bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Managers Use Meeting Analyst Forecasts to Signal Private Information? Evidence from Patent Citations
Authors: Gunny Katherine , Zhang Tracey Chunqi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study examines whether firms manage earnings to meet analyst forecasts to signal superior future performance. Prior research finds that firms use earnings management to just meet analyst forecasts and that these firms have a positive association with future performance (Bartov et al., 2002). There are two potential explanations for the positive association – signaling and attaining benefits that allow for better future performance (i.e., the real benefits explanation). Prior studies cannot provide evidence of signaling because they do not control for the real benefits explanation. Our research design enables us to control for the real benefits explanation because we can identify potential signaling firms within the sample of firms that just meet analyst forecasts. We use a unique database from the National Bureau of Economic Research to construct a proxy for the manager's belief about future firm value due to patents. We find that firms with more patent citations are more likely to just meet the analyst forecast and manage earnings to achieve this goal. We also find firms that just meet analyst forecasts with more patent citations have significantly better performance than firms with fewer patent citations, which is consistent with signaling and not the real benefits explanation.
A Model of Equity Based Compensation with Tax
Authors: Widdicks Martin , Zhao Jinsha 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a two‐stage continuous time model of employee stock option (ESO) valuation under different tax regimes. We show that tax rules can have significant effects on ESO exercise behavior. In addition, we find that incentive stock options (ISO) are the optimal form of compensation for all levels of employees in the UK. In the US, restricted stock plans are preferred, and tax breaks offered by incentive schemes are only beneficial to employees with high liquid wealth (or small option holdings relative to wealth) or low risk aversion. We also analyze 83b elections for restricted stock plans in the US and find that making an election is a sub‐optimal decision for both the employee and the firm.
Landscape and climate determine patterns of spread for all colour morphs of the alien ladybird Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Purse Bethan V. , Comont Richard , Butler Adam , Brown Peter M. J. , Kessel Clare , Roy Helen E. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimUnderstanding why some areas are more vulnerable to invasion by invasive alien species than others represents a key challenge in invasion biology. We investigated the roles of landscape, climate, proximity to initial invasion sites, recording intensity and colour pattern polymorphism in explaining the spread of the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis across Great Britain.LocationThe British mainland and inshore islands (Anglesey, Isle of Wight and the Inner Hebrides).MethodsPatterns in time to invasion of H. axyridis were quantified at a hectad level (10 km grid squares) from over 23,000 records. Bayesian spatial survival models were developed relating spread patterns to concurrent patterns in climate, land cover and recording intensity. Separate models were developed for melanic (f. conspicua and f. spectabilis) and non‐melanic (f. succinea) colour forms that were hypothesized to differ in their response to climate factors, particularly temperature, and subsequent spread.ResultsHarmonia axyridis spread more rapidly into hectads containing a high proportion of urban land cover and marginally more slowly into hectads containing high conifer cover. Invasions were recorded more rapidly in hectads with high recording intensity, or that were close to initial invasion sites. Harmonia axyridis colour morphs spread to similar extents, although increased sunshine significantly enhanced the spread of the non‐melanic form (f. succinea). Correspondence between observed and predicted times of invasion from survival models was substantial (Pearson's rp for all H. axyridis colour forms = 0.834).Main conclusionsThe ability of H. axyridis to use a wide range of habitats and prey species and overwinter inside buildings may have allowed this species to establish rapidly in urban areas. Native ladybird species in urban areas may suffer combined negative impacts of habitat deterioration and competition from H. axyridis. Spatial survival models help us to identify areas vulnerable to invasion and to understand the impacts of multiple environmental drivers on the spread of invasive alien species, given detailed data on time to invasion.
