bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The involvement of protein TNFSF18 in promoting p‐STAT1 phosphorylation to induce coronary microcirculation disturbance in atherosclerotic mouse model
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Sai , Liu Shilei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe inflammation of coronary endothelium was critically involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The purpose of the study was to reveal the roles of TNFSF18 in promoting p‐STAT1 phosphorylation to induce disturbance of coronary microcirculation in atherosclerotic mouse model. This study was dividedly transfected TNFSF18 inhibitor, small interfering‐TNFSF18 plasmid (si‐TNFSF18) and a blank vector plasmid into atherosclerotic mouse model. Results showed that the coronary vascular lumen was narrowed and crescent plaques were adhered to the coronary vessel wall in atherosclerotic mouse model. However, the accumulation of microthrombus in coronary artery and vascular crescent plaques were evidently reduced with the antagonistic TNFSF18. Besides, the inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, TNF‐β and IL‐1β were abundant in mouse model, and TNFSF18 inhibition decreased the secretion of cytokines. Meanwhile, the amount of Th1 cells were also reduced after transfected with TNFSF18 inhibitor and si‐TNFSF18 plasmid compared with the mouse model transfected with blank vector plasmid. Moreover, the protein TNFSF18 was highly expressed in the cytoplasm and p‐STAT1 was located in cell nucleus of the mouse model coronary vascular tissues. Consistently, the proteins TNFSF18, p‐STAT1, VCAM1, ICAM1, ITGAD and ITGB3 were significantly expressed in atherosclerotic mouse model, while antagonistic TNFSF18, conversely, decreased the proteins' expression. Taken together, this study indicated that the coronary endothelial inflammation triggered TNFSF18 expression, which promoted p‐STAT1 phosphorylation to activate the proteins VCAM1, ICAM1, ITGAD and ITGB3, thus exacerbating coronary microcirculation disorder in atherosclerotic mouse model.
Species complex diversification by host plant use in an herbivorous insect: The source of Puerto Rican cactus mealybug pest and implications for biological control
Authors: Poveda‐Martínez Daniel , Aguirre María Belén , Logarzo Guillermo , Hight Stephen D. , Triapitsyn Serguei , Diaz‐Sotero Hilda , Diniz Vitorino Marcelo , Hasson Esteban 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCryptic taxa have often been observed in the form of host‐associated species that diverged as the result of adaptation to alternate host plants. Untangling cryptic diversity in species complexes that encompass invasive species is a mandatory task for pest management. Moreover, investigating the evolutionary history of a species complex may help to understand the drivers of their diversification. The mealybug Hypogeococcus pungens was believed to be a polyphagous species from South America and has been reported as a pest devastating native cacti in Puerto Rico, also threatening cactus diversity in the Caribbean and North America. There is neither certainty about the identity of the pest nor the source population from South America. Recent studies pointed to substantial genetic differentiation among local populations, suggesting that H. pungens is a species complex. In this study, we used a combination of genome‐wide SNPs and mtDNA variation to investigate species diversity within H. pungens sensu lato to establish host plant ranges of each one of the putative members of the complex, to evaluate whether the pattern of host plant association drove diversification in the species complex, and to determine the source population of the Puerto Rican cactus pest. Our results suggested that H. pungens comprises at least five different species, each one strongly associated with specific host plants. We also established that the Puerto Rican cactus pest derives from southeastern Brazilian mealybugs. This is an important achievement because it will help to design reliable strategies for biological control using natural enemies of the pest from its native range.
