bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does tunneling explain the sensitivity of executive compensation to other member firms’ performance?
Authors: Kim Hyungseok , Kim Woochan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study examines how executive compensation is set when a firm is a business group member. Using Korea's unique setting of family‐controlled business groups, we find that a member firm's executive cash compensation is positively linked to the stock performance of other member firms as well as its own. Further analyses reveal that this positive link is consistent with the hypothesis that corporate managers are rewarded for their decision to benefit the controlling family at the expense of the firm they manage. Specifically, we find that the sensitivity of executive pay to other member firms’ performance exists only in respect to firms in which the cash flow rights of the controlling family exceed those of the subject firm. We also find that this sensitivity is strengthened if the controlling family's control–ownership disparity in the subject firm is above the sample median.
Smad3 gene C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutation aggravates CCl4‐induced inflammation in mice
Authors: Ding Hanyan , Fang Meng , Gong Yongfang , Li Dong , Zhang Chong , Wen Guanghua , Wu Chao , Yang Jingjing , Yang Yan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe expression of C‐terminal phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) is down‐regulated with the progression of liver disease. Thus, we hypothesized that pSmad3C expression may be negatively related to liver disease. To develop novel therapeutic strategies, a suitable animal model is required that will allow researchers to study the effect of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression. The current study aimed to construct a new mouse model with the Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutation and to explore the effects of this mutation on CCl4‐induced inflammation. Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutant mice were generated using TetraOne™ gene fixed‐point knock‐in technology and embryonic stem cell microinjection. Resulting mice were identified by genotyping, and the effects on inflammation were explored in the presence or absence of CCl4. No homozygous mice were born, indicating that the mutation is embryonic lethal. There was no significant difference in liver phenotype and growth between the wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HT) mice in the absence of reagent stimulation. After CCl4‐induced acute and chronic liver damage, liver pathology, serum transaminase (ALT/AST) expression and levels of inflammatory factors (IL‐6/TNF‐α) were more severely altered in HT mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, pSmad3C protein levels were lower in liver tissue from HT mice. These results suggest that Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation may have a protective effect during the early stages of liver injury. In summary, we have generated a new animal model that will be a novel tool for future research on the effects of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression.
Influence of inbreeding in the early stages of artificially reared colonies of Bombus terrestris
Authors: Bortolotti Laura , Fiorillo Fabio , Zavatta Laura , De Rogatis Anna , Bogo Gherardo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn the present study on the bumblebee Bombus terrestris, we investigated the influence of inbreeding on queen fitness by comparing diapause survival and egg‐laying success of queens mated with nestmate and non‐nestmate males. We then compared the early stage of colonies with or without diploid males and analysed colony characteristics to identify a factor predictive of colony outcome. Diapause survival was no different between queens mated with nestmates and non‐nestmates, but in the latter case, egg‐laying success was significantly higher. Queens mated with nestmates gave rise to a percentage of diploid male colonies (52.6%) compatible with brother–sister coupling. We obtained 18.6% of colonies with diploid males even from queens mated with non‐nestmates, indicating that the colonies of origin were in some way related or homozygous at the sex determination loci. There was no difference in the early growth stage between colonies with or without diploid males, except in the number of workers emerging in the first brood, which was significantly higher in the latter. Among diploid male colonies, the number of workers and the male/worker ratio in the first brood was highly variable and was not a good predictor of subsequent colony growth. Out of 49 colonies with diploid males that reached full development, only 11 had a sufficient size to assume that they could survive in the field or, in a commercial breeding, to be suitable for pollination purposes.
