bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FAMILY FIRMS, BANK RELATIONSHIPS, AND FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS: A COMPREHENSIVE SCORE CARD
Authors: Karaivanov Alexander , Saurina Jesús , Townsend Robert M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe examine the effect of financial constraints on firm investment and cash flow. We combine data from the Spanish Mercantile Registry and the Bank of Spain Credit Registry to classify firms according to whether they are family‐owned, not family‐owned, or belong to a family‐linked network of firms and according to their number of banking relations (with none, one, or several banks). Our empirical strategy is structural, based on a dynamic model solved numerically to generate the joint distribution of firm capital (size), investment, and cash flow, both in cross sections and in panel data. We consider three alternative financial settings: saving only, borrowing and lending, and moral hazard constrained state‐contingent credit. We estimate each setting via maximum likelihood and compare across these financial regimes. Based on the estimated financial regime, we show that family firms, especially those belonging to networks based on ownership, are associated with a more flexible market or contract environment and are less financially constrained than nonfamily firms. This result survives stratifications of family and nonfamily firms by bank status, region, industry, and time period. Family firms are better able to allocate funds and smooth investment across states of the world and over time, arguably done informally or using the cash flow generated at the level of the network. We also validate our structural approach by demonstrating that it performs well in traditional categories, by stratifying firms by size and age, and find that smaller and younger firms are more constrained than larger and older firms.
Cumulative and CUB Models for Rating Data: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Piccolo Domenico , Simone Rosaria , Iannario Maria 
Published: October 2018

SummaryOrdinal measurements as ratings, preference and evaluation data are very common in applied disciplines, and their analysis requires a proper modelling approach for interpretation, classification and prediction of response patterns. This work proposes a comparative discussion between two statistical frameworks that serve these goals: the established class of cumulative models and a class of mixtures of discrete random variables, denoted asCUBmodels, whose peculiar feature is the specification of an uncertainty component to deal with indecision and heterogeneity. After surveying their definition and main features, we compare the performances of the selected paradigms by means of simulation experiments and selected case studies. The paper is tailored to enrich the understanding of the two approaches by running an extensive and comparative analysis of results, relative advantages and limitations, also at graphical level. In conclusion, a summarising review of the key issues of the alternative strategies and some final remarks are given, aimed to support a unifying setting.
Does a multicultural perspective shape unbiased minds? The moderating role of outgroup threat
Authors: Urbiola Ana , Willis Guillermo B. , Ruiz‐Romero Josefa , Moya Miguel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe multicultural perspective is an ideological orientation that values the recognition and inclusion of diverse ethnic and cultural groups as sources of identity and culture that are favorable to society, because they promote positive intergroup relations and social equality. However, there are conditions that moderate the constructive effects such a perspective potentially yields. In this research, we used experimental procedures to examine the effects of a multicultural perspective on levels of implicit and explicit prejudice aimed at Gitanos (Spanish Roma). In Study 1, we manipulated the content of a newspaper article to generate three conditions, which were (a) the multicultural perspective, (b) the use of counter‐stereotypical exemplars, and (c) the control. In Study 2, we not only evaluated the effect of the manipulation of the multicultural perspective relative to the control, we also assessed the extent to which symbolic and realistic outgroup threats moderate the effect of a multicultural perspective on implicit prejudice. Results showed lower levels of implicit prejudice in the multicultural condition than in the control condition. The multicultural perspective effectively reduced implicit prejudice when the perceived threat was low, but yielded no such observable effect when the perceived threat was high.
