bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large and influential: Firm size and governments’ corporate tax rate choice
Authors: Riedel Nadine , Simmler Martin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTheory suggests that large firms are more likely to engage in lobbying behaviour and are geographically more mobile compared with smaller entities. Conditional on jurisdiction size, policy choices are thus predicted to depend on the shape of a jurisdiction's firm size distribution, with more business‐oriented policies being enacted if jurisdictions host large firms. The paper empirically tests this prediction using local business taxation in Germany as a testing ground. Exploiting rich and exogenous variation in municipalities’ firm size structures, we find evidence for an inverse relationship between the size of hosted entities and municipalities’ local business tax choices. The effect is statistically significant and quantitatively relevant, suggesting that the rising importance of large businesses may trigger shifts towards a more business‐friendly design of (tax) policies.
Disturbance structures canopy and understory productivity along an environmental gradient
Authors: Castorani Max C. N. , Harrer Shannon L. , Miller Robert J. , Reed Daniel C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDisturbances often disproportionately impact different vegetation layers in forests and other vertically stratified ecosystems, shaping community structure and ecosystem function. However, disturbance‐driven changes may be mediated by environmental conditions that affect habitat quality and species interactions. In a decade‐long field experiment, we tested how kelp forest net primary productivity (NPP) responds to repeated canopy loss along a gradient in grazing and substrate suitability. We discovered that habitat quality can mediate the effects of intensified disturbance on canopy and understory NPP. Experimental annual and quarterly disturbances suppressed total macroalgal NPP, but effects were strongest in high‐quality habitats that supported dense kelp canopies that were removed by disturbance. Understory macroalgae partly compensated for canopy NPP losses and this effect magnified with increasing habitat quality. Disturbance‐driven increases in understory NPP were still rising after 5–10 years of disturbance, demonstrating the value of long‐term experimentation for understanding ecosystem responses to changing disturbance regimes.
Defining Dravet syndrome: An essential pre‐requisite for precision medicine trials
Authors: Li Wenhui , Schneider Amy L. , Scheffer Ingrid E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe classical description of Dravet syndrome, the prototypic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, is of a normal 6‐month‐old infant presenting with a prolonged, febrile, hemiclonic seizure and showing developmental slowing after age 1 year. SCN1A pathogenic variants are found in >80% of patients. Many patients have atypical features resulting in diagnostic delay and inappropriate therapy. We aimed to provide an evidence‐based definition of SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome in readiness for precision medicine trials.MethodsEpilepsy patients were recruited to the University of Melbourne Epilepsy Genetics Research Program between 1995 and 2020 by neurologists from around the world. Patients with SCN1A pathogenic variants were reviewed and only those with Dravet syndrome were included. Clinical data, including seizure and developmental course, were analyzed in all patients with SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome.ResultsTwo hundred and five patients were studied at a median age of 8.5 years (range 10 months to 60 years); 25 were deceased. The median seizure‐onset age was 5.7 months (range 1.5–20.6 months). Initial seizures were tonic‐clonic (52%) and hemiclonic (35%), with only 55% being associated with fever. Only 34% of patients presented with status epilepticus (seizure lasting ≥30 minutes). Median time between first and second seizure was 30 days (range 4 hours to 8 months), and seven patients (5%) had at least 6 months between initial seizures. Median ages at onset of second and third seizure types were 9.1 months (range 3 months–25.4 years) and 15.5 months (range 4 months–8.2 years), respectively. Developmental slowing occurred prior to 12 months in 27%.SignificanceAn evidence‐based definition of SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome is essential for early diagnosis. We refine the spectrum of Dravet syndrome, based on patterns of seizure onset, type, and progression. Understanding of the full spectrum of SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome presentation is essential for early diagnosis and optimization of treatment, especially as precision medicine trials become available.
