bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of a mixed approach toward management earnings forecasts: Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Xiaobei , Li Xi , Tse Senyo , Tucker Jennifer Wu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChinese regulators mandate management earnings forecasts when managers’ earnings expectations meet bright‐line thresholds and allow voluntary forecasts in other circumstances. We examine the effects of this mixed approach. We find that Chinese mandatory forecasts have significant information content. Moreover, we observe a learning effect: mandatory forecasts appear to stimulate voluntary forecasts in subsequent periods as managers become familiar with the forecasting and disclosing procedures through forced experience. We find one negative consequence of the mixed approach, however: managers appear to manipulate earnings to avoid the forecast threshold of large earnings decreases. Overall, we document the pros and cons of a mixed approach toward management earnings forecasts in a major emerging market.
Relative influence of spatial over environmental and historical processes on the taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity of Neotropical phyllostomid bat assemblages
Authors: Varzinczak Luiz H. , Lima Camila S. , Moura Maurício O. , Passos Fernando C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimEnvironmental, spatial and historical dynamics are widely recognized as fundamental factors underlying community assembly along geographical gradients. We addressed the relative roles of these three processes on the taxonomic (TBD) and phylogenetic beta diversity (PBD) among 108 phyllostomid bat assemblages. Considering the bats’ dispersal abilities, niche requirements and tropical origin, we hypothesized that the current environmental parameters would explain most of the taxonomic and phylogenetic variation among these communities.LocationNeotropics.MethodsWe assessed taxonomic and phylogenetic similarities among these 108 communities using species compositional data. To disentangle the effects of different processes structuring these assemblages, we conducted variance partitioning using distance‐based redundancy analyses. We also examined the spatial structure of these communities and used null models to test whether the assemblages are phylogenetically more or less dissimilar than would be expected by chance.ResultsMost of the variation in TBD and PBD was accounted for by spatial processes. Spatial influences were consistent for beta diversity components and for groups of species with distinct geographical range sizes. We observed a strong and non‐random spatial structure underlying the taxonomic and phylogenetic community composition. A pairwise comparison revealed that most communities had random variation with respect to phylogeny.Main conclusionsSpatial processes were more effective than environmental and historical processes in explaining species and lineages composition of 108 Neotropical phyllostomid assemblages, a result that could be due to topographic complexities limiting species dispersal in this region, regardless of the bats’ dispersal capabilities. In contrast to previous studies of patterns of bat diversity at local and regional scales, our results suggest that the structure of bat assemblages is related to complementary ecological and evolutionary processes at different levels of diversity and geographical scales throughout the Neotropics.
The impact on high‐grade serous ovarian cancer of obesity and lipid metabolism‐related gene expression patterns: the underestimated driving force affecting prognosis
Authors: Cuello Mauricio A. , Kato Sumie , Liberona Francisca 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo investigate whether specific obesity/metabolism‐related gene expression patterns affect the survival of patients with ovarian cancer. Clinical and genomic data of 590 samples from the high‐grade ovarian serous carcinoma (HGOSC) study of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 91 samples from the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study were downloaded from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) portal. Clustering of mRNA microarray and reverse‐phase protein array (RPPA) data was performed with 83 consensus driver genes and 144 obesity and lipid metabolism‐related genes. Association between different clusters and survival was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox regression. Mutually exclusive, co‐occurrence and network analyses were also carried out. Using RNA and RPPA data, it was possible to identify two subsets of HGOSCs with similar clinical characteristics and cancer driver mutation profiles (e.g. TP53), but with different outcome. These differences depend more on up‐regulation of specific obesity and lipid metabolism‐related genes than on the number of gene mutations or copy number alterations. It was also found that CD36 and TGF‐ß are highly up‐regulated at the protein levels in the cluster with the poorer outcome. In contrast, BSCL2 is highly up‐regulated in the cluster with better progression‐free and overall survival. Different obesity/metabolism‐related gene expression patterns constitute a risk factor for prognosis independent of the therapy results in the Cox regression. Prognoses were conditioned by the differential expression of obesity and lipid metabolism‐related genes in HGOSCs with similar cancer driver mutation profiles, independent of the initial therapeutic response.
