bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investment, Tobin's Q, and Cash Flow Across Time and Frequencies
Authors: Verona Fabio 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe investment literature has long acknowledged the time‐ and frequency‐varying dynamics of the relationship between investment, Tobin's Q and cash flow. In this paper, we use continuous wavelet tools to estimate and assess the relationship between these variables simultaneously at different frequencies and over time. We find that (i) Q and cash flow are complementary sources of information for investment, the former being more important for firms’ investment decisions in the medium‐to‐long run and the latter at business cycles frequencies; and (ii) investment‐Q sensitivity declines over time at all frequencies, while investment–cash flow sensitivity declines at business cycles frequencies but remains largely stable over the medium‐to‐long run.
Context‐dependent induction of allelopathy in plants under competition
Authors: Uesugi Akane , Johnson Robert , Kessler André 
Published: June 2019

Some plants use allelopathy to compete against neighbouring plants, and the ability to induce allelopathic compound production in response to competition is hypothesized to be adaptive, as plants can save costs of metabolite production in the absence of competitors. However, whether plants induce allelopathy has rarely been explored so far.We studied the inducibility of polyacetylenes – putative allelopathic compounds in Solidago altissima – in response to competition. Polyacetylenes were found in natural soil surrounding S. altissima patches within the range of concentration known to inhibit competitor growth. Individual S. altissima plants with higher polyacetylene concentration in roots suppressed the growth of the competitor plants more, suggesting that root polyacetylene levels proximate plants’ allelopathic capacity. Competition induced polyacetylenes in a context‐dependent manner: Whereas introduced Japanese and Australian populations of S. altissima had higher constitutive concentration of polyacetylenes than the native North American populations, inducibility was observed only in Australian plants, where the population is still at an early stage of invasion. Also, induction became more prominent under nutrient depletion, where enhanced allelopathy may be particularly beneficial for suppressing a competitor's exploitative capacity. Finally, we found weak evidence for a tradeoff between constitutive and induced polyacetylenes.The observed patterns suggest that allelopathic plants could respond to competition by inducing allelochemical production, but the benefit of such plasticity may vary across time and space. Shifts in competitor communities in introduced range over time may shape plant's plastic responses to competition, while variation in resource availability may alter competitive environment to influence the degree to which plants induce allelopathy.
Effect of age on the cardiovascular remodelling induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia as a murine model of sleep apnoea
Authors: Castro‐Grattoni Anabel L. , Suarez‐Giron Monique , Benitez Ivan , Torres Marta , Almendros Isaac , Farre Ramon , Montserrat Josep M. , Dalmases Mireia , Gozal David , Sánchez‐de‐la‐Torre Manuel ,   on behalf of the Spanish Sleep Network
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveChronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a major determinant of the cardiovascular morbidity associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and the magnitude of CIH impact may be influenced by ageing. Here, we assessed the role of ageing in the early cardiovascular structural remodelling induced by severe CIH in a murine model of OSA.MethodsCardiovascular remodelling was assessed in young (2 months old, n = 20) and aged (18 months old, n = 20) C57BL/6 female mice exposed to CIH (20% O2 for 40 s, 5% O2 for 20 s) or normoxia (room air) for 8 weeks (6 h/day).ResultsEarly vascular remodelling was observed in young mice exposed to CIH as illustrated by intima‐media thickening (mean change: 4.6 ± 2.6 μm; P = 0.02), elastin fibre disorganization (mean change: 9.2 ± 4.5%; P = 0.02) and fragmentation (mean change: 2.5 ± 0.8%; P = 0.03), and collagen (mean change: 3.2 ± 0.6%; P = 0.001) and mucopolysaccharide accumulation (mean change: 2.4 ± 0.8%; P = 0.01). In contrast, vascular remodelling was not apparent in aged mice exposed to CIH. Furthermore, left ventricular perivascular fibrosis (mean change: 0.71 ± 0.1; P < 0.001) and hypertrophy (mean change: 0.17 ± 0.1; P = 0.038) were increased by CIH exposure in young mice, but not in aged mice. Principal component analysis identified similar cardiovascular alterations among the young mice exposed to CIH and both older mouse groups, suggesting that CIH induces premature cardiovascular senescence.ConclusionCardiovascular remodelling induced by severe CIH is affected by the age at which CIH onset occurs, suggesting that the deleterious cardiovascular effects associated with CIH may be more pronounced in younger populations, and such changes resemble chronological age‐related declines in cardiovascular structural integrity.
