bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leverage and the Cross‐Section of Equity Returns
Authors: DOSHI HITESH , JACOBS KRIS , KUMAR PRAVEEN , RABINOVITCH RAMON 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTBuilding on theoretical asset pricing literature, we examine the role of market risk and the size, book‐to‐market (BTM), and volatility anomalies in the cross‐section of unlevered equity returns. Compared with levered (stock) returns, unlevered market beta plays a more important role in explaining the cross‐section of unlevered equity returns, even after controlling for size and BTM. The size effect is weakened, while the value premium and the volatility puzzle virtually disappear for unlevered returns. We show that leverage induces heteroskedasticity in returns. Unlevering returns removes this pattern, which is otherwise difficult to address by controlling for leverage in regressions.
Soils from intercropped fields have a higher capacity to suppress black root rot in cassava, caused by Scytalidium lignicola
Authors: de Medeiros Erika Valente , Notaro Krystal de Alcantara , de Barros Jamilly Alves , Duda Gustavo Pereira , Moraes Marcele de Cássia Henriques dos Santos , Ambrósio Márcia Michelle de Queiroz , Negreiros Andreia Mitsa Paiva , Sales Júnior Rui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the natural suppressive capacity of soils from forest, and monocropping and intercropping systems, against root rot, caused by Scytalidium lignicola, in a greenhouse experiment. We used soils from a tropical dry forest (FOR) and two intercropping and two monoculture systems. The first intercrop was maize and beans (CORNCOWP), and the second intercrop was cassava, pigeon peas and beans (CASPIGPCOWP). The first monoculture was beans, and the second was passion fruit. The intercropping soils showed a higher capacity to suppress black root rot in cassava than the monoculture because such soils were able to reduce disease severity by about 50%. Bean soil in the monoculture showed less microbial biomass carbon than in the intercrop, with means of 10.05 and 38.2 mg/kg, respectively. The higher density of bacteria and fungal populations, microbial biomass, urease and arylsulphatase activities correlated with a decrease in disease severity. Soils from the intercrops produced changes in soil quality, primarily in the population and density of microorganisms, enzymatic activities, total organic carbon and nutrients, reducing disease severity in cassava plants. These effects were validated by multivariate principal component analysis and showed three distinct groups: one FOR, one intercropping and one monocropping. The majority of vectors were in the direction of FOR and intercropping soils. We have provided some of the first data related to the beneficial effects of intercropping on the suppression of black root rot in cassava, which is validated through different attributes.
Does Quality of End‐of‐Life Care Differ by Urban‐Rural Location? A Comparison of Processes and Family Evaluations of Care in the VA
Authors: del Rosario Cindy , Kutney‐Lee Ann , Sochalski Julie , Ersek Mary 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposeSeveral studies have identified differences in end‐of‐life (EOL) care between urban and rural areas, yet little is known about potential differences in care processes or family evaluations of care. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between rurality of residence and quality of EOL care within the Veterans Affairs health care system.MethodsThis study was a retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of 126,475 veterans who died from October 2009 through September 2016 in inpatient settings across 151 facilities. Using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression, we compared quality of EOL care between urban and rural veterans using family evaluations of care and 4 quality of care indicators for receipt of (1) palliative care consult, (2) a chaplain visit, (3) death in an inpatient hospice unit, and (4) bereavement support.FindingsVeterans from rural areas had lower odds of dying in an inpatient hospice unit compared to veterans from urban areas, before and after adjustment (large rural OR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.70‐0.77; P < .001, small rural OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77‐0.86; P < .001, isolated rural OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81‐0.93; P < .001). Differences in comparisons of other quality of care indicators were small and of mixed significance. No significant differences were found in family ratings of care in fully adjusted models.ConclusionReceipt of some EOL quality indicators differed with urban‐rural residence for some comparisons. However, family ratings of care did not. Our findings call for further investigation into unmeasured individual characteristics and facility processes related to rurality.
Clinical diseases in pet black‐tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus): a retrospective study in 206 animals
Authors: Thas I. , Wagner R. A. , Thas O. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo describe the health disorders seen in captivity in 206 pet prairie dogs.Materials and MethodsReview of medical records of pet prairie dogs that were presented to a veterinary clinic in the period January 2002 to December 2011.ResultsThe most frequent diseases were respiratory (28.2%), dental (25.2%), integumentary (22.3%) and digestive (19.4%). The most common clinical disorders were rhinitis, elodontoma, hypothermia, gastrointestinal stasis, diarrhoea, obesity and gastrointestinal tympany.Clinical SignificanceThis listing of clinical diseases will help clinicians focus their disease investigation and increase clinical awareness of prairie dog diseases. There was a high rate of poor or unsuitable husbandry and this was often associated with clinical disease. Of the diseases seen commonly in this study, only elodontoma has been previously reported as being common.
From cognitive dissonance to cognitive Polyphasia: A sociocultural approach to understanding meat‐paradox
