bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do multinational banks create or destroy shareholder value? A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Gulamhussen Mohamed Azzim , Pinheiro Carlos Manuel , Pozzolo Alberto Franco 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe question whether the international diversification of multinational banks creates or destroys shareholder value. Based on a sample of 384 listed banks from 56 countries we provide new and robust evidence that bank cross‐border activities create shareholder value, as shown by an economically and statistically significant premium for international diversification. Our results are confirmed controlling for bank fixed effects, time‐varying bank characteristics, reverse causality, functional diversification, and instrumenting for the choice to expand abroad. The increase in shareholder value is slightly larger for banks in the middle range of international diversification and in the case of expansion towards less developed countries.
ESG in credit ratings and the impact on financial markets
Authors: Kiesel Florian , Lücke Felix 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study examines environment, social, governance (ESG) consideration in rating reports published by credit rating agencies. 3,719 Moody's credit rating reports between 2004 and 2015 are examined and the ESG consideration is analyzed using a latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) approach. We further analyze the stock returns and credit default swap (CDS) spread changes to check whether ESG consideration has an effect on the capital market reactions. We find a small but present consideration of ESG in rating decisions. Within ESG, corporate governance plays the most important role. Moreover, the results reveal that ESG consideration is a significant determinant in the stock return and CDS spread around the rating announcement. We find that all ESG criteria are important for equity and debt investors.
Evolution of ASPM coding variation in apes and associations with brain structure in chimpanzees
Authors: Singh Sheel V. , Staes Nicky , Guevara Elaine E. , Schapiro Steven J. , Ely John J. , Hopkins William D. , Sherwood Chet C. , Bradley Brenda J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractStudying genetic mechanisms underlying primate brain morphology can provide insight into the evolution of human brain structure and cognition. In humans, loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene coding for ASPM (Abnormal Spindle Microtubule Assembly) have been associated with primary microcephaly, which is defined by a significantly reduced brain volume, intellectual disability and delayed development. However, less is known about the effects of common ASPM variation in humans and other primates. In this study, we characterized the degree of coding variation at ASPM in a large sample of chimpanzees (N = 241), and examined potential associations between genotype and various measures of brain morphology. We identified and genotyped five non‐synonymous polymorphisms in exons 3 (V588G), 18 (Q2772K, K2796E, C2811Y) and 27 (I3427V). Using T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging of brains, we measured total brain volume, cerebral gray and white matter volume, cerebral ventricular volume, and cortical surface area in the same chimpanzees. We found a potential association between ASPM V588G genotype and cerebral ventricular volume but not with the other measures. Additionally, we found that chimpanzee, bonobo, and human lineages each independently show a signature of accelerated ASPM protein evolution. Overall, our results suggest the potential effects of ASPM variation on cerebral cortical development, and emphasize the need for further functional studies. These results are the first evidence suggesting ASPM variation might play a role in shaping natural variation in brain structure in nonhuman primates.
The importance of groundwater flow to the formation of modern thrombolitic microbialites
Authors: Warden John G. , Coshell Lee , Rosen Michael R. , Breecker Daniel O. , Ruthrof Katinka X. , Omelon Christopher R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractModern microbialites are often located within groundwater discharge zones, yet the role of groundwater in microbialite accretion has yet to be resolved. To understand relationships between groundwater, microbialites, and associated microbial communities, we quantified and characterized groundwater flow and chemistry in active thrombolitic microbialites in Lake Clifton, Western Australia, and compared these observations to inactive thrombolites and lakebed sediments. Groundwater flows upward through an interconnected network of pores within the microstructure of active thrombolites, discharging directly from thrombolite heads into the lake. This upwelling groundwater is fresher than lake water and is hypothesized to support microbial mat growth by reducing salinity and providing limiting nutrients in an osmotically stressful and oligotrophic habitat. This is in contrast to inactive thrombolites that show no evidence of microbial mat colonization and are infiltrated by hypersaline lake water. Groundwater discharge through active thrombolites contrasts with the surrounding lakebed, where hypersaline lake water flows downward through sandy sediments at very low rates. Based on an appreciation for the role of microorganisms in thrombolite accretion, our findings suggest conditions favorable to thrombolite formation still exist in certain locations of Lake Clifton despite increasing lake water salinity. This study is the first to characterize groundwater flow rates, paths, and chemistry within a microbialite‐forming environment and provides new insight into how groundwater can support microbial mats believed to contribute to microbialite formation in modern and ancient environments.