Experimental manipulation of population‐level MHC diversity controls pathogen virulence evolution in Mus musculus
Authors: Cornwall D. H. , Kubinak J. L. , Zachary E. , Stark D. L. , Seipel D. , Potts W. K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe virulence levels attained by serial passage of pathogens through similar host genotypes are much higher than observed in natural systems; however, it is unknown what keeps natural virulence levels below these empirically demonstrated maximum levels. One hypothesis suggests that host diversity impedes pathogen virulence, because adaptation to one host genotype carries trade‐offs in the ability to replicate and cause disease in other host genotypes. To test this hypothesis, with the simplest level of population diversity within the loci of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), we serially passaged Friend virus complex (FVC) through two rounds, in hosts with either the same MHC genotypes (pure passage) or hosts with different MHC genotypes (alternated passage). Alternated passages showed a significant overall reduction in viral titre (31%) and virulence (54%) when compared to pure passages. Furthermore, a resistant host genotype initially dominated any effects due to MHC diversity; however, when FVC was allowed to adapt to the resistant host genotype, predicted MHC effects emerged; that is, alternated lines show reduced virulence. These data indicate serial exposure to diverse MHC genotypes is an impediment to pathogen adaptation, suggesting genetic variation at MHC loci is important for limiting virulence in a rapidly evolving pathogen and supports negative frequency‐dependent selection as a force maintaining MHC diversity in host populations.
Evaluation and optimization of a vibrotactile signal in an autonomous driving context
Authors: Duthoit Valérie , Sieffermann Jean‐Marc , Enrègle Éric , Michon Camille , Blumenthal David 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn important issue in autonomous vehicle development is the transition phase between autonomous and manual driving. Here, we focused on a vibrotactile signal that warns the driver 1 min before they must take over. Our goal was to design a signal detectable by, and satisfactory for, all drivers. After listing parameters defining a vibrotactile signal, we performed a design‐of‐experiments study to select 16 signals for evaluation by 80 participants of different ages, body mass indexes, and genders. In a car on the road, autonomous driving conditions were simulated with the participant in the front passenger seat, who performed a task unrelated to driving. Whenever the participant detected a signal, they gave a satisfaction score. Modeling enabled us to evaluate the effects of the signal parameters and participant characteristics on satisfaction and detection. Moreover, we obtained specifications for the design of a tactile signal according to our two criteria.Practical applicationsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the sensory aspect of a tactile signal in a car environment. Both functional (i.e., signal detection) and hedonic aspects are important. We investigated the influence of gender, age, and body mass index of the participants on signal detection and satisfaction score, and optimized the satisfaction score under detection constraints. We use a 3‐point method to reach those two goals:

Constructing the design‐of‐experiments (DoE) based on signal parameters that influence the two criteria and can be tuned.
Sensory evaluation of the signals from the DoE.
Modeling to evaluate the influence of each parameter and determine optimal values.
Understanding the influence of the participant's characteristics, coupled with an optimization approach, will benefit the design of automated cars as well as other tactile interfaces, such as smartphones, connected wristbands, or touchscreens.