Geochemical Tools Identify the Origins of Chinook Salmon Returning to a Restored Creek
Authors: Willmes Malte , Jacinto Emily E , Lewis Levi S , Fichman Rachel A , Bess Zachary , Singer Gabriel , Steel Anna , Moyle Peter , Rypel Andrew L , Fangue Nann , Glessner Justin JG , Hobbs James A , Chapman Eric D 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Populations of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in California are in decline due to the combined effects of habitat degradation, water diversions, and climate change. Reduced life history diversity within these populations inhibits their ability to respond to these stressors. Putah Creek, a small creek in California’s Central Valley that once supported Chinook Salmon, is undergoing restoration to provide spawning habitats for this imperiled species. Beginning in 2014, increasing numbers of Chinook Salmon spawned throughout the creek, and emigrating juveniles were observed in the following months. Here we used otolith annual growth bands and microchemistry to investigate the age structure and natal origins of the adult spawners. Most individuals were 2 or 3 years old, and they originated from at least seven different natal sources, overwhelmingly from Central Valley hatcheries (~88%). These findings highlight that straying fall-run Central Valley Chinook Salmon can rapidly utilize restored habitats, potentially establishing new populations. However, to facilitate local adaptations, straying rates and gene flow will have to be managed over time. Reconnecting migratory pathways and restoring many small and diverse streams, like Putah Creek, provides an opportunity to increase life history diversity, strengthening the recovery and resilience of Chinook Salmon.
Blockhinterlegung bei Tunnelabdichtungen – Stand der Technik oder Aufruf zur Nachlässigkeit
Authors: Ziegler Martin , Schröder Maximilian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBei der Abdichtung von bergmännisch aufgefahrenen Tunneln mit einer Kunststoffdichtungsbahn (KDB) kommt es nach Wiederanstieg des Bergwasserspiegels immer wieder zu Undichtigkeiten, da die KDB dabei gegen potenzielle Fehlstellen an der Außenseite der Innenschale gedrückt wird. Da diese nicht gänzlich vermieden werden können, erfolgt in den Nachbarländern Österreich und Schweiz nach dem dortigen Regelwerk planmäßig eine vollflächige Zementinjektion zwischen KDB und Betoninnenschale (Blockhinterlegung). In Deutschland ist hingegen nach den gültigen Regelwerken planmäßig bisher nur eine Verpressung in der Firste und die Installation eines zusätzlichen Prüf‐ und Injektionssystem vorgesehen. Befürworter dieses Systems führen an, dass eine Blockhinterlegung nachträglich keine direkte Kontrolle eventueller Wasserzutritte mehr erlaube und daher weniger Augenmerk auf die Herstellqualität der Innenschale gelegt würde. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die beiden Vorgehensweisen zur Diskussion.
P300‐mediated modulations in self–other processing under psychedelic psilocybin are related to connectedness and changed meaning: A window into the self–other overlap
Authors: Smigielski Lukasz , Kometer Michael , Scheidegger Milan , Stress Cornelia , Preller Katrin H. , Koenig Thomas , Vollenweider Franz X. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe concept of self and self‐referential processing has a growing explanatory value in psychiatry and neuroscience, referring to the cognitive organization and perceptual differentiation of self‐stimuli in health and disease. Conditions in which selfhood loses its natural coherence offer a unique opportunity for elucidating the mechanisms underlying self‐disturbances. We assessed the psychoactive effects of psilocybin (230 μg/kg p.o.), a preferential 5‐HT1A/2A agonist known to induce shifts in self‐perception. Our placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, within‐subject crossover experiment (n = 17) implemented a verbal self‐monitoring task involving vocalizations and participant identification of real‐time auditory source‐ (self/other) and pitch‐modulating feedback. Subjective experience and task performance were analyzed, with time‐point‐by‐time‐point assumption‐free multivariate randomization statistics applied to the spatiotemporal dynamics of event‐related potentials. Psilocybin‐modulated self‐experience, interacted with source to affect task accuracy, and altered the late phase of self‐stimuli encoding by abolishing the distinctiveness of self‐ and other‐related electric field configurations during the P300 timeframe. This last effect was driven by current source density changes within the supragenual anterior cingulate and right insular cortex. The extent of the P300 effect was associated with the intensity of psilocybin‐induced feelings of unity and changed meaning of percepts. Modulations of late encoding and their underlying neural generators in self‐referential processing networks via 5‐HT signaling may be key for understanding self‐disorders. This mechanism may reflect a neural instantiation of altered self–other and relational meaning processing in a stimulus‐locked time domain. The study elucidates the neuropharmacological foundation of subjectivity, with implications for therapy, underscoring the concept of connectedness.
