bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How weather affects the decomposition of total factor productivity in U.S. agriculture
Authors: Plastina Alejandro , Lence Sergio H. , Ortiz‐Bobea Ariel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study illustrates and quantifies how overlooking the impact of weather shocks can affect the measurement and decomposition of agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) change. The underlying technology is represented by a flexible input distance function with quasi‐fixed inputs estimated with Bayesian methods. Using agricultural production and weather data for 16 states in the Pacific Region, Central Region, and Southern Plains of the United States, we estimate TFP change as the direct sum of multiple components, including a net weather effect. To assess the role of weather, we conduct a comparative analysis based on two distinct sets of input and output variables. A traditional set of variables that ignore weather variations, and a new set of “weather‐filtered” variables that represent input and output levels that would have been chosen under average weather conditions. From this comparative analysis, we derive biases in the decomposition of TFP growth from the omission of weather shocks. We find that weather shocks accelerated productivity growth in 12 out of 16 states by the equivalent of 11.4% of their group‐average TFP growth, but slowed down productivity by the equivalent of 6.5% of the group‐average TFP growth in the other four states (located in the Northern‐most part of the country). We also find substantial biases in the estimated contribution of technical change, scale effects, technical efficiency change, and output allocation effects to TFP growth (varying in magnitude and direction across regions) when weather effects are excluded from the model. This is the first study to present estimates of those biases based on a counterfactual analysis. One major implication from our study is that the official USDA's measures of TFP change would appear to overestimate the rate of productivity growth in U.S. agriculture stemming from technical change, market forces, agricultural policies, and other nonweather drivers.
Short versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) among widowed older people in Taiwan: Comparing their psychometric properties
Authors: Li Yueh‐Ping , Lin Chung‐Ying , Hu Fang‐Wen , Shih Samuel A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the psychometric properties of different short versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) among community‐dwelling widowed older people.MethodsA cross‐sectional design was conducted between February 2018 and August 2019 in southern Taiwan (n = 330). The GDS short versions included Hoyl et al’s 5‐item version, Molloy et al’s 5‐item version and van Marwijk et al’s 4‐item version.ResultsAll GDS short versions had satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.83‐0.90), with strong item loading embedded in the same construct of depression (0.43‐0.72). The activity of daily living (ADL) scores had strong associations with van Marwijk et al’s 4‐item version (absolute standardised coefficient [|β|] = 0.15‐0.59), Hoyl et al’s 5‐item version (|β| = 0.16‐0.45) and Molloy et al’s 4‐item version (|β| = 0.09‐0.40).ConclusionsHoyl et al’s 5‐item version was found to be more suitable than the other two versions of the GDS to assess the precise construct of depression. Meanwhile, van Marwijk et al’s 4‐item version can be used when the focus is on ADL performance. However, the conclusion should be interpreted with caution since the results were derived only from a widowed population in Taiwan. More research on this topic among other populations is thus needed to corroborate our conclusion.