Authors: Panagiotou Elisavet , Kadianaki Irini 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCognitive Dissonance Theory seeks to understand inconsistency by situating it within individual cognition. By doing so, it overlooks the role of the social context in the experience and management of inconsistency and dissonance and fails to capture the processes through which it is negotiated when it appears. On the other side, the cognitive polyphasia hypothesis together with a dialogical approach on Social Representations provide a socioculturally situated, process‐oriented understanding of inconsistency. In this paper, meat‐paradox, the phenomenon of simultaneously declaring love and respect towards animals and also consuming animals, mainly studied through Cognitive Dissonance Theory, is used in order to highlight the merits of a sociocultural approach to inconsistency. Four relevant empirical examples from interviews and focus groups with meat‐eaters and vegetarians in Cyprus are used to illustrate the approach. The examples illustrate how meat‐eaters manage dissonance in ways that exhibit coexistence of contradictory representations and ways of thinking. Three different modalities of knowledge coexistence are identified, as proposed by cognitive polyphasia researchers: displacement, selective prevalence and hybridisation. We discuss the importance of a sociocultural approach to studying paradoxes, the epistemological and methodological implications of such a theorisation and we suggest other life contexts in which such an approach can be applied.
Endoscopic laser‐ablation for the treatment of orthotopic and ectopic ureteroceles in dogs: 13 cases (2008‐2017)
Authors: Rogatko Cleo P. , Berent Allyson C. , Adams Larry G. , Weisse Chick W. , Bagley Demetrius 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundUreteroceles are a rare condition in dogs in which conventional treatments can result in substantial morbidity. Cystoscopic and fluoroscopic‐guided laser ablation (CLA) of ureteroceles can successfully relieve obstruction.ObjectivesTo describe the technique and outcomes of attempting CLA for treatment of ureteroceles in dogs.AnimalsThirteen client‐owned dogs that underwent CLA for treatment of ureteroceles.MethodsRetrospective multicentered study. Medical records were reviewed in all dogs that underwent CLA for ureterocele(s). A laser was used to extend the opening of the ureteral orifice (UO) unless surgical conversion was necessary. Data collected included signalment, clinicopathologic data, imaging, procedural findings, complications, and short‐ and long‐term outcome.ResultsThirteen dogs with 13 ureteroceles associated with 14 UOs resulting in ureteral obstruction were included. One ureterocele extended bilaterally. Treatment was initiated via retrograde cystoscopy (7 females), percutaneous perineal urethrocystoscopy (4 males), or percutaneous antegrade cystoscopy (2 males). Surgical conversion was necessary in 2 males. Ten of 14 (71%) UOs associated with the ureteroceles were ectopic. Thirteen of 14 had stenotic or imperforate UOs. No postoperative complications were noted. Preoperative incontinence or pollakiuria was present in 9 of 13 and 3 of 13 dogs and resolved in 8 of 9 and 3 of 3 dogs, respectively. Follow‐up imaging showed resolution of all ureteroceles and improved ureteral/renal pelvic dilatation. Median follow‐up time was 27 months (range, 3‐96 months).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCystoscopic‐guided laser ablation was effective for the treatment of ureteroceles(s) in 11 of 13 dogs.
Sraffian general equilibrium
Authors: Parchure Rajas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIf the Sraffa system of equations is augmented by consumption demand equations of households and investment demand equations of industries the result is a complete system of general equilibrium having a unique positive solution for the relative prices, absolute levels of industrial outputs, the rates of growth and profit, the real wage rate, and the shares of ownership of the capital stock. The model has been generalized to include the government sector and determine the tax rate and public expenditure. Constructive algorithms for the computation of the general equilibrium have been presented. Empirical evidence from cross‐country sources has been gathered in support of a central inference of the model viz. the long‐run convergence of industrial growth rates and rates of profit towards uniformity.
The master quorum‐sensing regulators LuxR/HapR directly interact with the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase to drive transcription activation in Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Ball Alyssa S. , van Kessel Julia C. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn Vibrio species, quorum sensing controls gene expression for numerous group behaviors, including bioluminescence production, biofilm formation, virulence factor secretion systems, and competence. The LuxR/HapR master quorum‐sensing regulators activate expression of hundreds of genes in response to changes in population densities. The mechanism of transcription activation by these TetR‐type transcription factors is unknown, though LuxR DNA binding sites that lie in close proximity to the −35 region of the promoter are required for activation at some promoters. Here, we show that Vibrio harveyi LuxR directly interacts with RNA polymerase to activate transcription of the luxCDABE bioluminescence genes. LuxR interacts with RNA polymerase in vitro and in vivo and specifically interacts with both the N‐ and C‐terminal domains of the RNA polymerase α‐subunit. Amino acid substitutions in the RNAP interaction domain on LuxR decrease interactions between LuxR and the α‐subunit and result in defects in transcription activation of quorum‐sensing genes in vivo. The RNAP‐LuxR interaction domain is conserved in Vibrio cholerae HapR and is required for activation of the HapR‐regulated gene hapA. Our findings support a model in which LuxR/HapR bind proximally to RNA polymerase to drive transcription initiation at a subset of quorum‐sensing genes in Vibrio species.
Differences in carbon isotope leaf‐to‐phloem fractionation and mixing patterns along a vertical gradient in mature European beech and Douglas fir
Authors: Bögelein Rebekka , Lehmann Marco M. , Thomas Frank M. 
Published: February 2019

