bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collaborative writing in mixed classes: What do heritage and second language learners think?
Authors: Fernández‐Dobao Ana 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study investigates heritage language (HL) and second language (L2) learners' attitudes and perceptions of their mixed HL–L2 interactions. As part of the activities of a 10‐week course, eight Spanish HL learners and 10 L2 learners worked in mixed dyads to complete a series of collaborative writing tasks designed to leverage their complementary strengths and weaknesses. A beginning‐of‐quarter and an end‐of‐quarter questionnaire were administered. Learners' responses revealed that HL and L2 learners alike had a highly positive experience that changed their initial reluctance toward collaborative writing. Most learners noticed language gains and an improvement in their writing skills. Yet both HL and L2 participants agreed that L2 learners, who were generally perceived as less proficient, benefited more. HL learners also reported affective benefits from their role as linguistic and cultural experts. Although some challenges were noticed, overall, findings support the use of collaborative writing tasks in mixed classes.
Weighted spatial dynamic shift‐share model as a forecasting tool for a regional economy: The case of South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyun‐kyung , Kim Hong‐bae 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study proposes a weighted spatial dynamic shift‐share model that considers two regional attributes, namely, interregional interactions and regional receptive capabilities for domestic and international economic change, to improve the forecasting capability of the traditional shift‐share model. In particular, the spatial dependence among regions is embodied by a spatial weight matrix based on contiguity. Additionally, regional receptive capabilities are represented by weights imposed on regional industries. Forecasts over the period of 2014–2016 are made for 14 regions in South Korea using the proposed model. The results are compared with actual data from the same period and evaluated in terms of the mean absolute percentage error. The results indicate that the proposed model is more reliable and accurate than the traditional model and other dynamic extensions.
Towards a global multidisciplinary consensus framework on haemophilia gene therapy: Report of the 2nd World Federation of Haemophilia Gene Therapy Round Table
Authors: Pierce Glenn F. , Pasi K. John , Coffin Donna , Kaczmarek Radoslaw , Lillicrap David , Mahlangu Johnny , Rottellini Dawn , Sannié Thomas , Srivastava Alok , VandenDriessche Thierry , Weill Alain ,   Members of the WFH Gene Therapy Round Table Program Organizing Committee
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionWith approval of gene therapy for haemophilia likely in the near future, policy frameworks are needed to guide the path forward for this disruptive and novel therapeutic advance.AimThe WFH has initiated a series of multi‐stakeholder Gene Therapy Round Tables (GTRT) to better understand where guidance is needed and develop initial consensus statements to inform policy.MethodsThe first day of the 2nd GTRT was devoted to didactic presentations on models of access to gene therapy, payment and health technology assessment considerations, regulatory issues and the generation of evidence on safety and durable efficacy of gene therapy products. On the second day, participants were tasked with developing and voting on consensus statements that reflected the information presented and multi‐stakeholder views expressed during discussions in the 1st and 2nd WFH GTRTs. The statements covered global access to gene therapy for all people with haemophilia (PWH), collection of long‐term safety and efficacy data, ensuring gene therapy is available for all subgroups of PWH including those who have been largely excluded from clinical trials and characterizing acceptable and ideal factor expression levels for gene therapy products.ResultsThe first 3 statements achieved consensus (at least 80% agreement) by this group of experts. The statement on identifying an ideal and an acceptable factor level expression elicited a lively discussion but failed to achieve consensus by this group.ConclusionsThis issue of ideal and acceptable factor level expression and other unresolved issues will be brought to the 3rd WFH GTRT in 2020.