Haemophilia home care: A qualitative evaluation study of the Be Involved infusion program
Authors: Rossnagel Emma , Oliffe John L. , Jackson Yanina , Bartholomew Claude 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionIn Canada, patients with haemophilia can receive health care through a limited number of specialized haemophilia treatment centres. Treatment of this X‐linked bleeding disorder through self‐infusion of factor replacement is common; however, some individuals with haemophilia require additional infusion support from medical professionals. While provincially funded outreach clinics and telehealth are available, pharmaceutical companies that supply factor have developed novel home infusion programs wherein registered nurses assist/manage factor administration in the patients’ homes.AimThe current qualitative evaluation explored the real‐world effectiveness and impact of the Be Involved (Pfizer Canada) home infusion service, from provider, program end‐user and needs analysis perspectives.MethodsQualitative interviews with patients and caregivers who had used Be Involved (n = 7) and Be Involved Staff (n = 8) provided important insights and recommendations for program improvement initiatives. Also included were needs assessments of potential end‐users (n = 11) as a means to making program adjustments.ResultsThe inductively derived findings revealed Be Involved as a highly valued, though key specialized service providing significant assistance to a small number of haemophilia patients. Augmenting traditional services, the program was endorsed as easing the burden of haemophilia care, while the Be Involved nurses were affirmed as highly effective and critical to the program's success. A lack of program promotion and awareness was evident – limiting uptake, amid communication and systems delivery challenges.ConclusionsThe current evaluation findings inform our recommendations for, and brief discussion of, the need for stronger promotional strategies and improved communication lines to increase the reach and efficiencies of the Be Involved program.
Effect of sintering duration on the sliding‐wear resistance of 3Y‐TZP dental ceramics
Authors: Alonso Javier , Rodríguez‐Rojas Fernando , Borrero‐López Oscar , Ortiz Angel L. , Guiberteau Fernando 
Published: May 2019

AbstractZirconia doped with 3 mol% yttria (3Y‐TZP) is widely employed in prosthetic dentistry. The standard routine in the manufacture of prostheses involves subtractive machining of a commercial presintered block, followed by pressureless sintering up to full densification using one of the heat treatments indicated by the supplier, so as to obtain adequate strength. Usually, however, little information is provided on how these treatments affect the wear resistance. The present work therefore investigated how three sintering cycles of different durations recommended by a commercial supplier affected the microstructure and long‐term degradation in the form of sliding‐wear of the resulting 3Y‐TZP ceramics. It was found that the three cycles essentially resulted in the same wear behavior (ie, wear modes and mechanisms, as well as specific wear rate ~5·10–6 mm3/Nm). The results are analyzed within the framework of existing abrasive wear models, and implications for the manufacture of durable prostheses are discussed.
