bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building Blocks of Hybrid Perovskites: A Photoluminescence Study of Lead‐Iodide Solution Species
Authors: Shargaieva Oleksandra , Kuske Lena , Rappich Jörg , Unger Eva , Nickel Norbert H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this work, we present a detailed investigation of the optical properties of hybrid perovskite building blocks, [PbI2+n]n−, that form in solutions of CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2. The absorbance, photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 solutions were measured in various solvents and a broad concentration range. Both CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 solutions exhibit absorption features attributed to [PbI3]1− and [PbI4]2− complexes. Therefore, we propose a new mechanism for the formation of polymeric polyiodide plumbates in solutions of pristine PbI2. For the first time, we show that the [PbI2+n]n− species in both solutions of CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 exhibit a photoluminescence peak at about 760 nm. Our findings prove that the spectroscopic properties of both CH3NH3PbI3 and PbI2 solutions are dominated by coordination complexes between Pb2+ and I−. Finally, the impact of these complexes on the properties of solid‐state perovskite semiconductors is discussed in terms of defect formation and defect tolerance.
Genetic diversity in historical and modern wheat varieties of the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Sthapit Sajal R. , Marlowe Karol , Covarrubias Dolores C. , Ruff Travis M. , Eagle Jonathan D. , McGinty Emma M. , Hooker Marcus A. , Duong Ngoc B. , Skinner Daniel Z. , See Deven R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLoss of crop genetic diversity due to modern plant breeding is an enduring global concern. The U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW) is an important wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐producing region. We examined population structure and changes in genomic‐level and agroecosystem‐level genetic diversity of PNW wheat over the past 120 yr. Wheat varieties were slightly structured by spring and winter growth habit, but not by geographic origin or period of variety release. At the genomic level, we did not find long‐term shifts in gene diversity in either spring or winter wheat, but fluctuations were significant within market classes and within the most widely grown spring and winter varieties. Diversity in hard red spring (HRS) wheat peaked in 1970–1999 and since dropped below the level of varieties before 1930. Hard red winter (HRW) in 2000–2019 is more diverse than before 1930, whereas soft white spring (SWS) and soft white winter (SWW) are at the same level of diversity in 2000–2019 as they were before 1930. The most widely grown spring varieties had the lowest diversity in 1930–1969, whereas the most widely grown winter varieties had the lowest diversity in 2000–2019. At the agroecosystem level, Simpson's index of diversity (1 − D) has been on a rising trend since the 1990s as the dominance of acreages by a few varieties has become less common. Cultivation of multiple market classes and periodic incorporation of new germplasm by breeding programs have been able to maintain the quantitative level of genetic diversity in PNW wheat over time.
Corporate social responsibility's influence on firm risk and firm performance: the mediating role of firm reputation
Authors: Rehman Zia ur , Khan Asad , Rahman Asim 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe aim of the article is to analyze the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by firm on firm performance and firm risk. Moreover, the mediating role of firm reputation in CSR/performance and CSR/risk relationship is also examined. Data were collected from European and Asian firms listed on Fortune's Most Admired Countries for the period 2014–2018. Using logit regression model and OLS regressions, we find that CSR has a significant positive influence on firm reputation and firm performance whereas on firm risk it is negative. Based on our results, we also confirm that firm reputation does mediate the relationship between CSR‐firm performance and CSR‐firm risk. This study adds to CSR related literature by providing more reliable and objective evidence on the role of firm reputation in CSR engagement and also provides direction for future studies in this context.
Promoting employees' environmental performance in hospitality industry through environmental attitude and ecological behavior: Moderating role of managers' environmental commitment
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study attempts to examine the association among employees' environmental attitude (EEA), employees' ecological behavior (EEB) and employees' environmental performance (EEP). Moreover, the mediating role of EEB between EEA and EEP is also tested. The contingent effect of managers' environmental commitment (MEC) on the relationship between EEA and EEB is also tested. Data were collected from 317 employees of 65 small and medium size hotels operating in the tourist destinations of Pakistan. Correlation, linear regression and SEM were conducted for the purpose of data analysis. Findings revealed a direct effect of EEA on EEB and EEP. In addition, the results confirm that EEB positively mediates EEA and EEP. Moreover, the findings confirmed that MEC strengthens the relationship between EEA and EEB. The results suggest that small and medium size hotels must pay more attention towards employee regarding their environmental attitude and behavior that ensure the protection of natural environment. Moreover, employees with higher level of motivation due to their knowledge, awareness and concern for environment contribute in a better way for EP.