To seed, or not to seed? An endogenous labor supply approach in a simple overlapping generation economy
Authors: Desmarchelier David , Mayol Alexandre 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTWithin this paper, we develop a simple overlapping generations model with a renewable resource (forest) in the spirit of Koskela et al. (2002). Seeding activities (more broadly, forestry) are introduced in the form of a domestic production as well as a joy‐of‐giving bequest motive regarding the resource. In this simple framework, we show that altruism always guarantee a positive resource level at the steady state. However, studying the dynamics, we point out that the stability of the steady state crucially depends upon both altruism and forestry productivity: under low forestry productivity the steady state is always stable, while under high forestry productivity two period cycles (flip bifurcation) can emerge near the steady state if and only if altruism is sufficiently high which raises the question of resource preservation and leads to the conclusion that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Region‐specific preservation of Purkinje cell morphology and motor behavior in the ATXN1[82Q] mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia 1
Authors: White Joshua J. , Bosman Laurens W. J. , Blot Francois G. C. , Osório Catarina , Kuppens Bram W. , Krijnen Wilhelmina H. J. J. , Andriessen Charlotte , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Jaarsma Dick , Schonewille Martijn 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurkinje cells are the primary processing units of the cerebellar cortex and display molecular heterogeneity that aligns with differences in physiological properties, projection patterns, and susceptibility to disease. In particular, multiple mouse models that feature Purkinje cell degeneration are characterized by incomplete and patterned Purkinje cell degeneration, suggestive of relative sparing of Purkinje cell subpopulations, such as those expressing Aldolase C/zebrinII (AldoC) or residing in the vestibulo‐cerebellum. Here, we investigated a well‐characterized Purkinje cell‐specific mouse model for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) that expresses human ATXN1 with a polyQ expansion (82Q). Our pathological analysis confirms previous findings that Purkinje cells of the vestibulo‐cerebellum, i.e., the flocculonodular lobes, and crus I are relatively spared from key pathological hallmarks: somatodendritic atrophy, and the appearance of p62/SQSTM1‐positive inclusions. However, immunohistological analysis of transgene expression revealed that spared Purkinje cells do not express mutant ATXN1 protein, indicating the sparing of Purkinje cells can be explained by an absence of transgene expression. Additionally, we found that Purkinje cells in other cerebellar lobules that typically express AldoC, not only display severe pathology but also show loss of AldoC expression. The relatively preserved flocculonodular lobes and crus I showed a substantial fraction of Purkinje cells that expressed the mutant protein and displayed pathology as well as loss of AldoC expression. Despite considerable pathology in these lobules, behavioral analyses demonstrated a relative sparing of related functions, suggestive of sufficient functional cerebellar reserve. Together, the data indicate that mutant ATXN1 affects both AldoC‐positive and AldoC‐negative Purkinje cells and disrupts normal parasagittal AldoC expression in Purkinje cells. Our results show that, in a mouse model otherwise characterized by widespread Purkinje cell degeneration, sparing of specific subpopulations is sufficient to maintain normal performance of specific behaviors within the context of the functional, modular map of the cerebellum.
The make‐or‐buy decision of feed on livestock farms: Evidence from Ontario swine farms
Authors: Shang Max Zongyuan , McEwan Ken 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe define the boundary of a livestock farm in terms of corn production as the percentage of homegrown corn in total corn required. A new theoretical model is proposed that explains how farm boundaries are shaped by the relative efficiency of two alternative transaction‐facilitating mechanisms: market and hierarchy. Using tax filer data from swine farms in Ontario, this article analyzes the impact that the mechanism efficiency has on farm boundaries. To identify the potential causal effect, the USD/CAD exchange rate is used as the instrumental variable for corn price in Ontario. The findings support the theoretical model: in‐house corn production expands due to not only higher price but also higher price volatility. The potential causal relationship we identified flowing from the mechanism efficiency to farm boundary may shed light on why swine and other livestock industries are shifting towards nonmarket arrangements.
Is antibiotic prophylaxis expendable in parotid gland surgery? A retrospective analysis of surgical site infection rates
Authors: Hohenberger Ralph , Bremer Isabel , Brinster Regina , Plinkert Peter K. , Federspil Philippe A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) and associated risk factors after parotid gland surgery including the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis.DesignRetrospective single‐centre clinical study.SettingTertiary referral centre for head and neck surgery.ParticipantsSeven hundred and fifty four patients who underwent parotid gland surgery at the University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany, between 2007 and 2014 were enrolled in this study. Data on patient age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification system, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, operation time, and antibiotic prophylaxis were collected. Additionally, the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) risk index was calculated. Association of these factors with SSI was evaluated in univariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model.Main outcome measuresRate of SSI.ResultsTwenty four patients (3.2%) had an SSI according to the NHSN definition. In univariate analyses, only smokers (P = .048) and male patients (P = .01) had a significantly higher rate of SSI. Since the majority of smokers were men (62.3%), the effect of male gender, smoking, together with the NHSN risk index was further investigated as predictors of SSI within a logistic regression model. All three predictors showed a significant effect on SSI.ConclusionsParotid gland surgery has a low rate of SSI. In our cohort, male gender, smoking and high NHSN risk index scores were significantly associated with SSI, whereas antibiotic prophylaxis had no protective effect.