Contract Farming in Mozambique: Implications for Gender Inequalities Within and Across Rural Households
Authors: Navarra Cecilia 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis paper analyses the implications of contract farming for gender inequalities in rural Mozambique. Contract farming is often considered one of the major tools of agribusiness development. It broadly includes those arrangements under which producers commit to providing cash crop to a buyer firm. This paper exploits a panel dataset (2002–2005) collected by the Mozambican Ministry of Agriculture among a nationally representative sample of rural households to explore contracts’ implications for gender equality both across and within households. We look at both the participation of female‐headed households in contracts and the impact of establishing a contract on a set of intra‐household women empowerment indicators. Concerning the first, our results confirm a (small though significant) effect of selection out of contracts of households where a woman is the household’s head. With regard to the second, we expect contrasting effects to be at work: on the one hand, increased income may relax budget constraints improving women’s living conditions, and on the other, we may expect a shift in favour of men of the control over the household’s assets. We find different results according to the indicator used; after controlling for selection bias, we find no effect on control over land but a negative effect on women’s access to extension services.
The apoplastic antioxidant system and altered cell wall dynamics influence mesophyll conductance and the rate of photosynthesis
Authors: Clemente‐Moreno María José , Gago Jorge , Díaz‐Vivancos Pedro , Bernal Agustina , Miedes Eva , Bresta Panagiota , Liakopoulos Georgios , Fernie Alisdair R. , Hernández José Antonio , Flexas Jaume 
Published: June 2019

SummaryMesophyll conductance (gm), the diffusion of CO2 from substomatal cavities to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplasts, is a highly complex trait driving photosynthesis (net CO2 assimilation, AN). However, little is known concerning the mechanisms by which it is dynamically regulated. The apoplast is considered as a ‘key information bridge’ between the environment and cells. Interestingly, most of the environmental constraints affecting gm also cause apoplastic responses, cell wall (CW) alterations and metabolic rearrangements. Since CW thickness is a key determinant of gm, we hypothesize that other changes in this cellular compartiment should also influence gm. We study the relationship between the antioxidant apoplastic system and CW metabolism and the gm responses in tobacco plants (Nicotiana sylvestris L.) under two abiotic stresses (drought and salinity), combining in vivo gas‐exchange measurements with analyses of antioxidant activities, CW composition and primary metabolism. Stress treatments imposed substantial reductions in AN (58–54%) and gm (59%), accompanied by a strong antioxidant enzymatic response at the apoplastic and symplastic levels. Interestingly, apoplastic but not symplastic peroxidases were positively related to gm. Leaf anatomy remained mostly stable; however, the stress treatments significantly affected the CW composition, specifically pectins, which showed significant relationships with AN and gm. The treatments additionally promoted a differential primary metabolic response, and specific CW‐related metabolites including galactose, glucosamine and hydroxycinnamate showed exclusive relationships with gm independent of the stress. These results suggest that gm responses can be attributed to specific changes in the apoplastic antioxidant system and CW metabolism, opening up more possibilities for improving photosynthesis using breeding/biotechnological strategies.