Evaluation of Caspase‐3 Activity During Apoptosis with Fluorescence Lifetime‐Based Cytometry Measurements and Phasor Analyses
Authors: Nichani Kapil , Li Jianzhi , Suzuki Miho , Houston Jessica P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCaspase‐3 is a well‐described protease with many roles that impact the fate of a cell. During apoptosis, caspase‐3 acts as an executioner caspase with important proteolytic functions that lead to the final stages of programmed cell death. Owing to this key role, caspase‐3 is exploited intracellularly as a target of control of apoptosis for therapeutic outcomes. Yet the activation of caspase‐3 during apoptosis is challenged by other roles and functions (e.g., paracrine signaling). This brief report presents a way to track caspase‐3 levels using a flow cytometer that measures excited state fluorescence lifetimes and a signal processing approach that leads to a graphical phasor‐based interpretation. An established Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) bioprobe was used for this test; the connected donor and acceptor fluorophore is cleavable by caspase‐3 during apoptosis induction. With the cell‐by‐cell decay kinetic data and phasor analyses we generate a caspase activation trajectory, which is used to interpret activation throughout apoptosis. When lifetime‐based cytometry is combined with a FRET bioprobe and phasor analyses, enzyme activation can be simplified and quantified with phase and modulation data. We envision extrapolating this approach to high content screening, and reinforce the power of phasor approaches with cytometric data. Analyses such as these can be used to cluster cells by their phase and modulation “lifetime fingerprint” when the intracellular fluorescent probe is utilized as a sensor of enzyme activity. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
A comparison of food‐based decision‐making between restricting and binge‐eating/purging subtypes of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Uniacke Blair , Slattery Reile , Walsh B. Timothy , Shohamy Daphna , Foerde Karin , Steinglass Joanna 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveBy definition, restricting (ANR) and binge‐eating/purging (ANBP) subtypes of anorexia nervosa (AN) differ in some manifestations of maladaptive eating behavior. This study aimed to determine whether the groups differ in the choices they make about what to eat, and whether there are differences in valuation related to food choice, using an experimental paradigm.MethodInpatients with ANR (n = 40) and ANBP (n = 46) participated in a Food Choice Task. During the task, participants rated 76 food images for healthiness and tastiness, and choice preferences. Groups were compared in percent selection of high‐fat and low‐fat foods, value ratings of foods, and engagement of self‐control in food choice.ResultsThere were no differences between AN subtypes in healthiness or tastiness ratings, or in tendency to limit choice of high‐fat foods. There was no difference between the groups in measures of self‐control in food choice.DiscussionIndividuals with ANR and ANBP similarly manifest reduced choices of high‐fat foods, with similar tendencies to undervalue the tastiness of high‐fat foods. These results suggest that while individuals with ANR and ANBP differ across a range of clinical characteristics, the decision‐making process associated with the maladaptive restriction of high‐fat foods characteristic of AN is shared by both subtypes.
T1 and T2 mapping to detect chronic inflammation in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Emrich Tilman , Hahn Felix , Fleischmann David , Halfmann Moritz C. , Düber Christoph , Varga‐Szemes Akos , Escher Felicitas , Pefani Evgenia , Münzel Thomas , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Kreitner Karl‐Friedrich , Wenzel Philip 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsThe purpose of this retrospective single‐centre study was to evaluate the non‐invasive detection of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB)‐established chronic myocardial inflammation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) using T1 and T2 mapping.Methods and resultsThe study population consisted of 52 retrospectively identified HFrEF patients who underwent EMB and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla. EMB was defined according to the position statement of the European Society of Cardiology and served as reference to identify inflammation in all patients. A control group of healthy volunteers with prior cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies (n = 58) was also identified. Global and segmental T1 and T2 values as well as septal measurements and tissue heterogeneity parameters were calculated.Out of the 52 patients with HFrEF, 33 patients had myocardial inflammation detected by EMB, while 19 patients were EMB negative for inflammation. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31% in both groups (P = 0.97). Global T1 and T2 values in HFrEF patients were significantly higher compared with healthy controls (T1 1275 ± 69 ms vs. 1,175 ± 44 ms, P < 0.001; T2 40.0 ± 3.4 ms vs. 37.9 ± 1.6 ms, P < 0.001). The distribution of T1 and T2 values between patients with and without EMB‐proven chronic myocardial inflammation was not statistically different when regarding global (T1 1292 ± 71 ms vs. 1266 ± 67 ms, P = 0.26; T2 40.0 ± 2.6 ms vs. 40.0 ± 3.9 ms, P = 1.0), septal (T1 1299 ± 63 ms vs. 1289 ± 76 ms, P = 0.76; T2 40.1 ± 3.5 ms vs 40.0 ± 6.4 ms, P = 0.49) or maximum segmental values (T1 1414 ± 111 ms vs. 1363 ± 88 ms, P = 0.15; T2 47.3 ± 5.2 ms vs. 48.8 ± 11.8 ms, P = 0.53). Mean absolute deviation of segmental T1 and T2 values and log‐transformed pixel‐wise standard deviation as parameters of tissue heterogeneity did not reveal statistical significant differences between inflammation‐positive and inflammation‐negative HFrEF patients (all P > 0.4).ConclusionsConventionally performed quantitative T1 and T2 mapping values significantly correlated with prevalence of HFrEF but did not discriminate HFrEF patients with or without chronic myocardial inflammation in our cohort. This suggests that EMB is the preferred method to detect chronic myocardial inflammation in HFrEF.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in New York Heart Association class‐IV patients dependent on intravenous drugs or invasive supportive treatments
