bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty and monetary policy in the US: A journey into nonlinear territory
Authors: Pellegrino Giovanni 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper estimates a nonlinear vector autoregression (VAR) model to assess whether the real effects of monetary policy shocks depend on the level of uncertainty. Crucially, uncertainty is modeled endogenously in the VAR, thus allowing to take account of two unexplored channels of monetary policy transmission working through uncertainty direct reaction and uncertainty mean reversion. We find that monetary policy shocks are about 50–75% more powerful during tranquil times than during firm‐ and macro‐level uncertain times. Failing to account for endogenous uncertainty would bias responses and imply twice more effective monetary policy during tranquil times, mainly because of the non‐consideration of uncertainty mean reversion.
Empirical tests of habitat selection theory reveal that conspecific density and patch quality, but not habitat amount, drive long‐distance immigration in a wild bird
Authors: Rushing Clark S. , Brandt Ryder T. , Valente Jonathon J. , Scott Sillett T. , Marra Peter P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIndividuals that disperse long distances from their natal site must select breeding patches with no prior knowledge of patch suitability. Despite decades of theoretical studies examining which cues dispersing individuals should use to select breeding patches, few empirical studies have tested the predictions of these theories at spatial scales relevant to long‐distance dispersal in wild animal populations. Here, we use a novel assignment model based on multiple intrinsic markers to quantify natal dispersal distances of Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) breeding in forest fragments. We show that long‐distance natal dispersal in this species is more frequent than commonly assumed for songbirds and that habitat selection by these individuals is driven by density‐dependence and patch quality but not the amount of habitat surrounding breeding patches. These results represent an important contribution to understanding habitat selection by dispersing individuals, especially with regards to long‐distance dispersal.
Identification of gut microbiota signatures in symptomatic dermographism
Authors: Liu Runqiu , Peng Cong , Jing Danrong , Xiao Yangjian , Zhu Wu , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Jianglin , Li Jie , Chen Xiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSymptomatic dermographism (SD) is a recurrent inflammatory skin disease related to immunity; however, the details remain elusive. In view of the important role of gut microbiota in immune regulation, the purpose of this study is to investigate the alterations of gut microbiota in SD and explore the potential bacterial biomarkers for diagnosis. A case‐control study including SD patients and normal controls (NCs) was carried out. Gut microbiota of the participants was analysed by the 16S rDNA sequencing of faecal samples. The linear discriminant analysis effect size and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used to identify the bacterial biomarkers. Forty‐four participants were included in this study. The alpha‐diversity and beta‐diversity of gut microbiota differed significantly between SD patients and NCs. The abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Ruminococcaceae and their subordinate taxa were reduced in SD patients, while Enterobacteriales and its subordinate taxon exhibited higher relative abundance compared with NCs. Subdoligranulum and Ruminococcus bromii showed a potential diagnostic value for SD, and Prevotella stercorea was negatively relevant to duration of SD. Furthermore, the pyruvate, butyric acid and histamine metabolism pathway were likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of SD. Our results revealed that the gut microbiota of SD patients experienced obvious changes, and Verrucomicrobia, Ruminococcaceae and Enterobacteriales were microbiota signatures for SD.
Shorting activity and stock return predictability: Evidence from a mandatory disclosure shock
Authors: Griffin Paul A. , Hong Hyun A. , Kalcheva Ivalina , Kim Jeong‐Bon 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe study the effect of a mandatory improvement in public disclosure due to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the stock return predictability of shorting activity. To assess the impact of the disclosure shock, we measure monthly changes in the demand for and supply of stocks for shorting and whether those changes predict negative returns in the following month. We provide international evidence that the ability of increases in shorting demand and supply to predict negative returns declines after the shock. The predictive ability of shorting in the month before a negative earnings surprise and news of a firm's questionable merger and acquisitions transaction also declines after the shock. These findings imply that the shock of the mandatory accounting change crowds out some of short‐sellers’ value‐relevant information in the equity lending market. Thus, although the democratization of information from a structured accounting change may make sophisticated investors worse off by reducing their ability to predict future returns, this change may also benefit all investors through timely stock price discovery.