Deciphering S‐methylcysteine biosynthesis in common bean by isotopic tracking with mass spectrometry
Authors: Joshi Jaya , Renaud Justin B. , Sumarah Mark W. , Marsolais Frédéric 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe suboptimal content of sulfur‐containing amino acids methionine and cysteine prevents common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) from being an excellent source of protein. Nutritional improvements to this significant crop require a better understanding of the biosynthesis of sulfur‐containing compounds including the nonproteogenic amino acid S‐methylcysteine and the dipeptide γ‐glutamyl‐S‐methylcysteine, which accumulate in seed. In this study, seeds were incubated with isotopically labelled serine, cysteine or methionine and analyzed by reverse phase chromatography−high resolution mass spectrometry to track stable isotopes as they progressed through the sulfur metabolome. We determined that serine and methionine are the sole precursors of free S‐methylcysteine in developing seeds, indicating that this compound is likely to be synthesized through the condensation of O‐acetylserine and methanethiol. BSAS4;1, a cytosolic β‐substituted alanine synthase preferentially expressed in developing seeds, catalyzed the formation of S‐methylcysteine in vitro. A higher flux of labelled serine or cysteine was observed in a sequential pathway involving γ‐glutamyl‐cysteine, homoglutathione and S‐methylhomoglutathione, a likely precursor to γ‐glutamyl‐S‐methylcysteine. Preferential incorporation of serine over cysteine supports a subcellular compartmentation of this pathway, likely to be in the chloroplast. The origin of the methyl group in S‐methylhomoglutathione was traced to methionine. There was substantial incorporation of carbons from methionine into the β‐alanine portion of homoglutathione and S‐methylhomoglutathione, suggesting the breakdown of methionine by methionine γ‐lyase and conversion of α‐ketobutyrate to β‐alanine via propanoate metabolism. These findings delineate the biosynthetic pathways of the sulfur metabolome of common bean and provide an insight that will aid future efforts to improve nutritional quality.
Magic mirror in my hand … How trade mirror statistics can help us detect illegal financial flows
Authors: Gara Mario , Giammatteo Michele , Tosti Enrico 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMisreporting tricks of different sorts applied to the transfer of goods between different countries are typically exploited by criminals worldwide for money laundering ends. The main international anti‐money laundering organisations started paying attention to this phenomenon, dubbed “trade‐based money laundering” (TBML), a long time ago, but the failure to develop appropriate analytical tools has reportedly dogged preventive actions. Nonetheless, literature has widely advocated the possibility that the analysis of inconsistencies in mirrored bilateral trade data could provide some help. By building on previous contributions in the field, this work sets up a model factoring in the main structural determinants of discrepancies between mirrored data concerning Italy's 2010 to 2013 external trade at a highly detailed (6‐digit) level of goods classification for each partner country. Point estimates of freight costs are used to net each observation of the corresponding cif/fob discrepancy. The regression estimates are then deployed in order to compute TBML risk indicators at a country/4‐digit product level. Based on the indicators, rankings of countries and product lines can be compiled, which may be used for a risk‐driven search of potential illegal commercial transactions.
Age, sex and ethnic differentials in the prevalence and control of epilepsy among Sri Lankan children: a population-based study
Authors: Wanigasinghe Jithangi , Arambepola Carukshi , Murugupillai Roshini , Chang Thashi 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of childhood epilepsy in Sri Lanka by different age groups (0–5, 6–10 and 11–16 years), sex and ethnicity, and to describe the types and outcomes of epilepsy.Design and patientsA population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the district considered to be ethnically most balanced in Sri Lanka. A door-to-door survey was performed in the 0–5 year age group (60 geographically defined areas as clusters; 19 children per cluster), and a school-based survey in the 6–16 year age group (150 classes as clusters; 25 children per cluster). The screened children with epilepsy were reviewed individually for confirmation of the diagnosis of epilepsy, typing of the underlying epilepsy syndrome and assessment of control. The same group of children were re-evaluated 1 year later to reconfirm the syndromic diagnosis and to assess the stability of control of epilepsy.ResultsThe overall prevalence of childhood epilepsy was 5.7 per 10 000 children aged 0–16 years (95% CI: 38 to 87). It was higher with younger ages (73.4 per 10 000 children aged 0–5 years; 55.1 per 10 000 children aged 6–10 years and 50.4 per 10 000 children aged 11–16 years). A male dominance was noted in both age groups. In each age group, the prevalence was highest in children of Sinhalese ethnicity. Symptomatic focal epilepsy was the single most common group of epilepsy in both age groups. Majority of children remained well controlled on medications.ConclusionThe findings indicate a relatively high burden of epilepsy among children in Sri Lanka, however, these were comparable to the burden of disease reported from other countries in the region.
