bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does lobbying of firms complement executive networks in determining executive compensation?
Authors: Nandy Monomita , Lodh Suman , Wang Jin , Kaur Jaskaran 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper we predict and find that the lobbying activities of firms can complement executive networks in determining executive compensation. Firms of all sizes, after considering market competition as a governance mechanism, prefer to consider lobbying as a means of networking along with executive level networking to determine executive compensation. The empirical implication of the study provides guidance to scholars who should consider lobbying along with executive networks in determining executive compensation. The composite theoretical underpinning and the importance of information flow through lobbying activities of firms will be an important insight for policy makers involved in determining executive compensation.
A pH‐responsive polymer linked with immunomodulatory drugs: synthesis, characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility
Authors: Li Zhaocheng , Gao Jiyuan , Xiang Zexing , Zhang Honglei , Wang Yibei , Zhang Xuefei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCancer immunotherapy is a promising method for cancer therapy. Imiquimod (R837) is a molecule that could activate immune systems for cancer immunotherapy, but an easily manufactured biocompatible carrier to deliver R837 may be needed to overcome the disadvantages of R837. Micelles formed by biocompatible copolymers have been widely used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs but not immunotherapeutic drugs. In this study, R837 was linked to an amphiphilic biodegradable copolymer mPEG‐b‐PLA via acid‐sensitive Schiff bases. The molecular structures were investigated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The product could be self‐assembled into micelles with R837 content as high as 22.4%. Owing to acid‐cleavable Schiff bases, the release of R837 from micelles was markedly accelerated under acidic media. Consequently, the micelles linked with R837 stimulated the expression of major histocompatibility complex II‐stimulating molecules on the surface of RAW 264.7 macrophages at pH 6.5 but not pH 7.4. By using human umbilical vein endothelial cells as the in vitro model, it was shown that the polymer carriers and R837‐linked micelles were minimally cytotoxic and did not induce the activation of endothelial cells under physiological pH, which suggested the relatively high biocompatibility. In conclusion, this study successfully developed pH‐responsive immunotherapeutic drug‐loaded micelles that could activate macrophages at acidic pH in vitro. The high biocompatibility of the micelles to endothelial cells also indicated the potential uses under in vivo conditions.
Functions and applications of metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles in orthopedic implants and scaffolds
Authors: Wang Niyou , Fuh Jerry Ying Hsi , Dheen S Thameem , Senthil Kumar A 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBone defects and diseases are devastating, and can lead to severe functional deficits or even permanent disability. Nevertheless, orthopedic implants and scaffolds can facilitate the growth of incipient bone and help us to treat bone defects and diseases. Currently, a wide range of biomaterials with distinct biocompatibility, biodegradability, porosity, and mechanical strength is used in bone‐related research. However, most orthopedic implants and scaffolds have certain limitations and diverse complications, such as limited corrosion resistance, low cell proliferation, and bacterial adhesion. With recent advancements in materials science and nanotechnology, metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles have become the subject of significant interest as they offer an ample variety of options to resolve the existing problems in the orthopedic industry. More importantly, these nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical and mechanical properties not found in conventional materials, and can be incorporated into orthopedic implants and scaffolds to enhance their antimicrobial ability, bioactive molecular delivery, mechanical strength, osteointegration, and cell labeling and imaging. However, many metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles can also be toxic to nearby cells and tissues. This review article will discuss the applications and functions of metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles in orthopedic implants and bone tissue engineering.
Board tenure: A review
Authors: Sun Xuan Sean , Bhuiyan Md. Borhan Uddin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article reviews the existing academic research on the determinants and consequences of board tenure. Primarily, this article focuses specifically on international empirical studies. We find that different corporate governance characteristics determine board tenure. In addition, our review summarizes the influence of board tenure on corporate outcomes, such as accounting performance, financial reporting quality, and business strategy. This review contributes to an understanding of the implications, benefits, and limitations of board tenure. In the absence of any specific guidelines on current corporate governance best practice codes in different jurisdictions, this article would benefit regulators and professionals wishing to understand the importance and consequences of board tenure. We also suggest future research needed to fill the gaps in the existing board tenure literature.