Parental perceptions of disease‐severity and health‐related quality of life in school‐age children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ruggiero Kristine M. , Hickey Patricia A. , Leger Robin R. , Vessey Judith A. , Hayman Laura L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeUnderstanding parents’ perceptions of their child's health status is important as parents are drivers of healthcare utilization in the pediatric setting. Understanding parent‐perceived disease‐severity and its effects on a child's health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is necessary to evaluate outcomes of care, improve care coordination, and inform policies focused on advancing family‐centered care for pediatric cardiac patients. The impact of CHDs and disease‐severity on the child's HRQOL has been investigated with inconsistent results. The overall aim of this study was to examine parents’ perceptions of HRQOL in their school‐age child with CHD, and to compare HRQOL among patients with CHD across severity categories.DesignThis was a descriptive correlational study design.MethodsA total of 71 parents of school‐age children aged 5–12 years completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL) (including total, physical health, and psychosocial health summary scores) and cardiac‐specific HRQOL Scale (PedsQL 3.0). PedsQL scores among CHD severity categories were compared by analysis of variance.ResultsSchool‐age children with CHDs had an overall good HRQOL with significant differences among disease severity categories for all scores. Parents reported lower scores on their HRQOL of older children compared to younger children across severity groups (p < .01) and for those children with more severe disease (p < .01).Practice implicationsBased on the results of this study, interventions should focus on targeting psychosocial health in older children with CHD and physical health in younger children with CHD. This information is useful in providing practical recommendations in caring for children with CHDs while informing relevant policies.
In Streptomyces lividans, acetyl‐CoA synthetase activity is controlled by O‐serine and Nɛ‐lysine acetylation
Authors: VanDrisse Chelsey M. , Escalante‐Semerena Jorge C. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryProtein acetylation is a rapid mechanism for control of protein function. Acetyl‐CoA synthetase (AMP‐forming, Acs) is the paradigm for the control of metabolic enzymes by lysine acetylation. In many bacteria, type I or II protein acetyltransferases acetylate Acs, however, in actinomycetes type III protein acetyltransferases control the activity of Acs. We measured changes in the activity of the Streptomyces lividans Acs (SlAcs) enzyme upon acetylation by PatB using in vitro and in vivo analyses. In addition to the acetylation of residue K610, residue S608 within the acetylation motif of SlAcs was also acetylated (PKTRSGK610). S608 acetylation rendered SlAcs inactive and non‐acetylatable by PatB. It is unclear whether acetylation of S608 is enzymatic, but it was clear that this modification occurred in vivo in Streptomyces. In S. lividans, an NAD+‐dependent sirtuin deacetylase from Streptomyces, SrtA (a homologue of the human SIRT4 protein) was needed to maintain SlAcs function in vivo. We have characterized a sirtuin‐dependent reversible lysine acetylation system in Streptomyces lividans that targets and controls the Acs enzyme of this bacterium. These studies raise questions about acetyltransferase specificity, and describe the first Acs enzyme in any organism whose activity is modulated by O‐Ser and Nɛ‐Lys acetylation.
Lexical Sophistication as a Multidimensional Phenomenon: Relations to Second Language Lexical Proficiency, Development, and Writing Quality
Authors: KIM MINKYUNG , CROSSLEY SCOTT A. , KYLE KRISTOPHER 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study conceptualizes lexical sophistication as a multidimensional phenomenon by reducing numerous lexical features of lexical sophistication into 12 aggregated components (i.e., dimensions) via a principal component analysis approach. These components were then used to predict second language (L2) writing proficiency levels, holistic lexical proficiency scores, and longitudinal lexical growth. The results from regression analyses indicated that 5 lexical components (i.e., bigram and trigram strength of directional association, content word properties, bigram mutual information, bigram and trigram proportions, and word specificity) explained 16.1% and 31.0% of the variance of L2 writing proficiency and lexical proficiency, respectively. Two additional components (i.e., word acquisition properties and content word frequency) explained an additional 8.5% of the variance of L2 writing proficiency. Six lexical components (i.e., bigram and trigram proportions, word acquisition properties, content word frequency, bigram frequency and range, content word properties, and function word frequency and range) showed significant developmental trends in L2 beginning learners over a year‐long period. These findings provide information about the multidimensional nature of lexical sophistication by expanding its scope beyond frequency and toward other primary dimensions that include various lexical and phrasal features such as concreteness, orthographic density, hypernymy, andn‐gram frequency and association strength.