Alpha oscillations do not implement gain control in early visual cortex but rather gating in parieto‐occipital regions
Authors: Zhigalov Alexander , Jensen Ole 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSpatial attention provides a mechanism for, respectively, enhancing relevant and suppressing irrelevant information. While it is well established that attention modulates oscillations in the alpha band, it remains unclear if alpha oscillations are involved in directly modulating the neuronal excitability associated with the allocation of spatial attention. In this study, in humans, we utilized a novel broadband frequency (60–70 Hz) tagging paradigm to quantify neuronal excitability in relation to alpha oscillations in a spatial attention paradigm. We used magnetoencephalography to characterize ongoing brain activity as it allows for localizing the sources of both the alpha and frequency tagging responses. We found that attentional modulation of alpha power and the frequency tagging response are uncorrelated over trials. Importantly, the neuronal sources of the tagging response were localized in early visual cortex (V1) whereas the sources of the alpha activity were identified around parieto‐occipital sulcus. Moreover, we found that attention did not modulate the latency of the frequency tagged responses. Our findings point to alpha band oscillations serving a downstream gating role rather than implementing gain control of excitability in early visual regions.
A moneymaking scan: Dual reimbursement systems and supplier‐induced demand for diagnostic imaging
Authors: Zabrodina Véra , Dusheiko Mark , Moschetti Karine 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn complex health systems with growing healthcare spending, combining reimbursement systems that incentivize cost‐efficient healthcare provision within and across care sectors is key. This study investigates whether dual reimbursement systems lead hospitals to offset financial pressures in one care sector by inducing demand in another. We find that hospital imaging units induced demand for costly and unnecessary ambulatory imaging examinations reimbursed under fee‐for‐service, following a reform that introduced prospective payment and increased competition in the inpatient sector in Switzerland in 2012. Market structure, competitive pressures, and price regulations also influence demand inducement by varying the response to the reform. Reimbursement systems can influence supplier‐induced demand in other care sectors within hospitals where revenue is tied to the intensity of care provision. In particular, the possibility to self‐refer patients to high‐margin diagnostic examinations bears negative consequences on healthcare expenditures and potentially patient health.
Numerical investigation of induced magnetic field and variable mass diffusivity on double stratified Jeffrey fluid flow with heat and mass flux boundary conditions
Authors: Raju Adigoppula , Ojjela Odelu , R. Archana Reddy 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe investigation explores the influence of the induced magnetic field and variable mass diffusivity on an unsteady incompressible mixed convective double stratified and chemically reactive flow of Jeffrey fluid through a porous medium with heat, and mass flux boundary conditions. The system of flow field nonlinear partial differential equations is reduced into coupled nondimensional ordinary differential equations using appropriate similar variables, then worked out a numerical solution via shooting technique along with Rung‐Kutta fourth‐order scheme. The results are analyzed for various physical flows, heat and mass transfers, induced magnetic field, and skin friction against disparate prominent parameters via graphs and tables. It is recognized that the temperate of the fluid is enhanced with thermal stratification; however, the concentration of the fluid is decreased with magnetic Reynold's number. The comparison of numerical values of skin friction with the existing literature for limiting sense.
Spatio‐temporal variability of multi‐layer soil water at a hillslope scale in the critical zone of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: He Meina , Wang Yunqiang , Wang Li , Li Ruijie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the spatio‐temporal variability of soil water content (SWC) in the Critical Zone (CZ) is essential to balance plant‐water benefits and to enhance the ability to monitor and predict drought. In current study, the spatial variability and temporal stability of multi‐layer SWC to a depth of 500 cm (35 soil layers) at 27 sampling sites were evaluated at a hillslope scale. A total of 64 SWC measurements were obtained from 28 March, 2017 to 23 December, 2018. We hypothesized the existence of a “special point” that is temporally stable both in horizontal direction (which means different layers) and in vertical direction (which means different profiles). We found a clear seasonal dynamic pattern of mean SWC for all sites in the 0–500 cm profile, with SWC varying from 4.0 to 24.8%. In the horizontal layer, both the 130‐cm and 140‐cm layers contained a maximum number of temporal stability sites (N = 4) which all located at H11, H13, H14 and H26. In the vertical profile, H19 was the most stable site, followed by H10 and H26, with 15, 10 and 6 stable layers, respectively. The decreasing order of SWC temporal stability was 200–500 cm, 0–500 cm and 0–200 cm, which means the temporal stability of SWC in 0–500 cm profile was more dependent on the 0–200 cm sub‐profile. At a three‐dimension scale, the most temporal stability layer and site was 180‐cm of H1 and H21 of 220‐cm, which confirmed our hypothesis. This study provides an accurate description of SWC spatio‐temporal variation at the hillslope scale, which is helpful for addressing eco‐hydrological models and water management issues in the Earth's CZs.