Authors: Lee Seong Soo , Kwon Hee‐Jin , Park Kyoung‐Min , On Young Keun , Kim June Soo , Park Seung‐Jung 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsWe sought to evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in far‐advanced heart failure (FA‐HF) patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class‐IV status and dependency on intravenous drugs (IVDs) and/or invasive supportive treatments (ISTs).Methods and resultsAmong 305 patients who underwent CRT implantation between October 2005 to December 2019, we identified 17 FA‐HF patients with NYHA class‐IV status and dependency on IVDs (inotropes, diuretics, vasopressors, or vasodilators) and/or ISTs (extracorporeal membranous oxygenator or continuous renal replacement therapy). All patients (median age = 68.7 years, non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy = 15) remained dependent on several IVDs (2.2 ± 1.3 per patient) and/or ISTs for 11.3 ± 7.8 days due to multiple tapering failure (4.3 ± 3.2 per patient) before CRT implantation. However, 14 (82%) patients were successfully weaned from IVDs/ISTs within 5.2 ± 5.3 days following CRT, and 12 (71%) stayed alive for more than 1 year free of ventricular assist device or heart transplantation with symptom improvement (≥1 NYHA class) and a reduced annual HF hospitalization rate (P = 0.002). Considerable improvements in ventricular systolic function (P = 0.004) and volumetric reverse remodelling (P = 0.007) were noticed during the long‐term follow‐up period (35 ± 15 months post‐CRT). The ventricular assist device/heart transplantation/death‐free survival rate post‐CRT was 71% and 65% at 1 and 3 years, respectively.ConclusionsCardiac resynchronization therapy implantation may be a feasible treatment that can offer short‐term and long‐term clinical benefits for NYHA class‐IV FA‐HF patients who are dependent on IVDs/ISTs. When considering treatment options, CRT should not be prematurely excluded solely based on a patient's dependency on IVDs/ISTs without first attempting to identify favourable CRT response factors.
Overview of cell balancing methods for Li‐ion battery technology
Authors: S Hemavathi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLi‐ion batteries are influenced by numerous features such as over‐voltage, undervoltage, overcharge and discharge current, thermal runaway, and cell voltage imbalance. One of the most significant factors is cell imbalance which varies each cell voltage in the battery pack overtime and hence decreases battery capacity rapidly. To increase the lifetime of the battery pack, the battery cells should be frequently equalized to keeps up the difference between the cells as small as possible. There are different techniques of cell balancing have been presented for the battery pack. It is classified as passive and active cell balancing methods based on cell voltage and state of charge (SOC). The passive cell balancing technique equalizing the SOC of the cells by the dissipation of energy from higher SOC cells and formulates all the cells with similar SOC equivalent to the lowest level cell SOC. The active cell balancing transferring the energy from higher SOC cell to lower SOC cell, hence the SOC of the cells will be equal. This review article introduces an overview of different proposed cell balancing methods for Li‐ion battery can be used in energy storage and automobile applications.
Game theoretic application for energy efficient mobility handling in wireless sensor network
Authors: Maheshwari Prachi , Sharma Ajay K. , Verma Karan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWireless sensor network (WSN) are used to sense, process, and send important information relating to surrounding environment. In these network, one of the important issue is timely delivery of packets to destination and thus avoiding packet loss when sensor nodes are mobile. Most of the current research does not allow handling of packets of mobile sensor nodes till next Time‐division multiple access (TDMA) schedule. In this work, we investigate the problem of allocating reserved slots to mobile nodes which come in vicinity of new cluster head in currenTDMAschedule only. We model allocation of reserved slots to mobile nodes as cooperative game. We then propose cooperative coordination scheme to allow cooperation among mobile sensor nodes for accessing of reserved slots with the objective of avoiding unnecessary delay and packet loss in the network. We consider solution for both the cases when reserved slot is limited to 1 and when reserved slots are more than 1. We then propose evolutionary game theory‐based slot allocation scheme for calculation of probability by solving nash equilibrium point. This probability is used by mobile nodes to send data packets to new cluster head. Our scheme avoids end to end delay of packets and network congestion due to buffer overflows. We then present extensive simulation results comparing our scheme with existing techniques. The results show higher performance in terms of average residual energy, network lifetime and packet delivery ratio etc.