Financial and occupational impact of low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer survivors
Authors: Garfinkle Richard , Ky Aurelie , Singh Aashiyan , Morin Nancy , Ghitulescu Gabriela , Faria Julio , Vasilevsky Carol‐Ann , Boutros Marylise 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess bowel‐related financial stress and strain and to evaluate its association with global quality of life.MethodThis was a retrospective cohort study with cross‐sectional follow‐up including consecutive patients who underwent restorative proctectomy for neoplastic disease of the rectum at a single university‐affiliated hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Bowel‐related financial impact and occupational impact were compared between patients with major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and those with minor/no LARS. The association between LARS, bowel‐related financial impact and global quality of life (QoL) was then assessed in a multiple logistic regression model.ResultsOf 180 eligible rectal cancer survivors who were contacted, 154 completed the questionnaires (response rate 47.1%) at a median follow‐up of 57.5 months (interquartile range 34.1–98.1) after proctectomy. Individuals with major LARS reported a higher prevalence of bowel‐related financial stress (53.2% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001) and strain (42.2% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001) compared with those with minor/no LARS. Among those who were working preoperatively (n = 100), the majority of participants with major LARS reported an impact of their new bowel function on their ability to work (70.6%), including delayed return to work (44.1%), the need to change schedules (35.3%) or roles (20.6%), and complete long‐term medical absence from work (14.7%). On multiple logistic regression, major LARS with financial impact (OR 4.50, 95% CI 1.57–13.77) was associated with low global QoL compared with minor/no LARS.ConclusionMajor LARS was associated with considerable financial stress and strain and difficulties in returning to work.
Use of antioxidants to restore bond strength after tooth bleaching with peroxides
Authors: Olmedo Dorcas E. R. P. , Kury Matheus , Resende Bruna A. , Cavalli Vanessa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis review compiles the literature on the antioxidants used after tooth bleaching with either low or high‐concentrated carbamide and hydrogen peroxide to recover the bond strength. Antioxidants used in bleached teeth are mainly natural and non‐enzymatic, except for catalase. Commonly, antioxidants are applied to remove any reactive oxygen species (ROS) residues left from bleaching gels, which adversely affect adhesive procedures, such as restorations or orthodontic brackets bonding. Even though sodium ascorbate, the most thoroughly investigated antioxidant, showed the most efficient bond strength recovery at 10% concentration, its performance depends on the type of solution and the application time. Natural extracts, such as proanthocyanidins and green tea, showed satisfactory results in the reversal of bond strength at 5% and 10% concentrations, respectively. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, α‐tocopherol, and catalase exhibited promising results, but further research is required. The adhesive system type plays an important role in the outcome of enamel bond strength after the antioxidant application. The postponement of either restorations or orthodontic brackets cementation following bleaching procedures seems to be efficiently replaced by antioxidant application prior to bonding procedures. However, the efficacy of using an antioxidant to recover bond strength depends on its type and application time.
Couples' changing work patterns in the United Kingdom and the United States during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Qian Yue , Hu Yang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGoing beyond a focus on individual‐level employment outcomes, we investigate couples' changing work patterns in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Analyzing longitudinal panels of 2186 couples from the Understanding Society COVID‐19 Survey (UK) and 2718 couples from the Current Population Survey (US), we assess whether the pandemic has elevated the importance of human capital vis‐à‐vis traditional gender specialization in shaping couples' work patterns. The UK witnessed a notable increase in sole‐worker families with the better‐educated partner working, irrespective of gender. The impact of the pandemic was similar but weaker in the US. In both countries, couples at the bottom 25% of the prepandemic family income distribution experienced the greatest increase in neither partner working but the least growth in sole‐worker arrangements. Through a couple‐level analysis of changing employment patterns, this study highlights the importance of human capital in shaping couples' paid‐work organization during the pandemic, and it reveals the socioeconomic gradient in such organization.