Photocatalytic wet peroxide assisted degradation of Orange II dye by reduced graphene oxide and zeolites
Authors: Ovhal Shital D , Rodrigues Carmen SD , Madeira Luis M 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPhotocatalytic degradation of Orange II (OII) dye has been carried out with commercially available materials, namely sodium Y zeolite (NaY), ammonium Y zeolite (NH4Y), and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption at −196 °C, pH at the point of zero charge (pHpzc), and ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) diffuse reflectance absorbance. The initial screening of processes like adsorption, oxidation with hydrogen peroxide alone, direct photolysis, combination of H2O2 with the catalyst, and/or with UV/Vis radiation has been done. For the process with better performance (radiation combined with the oxidant and using the materials as photocatalysts), a parametric study was carried out to evaluate the effect of pH, H2O2 concentration, catalyst dose, radiation intensity, and radiation type (UV/Vis or visible radiation) in OII degradation and mineralization.ResultsThe screening demonstrated that radiation plays an important role in the hydroxyl radical formation and, inherently, in the oxidation of OII and in the mineralization of the organic compounds formed. Still, for all catalysts tested, the existence of optima in terms of pH (2.0), catalyst dose (100 mg L−1), and H2O2 concentration (6 mM) was found, while the maximum radiation intensity (500 W m−2) and UV/Vis radiation incidence benefits the oxidation process. However, the best process performance was achieved when using the catalyst that absorbs more radiation (RGO), yielding OII and TOC removals of 97.7% and 87.9%, respectively, after 90 min of reaction time.ConclusionTaking into account the great performance reached, a possible application of such catalysts in the treatment of textile dyeing effluents is anticipated. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Endothelial dysfunction in patients with myocardial ischemia or infarction and nonobstructive coronary arteries
Authors: Simsek Ersin Cagri , Sari Cenk , Kucukokur Murat , Ekmekci Cenk , Colak Ayfer , Ozdogan Oner 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeThe syndromes of myocardial infarction/myocardial ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MINOCA/INOCA) are seen more and more often. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) leading to ischemic events has been reported in many of these patients. We aimed to compare patients with MINOCA and INOCA regarding brachial artery flow‐mediated endothelium‐dependent vasodilation (flow‐mediated dilation [FMD]) and plasma concentration of cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1).MethodsWe included 42 patients with MINOCA and 38 patients with INOCA. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring FMD% and nitroglycerin‐mediated dilatation (NMD%) in the brachial artery. The plasma level of CT‐1 was determined by solid‐phase enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsFMD% was significantly lower in MINOCA than in INOCA patients (6.45 ± 2.65 vs 8.94 ± 3.32, P < .001), without significant difference in NMD% (10.69 ± 3.19 vs 12.16 ± 3.69, P = .06). Plasma CT‐1 levels were not significantly different: 40.1 pg/mL (22.5‐102.1) vs 37.2 pg/mL (23.5‐67.2), P = .53.ConclusionOur results suggest worse ED in MINOCA than in INOCA patients, but demonstrated no difference in CT‐1 levels between patients with stable and unstable ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteries.
Conservation implications of fish–habitat relationships in channelized agricultural headwater streams
Authors: Sanders Kathryn E. , Smiley Peter C. , Gillespie Robert B. , King Kevin W. , Smith Douglas R. , Pappas Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractChannelized agricultural headwater streams are common throughout agricultural watersheds in the midwestern United States. Understanding fish–habitat relationships within these streams will provide information that can assist with developing conservation and restoration strategies for these degraded streams. From spring 2006 to fall 2010, we collected fishes and measured riparian habitat, instream habitat, and water chemistry variables from seven sites in Cedar Creek, Indiana, and 14 sites in Upper Big Walnut Creek, Ohio. We found that fish community structure was more strongly correlated with instream habitat than riparian habitat or water chemistry in both watersheds. We also observed interrelationships among instream habitat, watershed size, and fish communities within both watersheds that suggest that the hydrological changes that occur with increasing watershed size are the underlying factor for fish community changes that occur with increasing watershed size. Our results suggest that conservation and restoration efforts within channelized agricultural headwater streams in the midwestern United States, where nutrients and herbicide concentrations are low, need to address physical habitat degradation to positively influence fish community structure.