Patterns of Association between Depressive Symptoms and Chronic Medical Morbidities in Older Adults
Authors: Agustini Bruno , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Woods Robyn L. , McNeil John J. , Nelson Mark R. , Shah Raj C. , Murray Anne M. , Ernst Michael E. , Reid Christopher M. , Tonkin Andrew , Lockery Jessica E. , Williams Lana J. , Berk Michael , Mohebbi Mohammadreza ,   ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the association between depressive symptoms and several medical morbidities, and their combination, in a large older population.DESIGNCross‐sectional study of baseline data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial.SETTINGMulticentric study conducted in Australia and the United States.PARTICIPANTSA total of 19,110 older adults (mean age = 75 years [standard deviation = ±4.5]).MEASUREMENTSDepressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES‐D 10) scale. Medical morbidities were defined according to condition‐specific methods. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to test associations before and after accounting for possible confounders.RESULTSDepressive symptoms were significantly associated with obesity (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.07‐1.32), diabetes (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.05‐1.42), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.28‐1.57), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03‐1.29), osteoarthritis (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.27‐1.57), respiratory conditions (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.10‐1.42), history of cancer (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.05‐1.34), Parkinson’s disease (OR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.83‐3.56), polypharmacy (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.44‐1.79), and multimorbidity (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.12‐1.49). No significant association was observed between depressive symptoms and hypertension, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, and gout (P > .05). A significant dose‐response relationship was evident between the number of medical comorbidities and the prevalence of depression (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.13‐1.22).CONCLUSIONLate‐life depressive symptoms are significantly associated with several medical morbidities, and there appears to be a cumulative effect of the number of somatic diseases on the prevalence of depression. These findings augment the evidence for a complex relationship between mental and physical health in an otherwise healthy older population and might guide clinicians toward early recognition of high‐risk individuals. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1834‐1841, 2020.
Alterations of serum vitamin E and vitamin A concentrations of ponies and horses during experimentally induced obesity
Authors: Schedlbauer Carola , Blaue Dominique , Raila Jens , Vervuert Ingrid 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVitamin A, vitamin E and retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) are a focus of current obesity research in humans. The impact of body weight (BW) gain on fat‐soluble vitamins and its associated parameters in equines has not been previously reported. Ten Shetland ponies and 9 Warmblood horses, all adult geldings, non‐obese and healthy, were fed an excessive energy diet for 20 months to induce BW gain. Serum α‐tocopherol (vitamin E), retinol (vitamin A), retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) and retinol/RBP4 ratio were analysed before BW gain induction and at six timepoints during the BW gaining period. The mean (±SD) % BW gain achieved during two years of excess energy intake was 29.9 ± 19.4% for ponies and 17 ± 6.74% for horses. Serum α‐tocopherol increased significantly in ponies and horses during excess energy intake and circulating α‐tocopherol levels correlated positively with α‐tocopherol intake (r = .6; p < .001). Serum retinol concentrations showed variations during the study but without relation to intake. Serum RBP4 decreased at the end of the study. The retinol/RBP4 ratio increased with BW gain without differences between ponies and horses. In comparison with human research, the increase in the retinol/RBP4 ratio was unexpected and needs further elucidation.
Movers and Stayers: What Birthplaces Can Teach Us About Rural Practice Choice Among Midwestern General Surgeons
Authors: Hughes Dorothy , Williams Jessica A. R. , Brooks Joanna Veazey 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeThis study compares practicing rural Midwestern general surgeons born in urban areas to those born in rural areas to describe the association between birthplace and current practice location.MethodsThe 2017 AMA MasterFile was used to study general surgeons in the Midwest Census Division. Surgeons were assigned to categories based on birthplace and current practice locations: urban‐urban stayers, urban‐rural movers, rural‐rural stayers, and rural‐urban movers. Urban and rural classifications corresponded to the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan definitions with Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes (urban, RUCCs 1‐3; rural, RUCCs 4‐9). Bivariate tests and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with rural practice choice.FindingsThere were 3,070 general surgeons in the study population: 70.6% urban‐urban stayers, 13.1% urban‐rural movers, 10.7% rural‐urban movers, and 5.7% rural‐rural stayers. Rural areas netted 74 surgeons (327 rural‐urban movers versus 401 urban‐rural movers). Logistic regression results found different factors predicted rural practice among urban‐born versus rural‐born surgeons. Older urban‐born surgeons were more likely to practice rurally, as were male surgeons, DOs, and those trained in less‐urban residency programs. Among rural‐born surgeons, more rural birthplaces and having trained at a less‐urban residency were associated with practicing rurally.ConclusionsRecruiting urban‐born surgeons to rural areas has proven successful in the Midwest; our findings show urban‐born surgeons outnumber rural‐born surgeons in rural communities. Given the ongoing need for surgeons in rural areas, urban‐born surgeons should not be overlooked. Findings suggest educators and community leaders should expand less‐urban training opportunities given their potential influence on all general surgeons.