Streamflow permanence in headwater streams across four geomorphic provinces in Northern California
Authors: Pate Adam A. , Segura Catalina , Bladon Kevin D. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMountainous headwater streams represent a substantial proportion of the global stream network. These small streams may flow episodically, seasonally, or perennially, providing diverse values and services. Given their broad importance and growing pressures on terrestrial and aquatic resources, we must improve our understanding of the drivers of flow permanence to facilitate informed land and water management decisions. We used field observations from >10 cross‐sections in each of 101 non‐fish bearing, headwater streams across four geomorphic provinces in Northern California to quantify flow permanence and network connectivity during the summer low flow period in 2018. At each stream cross‐section, we noted the presence or absence of streamflow and used this information to classify streams as perennial (continuous streamflow in all cross‐sections) or non‐perennial and connected (surface water in the most downstream cross‐section) or disconnected. At each cross‐section, we also quantified channel size (width and depth) and grain size. We coupled field observations with geospatial data of catchment physiography, hydrology, and climate in random forest models to investigate controls of flow permanence and network connectivity. Potential drivers of flow permanence or network connectivity included in our models were channel geometry, grain size, slope, aspect, elevation, annual and seasonal precipitation, air temperature, and topographic wetness index. We found more perennial streams in the Klamath Mountains and Sierra Nevada than in the Cascades and N. Coast regions. Streams in the Klamath were the most connected followed by streams in the N. Coast, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades. The most important variables for predicting flow permanence were channel grain size, winter 2018 precipitation, and drainage area. Comparatively, the most important variables for predicting network connectivity were winter and spring 2018 precipitation, grain size, and bankfull depth. Our study illustrated the complexity of the processes that drive flow permanence and highlighted the uncertainty in projecting the precense of water in streams across diverse regions.
Impact of dividend policy on corporate value: Experiment in Vietnam
Authors: Dang Hung Ngoc , Vu Van Thi Thuy , Ngo Xuan Thanh , Hoang Ha Thi Viet 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe paper examines the impact of dividend policy on corporate value. Data collection is the result of listed companies on the Vietnamese stock market in the period of 2006–2017 with 2,278 observations. Using the general least square (GLS) approach, the authors have identified three factors that have a positive and significant impact on corporate value: dividend payout, profitability, and corporate sizes; and one factor that has a negative impact on corporate value is the degree of financial leverage. The study found that dividend policy has a significant impact on the corporate value of companies that implement a higher dividend payout policy. Conversely, firms that do not pay dividends or pay low dividends do not experience a significant impact of dividend policy on corporate value. The results of the study will be meaningful for businesses on dividend policy implementation.
If global or local investor sentiments are prone to developing an impact on stock returns, is there an industry effect?
Authors: Shi Jing , Ausloos Marcel , Zhu Tingting 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the heterogeneous impacts of either global or local investor sentiments (IS) on stock returns (SR). We study 10 industry sectors through the lens of six (so‐called) emerging countries: China, Brazil, India, Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey, over the 2000 to 2014 period. Using a panel data framework, our study sheds light on a significant effect of local IS on expected returns for basic materials, consumer goods, industrial, and financial industries. Moreover, our results suggest that from global IS alone, one cannot predict expected SR in these markets.