Linguistic risk‐taking in second language learning: The case of French at a Canadian bilingual institution
Authors: Rhéaume Martine , Slavkov Nikolay , Séror Jérémie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article focuses on the construct of linguistic risk‐taking and outlines a new pedagogical initiative implemented at a Canadian bilingual postsecondary institution. The Linguistic Risk‐Taking Initiative aims at encouraging language learners to target specific challenges and seek opportunities to practice their second official language (French or English) in authentic contexts beyond the language learning classroom. Using the lens of participatory action research, the article reports on how a Linguistic Risk‐Taking Passport is used to support language learners’ autonomous language practice in combination with metacognitive awareness activities and goal setting. A teacher's reflections and surveys with 296 student participants over five semesters indicate that linguistic risk‐taking offers promise both in terms of innovative and engaging pedagogical practices and in terms of language teaching research.
Identifying global and local drivers of change in mangrove cover and the implications for management
Authors: Maina J. M. , Bosire J. O. , Kairo J. G. , Bandeira S. O. , Mangora M. M. , Macamo C. , Ralison H. , Majambo G. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundClimate change and human activities continue to drive a widespread decline in global mangrove coverage, undermining their capacity to provide ecosystem benefits. While global and local scale drivers of change on mangroves are widely acknowledged, the relative importance and the exposure of mangroves to climatic, geomorphological, and direct human threats vary spatially. Understanding the role and relative importance of the multiscale and multiple threats to mangroves and how these vary spatially is fundamental for formulating a spatially adaptive approach to their management and conservation.AimOur study investigated the role of multiple threats on mangroves and the relative exposure.LocationWestern Indian Ocean (WIO) region.Time periodRecent past (2002–2019 and future (2050–2060).Major taxa studiedMangrove.MethodsUsing satellite‐derived indicators of mangrove condition aggregated over 19 years (2002 to 2019) and 14 proxies of climate, human activity, and geomorphology, we applied machine learning methods to determine the role and relative importance of the change drivers. Using outputs from this deductive statistical process, we applied inductive methods to map mangrove exposure spatially.ResultsModel results highlight the importance of catchment erosion, human pressure, sea level, and macroclimate as the main drivers of the present‐day ecological condition of mangroves in the WIO. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was more sensitive to the identified drivers than the vegetation condition index (VCI), with the relative importance of variables varying across the two vegetation indicators.Main conclusionsIn anticipation of a stronger manifestation of climate change impacts, the resilience of mangroves in the WIO could be improved through adaptive management over time and space. Testing the efficacy of the essential biodiversity variables (EBV) is critical for understanding the mechanisms of ecosystem change and managing biodiversity change.
External shocks and enterprises' dynamic capabilities in a time of regional distress
Authors: Aarstad Jarle , Kvitastein Olav Andreas , Solheim Marte C. W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe study if dynamic capabilities alleviate enterprises' revenue losses after an external shock. Contextually, we study Norwegian enterprises before and after the price decline of crude oil in 2014, which strongly affected economic activities across industries in some regions, while others were practically unaffected. Empirically, we combine data of regional oil dependency and enterprise‐ and person‐level data before the decline and enterprise‐level revenues before and after the decline. Analyses of 4,060 enterprises in 51 labor market regions show that unrelated education diversity alleviates revenue losses for enterprises in strongly affected regions, while related education diversity has an opposite negative effect. R&D investments and innovation alter revenue growth, but as the effects are consistent across more or less affected regions, the concepts are static enterprise resources and not dynamic capabilities.