On the rise and fall of the apnea−hypopnea index: A historical review and critical appraisal
Authors: Pevernagie Dirk A. , Gnidovec‐Strazisar Barbara , Grote Ludger , Heinzer Raphael , McNicholas Walter T. , Penzel Thomas , Randerath Winfried , Schiza Sophia , Verbraecken Johan , Arnardottir Erna S. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe publication of “The Sleep Apnea Syndromes” by Guilleminault et al. in the 1970s hallmarked the discovery of a new disease entity involving serious health consequences. Obstructive sleep apnea was shown to be the most important disorder among the sleep apnea syndromes (SAS). In the course of time, it was found that the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea reached the proportions of a global epidemic, with a major impact on public health, safety and the economy. Early on, a metric was introduced to gauge the seriousness of obstructive sleep apnea, based on the objective measurement of respiratory events during nocturnal sleep. The apnea index and later on the apnea−hypopnea index, being the total count of overnight respiratory events divided by the total sleep time in hours, were embraced as principle measures to establish the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and to rate its severity. The current review summarises the historical evolution of the apnea−hypopnea index, which has been subject to many changes, and has been criticised for not capturing relevant clinical features of obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, the application of the apnea−hypopnea index as a continuous exposure variable is based on assumptions that it represents a disease state of obstructive sleep apnea and that evocative clinical manifestations are invariably caused by obstructive sleep apnea if the apnea−hypopnea index is above diagnostic threshold. A critical appraisal of the extensive literature shows that both assumptions are invalid. This conclusion prompts a reconsideration of the role of the apnea−hypopnea index as the prime diagnostic metric of clinically relevant obstructive sleep apnea.
Cytological and microbiological characteristics of middle ear effusions in brachycephalic dogs
Authors: Milne Elspeth , Nuttall Tim , Marioni‐Henry Katia , Piccinelli Chiara , Schwarz Tobias , Azar Ali , Harris Jennifer , Duncan Juliet , Cheeseman Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundMiddle ear effusion is common in brachycephalic dogs with similarities to otitis media with effusion in children. Association with the cranial and eustachian tube morphology and bacterial infection is suspected in both species.Hypothesis/objectivesTo determine cytological and bacteriological features of middle ear effusions in dogs, provide information on histological features, and further assess the dog as a model of the human disease.AnimalsSixteen live dogs, 3 postmortem cases of middle ear effusion, and 2 postmortem controls.MethodsProspective; clinical investigation using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, video‐otoscopy, myringotomy; cytological assessment of 30 and bacteriology of 28 effusions; histology and immunohistochemistry (CD3 for T‐lymphocytes, Pax5 for B lymphocytes and MAC387 for macrophages) of 10 middle ear sections.ResultsEffusions were associated with neurological deficits in 6/16 (38%) and concurrent atopic dermatitis and otitis externa in 9/16 (56%) of live cases. Neutrophils and macrophages predominated on cytology (median 60 [range 2%‐95.5%] and 27 [2%‐96.5%]) whether culture of effusions was positive or not. In histology sections, the mucosa was thickened in affected dogs but submucosal gland dilatation occurred in affected and unaffected dogs. There was no bacterial growth from 22/28 (79%) of effusions. Bacteria isolated from the other 6 (21%) were predominantlyStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(4/6, 67%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceClinical, morphological, and cytological findings in middle ear effusions of dogs and people suggest similar pathogeneses. Middle ear effusion of dogs could be a useful model of human otitis media with effusion. Such comparisons can improve understanding and management across species.