Validation of the inflammatory bowel disease disability index for self‐report and development of an item‐reduced version
Authors: Paulides Emma , Kim Catherine , Frampton Chris , Gearry Richard B , Eglinton Tim , Leong Rupert W , de Boer Nanne K H , Mulder Chris J J , McCombie Andrew M 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThe Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disability Index (IBD‐DI) is a measure of disability in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD‐DI is validated for use as a clinical interview but not for use as a self‐report questionnaire. We aimed to validate the IBD‐DI for self‐report (IBD‐DI‐SR) and to reduce the number of items, using IBD patients from two centers.MethodsBetween April and August 2017, ambulatory IBD patients were recruited from Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand and Concord Hospital, Australia. The IBD‐DI clinical interview version was compared with a self‐report version. Participants were randomized to do the clinical interview or self‐report first. Validation of the IBD‐DI‐SR involved calculating the correlation coefficient between the clinician completed and self‐reported version of the IBD‐DI and Cronbach's α of internal consistency of the IBD‐DI‐SR. To create an item‐reduced version, multiple linear regression was used. The R2 of the model described the overall association between the item‐reduced IBD‐DI‐SR and the IBD‐DI.ResultsOne hundred fourteen patients (57 from Christchurch and 57 from Sydney) completed the IBD‐DI‐SR validation phase, of whom 63 had Crohn's disease and 51 had ulcerative colitis. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the IBD‐DI‐SR and IBD‐DI is 0.90 (P < 0.001), and Cronbach's α of the IBD‐DI‐SR was 0.86. The item‐reduced version of the IBD‐DI‐SR consisted of eight questions instead of 28, explaining 77% of the variance.ConclusionsThe IBD‐DI‐SR has demonstrated reliability and validity. The item‐reduced IBD‐DI‐SR is a concise self‐report instrument for measuring IBD disability, which makes the IBD‐DI more widely usable.
Statins for Primary Prevention in Older Adults—Moving Toward Evidence‐Based Decision‐Making
Authors: Singh Sonal , Zieman Susan , Go Alan S. , Fortmann Stephen P. , Wenger Nanette K. , Fleg Jerome L. , Radziszewska Barbara , Stone Neil J. , Zoungas Sophia , Gurwitz Jerry H. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy and safety of statins for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events in older adults, especially those aged 80 and older and with multimorbidity.MethodsThe National Institute on Aging and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute convened A multidisciplinary expert panel from July 31 to August 1, 2017, to review existing evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and consider whether statin safety and efficacy data in persons aged 75 and older without ASCVD are sufficient; whether existing data can inform the feasibility, design, and implementation of future statin trials in older adults; and clinical trial options and designs to address knowledge gaps. This article summarizes the presentations and discussions at that workshop.ResultsThere is insufficient evidence regarding the benefits and harms of statins in older adults, especially those with concomitant frailty, polypharmacy, comorbidities, and cognitive impairment; a lack of tools to assess ASCVD risk in those aged 80 and older; and a paucity of evidence of the effect of statins on outcomes of importance to older adults, such as statin‐associated muscle symptoms, cognitive function, and incident diabetes mellitus. Prospective, traditional, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and pragmatic RCTs seem to be suitable options to address these critical knowledge gaps. Future trials have to consider greater representation of very old adults, women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals of differing health, cognitive, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. Feasibility analyses from existing large healthcare networks confirm appropriate power for death and cardiovascular outcomes for future RCTs in this area.ConclusionExisting data cannot address uncertainties about the benefits and harms of statins for primary ASCVD prevention in adults aged 75 and older, especially those with comorbidities, frailty, and cognitive impairment. Evidence from 1 or more RCTs could address these important knowledge gaps to inform person‐centered decision‐making. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2188–2196, 2018.