Efficacy of topical tacrolimus for oral lichen planus: real‐life experience in a retrospective cohort of patients with a review of the literature
Authors: Ribero S. , Stieger M. , Quaglino P. , Hongang T. , Bornstein M.M. , Naldi L. , Borradori L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveManagement of oral lichen planus (OLP) is challenging and therapeutic options are limited. The use of topical tacrolimus has shown promising results. We reviewed our daily life experience with topical tacrolimus in OLP patients.MethodsThis retrospective unicentre study included all 21 patients with OLP, which were evaluated over a 53‐month period and treated with topical tacrolimus. Patients were initially given a topical preparation of 0.1% tacrolimus twice daily. The response to treatment was assessed using a 4‐point scale at month 2 and 6: complete response of affected area (CR), major remission (>50%, MR), partial remission (25–50%, PR) and either no response (<25%) or worsening. The pain score was also assessed using a 3‐point scale.ResultsFour of 21 patients (19%) showed a CR at month 2, whereas at month 6, 7 (33%) had a CR. For patients who reported MR (n = 2) and PR (n = 8) at month 2, the therapy was continued. Of those, at 6 months, three patients showed a CR, while four maintained a PR. The pain score improved during treatment. After 2 months of therapy, eight of 10 patients with an initial high pain score achieved a significant improvement. In patients starting with moderate pain an improvement was observed in one of seven patients. Overall, for three patients there was a complete loss of pain, while in nine there was a reduction. Except for transitory burning sensation and altered taste sensation, no relevant side‐effects were reported.ConclusionThis retrospective analysis confirms that topical tacrolimus is a valuable therapeutic option in severe or treatment‐resistant OLP. Our findings in daily practice suggested nevertheless that the efficacy of topical tacrolimus is overestimated with regard to both complete response and pain reduction.
The Influence of Emotional Stress on Doppler‐derived Aortic Peak Velocity in Boxer Dogs
Authors: Pradelli D. , Quintavalla C. , Crosta M.C. , Mazzoni L. , Oliveira P. , Scotti L. , Brambilla P. , Bussadori C. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundSubaortic stenosis (SAS) is a common congenital heart disease in Boxers. Doppler‐derived aortic peak velocity (AoPV) is a diagnostic criterion for the disease.ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of emotional stress during echocardiographic examination on AoPV in normal andSAS‐affected Boxers. To evaluate the effects of aortic root diameters on AoPV in normal Boxers.DogsTwo hundred and fifteen normal and 19SAS‐affected Boxers.MethodsThe AoPV was recorded at the beginning of echocardiographic examination (T0), and when the emotional stress of the dog was assumed to decrease based on behavioral parameters and heart rate (T1). AoPV0–AoPV1 was calculated. In normal dogs, stroke volume index was calculated at T0 and T1. Aortic root diameters were measured and their relationship with AoPV and AoPV0–AoPV1 was evaluated.ResultsIn normal dogs, AoPV was higher at T0 (median, 1.95 m/s; range, 1.60–2.50 m/s) than at T1 (median, 1.76 m/s; range, 1.40–2.20 m/s;P < .0001; reduction 9.2%). The stroke volume index at T0 also was greater than at T1 (P < .0001). Weak negative correlations were detected between aortic root size and aortic velocities. InSAS‐affected dogs, AoPV0 was higher than AoPV1 (P < .0001; reduction 7.3%).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceAortic peak velocity was affected by emotional stress during echocardiographic examination both inSAS‐affected and normal Boxers. In normal Boxers, aortic root size weakly affected AoPVs, but did not affect AoPV0–AoPV1. Stroke volume seems to play a major role in stress‐related AoPV increases in normal Boxers. Emotional stress should be taken into account when screening forSASin the Boxer breed.
Detection of Different Serotypes of Salmonella enterica in Experimentally Inoculated Equine Fecal Samples by Commercially Available Rapid Tests
Authors: Burgess B.A. , Weller C.B. , Pabilonia K.L. , Bolte D.S. , Van Metre D.C. , Morley P.S. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundSalmonella enterica can significantly impact management of animal facilities. Comprehensive screening is essential for effective control in high‐risk populations. Availability of reliable point‐of‐care diagnostic tests would facilitate these efforts.Hypothesis/ObjectivesCompare the ability of commercially available rapid diagnostic assays (2 lateral flow immunoassays [LFIs], DNA hybridization [DNAH], real‐time PCR [qPCR]), and culture to detect common serotypes of S. enterica in feces.Animalsn/a.MethodsIn an experimental study, 112 S. enterica isolates were randomly selected from the 10 most common serotypes recovered at a veterinary hospital. Archived isolates were amplified in broth and standardized inocula (100 colony forming units) were incubated with equine feces in tetrathionate broth (TET). Cultures were tested in a blinded fashion by using LFIs, DNAH, qPCR, and culture.ResultsThe LFIs detected 84% and 67% of isolates, respectively, but reactivity varied among serotypes. Both reacted poorly with serotype Cerro (Group K) isolates, and 1 LFI did not react with any serotype Mbandaka (Group C1) or Montevideo (Group C1) isolates. DNAH detected 94% of isolates, whereas culture and qPCR most reliably detected all serotypes. False‐positive results were obtained for 4 negative controls by using DNAH and 1 negative control by using qPCR, but LFIs and culture had no false‐positive results.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCulture, qPCR, and DNAH were effective in detecting most Salmonella isolates, but have limited application at point‐of‐care settings. LFIs are appealing as point‐of‐care tests because of low cost and ease of use, but limited detection of some serotypes needs to be evaluated with samples obtained from naturally infected animals.