Reproductive biology and pollination of the carnivorous Genlisea violacea (Lentibulariaceae)
Authors: Aranguren Y. , Płachno B. J. , Stpiczyńska M. , Miranda V. F. O. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Genlisea violacea is a Brazilian endemic carnivorous plant species distributed in the cerrado biome, mainly in humid environments, on sandy and oligotrophic soil or wet rocks. Studies on reproductive biology or pollination in the Lentibulariaceae are notably scarce; regarding the genus Genlisea, the current study is the first to show systematic and standardised research on reproductive biology from field studies to describe the foraging of visiting insects and determine the effective pollinators of Genlisea.

We studied two populations of G. violacea through the observation of flower visitors for 4 months of the rainy and dry seasons. Stigmatic receptivity, pollen viability, and breeding system were evaluated together with histochemistry and morphological analyses of flowers.

The flowers showed stigmatic receptivity of 100% in open buds and mature flowers, reducing to 80% for senescent flowers. Nearly 80% of pollen grains are viable, decreasing to 40–45% after 48 h. Nectar is produced by glandular trichomes inside the spur. Two bee species are effective pollinators: one of the genus Lasioglossum (subgenus Dialictus: Halictidae) and the other of the genus Ceratina (subgenus Ceratinula: family Apidae). Moreover, bee‐like flies of the Syrphidae family may also be additional pollinators.

Genlisea violacea is an allogamous and self‐compatible species. The differences in flower‐visiting fauna for both populations can be attributed to factors such as climate, anthropogenic effect, seasonal factors related to insects and plants, as well as the morphological variation of flowers in both populations.
Patients' and health care professionals' perceptions of blood transfusion: a systematic review
Authors: Abdul‐Aziz Brittannia , Lorencatto Fabiana , Stanworth Simon J. , Francis Jill J. 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUNDBlood transfusions are frequently prescribed for acute and chronic conditions; however, the extent to which patients' and health care professionals' (HCPs') perceptions of transfusion have been investigated is unclear. Patients' treatment perceptions influence how patients cope with illnesses or symptoms. HCPs' perceptions may influence treatment decision making.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a systematic review of studies post‐1984 reporting adult patients' and HCPs' perceptions of blood transfusion. Seven databases were searched using a three‐domain search strategy capturing synonyms relating to: 1) blood transfusion, 2) perceptions, and 3) participant group (patients or HCPs). Study and sample characteristics were extracted and narratively summarized. Reported perceptions were extracted and synthesized using inductive qualitative methods to identify key themes.RESULTSThirty‐two studies were included: 14 investigated patients' perceptions and 18 HCPs' perceptions. Surgical patients were the highest represented patient group. HCPs were from a wide range of professions. Transfusions were perceived by patients and HCPs as being of low‐to‐moderate risk. Risk and negative emotions were perceived to influence preference for alternatives. Five themes emerged from the synthesis, classified as Safety/risk, Negative emotions, Alternatives (e.g., autologous, monitoring), Health benefits, and Decision making. “Safety/risk” and “Negative emotions” were most frequently investigated over time, yet periods of research inactivity are apparent.CONCLUSIONSThe literature has identified themes on how transfusions are perceived by patients and HCPs, which overlap with recognized discussion points for transfusion specialists. These themes may help HCPs when educating patients about transfusion or consenting patients. Theory‐based qualitative methods may add an important dimension to this work.