Weighted activity unit effect: evaluating the cost of diagnosis‐related group coding
Authors: Tan Joanne Y.‐A. , Senko Clare , Hughes Brett , Lwin Zarnie , Bennett Richard , Power John , Thomson Leah 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundActivity‐based funding (ABF) is a means of healthcare reimbursement, where hospitals are allocated funding based on the number and mix of clinical activity. The ABF model is based solely on Australian refined diagnosis‐related group (AR‐DRG) classifications of hospital encounters. Each AR‐DRG is allocated a weighted activity unit (WAU) translating to cost value to determine ongoing funding allocations for each hospital annually.AimWe explored cost consequences of AR‐DRG coding variances within our Medical Oncology department over a 6‐month period.MethodsAll inpatient encounters for medical oncology from 1 January to 30 June 2014 were identified and paired with actual AR‐DRG coding sheets submitted by the hospital coders. Inpatient charts were manually reviewed by a Medical Oncology Registrar to capture any changes or additional AR‐DRGs, which were subsequently evaluated for total WAU value variance. Applying 1 WAU = $4676 as per the 2014 Queensland model, cost consequences were calculated.ResultsA total of 116 encounters was identified for 72 patients. Of 116 patients, 95 (81%) had additional diagnoses captured, leading to an AR‐DRG and WAU change in 26 encounters. The total reimbursement variance for this period was $143 404.07. Cost consequences resulted from: (i) use of abbreviations in clinical notes unable to be coded; and (ii) diagnoses not documented despite treatment delivered as per medication charts.ConclusionClinical note documentation ultimately determines the future funding of our healthcare system. Appropriate communication and education of medical staff and hospital coders are vital to ensure precise documentation and accurate AR‐DRG coding for optimal and appropriate reimbursement in this funding model.
Interleukin‐16 aggravates ovalbumin‐induced allergic inflammation by enhancing Th2 and Th17 cytokine production in a mouse model
Authors: Li Chunxia , Dai Jun , Dong Guanjun , Ma Qun , Li Zhihua , Zhang Hui , Yan Fenglian , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Bo , Shi Hui , Zhu Yuzhen , Yao Xiaoying , Si Chuanping , Xiong Huabao 
Published: May 2019

SummaryAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves a variety of cytokines and cells. Interleukin‐16 (IL‐16) is highly expressed during allergic airway inflammation and is involved in its development. However, its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we used an animal model of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced allergic asthma with mice harboring an IL‐16 gene deletion to investigate the role of this cytokine in asthma, in addition to its underlying mechanism. Increased IL‐16 expression was observed during OVA‐induced asthma in C57BL/6J mice. However, when OVA was used to induce asthma in IL‐16−/− mice, a diminished inflammatory reaction, decreased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) eosinophil numbers, and the suppression of OVA‐specific IgE levels in the serum and BALF were observed. The results also demonstrated decreased levels of T helper type 2 (Th2) and Th17 cytokines upon OVA‐induced asthma in IL‐16−/− mice. Hence, we confirmed that IL‐16 enhances the lung allergic inflammatory response and suggest a mechanism possibly associated with the up‐regulation of IgE and the promotion of Th2 and Th17 cytokine production. This work explored the mechanism underlying the regulation of IL‐16 in asthma and provides a new target for the clinical treatment of asthma.
Sulodexide attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Shen Danping , Chen Ruiyao , Zhang Lijing , Rao Zhiheng , Ruan Yongxue , Li Lei , Chu Maoping , Zhang Yuanhai 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAcute myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury causes severe arrhythmias with a high rate of lethality. Extensive research focus on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its dysfunction which leads to cardiac injury in MI/R Our study evaluated the effects of sulodexide (SDX) on MI/R by establishing MI/R mice models and in vitro oxidative stress models in H9C2 cells. We found that SDX decreases cardiac injury during ischaemia reperfusion and decreased myocardial apoptosis and infarct area, which was paralleled by increased superoxide dismutase and reduced malondialdehyde in mice plasm, increased Bcl‐2 expression, decreased BAX expression in a mouse model of MI/R. In vitro, SDX exerted a protective effect by the suppression of the ER stress which induced by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) treatment. Both of the in vivo and in vitro effects were involved in the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathway. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway by specific inhibitor, LY294002, partially reduced the protective effect of SDX. In short, our results suggested that the cardioprotective role of SDX was related to the suppression of ER stress in mice MI/R models and TBHP‐induced H9C2 cell injury which was through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
Embryonic and larval traits of the temperate damselfish Chromis crusma reveal important similarities with other Pomacentridae throughout the family's thermal range
Authors: Muñoz‐Cordovez Rodrigo , De La Maza Lucas , Pérez‐Matus Alejandro , Carrasco Sergio A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEmbryonic development and larval morphology of Chromis crusma was described from five nests sampled between 21 and 25 m depth in central Chile (33°S). From each nest, a set of c. 100 randomly selected eggs were hand‐collected and transported in seawater to the laboratory. Subsets of c. 30 eggs per nest were maintained in 50 ml glass containers at a constant ambient temperature of c. 12°C (range 11.5–12.9°C). Egg length (L) and width (W) and larval notochordal length (LN) were measured from photographs. Geometric morphometric analyses were performed in newly hatched and 1 week old larvae to quantify shape changes. Ellipsoid eggs had an average (mean ± SE) size of 1.12 ± 0.05 mm L and 0.67 ± 0.02 mm W, with volume being similar throughout 15 developmental stages (i.e., ellipsoid‐shaped; 0.27 mm3). Planktonic larvae hatched between 5 and 11 days at 12°C and had a mean LN of 3.13 ± 0.25 mm, a yolk sack volume of 0.03 mm3 and an oil droplet volume of 0.005 mm3. Morphological traits at hatching included: (a) lack of paired fins and jaws; (b) single medial fin fold; (c) lack of eye pigmentation; (d) yolk sac present near anterior tip; (e) melanophores distributed along ventral surface with one pair over the forehead. In order to generate an up‐to‐date summary of developmental traits within Pomacentridae, we reviewed literature on egg development (e.g., shape and number of oil droplets), hatching and larval traits (e.g., morphology, pigmentation patterns). Thirty‐two publications accounting for 35 species were selected, where eggs, embryonic development, hatching and larval traits were found for 26, 21, 24 and 34 species, respectively. In order to evaluate potential phylogenetic and environmental relationships within the early stages of Pomacentridae, cluster analyses (Bray Curtis similarity, group average) were also performed on egg and larval traits of 22 species divided by subfamily (Stegastinae, Chrominae, Abudefdufinae, Pomacentrinae) and thermal ranges (i.e., low: 16.5°C (range: 12–21°C), medium: 24.5°C (range:21–28°C) and high: 27°C (range: 26–28°C)), suggesting that early developmental patterns can be segregated by both temperature and phylogenetic relationships.
Endogenous Growth and Real Effects of Monetary Policy: R&D and Physical Capital Complementarities
Authors: GIL PEDRO MAZEDA , IGLÉSIAS GUSTAVO 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe study the real long‐run effects of the structural stance of monetary policy and of inflation, in the context of a monetary growth model where R&D is complemented with physical capital accumulation. We look into the effects on a set of real macroeconomic variables that have been of interest to policymakers—the economic growth rate, real interest rate, physical investment rate, capital‐to‐labor ratio, R&D intensity, and velocity of money. These variables have been previously analyzed from the perspective of different, separated, strands of the theoretical and empirical literature. Additionally, we analyze the long‐run relationship between inflation and both the effectiveness of real industrial‐policy shocks and the market structure, assessed namely by average firm size. We present novel cross‐country evidence on the empirical relationship between the latter and long‐run inflation.