Investigation of Single and Paired Measurements of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone for the Diagnosis of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction in Horses
Authors: Rendle D.I. , Duz M. , Beech J. , Parkin T. , Durham A.E. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundPaired measurement ofACTHconcentration may be more reliable than a single measurement.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine whether the mean of 2 measurements ofACTHconcentration is more reliable in assessing pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) than a single measurement.AnimalsPairedACTHmeasurements were performed on (1) 148 occasions from 124 horses being investigated forPPID, (2) 90 occasions from 76 horses withPPIDthat were receiving treatment with pergolide, and (3) 63 occasions from 50 horses in which there was no clinical suspicion ofPPID. Histologic examination of the pars intermedia was performed in 67 of the untreated horses.MethodsOutcome of testing using single and the mean of paired samples was compared directly and both methods were compared against histology, which was considered the gold standard.ResultsPairedACTHmeasurement altered binary classification as healthy or diseased in 6 of 211 cases, all off which had equivocal initialACTHconcentrations between 20 and 39 pg/mL. Using histology as the gold standard, optimal sensitivity and specificity for diagnosingPPIDwere 69.4 and 80.9%, respectively, for a single measurement and 72.2 and 76.2%, respectively, for paired measurements. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.72 and 0.73 for single and paired measurements compared with histopathologic diagnosis, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePaired measurement ofACTHconcentration offers no advantage over a single measurement.
Diamond xenolith and matrix organic matter in the Sutter's Mill meteorite measured by C‐XANES
Authors: Kebukawa Yoko , Zolensky Michael E. , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Rahman Zia , Jenniskens Peter , Cody George D. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe Sutter's Mill (SM) meteorite fell in El Dorado County, California, on April 22, 2012. This meteorite is a regolith breccia composed of CM chondrite material and at least one xenolithic phase: oldhamite. The meteorite studied here, SM2 (subsample 5), was one of three meteorites collected before it rained extensively on the debris site, thus preserving the original asteroid regolith mineralogy. Two relatively large (10 μm sized) possible diamond grains were observed in SM2‐5 surrounded by fine‐grained matrix. In the present work, we analyzed a focused ion beam (FIB) milled thin section that transected a region containing these two potential diamond grains as well as the surrounding fine‐grained matrix employing carbon and nitrogen X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (C‐XANES and N‐XANES) spectroscopy using a scanning transmission X‐ray microscope (STXM) (Beamline 5.3.2 at the Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory). The STXM analysis revealed that the matrix of SM2‐5 contains C‐rich grains, possibly organic nanoglobules. A single carbonate grain was also detected. The C‐XANES spectrum of the matrix is similar to that of insoluble organic matter (IOM) found in other CM chondrites. However, no significant nitrogen‐bearing functional groups were observed with N‐XANES. One of the possible diamond grains contains a Ca‐bearing inclusion that is not carbonate. C‐XANES features of the diamond‐edges suggest that the diamond might have formed by the CVD process, or in a high‐temperature and ‐pressure environment in the interior of a much larger parent body.
Chromium isotopic systematics of the Sutter's Mill carbonaceous chondrite: Implications for isotopic heterogeneities of the early solar system
Authors: Yamakawa Akane , Yin Qing‐Zhu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRecent studies have shown that major meteorite groups possess their own characteristic 54Cr values, demonstrating the utility of Cr isotopes for identifying genetic relationships between the planetary materials in conjunction with other classical tools, such as oxygen isotopes. In this study, we performed Cr isotope analyses for whole rocks and chemically separated phases of the new CM2 chondrite, Sutter's Mill (SM 43 and 51). The two whole rocks of Sutter's Mill show essentially identical ε54Cr excesses (SM 43 = +0.95 ± 0.09ε, SM 51 = +0.88 ± 0.07ε), relative to the Earth. These values are the same within error with that of the CM2‐type Murchison (+0.89 ± 0.08ε), suggesting that parent bodies of Sutter's Mill and Murchison were formed from the same precursor materials in the solar nebula. Large ε54Cr excess of up to 29.40ε is observed in the silicate phase of Sutter's Mill, while that of Murchison shows 15.74ε. Importantly, the leachate fractions of both Sutter's Mill and Murchison form a steep linear anticorrelation between ε54Cr and ε53Cr, cross‐cutting the positive correlation previously observed in carbonaceous chondrites. The fact that L4 acid leachate fraction contains higher 54Cr excesses than that of L5 step designed to dissolve refractory minerals suggests that spinel is not a major 54Cr carrier. We also note that L5 contains 53Cr anomalies lower than the solar initial value, suggesting it carries a component of nucleosynthetic anomaly unrelated to the 53Mn decay. We have identified five endmember components of nucleosynthetic origin among the early solar system materials.
