced. The significant increase in tissue malondialdehyde, serum myeloperoxidase, creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase and expression of Bax in the infarction control rats was decreased (p<0.05) in pre-treatment rats. Pre-treatment also increased glutathione-s-transferase, reduced glutathione and non-protein thiol level significantly. In contrast to cardio-injury control, histology showed mild level of inflammation and fatty infiltration in pre-treated rats.
Conclusion: This study showed the protective role of ethanol extract of CO against myocardial injury through anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic effect.
Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders as an Occupational Hazard among Periodontists in India – A Questionnaire Based Survey
Authors: Ketkar Gaurav N. , Malaiappan Sankari 
Published: September 2020

Ergonomics can be defined as a discipline that studies workers and their relationship to their occupational environment. To prevent musculoskeletal disorders which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability proper ergonomic design is necessary. Periodontal work covers most of the areas in the oral cavity including distal aspects of posterior teeth which are difficult to approach. Hence preventing work related strain was of greater significance in ensuring long term successful practice as a periodontists. The purpose of this survey was to assess the knowledge attitude and practice of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders as an occupational hazard in periodontists in India .A survey was conducted among 150 periodontists in India in which 120 periodontists responded. The survey was distributed through questionnaire printouts and electronic media. The data was collected, analysed and interpreted. The results suggested that 85% of the periodontists had adequate knowledge and attitude towards ergonomics, however the practical application was not as satisfactory. This survey concludes that the knowledge and attitude of periodontists in India regarding ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders as an occupational hazard is good overall, but the practice is needs some improvement.
Molecular and clinicopathological characteristics of ROS1‐rearranged non‐small‐cell lung cancers identified by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Cui Meiying , Han Yuchen , Li Pan , Zhang Jianying , Ou Qiuxiang , Tong Xiaoling , Zhao Ruiying , Dong Nan , Wu Xue , Li Wencai , Jiang Guozhong 
Published: September 2020

ROS1 gene rearrangements have been reported in diverse cancer types including non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and with a notably higher prevalence in lung adenocarcinoma. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors, crizotinib, lorlatinib, and entrectinib, have demonstrated favorable efficacy in treating ROS1‐rearranged NSCLCs. Herein, we retrospectively reviewed 17 158 NSCLC patients whose tumor specimen and/or circulating cell‐free DNA underwent comprehensive genomic profiling. A total of 258 unique patients were identified with ROS1 rearrangements, representing an overall prevalence of approximately 1.5% of ROS1 fusions in newly diagnosed and relapsed NSCLC patients. CD74 (38%) was the most common fusion partner of ROS1, followed by EZR (13%), SDC4 (13%), SLC34A2 (10%), and other recurrent fusion partners with lower frequencies, including TPM3, MYH9, and CCDC6. Variant breakpoints occurred in ROS1 introns 33 (37%), 31 (25%), 32 (17%), and 34 (11%) with no obvious hotspots. CD74 (63%) and EZR (50%) were more frequently fused to ROS1 intron 33 than other introns, while ROS1 intron 31 was most frequently fused with SDC4 (79%) and SLC34A2 (81%). Crizotinib progression‐free survival (PFS) was not significantly different between fusion variants involving breakpoints in different ROS1 introns, nor was there a significant difference in PFS between CD74‐ROS1 and non‐CD74‐ROS1 groups of patients. Furthermore, TP53 was most frequently mutated in patients who progressed on crizotinib, and TP53 mutations were significantly associated with shorter crizotinib PFS. ROS1 mutations, including G2032R, were observed in approximately 33% of post‐crizotinib samples. Collectively, we report the prevalence of ROS1 fusions in a large‐scale NSCLC population and the efficacy of crizotinib in treating patients with ROS1‐rearranged NSCLC.
Impactful Disruption: Gathered Thoughts of a Distracted Mind
Authors: Alonso Hernán Díaz 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLos Angeles architectural iconoclast Hernán Díaz Alonso, director of SCIArc and founder of HDA‐X, conceives of the architectural profession as needing to constantly push the boundaries of form and space. It should forever be re‐examining and disrupting itself. Here he uses the shoe industry as a microcosm for this process of re‐evaluation and conceptual crossover.