Enhanced contrast in X‐ray microtomographic images of the membranous labyrinth using different X‐ray sources and scanning modes
Authors: Goyens Jana , Vasilopoulou‐Kampitsi Menelia , Claes Raf , Sijbers Jan , Mancini Lucia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in balance and gaze stabilisation by sensing head movements. The interconnected tubes with membranous walls of the vestibular system are located in the skull bone (the ‘membranous labyrinth’). Unfortunately, these membranes are very hard to visualise using three‐dimensional (3D) X‐ray imaging techniques. This difficulty arises due to the embedment of the membranes in the dense skull bone, the thinness of the membranes, and the small difference in X‐ray absorption between the membranes and the surrounding fluid. In this study, we compared the visualisation of very small specimens (lizard heads with vestibular systems smaller than 3 mm) by X‐ray computed micro‐tomography (μCT) based on synchrotron radiation and conventional sources. A visualisation protocol using conventional X‐ray μCT would be very useful thanks to the ease of access and lower cost. Careful optimisation of the acquisition parameters enables detection of the membranes by using μCT scanners based on conventional microfocus sources, but in some cases a low contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) prevents fast and reliable segmentation of the membranes. Synchrotron radiation μCT proved to be preferable for the visualisation of the small samples with very thin membranes, because of their high demands for spatial and contrast resolution. The best contrast was obtained by using synchrotron radiation μCT working in phase‐contrast mode, leading to up to twice as high CNRs than the best conventional μCT results. The CNR of the synchrotron radiation μCT scans was sufficiently high enough to enable the construction of a 3D model by the means of semi‐automatic segmentation of the membranous labyrinth. Membrane thickness was found to range between 2.7 and 36.3 μm. Hence, the minimal membrane thickness was found to be much smaller than described previously in the literature (between 10 and 50 μm).
Autism‐linked CHD gene expression patterns during development predict multi‐organ disease phenotypes
Authors: Kasah Sahrunizam , Oddy Christopher , Basson M. Albert 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecent large‐scale exome sequencing studies have identified mutations in several members of the CHD (Chromodomain Helicase DNA‐binding protein) gene family in neurodevelopmental disorders. Mutations in the CHD2 gene have been linked to developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism and seizures, CHD8 mutations to autism and intellectual disability, whereas haploinsufficiency of CHD7 is associated with executive dysfunction and intellectual disability. In addition to these neurodevelopmental features, a wide range of other developmental defects are associated with mutants of these genes, especially with regards to CHD7 haploinsufficiency, which is the primary cause of CHARGE syndrome. Whilst the developmental expression of CHD7 has been reported previously, limited information on the expression of CHD2 and CHD8 during development is available. Here, we compare the expression patterns of all three genes during mouse development directly. We find high, widespread expression of these genes at early stages of development that gradually becomes restricted during later developmental stages. Chd2 and Chd8 are widely expressed in the developing central nervous system (CNS) at all stages of development, with moderate expression remaining in the neocortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and cerebellum of the postnatal brain. Similarly, Chd7 expression is seen throughout the CNS during late embryogenesis and early postnatal development, with strong enrichment in the cerebellum, but displays low expression in the cortex and neurogenic niches in early life. In addition to expression in the brain, novel sites of Chd2 and Chd8 expression are reported. These findings suggest additional roles for these genes in organogenesis and predict that mutation of these genes may predispose individuals to a range of other, non‐neurological developmental defects.
Skeletal malformations of Meox1‐deficient zebrafish resemble human Klippel–Feil syndrome
Authors: Dauer Mervyn V. P. , Currie Peter D. , Berger Joachim 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKlippel–Feil syndrome is a congenital vertebral anomaly, which is characterised by the fusion of at least two cervical vertebrae and a clinically broad set of symptoms, including congenital scoliosis and elevated scapula (Sprengel's deformity). Klippel–Feil syndrome is associated with mutations in MEOX1. The zebrafish mutant choker (cho) carries a mutation in its orthologue, meox1. Although zebrafish is being increasingly employed as fidelitous models of human spinal disease, the vertebral column of Meox1‐deficient fish has not been assessed for defects. Here, we describe the skeletal defects of meox1cho mutant zebrafish utilising alizarin red to stain bones and chemical maceration of soft tissue to detect fusions in an unbiased manner. Obtained data reveal that meox1cho mutants feature aspects of a number of described symptoms of patients who suffer from Klippel–Feil syndrome and have mutations in MEOX1. These include vertebral fusion, congenital scoliosis and an asymmetry of the pectoral girdle, which resembles Sprengel's deformity. Thus, the meox1cho mutant zebrafish may serve as a useful tool to study the pathogenesis of the symptoms associated with Klippel–Feil syndrome.