Nitrogen addition stimulates soil aggregation and enhances carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems of China: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Xiaofei , Hou Enqing , Guo Jieyun , Gilliam Frank S. , Li Jianlong , Tang Songbo , Kuang Yuanwen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChina is experiencing a high level of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, which greatly affects the soil carbon (C) dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil aggregation contributes to the stability of soil structure and to soil C sequestration. Although many studies have reported the effects of N enrichment on bulk soil C dynamics, the underlying mechanisms explaining how soil aggregates respond to N enrichment remain unclear. Here, we used a meta‐analysis of data from 76N manipulation experiments in terrestrial ecosystems in China to assess the effects of N enrichment on soil aggregation and its sequestration of C. On average, N enrichment significantly increased the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates by 10%. The proportion of macroaggregates and silt‐clay fraction were significantly increased (6%) and decreased (9%) by N enrichment, respectively. A greater response of macroaggregate C (+15%) than of bulk soil C (+5%) to N enrichment was detected across all ecosystems. However, N enrichment had minor effects on microaggregate C and silt‐clay C. The magnitude of N enrichment effect on soil aggregation varied with ecosystem type and fertilization regime. Additionally, soil pH declined consistently and was correlated with soil aggregate C. Overall, our meta‐analysis suggests that N enrichment promotes particulate organic C accumulation via increasing macroaggregate C and acidifying soils. In contrast, increases in soil aggregation could inhibit microbially mediated breakdown of soil organic matter, causing minimal change in mineral‐associated organic C. Our findings highlight that atmospheric N deposition may enhance the formation of soil aggregates and their sequestration of C in terrestrial ecosystems in China.
The effects of cultivar and rotation length (5 vs. 10 years) on biomass production and sustainability of poplar (Populus spp.) bioenergy plantation
Authors: Niemczyk Marzena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPoplars (Populus spp.) managed in short rotation woody crop (SRWC) systems are considered very promising in terms of biomass production for energy purposes in a temperate zone. In this study, several gaps in knowledge regarding the selection of the plant material, cultivar‐specific responses to coppicing and rotation length are addressed. Five‐ and 10‐year rotation lengths were considered, with a focus on the sustainability of the plantation and the quantification of the biomass production of 10 commercially available hybrid poplar cultivars during two consecutive 5‐year rotation cycles versus one 10‐year rotation in northern Poland. The biomass production varied considerably among cultivars, ranging from 1.6 (‘AF8’) to 7.5 (‘NE42’) Mg ha−1 year−1 at the end of the first 5‐year rotation, and 0.0 (‘AF8’)–5.4 (‘Degrosso’) Mg ha−1 year−1 in the second 5‐year rotation, while in a single 10‐year rotation, the mean annual increment (MAI) ranged from 1.0 (‘AF8’) to 15.1 (‘NE42’) Mg ha−1 yr−1. The 5‐year rotation cycles negatively influenced the sustainability of the plantation due to the high mortality of stems and sprouts in the second 5‐year coppice rotation. In the case of 5‐year and longer rotations, replanting (not resprouting) after harvest may be a more advantageous practice for maximizing the regeneration. The 10‐year rotation cycle allowed for enough development of the crown and root systems to produce sufficient basal area and height to achieve maximal MAI in the trees. The study revealed that an age ≥10 is a biologically optimal rotation age as the slope of MAI was equal/close to zero. This study further showed the crucial importance of testing cultivars before introducing them on a commercial scale and provided valuable information on poplar cultivars available to stakeholders in the biomass market.