THE HIDDEN COST OF BARGAINING: EVIDENCE FROM A CHEATING‐PRONE MARKETPLACE
Authors: Bhattacharya Haimanti , Dugar Subhasish 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIt is widely believed that successful bargaining helps consumers increase their surplus. We present evidence from a field experiment showing that bargaining over price reduces buyer surplus in a marketplace where sellers cheat on the weight whose value may more than offset the price discount. Our results show that bargaining entails hidden costs since sellers cheat significantly more when buyers bargain than not and they cheat significantly more when bargaining succeeds than fails. Overall bargaining reduces buyer surplus than not bargaining. Our result is relevant for credence goods markets where bargaining over prices may induce sellers to “undertreat” more.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: Test to monitor the action of eculizumab treatment
Authors: Arcavi Miriam , Ceballo Fernanda , Caracciolo María Beatríz , Lazarowski Alberto 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionParoxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is caused by a somatic mutation in the PIG‐A gene, which encodes for glycosylphosphatidylinositol, a phospholipid membrane that anchors proteins like CD55 and CD59. These proteins are inhibitors of the complement‐mediated lysis. PNH is diagnosed by flow cytometry, and treatment with eculizumab improves the life quality of patients with severe clinical compromise. The aim of this work was to evaluate a hemolytic test that allows monitoring the blockade of the alternative complement pathway caused by eculizumab (herein MET test).MethodsThere were analyzed a total of 163 serum samples from nine patients with PNH under treatment with eculizumab and ten healthy volunteers like controls. The patients were evaluated for 6 months. The MET test consisted in incubating red blood cells from patients (RBCPNH) with either acidified serum from healthy volunteers and from patients with PNH. The results can be (a) Positive, (b) Blockade profile, or (c) Negative.ResultsSeven patients responded favorably to the eculizumab, and the test evidenced the blockade profile. The two remaining patients were nonresponders to the treatment, with a positive MET test. In these patients, the dose was increased. One responded favorably with a blockade profile, and the other continued to be nonresponder.ConclusionsThe MET test proved to be a useful tool to monitor the blockade of complement by eculizumab.
Abnormal platelet phenotypes in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Liu Jiaxi , Niu Haiyue , Yue Lanzhu , Lv Qi , Yang Liyan , Liu Chunyan , Jiang Huijuan , Xing Limin , Shao Zonghong , Wang Huaquan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionHemorrhage and infection are two main causes of death in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and it is becoming increasingly clear that platelet dysfunction can also affect the process of hemostasis and anti‐infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate activation function and immune‐related function of platelets in MDS.MethodsWe included 29 MDS patients and divided them into different subgroups (low‐risk group and high‐risk group; untreated group and treated group; pretransfusion group and post‐transfusion group) according to IPSS‐R score, hypomethylating agents (HMAs) therapy, and platelet transfusion history. Platelet light scatter properties, expression of CD41a, activation‐associated phenotypes (CD62p and CD63), and immune‐associated phenotypes (CD154 and TLR4) were detected by multiparameter flow cytometry.ResultsExpression of CD41a was decreased (P < .05), and no difference was found in platelet light scatter properties between MDS patients and healthy subjects (P > .05). Significantly decreased expression frequency and intensity of activation phenotype CD63 were found in patients with MDS (P < .05). Low‐risk MDS showed lower expression frequency while high‐risk MDS showed reduced mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD63. Decreased expression of CD154 and TLR4 was found in MDS patients (P < .05) which was significantly elevated after HMAs therapy (P < .05). Particularly, MFI of CD154 and TLR4 reduced in high‐risk MDS patients (P < .05).ConclusionMyelodysplastic syndromes patients displayed defective expression of both activation‐ and immune‐associated platelet phenotypes, with differential mechanisms between low‐risk and high‐risk groups regarding phenotype alterations. The findings confirmed impaired platelet phenotypes in MDS which may assist in the diagnosis and identification of MDS patients.