Summary

While photosynthetic isotope discrimination is well understood, the postphotosynthetic and transport‐related fractionation mechanisms that influence phloem and subsequently tree ring δ13C are less investigated and may vary among species.

We studied the seasonal and diel courses of leaf‐to‐phloem δ13C differences of water‐soluble organic matter (WSOM) in vertical crown gradients and followed the assimilate transport via the branches to the trunk phloem at breast height in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). δ13C of individual sugars and cyclitols from a subsample was determined by compound‐specific isotope analysis.

In beech, leaf‐to‐phloem δ13C differences in WSOM increased with height and were partly caused by biochemical isotope fractionation between leaf compounds. 13C‐Enrichment of phloem sugars relative to leaf sucrose implies an additional isotope fractionation mechanism related to leaf assimilate export. In Douglas fir, leaf‐to‐phloem δ13C differences were much smaller and isotopically invariant pinitol strongly influenced leaf and phloem WSOM. Trunk phloem WSOM at breast height reflected canopy‐integrated δ13C in beech but not in Douglas fir.

Our results demonstrate that leaf‐to‐phloem isotope fractionation and δ13C mixing patterns along vertical gradients can differ between tree species. These effects have to be considered for functional interpretations of trunk phloem and tree ring δ13C.
Arabidopsis YAF9 histone readers modulate flowering time through NuA4‐complex‐dependent H4 and H2A.Z histone acetylation at FLC chromatin
Authors: Crevillén Pedro , Gómez‐Zambrano Ángeles , López Juan A. , Vázquez Jesús , Piñeiro Manuel , Jarillo José A. 
Published: February 2019

Summary

Posttranslational histone modifications and the dynamics of histone variant H2A.Z are key mechanisms underlying the floral transition. In yeast, SWR1‐C and NuA4‐C mediate the deposition of H2A.Z and the acetylation of histone H4, H2A and H2A.Z, respectively. Yaf9 is a subunit shared by both chromatin‐remodeling complexes. The significance of the two Arabidopsis YAF9 homologues, YAF9A and YAF9B, is unknown.