A retrospective study examining the adverse effect of childhood abuse among adult psychiatric service users in Britain
Authors: Mantovani Nadia , Smith Jared 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe long‐term effects of childhood abuse have been well studied though the effects of abuse of specific types in adult psychiatric service users are less known. This study aimed to assess the association between childhood abuse and the development of harmful social and behavioural outcomes among adult psychiatric service users. Adult psychiatric service users were accessed from secondary mental health services in South London. A retrospective analysis was conducted of a randomly selected sample of 342 mental health records. Chi‐square tests and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between childhood abuse – sexual abuse, physical abuse and psychological/emotional abuse – and health and behavioural outcomes. This study identified that 109 (31.8%) psychiatric service users had some history of childhood abuse and more often presented with high‐risk or severe behaviours. Sexual abuse in childhood was linked with social isolation related to loss of friends (odds ratio (OR) = 2.68, P < 0.01), risky behaviours such as binge drinking (OR = 2.15, P < 0.05) and self‐harming (OR = 2.86, P < 0.01), while childhood physical abuse was associated with drug abuse in adulthood (OR = 1.88, P < 0.05). Revictimization (adult domestic violence) also impacted on service users’ quality of life in terms of loss of housing (OR = 2.21, P < 0.05) and loss of friends/family contact (OR = 2.73, P < 0.01). These findings suggest childhood abuse may play an important role in shaping risk and vulnerability for mental health problems across a lifespan. In acute mental health services, the incorporation of a trauma‐informed nursing care model is necessary to generate a shift in culture in the delivery of care.
High‐mobility group box‐1 promotes vascular calcification in diabetic mice via endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Chen Zheng , Li Ran , Pei Li‐Gang , Wei Zhong‐Hai , Xie Jun , Wu Han , Xu Biao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeveral studies reported the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in vascular calcification. High‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1) plays a substantial role in diabetes and its complications. However, relatively little information is available regarding the association between HMGB‐1 and calcification, and the underlying mechanism has still remained elusive. Therefore, in the present study, we attempted to indicate whether HMGB‐1 could promote vascular calcification via ERS in diabetes. After induction of diabetes by Streptozotocin (STZ), mice were treated with glycyrrhizin (Gly) or 4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA). Mineral deposition was confirmed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and calcium assay. In cell experiments, calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was performed with Alizarin Red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and RT‐PCR. Expression and location of HMGB‐1 in aortic tissue were detected by Western blotting, immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Diabetic mice demonstrated increased HMGB‐1 expression, ERS and vascular calcification. However, inhibition of HMGB‐1 with Gly or inhibition of ERS with 4‐PBA ameliorated the enhanced vascular calcification and ERS in diabetic mice. In vitro experiments unveiled that inhibition of HMGB‐1 attenuated advanced glycation end products (AGEs)‐induced ERS in VSMCs. In addition, AGEs promoted translocation and secretion of HMGB‐1 in VSMCs, which was reversed by 4‐PBA. Moreover, VSMCs exhibited increased mineralization and osteogenic gene expressions in response to HMGB‐1 and AGEs. However, inhibition of ERS with 4‐PBA partially, although noticeably, attenuated VSMC calcification induced by HMGB‐1. Thus, diabetes induced translocation and secretion of HMGB‐1 via ERS, which resulted in calcification in diabetic mice and in AGEs‐treated VSMCs.