MRI‐Based Deep‐Learning Model for Distant Metastasis‐Free Survival in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wu Xiangjun , Liu Jing , Zhang Bin , Mo Xiaokai , Chen Qiuying , Fang Jin , Wang Fei , Li Minmin , Chen Zhuozhi , Liu Shuyi , Chen Luyan , You Jingjing , Jin Zhe , Tang Binghang , Dong Di , Zhang Shuixing 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundDistant metastasis is the primary cause of treatment failure in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC).PurposeTo develop a model to evaluate distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) in LANPC and to explore the value of additional chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for different risk groups.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 233 patients with biopsy‐confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from two hospitals.Field Strength1.5T and 3T.SequenceAxial T2‐weighted (T2‐w) and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (CET1‐w) images.AssessmentDeep learning was used to build a model based on MRI images (including axial T2‐w and CET1‐w images) and clinical variables. Hospital 1 patients were randomly divided into training (n = 169) and validation (n = 19) cohorts; Hospital 2 patients were assigned to a testing cohort (n = 45). LANPC patients were divided into low‐ and high‐risk groups according to their DMFS (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to compare the DMFS of different risk groups and subgroup analysis was performed to compare patients treated with CCRT alone and treated with additional chemotherapy to CCRT in different risk groups, respectively.Statistical TestsUnivariate analysis was performed to identify significant clinical variables. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to assess the model performance.ResultsOur deep‐learning model integrating the deep‐learning signature, node (N) stage (from TNM staging), plasma Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐DNA, and treatment regimens yielded an AUC of 0.796 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.729–0.863), 0.795 (95% CI: 0.540–1.000), and 0.808 (95% CI: 0.654–0.962) in the training, internal validation, and external testing cohorts, respectively. Low‐risk patients treated with CCRT alone had longer DMFS than patients treated with additional chemotherapy to CCRT (P < 0.05).Data ConclusionThe proposed deep‐learning model, based on MRI features and clinical variates, facilitated the prediction of DMFS in LANPC patients.Level of Evidence3.Technical Efficacy Stage4.
COVID‐19 related immune hemolysis and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sahu Kamal Kant , Borogovac Azra , Cerny Jan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe current pandemic due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has posed an unprecedented challenge for the medical communities, various countries worldwide, and their citizens. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been studied for its various pathophysiological pathways and mechanisms through which it causes COVID‐19. In this study, we discussed the immunological impact of COVID‐19 on the hematological system, platelets, and red blood cells.
Apigenin suppresses influenza A virus‐induced RIG‐I activation and viral replication
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Miao Jing , Shao Qingliang , Gao Yue , Hong Luojia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractApigenin is a flavonoid of low toxicity and multiple beneficial bioactivities, including the properties of antitumor, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiviral activities. However, the effects of Apigenin on influenza virus infection remain poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Apigenin on influenza A virus (IAV)‐induced inflammation and viral replication. This study demonstrated that Apigenin treatment significantly suppressed IAV‐induced upregulation of retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I) expression, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines and interferons (IFN‐β and IFN‐λ1). Meanwhile, Apigenin also protected cells from IAV‐induced cell death. In addition, Apigenin specifically inhibited the activation of RIG‐I signaling via promoting the ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of RIG‐I, which may cause by the disrupting its interaction with heat shock protein 90α. Interestingly, instead of enhancing viral replication due to the inhibitory effects of Apigenin on the activation of RIG‐I and expression of IFNs, Apigenin inhibited IAV replication in vitro. Further study demonstrated that Apigenin inhibited the influenza viral neuraminidase (NA) activity. Thus, Apigenin may serve as a promising supplementary approach for treatment of influenza because it protected cells from IAV‐induced cell death and inhibited viral NA activity to suppress viral replication.
Early administration of lopinavir/ritonavir plus hydroxychloroquine does not alter the clinical course of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Giacomelli Andrea , Pagani Gabriele , Ridolfo Anna L. , Oreni Letizia , Conti Federico , Pezzati Laura , Bradanini Lucia , Casalini Giacomo , Bassoli Cinzia , Morena Valentina , Passerini Simone , Rizzardini Giuliano , Cogliati Chiara , Ceriani Elisa , Colombo Riccardo , Rusconi Stefano , Gervasoni Cristina , Cattaneo Dario , Antinori Spinello , Galli Massimo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAs it has been shown that lopinavir (LPV) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have in vitro activity against coronaviruses, they were used to treat COVID‐19 during the first wave of the epidemic in Lombardy, Italy. To compare the rate of clinical improvement between those who started LPV/ritonavir (LPV/r)+HCQ within 5 days of symptom onset (early treatment, ET) and those who started later (delayed treatment, DT). This was a retrospective intent‐to‐treat analysis of the hospitalized patients who started LPV/r + HCQ between 21 February and 20 March 2020. The association between the timing of treatment and the probability of 30‐day mortality was assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic models. The study involved 172 patients: 43 (25%) in the ET and 129 (75%) in the DT group. The rate of clinical improvement increased over time to 73.3% on day 30, without any significant difference between the two groups (Gray's test P = .213). After adjusting for potentially relevant clinical variables, there was no significant association between the timing of the start of treatment and the probability of 30‐day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] ET vs DT = 1.45, 95% confidence interval 0.50‐4.19). Eight percent of the patients discontinued the treatment becausebecause of severe gastrointestinal disorders attributable to LPV/r. The timing of the start of LPV/r + HCQ treatment does not seem to affect the clinical course of hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. Together with the severe adverse events attributable to LPV/r, this raises concerns about the benefit of using this combination to treat COVID‐19.