To get an insight into the role of Arabidopsis YAF9 proteins in plant developmental responses, we followed physiological, genetic, genomic, epigenetic, proteomics and cell biology approaches.

Our data revealed that YAF9A and YAF9B are histone H3 readers with unequally redundant functions. Double mutant yaf9a yaf9b plants display pleiotropic developmental phenotypic alterations as well as misregulation of a wide variety of genes. We demonstrated that YAF9 proteins regulate flowering time by both FLC‐dependent and independent mechanisms that work in parallel with SWR1‐C. Interestingly, we show that YAF9A binds FLC chromatin and that YAF9 proteins regulate FLC expression by modulating the acetylation levels of H2A.Z and H4 but not H2A.Z deposition.

Our work highlights the key role exerted by YAF9 homologues in the posttranslational modification of canonical histones and variants that regulate gene expression in plants to control development.
QTL analysis for soil‐surface roots originating from a New Plant Type rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Tomita Asami , Fukuta Yoshimichi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe introgression line YTH16 harbouring chromosome segments from the New Plant Type cultivar IR65600–87–2‐2–3 with genetic background of an Indica Group rice IR 64 forms soil‐surface roots. To clarify the genetic mechanism, QTL analysis was performed using hybrid populations derived from a cross between IR 64 and YTH16. A total of eight QTLs were detected in the three introgressed segments on chromosomes 2, 5 and 7. Seven chromosome segment lines (CSLs) combining these three QTL regions were selected from the progenies. The two CSLs harbouring a single region (excluding the CSL with a region on chromosome 5) showed high scores and low means of root angle distribution in comparison with IR 64. Four CSLs harbouring two or three regions showed high scores and low means of root angle distribution in comparison with YTH16 and the CSLs harbouring a single QTL region. These results indicated that the soil‐surface rooting of YTH16 was controlled by the three QTLs’ regions and that chr. 5 particularly played a role in supporting the effect with others.
Public sector soybean (Glycine max) breeding: Advances in cultivar development in the African tropics
Authors: Chigeza Godfree , Boahen Steve , Gedil Melaku , Agoyi Eric , Mushoriwa Hapson , Denwar Nicholas , Gondwe Therese , Tesfaye Abush , Kamara Alpha , Alamu Oladeji Emmanuel , Chikoye David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFormal public sector soybean breeding in Africa spans over four decades, and it was initiated by the International Institute of Tropical Agricultural (IITA). As the demand of soybean continues to outstrip production, strategic projects such the Tropical Legume (TL) were initiated, in which the main goal was to enhance the productivity of soybean in the farmers’ fields in Sub‐Saharan Africa. One of the strategies to enhance the productivity of soybean in the farmers’ fields is through developing and deploying improved soybean varieties in the target countries. Through the TL I and TL II projects, a number of varieties were released in the target countries, Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique by employing participatory variety selection (PVS). This review provides highlights of the achievements made by IITA breeding programme and insights of what needs to be done to enhance yield improvement for soybean in Africa using demand‐driven breeding approaches.
Growth in children infected with HIV receiving anti‐retroviral therapy in Vietnam
Authors: Dang Vu Phuong Linh , Pham Viet Hung , Dinh Thi Thanh , Le Thanh Hai , Nguyen Van Lam , Vu Thi Phuong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere are currently two markers used to monitor treatment response to anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) in HIV‐infected children: CD4 T‐cell count and HIV viral load; but analysis of these could be challenging in resource‐poor countries. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether change in growth parameters such as weight‐for‐age Z score (WAZ), height‐for‐age Z score (HAZ) and body mass index‐for‐age Z score (BMIZ) is associated with treatment response in HIV‐infected children.MethodsThis was a nested case–control study, in which the data were collected at enrolment and then periodically every 6 months for a total 36 month follow up of 107 HIV‐infected children enrolled and treated at National Hospital of Pediatrics, Vietnam.ResultsAt treatment initiation, WAZ, HAZ and BMIZ were not significantly higher in the treatment success (TS) group compared with the treatment failure (TF) group. After ART initiation, WAZ and HAZ increased, and this was significant in the TS group (from −1.5 to −0.54, P < 0.01 and from −2.06 to −0.84, P < 0.01, respectively). Low HAZ was significantly associated with TF (HR, 0.71; 95% CI: 0.54–0.92).ConclusionHeight‐for‐age Z score was the most sensitive growth parameter in prediction of the treatment response. In order to use growth parameters, particularly HAZ as a prognosis marker for TF in clinical practice, further research should be conducted to evaluate the role of growth parameters and their effects on treatment response.