Evaluating the role of tissue microRNA‐27b as a diagnostic marker for oral lichen planus and possible correlation with CD8
Authors: Aghbari Sana Maher , Zayed Shaimaa Omar , Shaker Olfat Gamil , Abushouk Abdelrahman Ibrahim 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundMicroRNA‐27b (miR27b) is a small, non‐coding RNA that is involved in physiological keratinocyte differentiation and regulating inflammatory processes. We performed this study to investigate the value of miR27b as a diagnostic marker for oral lichen planus (OLP) and the correlation between CD8 (cytotoxic T‐cell marker) and miR27b tissue expression in OLP patients.MethodsForty participants (including 20 OLP patients and 20 controls) underwent oral biopsy. The obtained specimens were examined by immunostaining and quantitative RT‐PCR for CD8 and miR27b tissue expression, respectively. We used the Spearman rank correlation test to evaluate the correlation between both variables.ResultsOur analysis showed that in comparison with healthy tissues, OLP tissue samples exhibited significantly higher CD8 levels (P < 0.01), as well as a significant downregulation of miR27b expression (P < 0.0001). Upon comparing different OLP subgroups, no significant difference was detected in terms of miR27b expression; however, the tissue levels of CD8 varied significantly (highest in the erosive subgroup and lowest in the papular/plaque/reticular subgroup). The Spearman rank analysis showed a negative correlation between tissue expression of miR27b and CD8; however, this was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Further, the receiver operating characteristic curve of tissue miR27b as an OLP biomarker revealed 100% sensitivity and 65% specificity at cutoff value of 4.4.ConclusionThis study demonstrated increased CD8 levels and downregulation of miR27b in OLP tissues, compared to healthy tissues. Moreover, it revealed the potential of miR27b as an OLP disease biomarker. The possible negative correlation between CD8 and miR27b tissue expression requires further investigation in larger studies.
Sexual orientation‐related oral health disparities in the United States
Authors: Schwartz Scott B. , Sanders Anne E. , Lee Jessica Y. , Divaris Kimon 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveRecent reports have documented health disparities according to sexual orientation and used the minority stress model as a framework for understanding their origins. To date, however, sexual orientation‐related disparities in the oral health domain have not been evaluated. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate potential health disparities in objectively‐assessed and subjective reports of oral heath among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults relative to the heterosexual community‐dwelling US population.MethodsWe used three consecutive cycles (2009–2014) of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for men and women aged 18–59 years. We examined clinical measures of dental caries, tooth loss, chronic periodontitis, and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as subjective reports of oral health status and use of dental services.ResultsClinical measures of oral disease did not differ according to sexual orientation; however, bisexual adults were more likely to rate their oral health unfavorably (41%) than heterosexual adults (27%). Gay men reported “bone loss around teeth” more frequently (35%) than heterosexual (11%) and bisexual (10%) men. Bisexual individuals were more likely to confront barriers to accessing dental care (30%) versus heterosexual adults (19%).ConclusionsWhile clinical measures of oral health did not substantially differ between sexual orientation strata, subjective measures of oral health were worse among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults versus heterosexual adults. Further study of the psychosocial construction of oral health among sexual minorities is warranted.
Ocean warming and copper pollution: implications for metabolic compounds of the agarophyte Gelidium floridanum (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Kreusch Marianne , Poltronieri Elisa , Bouvie Fernanda , Batista Deonir , Pereira Débora T. , Ramlov Fernanda , Maraschin Marcelo , Bouzon Zenilda L. , Schmidt Éder Carlos , Simioni Carmen 
Published: October 2018

Ocean warming is increasing and scientific predictions suggest a rise of up to 4°C in sea water temperatures. The combination of a polluted and warmer environment may be detrimental for aquatic species, especially for primary producers such as seaweeds. This study investigated the potential for interactive effects of an increased seawater temperature in a copper‐rich environment on the photosynthetic pigments and metabolic compounds of the red seaweed Gelidium floridanum. Seaweed samples were cultivated in a factorial design with temperature (24°C and 30°C), copper (0 and 3 μM), and time (7 and 14 d). The exposure of G. floridanum to copper and 30°C for 7 d resulted in a lower concentration of chlorophyll a, smaller phycobiliprotein rods and lower concentration of soluble sugars. After 14 d of cultivation, a higher concentration of chlorophyll a and soluble sugars could be observed on seaweeds cultivated under 30°C. The accumulation of carotenoids and the release of phenolic compounds indicated specific protective mechanisms against temperature and copper, respectively. Overall, seaweeds grew less when exposed to copper 3 μM at 30°C.