Development and validation of a patient‐reported outcome measure for patients with chronic respiratory failure: The CRF‐PROM scale
Authors: He Hangzhi , Li Hao , Zeng Xianhua , Zhao Hui , Zhang Yanbo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundVarious health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQOL) tools are used to evaluate patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF), but there is a relative lack of tools available for the evaluation of social support and treatment in these patients. The present study focused on the development of a systematic patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) tool for use in patients with CRF.MethodsThe CRF‐PROM scale conceptual framework and item bank were generated after reviewing the corresponding literature and HRQOL scales, interviewing CRF patients and focus groups. After creation of the initial scale, the items in the scale were selected through two item selection theories, and the final scale was created. The reliability, validity and feasibility of the final scale were assessed.ResultsThe CRF‐PROM scale includes four domains (i.e., physiological domain, psychological domain, social domain and therapeutic domain) and 10 dimensions. After the item selection process, the final scale included 50 items. Cronbach's α coefficients, which were all above 0.7, indicated the reliability of the scale. The results of structural validity met the relevant standards of confirmatory factor analysis. The response rates of the preinvestigation and the formal investigation were 93.3% and 97.6%, respectively.ConclusionsThe CRF‐PROM scale developed in the present study is effective and reliable. It could be used widely in the posthospital management of patients, in CRF studies and in clinical trials of new medical products and interventions.Patient or Public ContributionParticipants from eight different hospitals and communities participated in the development or validation phase of the CRF‐PROM scale.
Improving the quality of care for adolescents and young adults on an adult medical ward
Authors: Albertella Louise , Farrant Bridget , Denny Simon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents and young adults have health needs that are distinctly different from children and adults. A lack of education and training is reported by clinicians to be one of the main barriers to providing comprehensive developmentally appropriate care to young people, including the provision of confidential healthcare and taking a holistic approach.AimThis study documents the current provision of care to young people on an adult inpatient medical ward at a large tertiary teaching hospital in Auckland.MethodsForty‐three staff and 40 patients aged 16–24 years on an adult medical ward completed surveys, which were based on the Northern Regional Alliance, Northern Regional Youth Health Network Standards for Quality Care for Adolescents and Young Adults in Secondary or Tertiary Care.ResultsFew (12%) staff had completed any specific training in looking after adolescent and young adult patients. Confidentiality was not routinely discussed with young people by 50% of clinicians, and only 23% of staff reported that they see a young person alone as part of their consultation or admission. Less than half of young people reported receiving a comprehensive psychosocial assessment that included sexual health, mental health and suicide, and safety.ConclusionsKey components of comprehensive developmentally appropriate healthcare were not regularly carried out by staff on an adult medical ward. These findings suggest that further education and training, and service improvements are needed in tertiary adult hospital settings.
Identification of microRNAs responsive to shear loading in rat skin
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Jhen , Minematsu Takeo , Nakagami Gojiro , Koudounas Sofoklis , Tomida Sanai , Nakai Ayano , Kunimitsu Mao , Nitta Shiori , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPressure injuries (PIs) are localised skin injuries that result from pressure with or without shear force. Shear force is more destructive than pressure in clinical settings. Therefore, determining the critical external forces is important for selecting the appropriate care to prevent PIs. To quantitatively distinguish pressure and shear loading with high specificity, we focused on microRNAs (miRs). This study aimed to identify the miRs that are distinguishable between pressure with and without shear loading in rat skin. Microarray analysis identified six candidate miRs from the comparisons among the pressure, shear, and unloaded groups. We analysed the expression levels of the candidate miRs in the process of PI development using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In the pressure and shear groups, miR‐92b expressions at 6 hours after loading were 2.3 ± 1.3 and 2.9 ± 1.0, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (P = .014 and .004, respectively). miR‐877 expression at 6 hours after loading was significantly increased only in the shear group (2.8 ± 0.9) compared with the control group (P = .016). These results indicate that miR‐92b and miR‐877 are promising biomarkers to determine for which external force healthcare professionals should intervene.