Dental caries and vitamin D status in children in Asia
Authors: Almoudi Manal Mohamed , Hussein Alaa Sabah , Abu Hassan Mohamed Ibrahim , Schroth Robert J 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDental caries and vitamin D inadequacy are known to affect children worldwide. Vitamin D has a vital role in tooth formation. There is growing evidence linking suboptimal serum vitamin D level with dental caries in children. This paper reviews the literature on both the prevalence of dental caries and of vitamin D deficiency in children in four Asian regions, discusses their associated risk factors, and reviews the global evidence on the association between dental caries and vitamin D in children. Caries prevalence in children ranged from 40% to 97% in Eastern Asia, 38–73.7% in Southern Asia, and 26.5–74.7% in Western Asian countries. Moreover, a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asian children was identified, even in countries in equatorial regions, ranging from 2.8% to 65.3% in Eastern Asia, 5–66.7% in Southern Asia, 4–45.5% in Western Asia and 38.1–78.7% in Central Asian countries. Obesity, age, female gender, higher latitude, season, darker skin pigmentation, sunlight protection behaviors, less sunlight exposure and low intake of food containing vitamin D were important factors associated with lower serum vitamin D in Asia. Suboptimal vitamin D level in children may be a significant risk factor for dental caries, and requires further research to ascertain such an association in children in Asia, as well as to understand its exact influence on caries risk and development.
Love conditionally: The ownership structure and bribery behavior of Chinese firms
Authors: Wu Ruohan , Jiang Zheng , Shi Huimin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper studies empirically the determinants of firm bribery activities from the perspective of ownership structure. Using data on Chinese firms obtained from the Enterprise Surveys conducted by the World Bank, we compare the bribery activities of firms with various forms of ownership. We find that compared with private and foreign firms, state‐owned firms in China are not only more likely to receive bribe requests from government officials, but are also more likely to pay bribes. Meanwhile, firms are more likely to bribe if they are extorted, or if they expect to reduce infrastructural obstacles to their business operations. Other factors such as manager experience and external audits also exhibit significant influence upon firms’ bribery decisions.
A Cautionary Tale: Discriminatory Lending against Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers in Southern Colorado
Authors: Waddell Benjamin James 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDespite legal and civil emancipation, minorities in the United States continue to face extremely unequal opportunity structures in the financial realm. Evidence of this is found in the fact that segregation between Anglos and minorities has changed little since the civil rights era. This is particularly true for Hispanics, who have actually witnessed an increase in segregation in recent years. Although many factors have contributed to this outcome, unequal access to financial credit has played a particularly important role in maintaining the status quo between Hispanics and Anglos. In this article, I analyze the lasting impact of discriminatory lending within Hispanic communities in southern Colorado. I examine how unfavorable access to credit has contributed to wealth disparities in this region. My results demonstrate that lenders systematically denied Hispanic farmers and ranchers access to subsidized loans throughout the twentieth century. The lack of access to formal banking, the underappreciation of homes and land, and the deliberate isolation of Hispanics from formal institutions forced many Hispanic families to leave the area altogether. Ultimately, unequal access to credit has fostered deep inequalities between Anglos and Hispanics in the region, which, in turn, has reinforced ethnic tension between these two groups.