Biodiversity conservation through the lens of metacommunity ecology
Authors: Chase Jonathan M. , Jeliazkov Alienor , Ladouceur Emma , Viana Duarte S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMetacommunity ecology combines local (e.g., environmental filtering and biotic interactions) and regional (e.g., dispersal and heterogeneity) processes to understand patterns of species abundance, occurrence, composition, and diversity across scales of space and time. As such, it has a great potential to generalize and synthesize our understanding of many ecological problems. Here, we give an overview of how a metacommunity perspective can provide useful insights for conservation biology, which aims to understand and mitigate the effects of anthropogenic drivers that decrease population sizes, increase extinction probabilities, and threaten biodiversity. We review four general metacommunity processes—environmental filtering, biotic interactions, dispersal, and ecological drift—and discuss how key anthropogenic drivers (e.g., habitat loss and fragmentation, and nonnative species) can alter these processes. We next describe how the patterns of interest in metacommunities (abundance, occupancy, and diversity) map onto issues at the heart of conservation biology, and describe cases where conservation biology benefits by taking a scale‐explicit metacommunity perspective. We conclude with some ways forward for including metacommunity perspectives into ideas of ecosystem functioning and services, as well as approaches to habitat management, preservation, and restoration.
PD‐L1 in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue shows gender‐specific association with prognosis
Authors: Wilms Torben , Gu Xiaolian , Boldrup Linda , Coates Philip J. , Fahraeus Robin , Wang Lixiao , Sgaramella Nicola , Nielsen Niels‐Hilmer , Norberg‐Spaak Lena , Nylander Karin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo use alternative quantitation approaches to clarify the clinical implication of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT).Materials and MethodsVentana SP263 immunohistochemistry assay and a multiplicative QuickScore method were applied to quantify PD‐L1 in tumor and surrounding immune cells from 101 patients with SCCOT. Tumor‐infiltrating immune cells were estimated from bulk tissue transcriptional profiles of 25 patients. Circulating PD‐L1 levels were measured in serum from 30 patients using an electrochemiluminescence assay platform.ResultsWe found higher tumor cell PD‐L1 levels in females than males (p = .019). For patients with low PD‐L1 in tumor cells, better survival was seen in males than females (overall survival p = .021, disease‐free survival p = .020). Tumor‐infiltrating natural killer T cells, immature dendritic cells, and M1 macrophages were positively associated with tumor cell PD‐L1 (p < .05).ConclusionsOur data confirmed the significance of gender on tumor cell PD‐L1 expression and demonstrated combined effects of gender and PD‐L1 levels on clinical outcome in patients with SCCOT. The data also indicated the involvement of specific immune cell types in PD‐L1‐regulated immune evasion.
The R2R3‐MYB transcription factor AtMYB49 modulates salt tolerance in Arabidopsis by modulating the cuticle formation and antioxidant defence
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Ruling , Yang Xianpeng , Ju Qiong , Li Weiqiang , Lü Shiyou , Tran Lam‐Son Phan , Xu Jin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSalt stress activates defence responses in plants, including changes in leaf surface structure. Here, we showed that the transcriptional activation of cutin deposition and antioxidant defence by the R2R3‐type MYB transcription factor AtMYB49 contributed to salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Characterization of loss‐of‐function myb49 mutants, and chimeric AtMYB49‐SRDX‐overexpressing SRDX49 transcriptional repressor and AtMYB49‐overexpressing (OX49) overexpressor plants demonstrated a positive role of AtMYB49 in salt tolerance. Transcriptome analysis revealed that many genes belonging to the category “cutin, suberin and wax biosyntheses” were markedly up‐regulated and down‐regulated in OX49 and SRDX49 plants, respectively, under normal and/or salt stress conditions. Some of these differentially expressed genes, including MYB41, ASFT, FACT and CYP86B1, were also shown to be the direct targets of AtMYB49 and activated by AtMYB49. Biochemical analysis indicated that AtMYB49 modulated cutin deposition in the leaves. Importantly, cuticular transpiration, chlorophyll leaching and toluidine blue‐staining assays revealed a link between increased AtMYB49‐mediated cutin deposition in leaves and enhanced salt tolerance. Additionally, increased AtMYB49 expression elevated Ca2+ level in leaves and improved antioxidant capacity by up‐regulating genes encoding peroxidases and late embryogenesis abundant proteins. These results suggest that genetic manipulation of AtMYB49 may provide a novel way to improve salt tolerance in plants.