MORGAN STANLEY ROUNDTABLE ON Capital Structure and Payout Policy
Authors: Smith Clifford , Ikenberry David , Nayar Arun , Anda Jon , McVey Henry , Stewart Bennett 
Published: March 2020

A group of distinguished finance academics and practitioners discuss a number of topical issues in corporate financial management: Is there such a thing as an optimal, or value‐maximizing, capital structure for a given company? What proportion of a firm's current earnings should be distributed to the firm's shareholders? And under what circumstances should such distributions take the form of stock repurchases rather than dividends?The consensus that emerges is that a company's financing and payout policies should be designed to support its business strategy. For growth companies, the emphasis is on preserving financial flexibility to carry out the business plan, which means heavy reliance on equity financing and limited payouts. But for companies in mature industries with few major investment opportunities, more aggressive use of debt and higher payouts can add value both by reducing taxes and controlling the corporate free cash flow problem. In such cases, both leveraged financing and cash distributions through dividends and stock buybacks signal management's commitment to its shareholders that the firm's excess cash will not be wasted on projects that produce low‐return growth that comes at the expense of profitability.As for the choice between dividends and stock repurchases, dividends provide a stronger commitment to pay out excess cash than open market repurchase programs. Stock buybacks, at least of the open market variety, preserve more flexibility for companies that want to be able to capitalize on unpredictable investment opportunities. But, as with the debt‐equity decision, there is an optimal level of financial flexibility: too little can mean lost investment opportunities, but too much can lead to overinvestment.
Benefits of a transtheoretical model‐based program on exercise adherence in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Wang Yunlin , Liu Congying , Lu Han , Liu Nan , Yu Fang , Wan Qiaoqin , Chen Jieru , Shang Shaomei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsBenefits of a transtheoretical model‐based exercise program on exercise adherence (primary outcome) and secondary outcomes (self‐efficacy, decisional balance, knee osteoarthritis symptoms, and physical function) were assessed among older adults with knee osteoarthritis.DesignA two‐arm, superiority, assessor‐blinded, cluster randomized trial with randomization at the community level.MethodsParticipants were recruited from 14 communities in Beijing between April ‐ October 2018 (N = 189). The intervention was a 24‐week transtheoretical model‐based exercise program and the control group underwent a non‐theory–based exercise program. Exercise adherence was collected every 4 weeks and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. An independent t test and repeated‐measures ANOVA were the main statistical tests.ResultsMost participants were women (92.5%), married (81.4%), with high‐school education (36.0%), with both knees affected (50.3%), and did not make use of a walker (93.8%). There were no significant differences between groups in any of the outcome measures at baseline. Repeated‐measures ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference in the trend of adherence scores between the two groups from 0–24 weeks. The independent t test showed that scores in the intervention group were significantly better than in the control group at 16, 20, and 24 weeks. Improvements in the intervention group were also significantly greater in all secondary outcomes than in the control group.ConclusionA theory‐based exercise program could improve exercise adherence, self‐efficacy, decisional balance, knee osteoarthritis symptoms, and physical functioning in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry number ChiCTR1800015458. Registered 31 March 2018.ImpactThe 24‐week theory‐based exercise program could improve exercise adherence, self‐efficacy, decisional balance, symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, and physical functioning in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The theory‐based exercise program could help older adults with knee osteoarthritis to improve their symptoms and knee function.