Is there a threshold effect in the liquidity risk–non‐performing loans relationship? APSTRapproach forMENAbanks
Authors: Boussaada Rim , Hakimi Abdelaziz , Karmani Majdi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study analyzes the nonlinear relationship between liquidity risk and nonperforming loans (NPLs) for a sample of MENA banks over the period 2004–2017. Results of the Panel Smooth Transition Regression model indicate that there is a threshold effect in the liquidity risk and NPLs relationship. More specifically, we found that above the threshold of 73.10% for loans to deposits ratio, liquidity risk significantly increases the level of NPLs. However, below the threshold of 87.61% for liquid assets to deposits and short‐term funding ratio, the NPLs are also significantly and positively correlated with the liquidity risk. Furthermore, we found that NPLs are more sensitive to bank performance, bank capital, bank size, international financial crisis, and the inflation rate. However, no significant effect was found for the impact of ownership concentration and board characteristics either below or above the thresholds.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for control of thyroid storm
Authors: Tan Alvin W. K. , Lim Brenda S. P. , Hoe Jeremy K. M. , Hoi Wai H. , Leow Melvin K. S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for thyroid storm has recently been upgraded to a category II indication after decades though its recommendation level still remains at Grade 2C according to the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA). In the absence of prospective randomized controlled trials due to the rarity of thyroid storm, retrospective data from case series continue to elevate the clinical evidence supporting TPE as a life‐saving modality for complicated thyroid storm patients. We report three cases of life‐threatening thyroid storm from Graves' disease rescued by TPE via rapid reduction in circulating thyroid hormones. Each patient underwent TPE when it was judged that other thyroid storm treatment options were futile or unsafe. The first patient received 4 cycles of TPE while the second patient received 9 cycles of TPE, and the third patient received 2 cycles of TPE with satisfactory clinical improvement. Plasma FT4 and TSH receptor antibody levels of the first case declined by 41.3% and >50% respectively right after the first round of TPE; plasma FT4 of the second patient dropped by up to 31.6% during the course of TPE; plasma FT4 and TSH receptor antibody of the third patient declined by 66% and 56.2% respectively after the first cycle of TPE. This demonstrates the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of TPE in thyroid storm especially when other therapeutic interventions are contraindicated. TPE operates via the elimination of serum proteins‐bound thyroid hormones, thyroid autoantibodies, cytokines, and catecholamines in addition to increasing unsaturated binding sites for thyroid hormones.
COLEC12 regulates apoptosis of osteosarcoma through Toll‐like receptor 4–activated inflammation
Authors: Li Guang‐Zhang , Deng Jian‐Feng , Qi Ying‐Zhao , Liu Ran , Liu Zhi‐Xin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of COLEC12 in osteosarcoma and observe the relationship between COLEC12 knockdown and the inflammation of osteosarcoma. Then, further explore whether the process is regulated by TLR4.MethodGEPIA and TCGA systems were used to predict the potential function of COLEC12. Western blot and RT‐PCR were used to analyze the protein expression, or mRNA level, of COLEC12 in different tissue or cell lines. The occurrence and development of osteosarcoma were observed by using COLEC12 knockdown lentivirus. The inflammation indexes of osteosarcoma, in vitro and in vivo, were explored. TLR4 knockdown lentivirus was applied to the relationship between COLEC12 and TLR4.ResultsCOLEC12 expression in SARC tumor tissue was higher than in normal, and a high expression of COLEC12 in SARC patients had a worse prognostic outcome. Pairwise gene correlation analysis revealed a potential relationship between COLEC12 and TLR4. The COLEC12 expression and mRNA level in the tumor or Saos‐2 cells were increased. COLEC12 knockdown lentivirus could inhibit osteosarcoma development, in vivo and vitro, through reducing tumor volume and weight, weakening tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion, and enhancing apoptosis. Furthermore, COLEC12 knockdown could increase inflammation of osteosarcoma, in vivo and in vitro, through inducing myeloperoxidase (MPO), TLR4, NF‐κB, and C3, and expression of related inflammatory factors. Finally, TLR4 knockdown lentivirus inhibits the progress of inflammation after COLEC12 regulation, in vivo and vitro.ConclusionCOLEC12 may be able to regulate apoptosis and inflammation of osteosarcoma, and TLR4 may be the downstream target factor of COLEC12 in inflammation.