The Mega‐Void: Unleashing the Communicative Impact of Tall Buildings
Authors: Schumacher Patrik 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOn a whistle‐stop tour of some of Zaha Hadid Architects’ skyscrapers around the world, principal Patrik Schumacher describes how the typology and philosophy behind high‐rise towers needs to change. Currently most towers have segmented, separated, sealed, blind‐to‐one‐another floors. He argues for an architecture that, like cathedrals, takes the viewer's mind soaring upwards, urges designers to encourage roaming, and speculates on the emergence of ‘interior urbanism’ in respect to these buildings.
New Insight on Open‐Structured Sodium Vanadium Oxide as High‐Capacity and Long Life Cathode for Zn–Ion Storage: Structure, Electrochemistry, and First‐Principles Calculation
Authors: Jo Jae Hyeon , Aniskevich Yauhen , Kim Jongsoon , Choi Ji Ung , Kim Hee Jae , Jung Young Hwa , Ahn Docheon , Jeon Tae‐Yeol , Lee Kug‐Seung , Song Seok Hyun , Kim Hyungsub , Ragoisha Genady , Mazanik Alexander , Streltsov Eugene , Myung Seung‐Taek 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHerein, the promising properties of open‐structured NaV3O8 as a cathode material for Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are investigated. First‐principles calculations predict the insertion of Zn2+ (0.74 Å) in NaV3O8 with an interlayer distance of ≈7 Å, enabling delivery of a high discharge capacity of 353 mAh g−1 at 70 mA g−1 (0.2 C) for 300 cycles in the operating window of 0.3−1.5 V in 1 m Zn(CF3SO3)2 aqueous solution. Operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy, and first‐principles calculations validate the insertion of Zn2+ into the NaV3O8 structure within the operation range. Moreover, operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and operando Raman spectroscopy reveal the formation of layered zinc hydroxytriflate (Zn5(OH)8(CF3SO3)2∙xH2O) as a side reaction below 0.8 V on discharge (reduction) and its dissolution into the electrolyte above 0.8 V on charge (oxidation). The formation of the Zn hydroxytriflate interfacial layer increases the charge‐transfer activation energy from 15.5 to 48 kJ mol−1, leading to kinetics fade below 0.8 V. The findings reveal the charge‐storage mechanism for NaV3O8, which may also be applicable to other vanadate cathodes, providing new insights for the investigation and design of ZIBs.
Achieving High‐Performance and 2000 h Stability in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells by Manipulating Ionomer Properties and Electrode Optimization
Authors: Ul Hassan Noor , Mandal Mrinmay , Huang Garrett , Firouzjaie Horie Adabi , Kohl Paul A. , Mustain William E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe primary function of the ionomers that are incorporated into fuel cell electrode catalyst layers is to provide pathways for ion transport between the catalyst active sites and the electrolyte. This is influenced by many variables, including the ion‐exchange capacity, water uptake, and molecular weight. In anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), controlling ionomer water uptake is particularly important and tailoring this property in each electrode is an important consideration when looking to maximize cell performance. In this study, three poly(norbornene) tetrablock copolymer ionomers with a range of physical properties are synthesized and incorporated into AEMFC anode and cathode electrodes. Systematic electrode engineering with these ionomers allows the peak power density to be increased by 100% (1.6 W cm‐2 → 3.2 W cm‐2) and the current density at 0.2 V to be increased by 59% (5.9 A cm‐2 → 9.4 A cm‐2). Moreover, the top‐performing electrode configuration is tested in an operating AEMFC at the US Department of Energy defined current density of 600 mA cm‐2 for 2000 h, showing a record‐low voltage decay rate of 15.36 µV h‐1 – only 3.65% –a over 2000 h. This work sets a new bar for AEMFCs, reporting the best combination of performance and durability of any AEMFC to date.