Formation of Si3N4 coating on SiC substrate by gas transporting self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis with the addition of NH4Cl
Authors: Tian Zhaobo , Du Songmo , Cui Wei , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUnder the urgent demand of high‐performance silicon nitride substrate (Si3N4), this paper reports a new gas transporting self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis technology (GTST) to form Si3N4 coating on silicon carbide (SiC) substrate with the addition of NH4Cl, which may partly be a candidate of high‐performance Si3N4 substrate. The effect of NH4Cl on the formation of the Si3N4 coating is investigated, and the reaction mechanism with the participation of NH4Cl is discussed. The addition of the NH4Cl promotes the formation of the compact Si3N4 coating with a thickness of 20–80 μm on both sides of SiC substrate. During the reaction, NH4Cl acts as a carrier to convert solid and liquid Si particles into gas phase SiCl4, and transport it to SiC substrate. Finally, SiCl4 is nitride into Si3N4 coating under the higher temperature generated by the combustion wave. Moreover, the research mechanism can provide a guide for other complex ceramic coatings by GTST.
Do non‐pharmacological sleep interventions affect anxiety symptoms? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Staines Alex Catherine , Broomfield Niall , Pass Laura , Orchard Faith , Bridges Jessica 
Published: July 2021

AbstractResearch indicates a bidirectional relationship between sleep and anxiety, with findings suggesting anxiety can precede poor sleep and vice versa. Evidence suggests sleep‐related thought processes associated with anxiety are involved in the maintenance of insomnia. Previous meta‐analyses provide some evidence to suggest cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia moderately improves anxiety, yet little research has investigated the effect of other sleep interventions on anxiety symptoms. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to review whether non‐pharmacological sleep interventions have an impact on anxiety symptoms immediately post‐intervention. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify all randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating non‐pharmacological sleep interventions that included anxiety symptoms as an outcome. Forty‐three RCTs (n = 5945) met full inclusion criteria and were included in a random‐effects meta‐analysis model. The combined effect size of non‐pharmacological sleep interventions on anxiety symptoms was moderate (Hedges’g = −0.38), indicating a reduction in symptoms. Subgroup analyses found a moderate effect for those with additional physical health difficulties (g = −0.46), a moderate effect for those with additional mental health difficulties (g = −0.47) and a moderate effect for those with elevated levels of anxiety at baseline (g = −0.43). A secondary meta‐analysis found a large effect of non‐pharmacological sleep interventions on sleep‐related thought processes (g = −0.92). These findings indicate non‐pharmacological sleep interventions are effective in reducing anxiety and sleep‐related thought processes, and these effects may be larger in patients with anxiety. This has clinical implications for considering sleep interventions in the treatment of anxiety.
Multiple corticosteroid abnormalities in cats with hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Langlois Daniel K. , Mazaki‐Tovi Michal , Harro Cailin C. , Refsal Kent R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe frequency with which multiple corticosteroid abnormalities occur in cats with aldosterone secreting adrenocortical tumors is unknown.ObjectivesTo evaluate adrenal‐derived corticosteroids in cats in which blood samples were submitted for measure of aldosterone.AnimalsTwo hundred ninety‐seven cats.MethodsRetrospective study. Analysis of a convenience sample of previously submitted serum or plasma. Progesterone, corticosterone, and cortisol were measured in feline serum or plasma samples submitted to an endocrinology laboratory for aldosterone measurements. Demographics and clinical history were retrieved from submittal forms when provided. Statistical testing was performed to investigate associations among the adrenal corticosteroids.ResultsProgesterone and corticosterone concentrations were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.74;P < .001). Progesterone (median, 5 nmol/L; interquartile range, 3‐10 nmol/L) and corticosterone (113 nmol/L, 38‐250 nmol/L) in cats with markedly increased aldosterone concentrations (≥3000 pmol/L) were higher than progesterone (1 nmol/L, 1‐2 nmol/L) and corticosterone (12 nmol/L, 3‐25 nmol/L) in cats with normal aldosterone concentrations (P < .001 for both comparisons). Progesterone concentrations ≥10 nmol/L (normal, ≤2 nmol//L) occurred in 24 of 76 (32%) cats with aldosterone concentrations ≥3000 pmol/L. Cortisol was lower in cats with aldosterone concentrations ≥3000 pmol/L as compared to those with aldosterone concentrations <500 pmol/L (59 nmol/L, 27‐103 nmol/L vs 103 nmol/L, 49‐182 nmol/L;P = .002).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMultiple corticosteroid abnormalities occur in a subset of cats with hyperaldosteronism. The magnitude of increases in progesterone and corticosterone in some cats with hyperaldosteronism is likely to be clinically relevant.