Untangling the imprints of climate, geography and land use/cover on bird diversity in the South American Gran Chaco
Authors: Názaro María Gabriela , Dos Santos Daniel A. , Torres Ricardo , Baumann Matthias , Blendinger Pedro G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the structure of bird communities throughout the South American Gran Chaco determining the effects of climate, geography and land use/land cover in bird beta diversity, as well as to understand the beta diversity processes underlying land use changes across broad spatial ranges.LocationSouth American Gran Chaco.TaxonBirds.MethodsWe constructed a site‐by‐species matrix with occurrence probabilities of 293 bird species across 2,669 spatial units tiling completely the study area. Based on this matrix, we calculated pairwise dissimilarities scores and performed a hierarchical cluster analysis for describing the spatial configuration of dissimilarities. The clustering result was spatially represented through an original venation map with boundaries between sites widened in the function of their distance in the dendrogram. We used the Generalized Dissimilarity Modelling approach to model beta diversity, using geographic distance, climatic and land use/land cover information as predictors. We mapped beta diversity patterns using colour theory and the HSV colour model.ResultsWe identified two main clusters of sites across the Gran Chaco, which represent environmentally different sites and harbour very distinct assemblages of species. These main groups are separated by two natural delimiters: The Bermejo‐Pilcomayo interfluvium and the Lower Paraná floodplain. Overall, we observed that the percentage of cropland and climatic variables were important shapers of bird beta diversity.Main conclusionsWe provide the first area‐wide assessment of land use/land cover effects on bird beta diversity for the Gran Chaco. The distribution of croplands has a marked influence on bird beta diversity at regional scale highlighting the role of anthropic changes in reshaping bird beta diversity within the ecoregion. Taking into account the global increasing conversion of forests into croplands, a growing footprint of land use changes over geographical patterns of bird diversity in forest biomes can be anticipated.
Neotropical endemism and dispersal events between tropical and extra‐tropical regions underlay the reticulate assemblages of muscid flies
Authors: Löwenberg‐Neto Peter , de Carvalho Claudio J. B. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimThe housefly family Muscidae originated during the Paleocene–Eocene and is currently distributed worldwide. We investigated how muscid genera have assembled in the continents by historical dispersal events.LocationGlobal (except Antarctica).TaxonMuscidae, Diptera, Insecta.MethodsWe compiled a dataset of 181 species, which provided geographic information for 67 genera as terminals. Phylogenetic and geographic data were fitted by five dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis models based on dispersal constraints. Based on the event inferences of the best‐fit model, we quantified the direction and frequency of dispersals through time in absolute numbers and in relation to the number of lineages.ResultsThe best‐fit model was ‘unrestricted routes’, which inferred 48 events of dispersals: 66% were trans‐climatic events and 81% were transoceanic events. The direction of the dispersals was strongly asymmetric: the Neotropical (NEO) region was the primary source of lineages for all other regions and the Palearctic (PAL) was the secondary source. The relative frequency of dispersal events through time plot was marked by three phases: the early peak of the frequency (40–35 million years ago [Ma]), a valley of low frequencies (30–20 Ma), and the recent peak (15–5 Ma). Trans‐climatic dispersals from the NEO to the PAL region occurred in all phases. Lineages of the Cyrtoneurininae showed a low frequency of dispersal events and most of the terminals (11 of 15) were endemic to the NEO region.ConclusionThe Muscidae family originated in the Neotropical region and more recent dispersal events to the Palearctic region established the scenario for lineages to diversify and spread worldwide. Trans‐climatic dispersals were more frequent than cis‐events and tropical niche conservatism was not the underlying mechanism for the whole clade. We showed that dispersal events between biogeographic regions of the same and different climatic zones were required to achieve the current distribution of extant genera of muscids across the globe.
Knockdown GTSE1 enhances radiosensitivity in non–small‐cell lung cancer through DNA damage repair pathway
Authors: Lei Xiao , Du Lehui , Zhang Pei , Ma Na , Liang Yanjie , Han Yanan , Qu Baolin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRadiotherapy is an important strategy for NSCLC. However, although a variety of comprehensive radiotherapy‐based treatments have dominated the treatment of NSCLC, it cannot be avoided to overcome the growing radioresistance during radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the radiosensitizing effects of NSCLC via knockdown GTSE1 expression and its mechanism. Experiments were performed by using multiple NSCLC cells such as A549, H460 and H1299. Firstly, we found GTSE1 conferred to radioresistance via clonogenic assay and apoptosis assay. Then, we detected the level of DNA damage through comet assay and γH2AX foci, which we could clearly observe knockdown GTSE1 enhance DNA damage after IR. Furthermore, through using laser assay and detecting DNA damage repair early protein expression, we found radiation could induce GTSE1 recruited to DSB site and initiate DNA damage response. Our finding demonstrated that knockdown GTSE1 enhances radiosensitivity in NSCLC through DNA damage repair pathway. This novel observation may have therapeutic implications to improve therapeutic efficacy of radiation.