Multiple Streams and Power Sector Policy Change: Evidence from the Feed‐in Tariff Policy Process in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Yugo , Chapman Andrew , Tezuka Tetsuo , Sakurai Shigeki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSustainability concerns have been placing public policy in the power sector under pressure to realize a radical change. However, energy policy is often subject to strong path dependency and inertia that make such change difficult. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the conditions under which radical policy changes happen in the power sector, based on the Multiple Streams Approach. Through a case study of the Feed‐in Tariff program for increasing renewable energy deployment in Japan, it is elucidated that the elevation of the generous program, which is fundamentally incompatible to previous policy processes, was a result of the intersection of problem, policy, and politics streams. The findings provide strong evidence to support our claim that political parties embrace a policy proposal that is not necessarily “softened” within the policy network when an existing policy community itself is perceived as a problem.Related ArticlesBrant, Hanna K., Nathan Myers, and Katherine L. Runge. 2017. “Promotion, Protection, and Entrepreneurship: Stakeholder Participation and Policy Change in the 21st Century Cures Initiative.” Politics & Policy 45 (3): 372‐404. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12201Morris, Mary Hallock. 2007. “The Political Strategies of Winning and Losing Coalitions: Agricultural and Environmental Groups in the Debate over Hypoxia.” Politics & Policy 35 (4): 836‐871. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00086.xRawat, Pragati, and John Charles Morris. 2016. “Kingdon's ‘Streams’ Model at Thirty: Still Relevant in the 21st Century?” Politics & Policy 44 (4): 608‐638. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12168
Political Science and U.S. Health Policy in the Era of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Haeder Simon F. 
Published: May 2020

Few laws have a profound and lasting impact on an entire political system. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), despite its incremental nature and bipartisan heritage, has been one of those remarkable landmarks. Even a decade after its passage, the political struggle is far from over, as the ACA is still facing near constant threats from the incumbent president, Congress, the courts, statehouses, attorneys general, and governors across the nation. How have political scientists responded to the continued struggle? This article provides an overview of the effects of health reform and the ACA on political science research since 2008. While political scientists have written much about the subject, coverage has been distinctly uneven within the discipline. Indeed, it has almost been entirely confined to scholars of public and health policy. Nonetheless, there have been important contributions across disciplinary fields. This article provides an overview of contributions embedded within the study of federalism, policy feedback effects, and political framing. It concludes by emphasizing the need for more engaged scholarship on health policy issues from across the entire discipline, and by highlighting other areas of study that could benefit from broader attention by political scientists.
Surface display system for probiotics and its application in aquaculture
Authors: Yao Yuan‐Yuan , Yang Ya‐Lin , Gao Chen‐Chen , Zhang Feng‐Li , Xia Rui , Li Dong , Hu Juan , Ran Chao , Zhang Zhen , Liu‐Clarke Jihong , Zhou Zhi‐Gang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAquaculture is a fast‐growing and rapidly expanding industry in the world. Probiotics are widely used in aquaculture and have provided benefits to aquatic animal health, and it is also a promising alternative to antibiotics for control of fish diseases. With the development of biotechnology, new expression systems and novel techniques for the surface display of heterologous proteins in surface of probiotics cells have been developed. This review provides an overview of the systems and strategies for displaying functional proteins on the surface of probiotics commonly used in aquaculture, which are Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, lactic acid bacteria represented by Lactococcus lactis and yeast. Their applications in aquaculture especially for oral vaccine development afforded by this technology and prospects and challenges associated with this technology are also highlighted.