Transport stress affects the fecal microbiota in healthy donkeys
Authors: Jiang Guimiao , Zhang Xinhao , Gao Weiping , Ji Chuanliang , Wang Yantao , Feng Peixiang , Feng Yulong , Zhang Zhiping , Li Lin , Zhao Fuwei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundWith the development of large‐scale donkey farming in China, long‐distance transportation has become common practice, and the incidence of intestinal diseases after transportation has increased. The intestinal microbiota is important in health and disease, and whether or not transportation disturbs the intestinal microbiota in donkeys has not been investigated.ObjectivesTo determine the effects of transportation on the fecal microbiota of healthy donkeys using 16S rRNA sequencing.AnimalsFecal and blood samples were collected from 12 Dezhou donkeys before and after transportation.MethodsProspective controlled study. Cortisol, ACTH, and heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90) concentrations were measured. Sequencing of 16S rRNA was used to assess the microbial composition. Alpha diversity and beta diversity were assessed.ResultsResults showed significant (P < .05) increases in cortisol (58.1 ± 14.6 to 71.1 ± 9.60 ng/mL), ACTH (163.8 ± 31.9 to 315.8 ± 27.9 pg/mL), and HSP90 (10.8 ± 1.67 to 14.6 ± 1.75 ng/mL) on the day of arrival. A significantly lower (P = .04) level of bacterial richness was found in fecal samples after transportation, compared with that before transportation without distinct changes in diversity. Most notably, donkeys had significant decreases in Atopostipes, Eubacterium, Streptococcus, and Coriobacteriaceae.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTransportation can induce stress in healthy donkeys and have some effect on the composition of the in fecal microbiota. Additional studies are required to understand the potential effect of these microbiota changes, especially significantly decreased bacteria, on the development intestinal diseases in donkeys during recovery from transportation.
Turnip mosaic virus impairs perinuclear chloroplast clustering to facilitate viral infection
Authors: Zhai Yushan , Yuan Quan , Qiu Shiyou , Li Saisai , Li Miaomiao , Zheng Hongying , Wu Guanwei , Lu Yuwen , Peng Jiejun , Rao Shaofei , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractChloroplasts play crucial roles in plant defence against viral infection. We now report that chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like (NDH) complex M subunit gene (NdhM) was first up‐regulated and then down‐regulated in turnip mosaic virus (TuMV)‐infected N. benthamiana. NbNdhM‐silenced plants were more susceptible to TuMV, whereas overexpression of NbNdhM inhibited TuMV accumulation. Overexpression of NbNdhM significantly induced the clustering of chloroplasts around the nuclei and disturbing this clustering facilitated TuMV infection, suggesting that the clustering mediated by NbNdhM is a defence against TuMV. It was then shown that NbNdhM interacted with TuMV VPg, and that the NdhMs of different plant species interacted with the proteins of different viruses, implying that NdhM may be a common target of viruses. In the presence of TuMV VPg, NbNdhM, which is normally localized in the nucleus, chloroplasts, cell periphery and chloroplast stromules, colocalized with VPg at the nucleus and nucleolus, with significantly increased nuclear accumulation, while NbNdhM‐mediated chloroplast clustering was significantly impaired. This study therefore indicates that NbNdhM has a defensive role in TuMV infection probably by inducing the perinuclear clustering of chloroplasts, and that the localization of NbNdhM is altered by its interaction with TuMV VPg in a way that promotes virus infection.