Progression of health‐related quality of life of patients waiting for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ho Ki Wai , Pong Gerald , Poon Wai Chin , Chung Kwong Yin , Kwok Yan‐Yan , Chiu Kwok Hing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the surgical gold standard treatment for patients suffering from end‐stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. However, due to the high demand and scarce medical resources, the waiting time for surgery is astoundingly lengthy. Controversies are shown in numerous studies, on whether physical functionality and mental status decline or remain stable over the waiting period. This study aims to evaluate the progression in patients suffering from end‐stage OA while on the waiting list for TKA.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐seven patients suffering from end‐stage OA who were on the TKA waiting list were prospectively recruited from our orthopaedics specialist clinic. They were assessed once a year for 2 years or until surgery. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), SF‐36 self‐rated questionnaire and 15D health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire were used as outcome measurements for functionality and disability assessment.ResultsPatients on the waiting list for TKA showed a progressive increase in pain and disability level within the first year (P = .035). Those patients waiting for more than 2 years showed worsening HRQoL (P < .05) as time progressed. However, no significant difference was observed between the first and second years.ConclusionsA decline in functionality and increase in disability were shown in follow‐up assessments conducted every year. However, a plateau effect is observed with end‐stage disease. This emphasizes that more active conservative management programmes should be introduced and implemented while patients are enlisted on the TKA waiting list. Moreover, timely surgical intervention can improve patients' overall function.Trial registrationThis study involved human participants and reports health‐related outcomes concerning the HRQoL in patients with end‐stage OA of the knee. Thus, it was registered, retrospectively, as a clinical trial under the U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) on March 4, 2018.
Endocrine disruption of gene expression and microRNA profiles in hippocampus and hypothalamus of California mice: Association of gene expression changes with behavioural outcomes
Authors: Butler Mary C. , Long Camryn N. , Kinkade Jessica A. , Green Madison T. , Martin Rachel E. , Marshall Brittney L. , Willemse Tess E. , Schenk A. Katrin , Mao Jiude , Rosenfeld Cheryl S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe hypothalamus and hippocampus are sensitive to early exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Two EDCs that have raised particular concerns are bisphenol A (BPA), a widely prevalent chemical in many common household items, and genistein (GEN), a phyto‐oestrogen present in soy and other plants. We hypothesised that early exposure to BPA or GEN may lead to permanent effects on gene expression profiles for both coding RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRs), which can affect the translation of mRNAs. Such EDC‐induced biomolecular changes may affect behavioural and metabolic patterns. California mice (Peromyscus californicus) male and female offspring were developmentally exposed via the maternal diet to BPA (5 mg kg‐1 feed weight low dose [LD] and 50 mg kg‐1 feed weight upper dose [UD]), GEN (250 mg kg‐1 feed weight) or a phyto‐oestrogen‐free diet (AIN) control. Behavioural and metabolic tests were performed at 180 days of age. A quantitative polymerase chain reacttion analysis was performed for candidate mRNAs and miRs in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. LD BPA and GEN exposed California mice offspring showed socio‐communication impairments. Hypothalamic Avp, Esr1, Kiss1 and Lepr were increased in LD BPA offspring. miR‐153 was elevated but miR‐181a was reduced in LD BPA offspring. miR‐9 and miR‐153 were increased in the hippocampi of LD BPA offspring, whereas GEN decreased hippocampal miR‐7a and miR‐153 expression. Correlation analyses revealed neural expression of miR‐153 and miR‐181a was associated with socio‐communication deficits in LD BPA individuals. The findings reveal a cause for concern such that developmental exposure of BPA or GEN in California mice (and potentially by translation in humans) can lead to long standing neurobehavioural consequences.