Intramuscular versus oral diclofenac for acute pain in adults with acute musculoskeletal injuries presenting to the ED setting: a prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Qureshi Isma , Pathan Sameer A , Qureshi Raheel Sharfeen , Thomas Stephen H 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to ascertain differences in early postmedication pain reduction in participants presenting with acute musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) to the ED receiving intramuscular (IM) versus per oral (PO) diclofenac.MethodsThis was a prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial conducted between January and June 2018 at the ED of Hamad General Hospital in Doha, Qatar. Adults (18–65 years of age) presenting to the ED within 24 hours of an acute MSI, who had a triage pain score measured using numerical rating scale of at least five or above were enrolled in this trial. Participants randomised to either IM (75 mg) with oral placebo, or oral (100 mg) diclofenac group with IM placebo using a computer-generated randomised concealed list in blocks of six and eight. The primary objective was to compare the proportion of IM versus PO participants attaining a 50% reduction in pain score at 30 min from t0.Results300 participants were enrolled (150 in the IM diclofenac group and 150 in the PO diclofenac group) in the trial. The primary outcome was achieved in 99.3 (95% CI 96.3 to 100) in the IM group and 86.7 (95% CI 80.2 to 91.7) in PO group. There was an absolute risk difference of 12.7%. This corresponds to a number needed to treat of 8 cases (95% CI 6 to 14) receiving IM rather than the PO diclofenac in order to achieve one additional case of 50% pain reduction within 30 min of drug administration. There were no adverse events experienced in any treatment groups.ConclusionIM diclofenac injection provides rapid analgesia over PO administration of diclofenac. However, given the preparation needed for an IM injection, oral administration may be preferable when and if clinical circumstances allow a choice in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration route.
Genome-wide association study identifies seven novel loci associating with circulating cytokines and cell adhesion molecules in Finns
Authors: Sliz Eeva , Kalaoja Marita , Ahola-Olli Ari , Raitakari Olli , Perola Markus , Salomaa Veikko , Lehtimäki Terho , Karhu Toni , Viinamäki Heimo , Salmi Marko , Santalahti Kristiina , Jalkanen Sirpa , Jokelainen Jari , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Männikkö Minna , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Sebert Sylvain , Kettunen Johannes 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundInflammatory processes contribute to the pathophysiology of multiple chronic conditions. Genetic factors play a crucial role in modulating the inflammatory load, but the exact mechanisms are incompletely understood.ObjectiveTo assess genetic determinants of 16 circulating cytokines and cell adhesion molecules (inflammatory phenotypes) in Finns.MethodsGenome-wide associations of the inflammatory phenotypes were studied in Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (N=5284). A subsequent meta-analysis was completed for 10 phenotypes available in a previous genome-wide association study, adding up to 13 577 individuals in the study. Complementary association tests were performed to study the effect of the ABO blood types on soluble adhesion molecule levels.ResultsWe identified seven novel and six previously reported genetic associations (p<3.1×10−9). Three loci were associated with soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) level, one of which was theABOlocus that has been previously associated with soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) levels. Our findings suggest that the blood type B associates primarily with sVCAM-1 level, while the A1 subtype shows a robust effect on sE-selectin and sICAM-1 levels. The genotypes in theABOlocus associating with higher soluble adhesion molecule levels tend to associate with lower circulating cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular disease risk.ConclusionThe present results extend the knowledge about genetic factors contributing to the inflammatory load. Our findings suggest that two distinct mechanisms contribute to the soluble adhesion molecule levels in theABOlocus and that elevated soluble adhesion molecule levels per se may not increase risk for cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis: a 2-yr longitudinal follow-up study using advanced cardiac imaging
Authors: Wiese Signe , Hove Jens D. , Mo Silje , Mygind Naja D. , Tønnesen Jacob , Petersen Claus L. , Clemmesen Jens O. , Goetze Jens P. , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren 
Published: June 2019