Metabolomics‐driven identification of adenosine deaminase as therapeutic target in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Huang Wanqiu , Xu Yazhou , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Pei , Zhang Qianqian , Zhang Zunjian , Xu Fengguo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNeuroinflammation is one of the driving forces of progressive neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The metabolomics approach has been proved highly useful in identifying potential therapeutic targets. Here, to identify inflammation‐relevant treatment targets for PD, mass spectrometry‐based untargeted metabolomics was applied to characterize metabolic changes in the striatum of mice with double‐hit PD induced by lipopolysaccharide plus 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Seven days after the final MPTP administration, metabolites from the purine metabolism pathway, including adenosine, 1‐methyladenosine, adenine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, xanthosine, and guanosine, were found to be significantly dysregulated. The metabolite–protein interaction network and changes in the concentration ratio of these metabolites indicated that adenosine and adenosine deaminase (ADA; EC 3.5.4.4) were the most promising therapeutic targets and adenosine augmentation might be a rational approach to slow PD progression. These findings were then verified in a subacute MPTP‐induced PD mouse model treated with ADA inhibition alone or in conjunction with antagonism of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR). Behavioral, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that ADA inhibition significantly ameliorated the MPTP‐mediated motor disabilities, dopamine depletion, and dopaminergic cell death. Significantly enhanced neuroprotective effects were further observed when the ADA inhibitor was utilized in conjunction with an A2AR antagonist. Together, our study indicated for the first time that ADA inhibitors protected against neurodegeneration induced by the neurotoxin MPTP, and ADA inhibitors in combination with A2AR antagonists showed additive antiparkinsonian effects.
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Relationship Between Masticatory Function Impairment and Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life of Edentulous Patients: An Interventional Study
Authors: Miranda Samille Biasi , Possebon Anna Paula da Rosa , Schuster Alessandra Julie , Marcello‐Machado Raissa Micaella , de Rezende Pinto Luciana , Faot Fernanda 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the influence of impaired masticatory function on the oral health‐related quality of life of conventional complete denture wearers before and after the transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures.Materials and MethodsMasticatory function and oral health‐related quality of life were evaluated in 40 edentulous patients after 3 months of adaptation to complete dentures and after transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures. Masticatory function was evaluated through the swallowing threshold test with a standardized portion of an artificial test food (Optocal) to determine median particle size (×50) and homogenization index (B). After the test, the masticatory function outcomes were used to categorize patients in 2 groups according to chewing performance: (i) satisfactory or (ii) unsatisfactory. The cutoff value for ×50 was based on a preestablished value of 3.68 mm, whereas for the B index, median values were adopted for categorization. The oral health‐related quality of life was analyzed via the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Adults (OHIP‐EDENT) questionnaire. The Mann‐Whitney test was used to compare masticatory function outcomes and OHIP‐EDENT scores, and associations were checked using the Spearman correlation test and multiple linear regression.ResultsMasticatory function was significantly correlated with functional limitation (p = 0.02) and physical disability (p = 0.04) for complete denture wearers with unsatisfactory masticatory function. After the transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures, only the psychological discomfort domain (p = 0.02) was influenced by the masticatory function category. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only the functional limitation domain (p < 0.001) of the complete denture wearers was associated with masticatory function outcomes.ConclusionsImplant‐retained mandibular overdentures eliminate the problems that lead to functional limitations, consequently improving masticatory function and oral health‐related quality of life of these individuals; however, patients with unsatisfactory masticatory function after transition to implant‐retained mandibular overdentures still experience more psychological discomfort.
Blocking the solution: Social representations of threats and (non)dialogue with alternative representations in Greek‐Cypriot newspapers during peace negotiations
Authors: Avraamidou Maria , Psaltis Charis 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper first identifies representations of threats in Greek‐Cypriot newspapers related to the negotiations for a Cyprus settlement. Then, it identifies how alternative representations to these core representations of threats are managed through the use of a number of semantic barriers. Therefore, it problematizes the role (function) that such representations of threats play in undermining the potential for transformative dialogue in a post‐conflict and divided country in need of conflict transformation. Focus is on the editorials of two newspapers during a four‐month period before the collapse of the July 2017 Cyprus peace talks. Both were suspicious and polemic vis‐à‐vis the said negotiations but used different strategies to oppose them. Simerini convened recurrently threats such as Turkification, state dissolution and threats against Hellenism. Phileleftheros focused on the issue of security drawing red lines on various dossiers under discussion in the negotiations. The paper contributes to the theoretical debate of the relationship between social representations and identities and the role of threats and historical narratives in undermining transformative dialogue through the use of semantic barriers.