Procedural Politics Revisited: Institutional Incentives and Jurisdictional Ambiguity in EU Competence Disputes
Authors: Ovádek Michal 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOver 15 years ago Joseph Jupille articulated the conditions under which actors clash over, rather than merely within, political institutions. He showed that between 1987 and 1997 the theory of procedural politics helped explain why and when EU institutions contested the legal basis of EU legislation. The two key determinants in the theory are jurisdictional ambiguity and actors' desire to maximize their own procedural influence. This article examines the theory's ongoing relevance by putting it through a fresh test with 20 years' worth of new data. Although I find robust evidence of the theory's explanatory value beyond 1997, the phenomenon of procedural politics appears currently at its tail end, largely consistent with Jupille's prediction that treaty change increases the probability of institutional contestation.
Role of immunotherapy in gastro‐enteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (gep‐nens): Current advances and future directions
Authors: Fang Liu , Arvind Dasari , Dowlati Afshin , Mohamed Amr 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNeuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are heterogeneous tumours originating from neuroendocrine cells (Pearse & Polak, Gut, 1971, 12,783). They were once considered as rare tumours, although their annual incidence has increased significantly and now exceeds seven cases in 100 000 in the USA (Dasari, et al., JAMA oncology, 2017, 3, 1335). They are a group of highly diverse neoplasms and can be classified into the spectrum of well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumours to poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. This is entirely based on the tumour differentiation and grade (low, intermediate, high), which is determined by the Ki‐67/mitotic index. The lower grades (G1/2) of the well‐differentiated group are characterised by a relative indolent clinical course and the ability to secrete a variety of peptide hormones (Kloppel, Visceral medicine, 2017, 33, 324). Higher grades and poorly differentiated tumours tend to be more aggressive and have limited therapeutic options (Sorbye et al., Neuroendocrinology, 2019, 108, 54). In the modern era of immuno‐oncology, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) that target programmed cell death 1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab), programmed cell death‐ligand1 (avelumab, atezolizumab and durvalumab) or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (ipilimumab) have revolutionised the management of many solid tumours. In patients with gastro‐enteropancreatic (GEP)‐NENs, there is a limited data regarding the role of ICPIs either as a single agent or in combination regimens. Here, we review the current advances for ICPIs and where they fit in the management of GEP‐NENs.
Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome: Report of a delayed diagnosed case with video presentation of the operative technique of vaginal septum resection
Authors: Pittokopitou Savia , Kathopoulis Nikolaos , Protopapas Athanasios , Domali Ekaterini 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHerlyn–Werner–Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly of Mullerian duct development characterized by uterus didelphys with blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. We present a case of a 29‐year‐old nulliparous woman, who was referred to our hospital complaining of chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and a palpable mass in her vagina. At the age of 12, she underwent surgery because of a didelphys uterus diagnosis. Subsequently, she was operated on twice for endometriomas. At our institution, clinical and imaging findings revealed an obstructed hemivagina setting the diagnosis of HWW syndrome. Some of the various syndrome types may go unnoticed for months or even years after the onset of menstruation. Early diagnosis, followed by proper surgical treatment, is the key to avoid potentially severe complications.
Is there an ethnicity bias in Catalan secessionism? Discourses and political actions
Authors: Vergés‐Gifra Joan , Serra Macià 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMany charges have been made against Catalan secessionism from a normative or ideological point of view. In this article we would like to focus on the accusation that the secessionist movement is xenophobic, racist or ethnicist. Between 2017 and 2019, and particularly since Quim Torra was named president of the Generalitat, this has been the dominant criticism in the arguments set out against secessionism. We are interested in evaluating the strength of this accusation in this contribution. In this respect, we focus on the discourse and the main legislative actions adopted by the Catalan institutions since embarking on a determined bid for sovereignty, popularly called the Process, in 2010. Our conclusion is that both from discursive and legislative points of view, it can be concluded that Catalan secessionism cannot be considered as an ethnicist movement.