Vacancy‐Driven High Rate Capabilities in Calcium‐Doped Na0.4MnO2 Cathodes for Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chae Munseok S. , Chakraborty Arup , Kunnikuruvan Sooraj , Attias Ran , Maddukuri Satyanarayana , Gofer Yosef , Major Dan Thomas , Aurbach Doron 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAqueous sodium‐ion batteries are expected to be low‐cost, safe, and environmentally friendly systems for large scale energy storage due to the abundance and low cost of sodium. However, only a few candidates have been reported for cathodes and there is a need to develop new practical host materials with improved electrochemical performance. Here, tunnel‐type, calcium‐doped, sodium manganese oxide is demonstrated as a novel cathode material, ultrafast rate capabilities and superior high‐rate cycling stability—98.8% capacity retention at the 1000th cycle—for aqueous sodium‐ion batteries. Advanced structural analysis of the Ca0.07Na0.26MnO2 material using X‐ray diffraction and ab initio calculations identify the calcium sites and indicate a plausible sodium diffusion mechanism. Calcium preferentially substitutes at the Na(1) sites among the three different types of Na sites. This substitution creates vacancies at the Na(2) and Na(3) sites. Calculations of the energy barrier for Na ion diffusion indicate that diffusion along the Na(2)‐to‐Na(2) and Na(2)‐to‐Na(3) pathways is the most feasible. These vacancies provide improved diffusion kinetics and show 43% capacity enhancement at 50 C‐rate. The results suggest that Ca0.07Na0.26MnO2 is a promising cathode material for aqueous sodium‐ion batteries, and provide an improved fundamental understanding of sodium storage mechanisms.
EVEN‐PLUS syndrome: A case report with novel variants in HSPA9 and evidence of HSPA9 gene dysfunction
Authors: Younger Georgianne , Vetrini Francesco , Weaver David D. , Lynnes Ty C. , Treat Kayla , Pratt Victoria M. , Torres‐Martinez Wilfredo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEVEN‐PLUS syndrome is a rare condition characterized by its involvement of the Epiphyses, Vertebrae, Ears, and Nose, PLUS other associated findings. We report here the fifth case of EVEN‐PLUS syndrome with novel variants c.818 T > G (p.L273X) and c.955C > T (p.L319F) in the HSPA9 gene identified through whole‐exome sequencing. The patient is the first male known to be affected and presented with additional features not previously described with EVEN‐PLUS syndrome. These features include agenesis of the septum pellucidum, a short chest and sternum, 13 pairs of ribs, a single hemivertebra, laterally displaced nipples, hydronephrosis, unilateral cryptorchidism, unilateral single palmar crease, bilateral clubfoot, and hypotonia. qPCR analysis provides supporting evidence for a nonsense‐mediated decay mechanism for the HSPA9 truncating variant. In silico 3D modeling supports the pathogenicity of the c.955C > T (p.L319F) missense variant. The study presented here further describes the syndrome and broadens its mutational and phenotypic spectrum. Our study also lends support to HSPA9 variants as the underlying etiology of EVEN‐PLUS syndrome and ultimately provides a better understanding of the molecular basis of the condition.
Gorilla calcaneal morphological variation and ecological divergence
Authors: Harper Christine M. , Ruff Christopher B. , Sylvester Adam D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe primate foot has been extensively investigated because of its role in weight‐bearing; however, the calcaneus has been relatively understudied. Here we examine entire gorilla calcaneal external shape to understand its relationship with locomotor behavior.Materials and methodsCalcanei ofGorilla gorilla gorilla(n= 43),Gorilla beringei graueri(n= 20), andGorilla beringei beringei(n= 15) were surface or micro‐CT scanned. External shape was analyzed through a three‐dimensional geometric morphometric sliding semilandmark analysis. Semilandmarks were slid relative to an updated Procrustes average in order to minimize the bending energy of the thin plate spline interpolation function. Shape variation was summarized using principal components analysis of shape coordinates. Procrustes distances between taxa averages were calculated and resampling statistics run to test pairwise differences. Linear measures were collected and regressed against estimated body mass.ResultsAll three taxa exhibit statistically different morphologies (p< .001 for pairwise comparisons).G. g. gorillademonstrates an anteroposteriorly elongated calcaneus with a deeper cuboid pivot region and mediolaterally flatter posterior talar facet.G. b. beringeipossesses the flattest cuboid and most medially‐angled posterior talar facets.G. b. graueridemonstrates intermediate articular facet morphology, a medially‐angled tuberosity, and an elongated peroneal trochlea.DiscussionArticular facet differences separate gorillas along a locomotor gradient.G. g. gorillais adapted for arboreality with greater joint mobility, whileG. b. beringeiis adapted for more stereotypical loads associated with terrestriality.G. b. graueri'sunique posterolateral morphology may be due to a secondary transition to greater arboreality from a more terrestrial ancestor.