An efficient method to compute simplified noise parameters of analog amplifiers using symbolic and evolutionary approach
Authors: Panda Madhusmita , Patnaik Santosh K. , Mal Ashis K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSymbolic circuit analysis suffers as the symbolic terms increases by many folds with the increase in the size of the circuit. Hence simplification techniques are used for the analysis of the circuits which are larger in size. In this work, multi‐objective evolutionary optimisation algorithms for obtaining simplified symbolic expressions of analog amplifier circuits are presented which are not only very efficient in terms of speed and the amount of circuit reduction but also solve the accuracy problems. Initially, all MOSFETs are replaced with their nullor equivalent model. Then, the formulation of accurate fully‐symbolic noise expressions is carried out by the application of symbolic nodal analysis. The derived exact symbolic expressions are then simplified using an evolutionary approach. This method has been successfully coded in MATLAB. The numerical results obtained before and after simplification are compared with SPICE simulation to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Effect of doping on the local structure of new block‐layered proton conductors based on BaLaInO4
Authors: Tarasova N. , Animitsa I. , Galisheva A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this work, the effect of acceptor of La3+‐sublattice and donor of In3+‐sublattice doping on the local structure of proton conductor BaLaInO4 with block‐layered Ruddlesden–Popper structure was investigated. It was showed that both types of doping led to appearance of new kinds of the defects (oxygen vacancy and oxygen interstitial) and to the decrease in the tilting angles of [InO6] octahedra due to the expansion of unit cell in the ab direction. The formation of a less distorted structure provided facilitated oxygen‐ionic and protonic transport and increased ionic conductivity.
Enantioselective residue analysis of oxathiapiprolin and its metabolite in tea and other crops by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xinzhong , Sun Hezhi , Wang Xinru , Li Hongxia , Zhong Qing , Luo Fengjian , Chen Zongmao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOxathiapiprolin is the first chiral piperidinyl thiazole isoxazoline fungicide developed to control downy mildew and other diseases, and there were no prior reports on its enantiomeric residue. In this study, a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction and purification method followed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry determination was first developed and validated for the residue analysis of oxathiapiprolin enantiomers and its metabolite IN‐E8S72 in green tea and other crops. Oxathiapiprolin enantiomers and IN‐E8S72 were separated on a chiral Lux Cellulose‐3 column with the use of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate in water as mobile phases. IN‐E8S72 was eluted first, followed by (−)‐oxathiapiprolin, and then (+)‐oxathiapiprolin. The recoveries ranged from 53.3 to 125.3% with relative standard deviations ranging from 1.4 to 16.0%. The limits of quantification for (−)‐oxathiapiprolin and (+)‐oxathiapiprolin were 0.005 mg/kg in romaine lettuce, head cabbage, potato, grape, and garlic, 0.01 mg/kg in soybean and pea, and 0.025 mg/kg in green tea and dry pepper. The limits of quantification of IN‐E8S72 were twice those of (−)‐oxathiapiprolin. Screening results with real market samples indicated that there was no enantiomeric excess in the oxathiapiprolin residue in romaine lettuce.
Coverage for Gender‐Affirming Voice Surgery and Therapy for Transgender Individuals
Authors: DeVore Elliana K. , Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Richburg Kayla , Banaszak Elizabeth M. , Wang Tiffany V. , Naunheim Matthew R. , Shaye David A. 
Published: August 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine insurance coverage for gender‐affirming surgery and voice therapy for individuals who seek to align their voice with their gender identity, and to analyze differences based on state‐by‐state transgender equality.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsPolicies from the top three commercial insurers per state in 2019 were reviewed. Coverage status was determined by web‐based search, telephone interviews, and email inquiries. A state‐by‐state equality score was calculated based on the number of laws and policies relating to the transgender community. Correlation between number of preauthorized procedures and state equality scores was assessed.ResultsOf the 150 insurance companies reviewed, only four (2.7%) held favorable policies, whereas 113 (75.8%) provided no coverage. Endoscopic surgery, open surgery, individual voice therapy, and group voice therapy interventions were equally excluded (n = 93, 62.4%). Coverage was not correlated with laws driving transgender equality (P = .782).ConclusionsGender‐affirming voice interventions are seldom covered by commercial insurance companies. Despite established medical necessity and years of experience in practice, gender‐affirming interventions for voice have not yet been fully considered by third‐party payors. Further investigation regarding cost‐effectiveness and treatment efficacy is warranted to improve insurance coverage of voice‐related gender‐affirming care.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E896–E902, 2021