DNA metabarcoding unveils multiscale trophic variation in a widespread coastal opportunist
Authors: Siegenthaler Andjin , Wangensteen Owen S. , Benvenuto Chiara , Campos Joana , Mariani Stefano 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA thorough understanding of ecological networks relies on comprehensive information on trophic relationships among species. Since unpicking the diet of many organisms is unattainable using traditional morphology‐based approaches, the application of high‐throughput sequencing methods represents a rapid and powerful way forward. Here, we assessed the application of DNA metabarcoding with nearly universal primers for the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase I in defining the trophic ecology of adult brown shrimp, Crangon crangon, in six European estuaries. The exact trophic role of this abundant and widespread coastal benthic species is somewhat controversial, while information on geographical variation remains scant. Results revealed a highly opportunistic behaviour. Shrimp stomach contents contained hundreds of taxa (>1,000 molecular operational taxonomic units), of which 291 were identified as distinct species, belonging to 35 phyla. Only twenty ascertained species had a mean relative abundance of more than 0.5%. Predominant species included other abundant coastal and estuarine taxa, including the shore crab Carcinus maenas and the amphipod Corophium volutator. Jacobs’ selectivity index estimates based on DNA extracted from both shrimp stomachs and sediment samples were used to assess the shrimp's trophic niche indicating a generalist diet, dominated by crustaceans, polychaetes and fish. Spatial variation in diet composition, at regional and local scales, confirmed the highly flexible nature of this trophic opportunist. Furthermore, the detection of a prevalent, possibly endoparasitic fungus (Purpureocillium lilacinum) in the shrimp's stomach demonstrates the wide range of questions that can be addressed using metabarcoding, towards a more robust reconstruction of ecological networks.
Assembly processes of trophic guilds in the root mycobiome of temperate forests
Authors: Schröter Kristina , Wemheuer Bernd , Pena Rodica , Schöning Ingo , Ehbrecht Martin , Schall Peter , Ammer Christian , Daniel Rolf , Polle Andrea 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRoot‐associated mycobiomes (RAMs) link plant and soil ecological processes, thereby supporting ecosystem functions. Understanding the forces that govern the assembly of RAMs is key to sustainable ecosystem management. Here, we dissected RAMs according to functional guilds and combined phylogenetic and multivariate analyses to distinguish and quantify the forces driving RAM assembly processes. Across large biogeographic scales (>1,000 km) in temperate forests (>100 plots), RAMs were taxonomically highly distinct but composed of a stable trophic structure encompassing symbiotrophic, ectomycorrhizal (55%), saprotrophic (7%), endotrophic (3%) and pathotrophic fungi (<1%). Taxonomic community composition of RAMs is explained by abiotic factors, forest management intensity, dominant tree family (Fagaceae, Pinaceae) and root resource traits. Local RAM assemblies are phylogenetically clustered, indicating stronger habitat filtering on roots in dry, acid soils and in conifer stands than in other forest types. The local assembly of ectomycorrhizal communities is driven by forest management intensity. At larger scales, root resource traits and soil pH shift the assembly process of ectomycorrhizal fungi from deterministic to neutral. Neutral or weak deterministic assembly processes are prevalent in saprotrophic and endophytic guilds. The remarkable consistency of the trophic composition of the RAMs suggests that temperate forests attract fungal assemblages that afford functional resilience under the current range of climatic and edaphic conditions. At local scales, the filtering processes that structure symbiotrophic assemblies can be influenced by forest management and tree selection, but at larger scales, environmental cues and host resource traits are the most prevalent forces.