Sensitivity–Specificity of Tau and Amyloid β Positron Emission Tomography in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Ghirelli Alma , Tosakulwong Nirubol , Weigand Stephen D. , Clark Heather M. , Ali Farwa , Botha Hugo , Duffy Joseph R. , Utianski Rene L. , Buciuc Marina , Murray Melissa E. , Labuzan Sydney A. , Spychalla Anthony J. , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Schwarz Christopher G. , Senjem Matthew L. , Machulda Mary M. , Baker Matthew , Rademakers Rosa , Filippi Massimo , Jack Clifford R. , Lowe Val J. , Parisi Joseph E. , Dickson Dennis W. , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L. 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo examine associations between tau and amyloid β (Aβ) molecular positron emission tomography (PET) and both Alzheimer‐related pathology and 4‐repeat tau pathology in autopsy‐confirmed frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).MethodsTwenty‐four patients had [18F]‐flortaucipir–PET and died with FTLD (progressive supranuclear palsy [PSP], n = 10; corticobasal degeneration [CBD], n = 10; FTLD‐TDP, n = 3; and Pick disease, n = 1). All but 1 had Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)‐PET. Braak staging, Aβ plaque and neurofibrillary tangle counts, and semiquantitative tau lesion scores were performed. Flortaucipir standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were calculated in a temporal meta region of interest (meta‐ROI), entorhinal cortex and cortical/subcortical regions selected to match the tau lesion analysis. Global PiB SUVR was calculated. Autoradiography was performed in 1 PSP patient, with digital pathology used to quantify tau burden.ResultsNine cases (37.5%) had Aβ plaques. Global PiB SUVR correlated with Aβ plaque count, with 100% specificity and 50% sensitivity for diffuse plaques. Twenty‐one (87.5%) had Braak stages I to IV. Flortaucipir correlated with neurofibrillary tangle counts in entorhinal cortex, but entorhinal and meta‐ROI SUVRs were not elevated in Braak IV or primary age‐related tauopathy. Flortaucipir uptake patterns differed across FTLD pathologies and could separate PSP and CBD. Flortaucipir correlated with tau lesion score in red nucleus and midbrain tegmentum across patients, but not in cortical or basal ganglia regions. Autoradiography demonstrated minimal uptake of flortaucipir, although flortaucipir correlated with quantitative tau burden across regions.InterpretationMolecular PET shows expected correlations with Alzheimer‐related pathology but lacks sensitivity to detect mild Alzheimer pathology in FTLD. Regional flortaucipir uptake was able to separate CBD and PSP. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1009–1022
Experimental study on ultra‐low NOx emissions from pulverized coal preheating combustion
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhu Jianguo , Lyu Qinggang , Liu Jingzhang , Pan Fei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRealizing ultra‐low NOx emissions during coal combustion is currently a development trend and technical bottleneck of coal combustion technology. To further exploit the low‐nitrogen potentialities in preheating combustion technology, the preheating characteristics, combustion characteristics, and NOx emission characteristics of pulverized coal, after changing operating parameters such as the air equivalence ratio of circulating fluidized bed, preheating temperature, combustion temperature, and air equivalence ratio in the reduction zone, are explored. The experimental results show that changing the operating parameters has a great impact on the composition of high‐temperature coal gas, the particle size, apparent morphology, and specific surface area of the high‐temperature preheated char after preheating. Properly adjusting the operating parameters can effectively reduce NOx emissions. Based on the explored principle, experiments were designed, and the goal of reducing the initial NOx emissions from coal combustion to less than 50 mg/m3 (the average emissions were 46 mg/m3 [@ 6% O2]) was successfully achieved. The research of this paper provides the most basic experimental guidance and theoretical support for achieving ultra‐low NOx emissions during the engineering pulverized coal combustion.