Cryopreservation (−20 °C) of canine corneoscleral tissue: histological, microbiological, and ultrastructural study
Authors: Costa Daniel , Leiva Marta , Naranjo Carolina , Ríos José , Peña Maria T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate microbiological, histological, and ultrastructural characteristics of short‐term cryopreserved (STC) canine corneoscleral tissue (<1 year) and to compare it with long‐term cryopreserved (LTC) tissue (>6 years).Animals studiedThirty‐six healthy canine globes.ProcedureAfter a decontamination protocol, globes were enucleated and stored at −20 °C. Corneoscleral tissue was evaluated at different periods: <1 year (20 eyes) and >6 years (12 eyes). Four eyes were used as controls. Microbiologic study included direct (blood, McConkey and Sabouraud agars) and enrichment (brain‐heart infusion broth) cultures. Cryopreservation artifacts were evaluated by hematoxylin‐eosin. Corneoscleral collagen organization and number of normal and dead keratocytes were established by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was also used for keratocyte characterization.ResultsCorneal microbial growth was observed in 25% of the directSTCcultures, and in 47.4% and 16.7% of the enrichedSTCandLTCcultures, respectively. ScleralSTCdirect cultures were 30% positive, while enrichment cultures were positive in 66.7% and 16.7% of theSTCandLTC, respectively (P = 0.011). Cryopreservation artifacts were higher inLTCtissues (P < 0.001). Apoptotic keratocytes were predominant by TEM andTUNEL, in bothSTCandLTC. Minimal structural differences were detected in collagen organization betweenSTCandLTC.ConclusionsCryopreservation of canine corneoscleral tissue seems to reduce bacterial contamination over time. Apoptosis is the main way of death of cryopreserved canine keratocytes. Based on the lack of significant structural differences betweenSTCandLTCsamples, these cryopreserved tissues could potentially be used for tectonic support for at least 8 years without structural or microbiological impediment.
Modulation of sympathetic vasoconstriction is critical for the effects of sleep on arterial pressure in mice
Authors: Lo Martire Viviana , Silvani Alessandro , Alvente Sara , Bastianini Stefano , Berteotti Chiara , Valli Alice , Zoccoli Giovanna 
Published: December 2017

Key points
While values of arterial pressure during sleep are predictive of cardiovascular risk, the autonomic mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects of sleep remain poorly understood.
Here, we assess the autonomic mechanisms of the cardiovascular effects of sleep in C57Bl/6J mice, taking advantage of a novel technique for continuous intraperitoneal infusion of autonomic blockers.
Our results indicate that non‐REM sleep decreases arterial pressure by decreasing sympathetic vasoconstriction, decreases heart rate by balancing parasympathetic activation and sympathetic withdrawal, and increases cardiac baroreflex sensitivity mainly by increasing fluctuations in parasympathetic activity.
Our results also indicate that REM sleep increases arterial pressure by increasing sympathetic activity to the heart and blood vessels, and increases heart rate, at least in part, by increasing cardiac sympathetic activity.
These results provide a framework for generating and testing hypotheses on cardiovascular derangements during sleep in mouse models and human patients.
AbstractThe values of arterial pressure (AP) during sleep predict cardiovascular risk. Sleep exerts similar effects on cardiovascular control in human subjects and mice. We aimed to determine the underlying autonomic mechanisms in 12 C57Bl/6J mice with a novel technique of intraperitoneal infusion of autonomic blockers, while monitoring the electroencephalogram, electromyogram, AP and heart period (HP, i.e. 1/heart rate). In different sessions, we administered atropine methyl nitrate, atenolol and prazosin to block muscarinic cholinergic, β1‐adrenergic and α1‐adrenergic receptors, respectively, and compared each drug infusion with a matched vehicle infusion. The decrease in AP from wakefulness to non‐rapid‐eye‐movement sleep (N) was abolished by prazosin but was not significantly affected by atropine and atenolol, which, however, blunted the accompanying increase in HP to a similar extent. On passing from N to rapid‐eye‐movement sleep (R), the increase in AP was significantly blunted by prazosin and atenolol, whereas the accompanying decrease in HP was blunted by atropine and abolished by atenolol. Cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS, sequence technique) was dramatically decreased by atropine and slightly increased by prazosin. These data indicate that in C57Bl/6J mice, N decreases mean AP by decreasing sympathetic vasoconstriction, increases HP by balancing parasympathetic activation and sympathetic withdrawal, and increases cBRS mainly by increasing fluctuations in parasympathetic activity. R increases mean AP by increasing sympathetic vasoconstriction and cardiac sympathetic activity, which also explains, at least in part, the concomitant decrease in HP. These data represent the first comprehensive assessment of the autonomic mechanisms of cardiovascular control during sleep in mice.