Delivering gender justice in academia through gender equality plans? Normative and practical challenges
Authors: Clavero Sara , Galligan Yvonne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper employs the concept of epistemic justice to examine the potential for gender equality plans (GEPs) to bring about sustainable transformative change towards gender equality in higher education. Mindful of both the limitations and opportunities of gender policy interventions, the paper highlights the importance of approaching gender inequality as a problem of justice and power rather than as an issue of “loss of talent.” The paper draws on Fricker's account of epistemic justice as well as on Bourdieu's analysis of power in the academic field, to evaluate seven GEPs in European universities for their potential to transform gender–power relations in academia. The analysis reveals that insufficient attention is paid to the role of academic power in creating gender injustice at all institutional levels and to the role of organizational culture in the perpetuation of gender inequalities in those settings. The study suggests that the incorporation of an epistemic justice lens in the creation of GEPs would address gendered power relationships and lead to sustainable equitable outcomes.
Limited sampling strategies for accurate determination of extended half‐life factor VIII pharmacokinetics in severe haemophilia A patients
Authors: McEneny‐King Alanna , Chelle Pierre , Goggans Margaret H. , Barker Patricia J. , Jacobs Timothy W. , Neufeld Ellis J. , Reiss Ulrike M. , Panetta John C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundExtended half‐life (EHL) factor VIII (FVIII) products may decrease the burden of prophylactic treatment in haemophilia A by reducing infusion frequency. However, these products still exhibit wide inter‐patient variability and benefit from pharmacokinetic (PK) tailoring.ObjectiveIdentify limited sampling strategies for rFVIIIFc, an EHL FVIII product, that produce accurate estimates of PK parameters and relevant troughs.MethodsWe performed a limited sampling analysis on simulated populations of adults, adolescents, and children based on published population PK data. Sampling strategies were evaluated by comparing the error in estimates of half‐life, clearance, and trough levels, to a full 6‐sample design. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of incorporating knowledge about prior doses, and the day of the PK study within the regimen. We also evaluated the potential inappropriate dose adjustment rate (IDAR) among the modelled sampling strategies.ResultsMany sampling strategies, including several 2‐sample designs, accurately predicted the PK and exposure measures (median absolute error <10%). When samples are only collected during a single visit (i.e., predose + peak), inclusion of prior dose information reduces median half‐life error from >20% to ~5% for adults/adolescents. In this same scenario, appropriate scheduling of the PK study decreases likelihood of unmeasurable predose samples, reducing median error on the 72‐h trough from 25% to <12% in the youngest population.ConclusionsThe PK of rFVIIIFc can be accurately estimated using only peak and trough samples, provided that knowledge of prior doses is incorporated and the PK study is planned on an appropriate day within the dosing regimen.
Loss of antibodies to hepatitis E virus in organ transplant patients with hepatitis E
Authors: Oshiro Yukio , Harada Hiroshi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Akutsu Naotake , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Kawagishi Naoki , Nanmoku Koji , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Okamura Kenichi , Ohira Masahiro , Itabashi Yoshihiro , Fujiyama Nobuhiro , Ide Kentaro , Okajima Hideaki , Ogawa Kohei , Takagi Kosei , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Shinoda Masahiro , Nishida Kiyotaka , Shimazaki Jiro , Shimoda Mitsugi , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki , Suzuki Shuji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimStudies regarding changes in antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) after HEV infection in organ transplant patients are limited. This study aimed to clarify HEV infection trends in organ transplant patients who contracted HEV using data from a previous Japanese nationwide survey.MethodsThis study was undertaken from 2012 to 2019. Among 4518 liver, heart, and kidney transplant patients, anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were positive in 164; data were collected from 106 of these patients, who consented to participate in the study. In total, 32 liver transplant patients, seven heart transplant patients, and 67 kidney transplant patients from 16 institutions in Japan were examined for IgG, IgM, and IgM antibodies to HEV and the presence of HEV RNA in the serum. The χ2‐test was used to determine the relationship between the early and late postinfection groups in patients with anti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion rates. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare clinical factors.ResultsAnti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion occurred in 25 (23.6%) of 106 organ transplant patients. Of eight patients with hepatitis E who tested positive for HEV RNA, one (14.0%) had anti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion. Twenty‐four (24.5%) of 98 patients negative for HEV RNA had anti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion.ConclusionsThis study revealed, for the first time, the changes in HEV antibodies in organ transplant patients. Loss of anti‐HEV IgG could often occur unexpectedly in organ transplant patients with previous HEV infection.
Ramucirumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated α‐fetoprotein: Outcomes by treatment‐emergent ascites
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Ikeda Masafumi , Galle Peter R. , Yamashita Tatsuya , Finn Richard S. , Liang Kun , Wang Chunxiao , Sakaguchi Sachi , Abada Paolo , Widau Ryan C. , Zhu Andrew X. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThe REACH and REACH‐2 trials investigated ramucirumab versus placebo in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ascites is common in HCC and is associated with poorer outcomes. This exploratory, pooled meta‐analysis of patients with baseline α‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/ml investigated outcomes by treatment‐emergent (TE) ascites in REACH and REACH‐2.MethodsA pooled meta‐analysis of independent patient data for participants (N = 542) with baseline AFP ≥400 ng/ml (stratified by study) from REACH and REACH‐2 was carried out. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier estimator, and OS further assessed by Cox models. The effect of TE ascites on OS was evaluated by multivariate Cox models.ResultsTreatment‐emergent ascites developed in 66 patients (20.9%) in the ramucirumab group and 33 patients (14.8%) in the placebo group. When adjusted for treatment duration, the incidence rates per 100 patient‐years of any grade TE ascites were 59.1 and 71.9 for the ramucirumab and placebo groups, respectively, and the incidence of grade ≥3 TE ascites were 13.4 and 19.6, respectively. Treatment‐emergent ascites was associated with TE hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval 2.5‒9.3), but not TE proteinuria or hypertension. One patient discontinued ramucirumab treatment due to TE ascites. Ramucirumab treatment improved OS and PFS compared with placebo, irrespective of TE ascites.ConclusionsWhen adjusted for treatment duration, the incidence of TE ascites was no higher in patients who received ramucirumab than in those who received placebo. Ramucirumab was well tolerated and provided a survival benefit irrespective of the development of TE ascites.
Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Miranda Roseane B. , Weimer Patrícia , Rossi Rochele C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSkin aging has become a recurring concern even for younger people, mainly owing to increased life expectancy. In this context, the use of nutricosmetics as supplements has increased in recent years. Moreover, numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in improving the signs of skin aging. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on human skin through a systematic review followed by a meta‐analysis of clinical trials focusing on the process of skin aging. A literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), and Journal of Negative Results in BioMedicine databases. Eligible studies were randomized, double‐blind, and controlled trials that evaluated oral supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen as an intervention and reported at least one of the following outcomes: skin wrinkles, hydration, elasticity, and firmness. After retrieving articles from the databases, 19 studies were selected, with a total of 1,125 participants aged between 20 and 70 years (95% women). In the meta‐analysis, a grouped analysis of studies showed favorable results of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation compared with placebo in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. The findings of improved hydration and elasticity were also confirmed in the subgroup meta‐analysis. Based on results, ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days is effective in reducing skin aging, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration.