The temporal relationship between cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, progression of liver disease, and survival remains unknown. Our aim was to investigate the development of structural and functional cardiac changes over time with the progression of cirrhosis and outcome. Sixty-three cirrhotic outpatients (Child class: A = 9, B = 46, C = 8) and 14 healthy controls were included in this 2-yr longitudinal study. Advanced cardiac characteristics such as cardiac MRI with extracellular volume (ECV) quantification, speckle tracking echocardiography, and biomarkers were assessed at 0/6/12/18/24 mo. Patients were followed-up for a median of 30 mo with registration of acute decompensations (ADs), liver transplantations (LTs), and deaths. Patients who progressed, underwent LT or died had more pronounced cardiac dysfunction, structural myocardial changes, and left atrial enlargement. Conversely, limited cardiac deterioration was seen in patients who remained stable or improved in cirrhosis. During follow-up 25 patients developed AD, 4 underwent LT, and 20 died. Mean arterial pressure was the only cardiovascular parameter associated with death in a univariate analysis ( P = 0.037), and the main predictors were model for end-stage liver disease and age. However, last-visit myocardial ECV was independently associated with the combined end point of LT/death ( P = 0.001), and in patients with AD a low cardiac index was independently associated with death ( P = 0.01). Cardiac function seems to deteriorate with the progression of cirrhosis and affects prognosis, especially in patients with AD. Conversely, patients with stable cirrhosis have limited progression in cardiac dysfunction over a 2-yr period with modest impact on survival. The results encourage careful cardiac monitoring in advanced cirrhosis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY For the first time, we have performed advanced cardiac imaging to investigate the development of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy over 2 years. We show that cardiac dysfunction deteriorates with progression of cirrhosis and may affect the prognosis in patients developing acute decompensation. Especially, structural myocardial abnormalities, left atrial enlargement, and a hypodynamic cardiac state seem of importance. Conversely, limited cardiac progression is seen in stable cirrhosis. These findings provide new insight into our understanding of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
Cannabinoid receptor-mediated modulation of inhibitory inputs to mitral cells in the main olfactory bulb
Authors: Wang Ze-Jun , Hu Sherry Shu-Jung , Bradshaw Heather B. , Sun Liqin , Mackie Ken , Straiker Alex , Heinbockel Thomas 
Published: June 2019

The endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling system has been functionally implicated in many brain regions. Our understanding of the role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) in olfactory processing remains limited. Cannabinoid signaling is involved in regulating glomerular activity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). However, the cannabinoid-related circuitry of inputs to mitral cells in the MOB has not been fully determined. Using anatomical and functional approaches we have explored this question. CB1was present in periglomerular processes of a GAD65-positive subpopulation of interneurons but not in mitral cells. We detected eCBs in the mouse MOB as well as the expression of CB1and other genes associated with cannabinoid signaling in the MOB. Patch-clamp electrophysiology demonstrated that CB1agonists activated mitral cells and evoked an inward current, while CB1antagonists reduced firing and evoked an outward current. CB1effects on mitral cells were absent in subglomerular slices in which the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layer were removed, suggesting the glomerular layer as the site of CB1action. We previously observed that GABAergic periglomerular cells show the inverse response pattern to CB1activation compared with mitral cells, suggesting that CB1indirectly regulates mitral cell activity as a result of cellular activation of glomerular GABAergic processes . This hypothesis was supported by the finding that cannabinoids modulated synaptic transmission to mitral cells. We conclude that CB1directly regulates GABAergic processes in the glomerular layer to control GABA release and, in turn, regulates mitral cell activity with potential effects on olfactory threshold and behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cannabinoid signaling with cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) is involved in the regulation of glomerular activity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). We detected endocannabinoids in the mouse MOB. CB1was present in periglomerular processes of a GAD65-positive subpopulation of interneurons. CB1agonists activated mitral cells. CB1directly regulates GABAergic processes to control GABA release and, in turn, regulates mitral cell activity with potential effects on olfactory threshold and behavior.