A nondestructive testing method for soluble solid content in Korla fragrant pears based on electrical properties and artificial neural network
Authors: Lan Haipeng , Wang Zhentao , Niu Hao , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yongcheng , Tang Yurong , Liu Yang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe detection of soluble solid content in Korla fragrant pear is a destructive and time‐consuming endeavor. In effort to remedy this, a nondestructive testing method based on electrical properties and artificial neural network was established in this study. Specifically, variations of electrical properties (e.g., equivalent parallel capacitance, quality factor, loss factor, equivalent parallel resistance, complex impedance, and equivalent parallel inductance) of Korla fragrant pears with accumulated temperature were tested using a workbench developed by ourselves. After that the characteristic variables of electrical properties were constructed by principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, three models were constructed to predict SSC in Korla fragrant pears based on the characteristic variables: general regression neural network (GRNN), back‐propagation neural network (BPNN), and adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The results indicated that the GRNN model has the best prediction effects of SSC (R2 = 0.9743, RMSE = 0.2584), superior to that of the BPNN and ANFIS models. Results facilitate a successful, alternative application for rapid assessment of SSC of the maturation stage Korla fragrant pear.
Lactobacillus Fermentum ZS40 prevents secondary osteoporosis in Wistar Rat
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Fan Jian‐Bo , Hu Jing , Li Fang , Yi Ruokun , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUsing retinoic acid to inducer, we successfully established a rat model of secondary osteoporosis and verified the preventive effect of Lactobacillus fermentum ZS40 (ZS40) on secondary osteoporosis. Serum biochemical indicators showed that ZS40 can effectively slow down bone resorption caused by retinoic acid, increase blood content of calcium, phosphorus, bone alkaline phosphatase, bone gla protein, and insulin‐like growth factor 1, and decrease blood content of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5b. qRT‐PCR results showed that ZS40 could upregulate mRNA expressions of β‐catenin, Wnt10b, Lrp5, Lrp6, Runx2, ALP, RANKL, and OPG, and downregulate mRNA expression of DKK1, RANK, TRACP, and CTSK in the rats’ spinal cord. Results following TRAP staining showed that ZS40 could slow down retinoic acid‐induced formation of osteoclasts. Micro‐CT results showed that ZS40 could reduce Tb.Sp, increase BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and ultimately increase bone mineral density of rats in vivo. These findings indicate that ZS40 might have a potential role in preventing retinoic acid‐induced secondary osteoporosis in vivo.
Surface site‐formation processes in northern Tierra del Fuego (Argentina): A case study of the Amalia 4 Site
Authors: Oría Jimena , Salemme Mónica , Vázquez Martín , Bártoli Valeria , López Ramiro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSurface site studies in Fuegian archaeology have mainly been undertaken with distributional or spatial approaches. However, issues related to integrity, resolution, and/or other aspects of site‐formation processes still require attention. In this study, the study of these processes is proposed as an initial step to enhancing the comprehension of human use‐of‐space and circulation in the Fuegian steppe. The Amalia 4 Site serves as an ideal case study to analyze the potential movement that was likely involved in the distribution of archaeological materials recorded on the surface. Different lines of evidence were evaluated: (a) Topographic aspects were related to the dimensions and weight of lithic artifacts and bone remains; (b) test pits and subsurface collections were carried out with the purpose of recording flakes and debris of less than 10 mm (microdebris) or other buried materials; (c) some retouched artifacts were observed at higher magnifications to evaluate differential alterations among exposure times; (d) an exhaustive task of refitting lithic artifacts was conducted; (e) a taphonomic study of the skeletal remains was carried out. The aim of all these studies was to contribute to the understanding of the postdepositional dynamics and to come up with alternative hypotheses in relation to site‐formation processes.
Hardening subnational budget constraints via administrative subordination: The Italian experience of recovery plans in regional health services
Authors: Bordignon Massimo , Coretti Silvia , Piacenza Massimiliano , Turati Gilberto 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSince 2007, Italian regions running large deficits underwent recovery plans (Piani di Rientro) imposed by the central government. The goal was twofold: regions were asked (i) to restore a balanced budget and (ii) to continue supply the set of services defined by the constitution. We investigate whether recovery plans have reached their objectives. Our evidence suggests that recovery plans have proved to be an effective mechanism to eliminate subnational governments deficits. We also do not find any significant effects on health care utilization and on citizens' health. Overall, spending efficiency has likely improved.