Skin cancer in non‐white liver transplant recipients: Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Tolaymat Leila M. , Reimer Danielle K. , Feig Joshua , Gillis Melinda S. , Speicher Leigh L. , Haga Claire B. , Gabriel Emmanuel M. , Heckman Michael G. , Yin Mingyuan , Fosko Scott W. , Keaveny Andrew P. , Dawson Nancy L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundLimited data are available on the development of skin cancer and the associated risk factors for non‐White liver transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of newly diagnosed skin cancer postoperatively and to identify the risk factors for the development of skin cancer in non‐White LT recipients.MethodsWe conducted an initial retrospective chart review of non‐White LT patients who received a transplant at our center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013.ResultsOf the 96 patients in the study cohort, 32% were Black, 17% were Asian, 15% were White Hispanic, and 10% were Black Hispanic. One patient had a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer before transplant. No skin cancers were diagnosed during follow‐up (median, 1.3 years; range, 17 days to 8.6 years).ConclusionOur center’s experience is consistent with the literature and suggests that the incidence of newly diagnosed skin cancer in non‐White liver transplant recipients is low. Longer follow‐up may provide additional insights into the specific risk factors for the posttransplant development of skin cancer.
Quality characteristics of high salt fermented fish sauce (budu) produced using autochthonousVirgibacillus halodenitrificansPS21 andStaphylococcus simulansPMRS35
Authors: Kanjan Pochanart , Sakpetch Phat , Masniyom Payap , Hongpattarakere Tipparat 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of autochthonous starters on the quality characteristics of budu. The effects of individual or combined inoculation ofVirgibacillus halodenitrificansPS21 andStaphylococcus simulansPMRS35 were compared to those of non‐inoculation during 150 days of budu production. The starters directly affected characteristics of budu with browner colour and enhanced proteolysis and lipolysis as indicated by degree of hydrolysis and free fatty acid contents. The combined starter inoculation resulted in a high aspartic acid, glutamic acid and lysine levels. Additionally, key desirable volatiles, including 2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal, benzaldehyde and 2‐ethyl furan, were dominant in the starter‐inoculated budu. In a sensorial analysis, the highest scores for appearance, colour, taste and flavour were assigned for inoculated budu with combined starters. Therefore, the addition of starters (V. halodenitrificansPS21 andS. simulansPMRS35) in budu production improved the quality characteristics and reduced the fermentation period.
Undocumented migrants in Saudi Arabia: COVID‐19 and amnesty reforms
Authors: Alsharif Fahad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia's domestic public health institutions struggle to control the COVID19 virus's spread within undocumented migrant populations, endangering both local Saudi and migrant populations. As a result, Saudi Arabia implemented a temporary amnesty policy, granting state pardon to undocumented migrants to access to health care services. Using combined qualitative fieldwork data in 2008‐2009 and, more recently in 2020 among irregular Asian and African migrants' communities in Jeddah, I argue that the lack of institutional trust, combined with differential economic opportunities in Saudi and origin countries, significantly impacts undocumented migrants' decision to avoid health amnesty reform. This is particularly critical as it could likely disrupt government attempts at curbing COVID‐19 within migrant communities, thus posing serious health, economic, and security threats to the Saudi state. The study contributes to empirical and theoretical debates because it highlights migrant perception's role towards local institutions in Gulf's domestic migration policymaking.
Psychological effects of quarantine on Syrian refugees, compared to the Jordanian populations
Authors: Al‐Awaida Wajdy , Al‐Ameer Hamzeh J. , Al‐Turk Hadeel , Al bawareed Omar , Khalil Raida , Al Deek Akram , Fatima Ghizal , Imraish Amer , Mohanad Al‐Dabet Moh’d , Akash Muhanad. W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo ward off the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in 2019, the Jordanian government applied quarantine to the Jordanian population in addition to Syrian refugees. We evaluated the quarantine's psychological effect on people in Jordan after three weeks of quarantine. The prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in our sample population was determined using a higher than twenty score on the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R). The 2380 people who received the survey online demonstrated a high prevalence of PTSD, in which PTSD showed incidence of 82.5% and 66.5 in Syrian refugees and Jordanian populations, respectively. This study also reports the trend towards more increased PTSD prevalence in Syrian refugees compared to the Jordanian population depending on age, education and the household's combined monthly income. Knowledge and awareness of quarantined people's interactions are crucial to optimizing control of infectious diseases and reducing adverse impacts on those quarantined.