Localisation and interactions of the Vipp1 protein in cyanobacteria
Authors: Bryan Samantha J. , Burroughs Nigel J. , Shevela Dmitriy , Yu Jianfeng , Rupprecht Eva , Liu Lu‐Ning , Mastroianni Giulia , Xue Quan , Llorente‐Garcia Isabel , Leake Mark C. , Eichacker Lutz A. , Schneider Dirk , Nixon Peter J. , Mullineaux Conrad W. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe Vipp1 protein is essential in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts for the maintenance of photosynthetic function and thylakoid membrane architecture. To investigate its mode of action we generated strains of the cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 in which Vipp1 was tagged with green fluorescent protein at the C‐terminus and expressed from the native chromosomal locus. There was little perturbation of function. Live‐cell fluorescence imaging shows dramatic relocalisation of Vipp1 under high light. Under low light, Vipp1 is predominantly dispersed in the cytoplasm with occasional concentrations at the outer periphery of the thylakoid membranes. High light induces Vipp1 coalescence into localised puncta within minutes, with net relocation of Vipp1 to the vicinity of the cytoplasmic membrane and the thylakoid membranes. Pull‐downs and mass spectrometry identify an extensive collection of proteins that are directly or indirectly associated with Vipp1 only after high‐light exposure. These include not only photosynthetic and stress‐related proteins but also RNA‐processing, translation and protein assembly factors. This suggests that the Vipp1 puncta could be involved in protein assembly. One possibility is that Vipp1 is involved in the formation of stress‐induced localised protein assembly centres, enabling enhanced protein synthesis and delivery to membranes under stress conditions.
High calf mortality in bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand–a local unit in decline
Authors: Tezanos‐Pinto Gabriela , Constantine Rochelle , Mourão Fabiana , Berghan Joanne , Scott Baker C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, have been studied for almost two decades. Since 2003, fewer than 150 dolphins visited the bay during each season and the local unit has declined 7.5% annually from 1997 to 2006. The causes of decline are unclear but probably include mortality and emigration. Here, we used a long‐term database to estimate reproductive parameters of female bottlenose dolphins including recruitment rates. A total of 704 surveys were conducted in which 5,577 sightings of 408 individually identified dolphins were collected; of these 53 individuals were identified as reproductive females. The calving rate increased between periods (1997–1999 = 0.13, CL = 0.07–0.21; 2003–2005 = 0.25, CL = 0.16–0.35 calves/reproductive female/year). A 0.25 calving rate suggests that on average, a female gives birth only once every four years, which is consistent with the estimated calving interval (4.3 yr, SD = 1.45) but still is lower than values reported for other populations. Conversely, apparent mortality rates to age 1+ (range: 0.34–0.52) and 2+ (range: 0.15–0.59) were higher than values reported elsewhere. The high apparent calf mortality in conjunction with a decline in local abundance, highlight the vulnerability of bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands. Long‐term studies are required to understand the causes of high calf mortality and the decline in local abundance. Meanwhile, management should focus on minimizing sources of anthropogenic disturbance and enforcing compliance with current legislation.
Relative abundance of fetuin‐ A in peritoneal dialysis effluent and its association with in situ formation of calciprotein particles: An observational pilot study
Authors: Cai Michael MX , Wigg Belinda , Smith Edward R , Hewitson Timothy D , McMahon Lawrence P , Holt Stephen G 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimIn patients with renal failure or chronic inflammation, the accumulation of fetuin‐A‐containing calciprotein particles (CPP) in the extracellular fluid has been implicated in driving inflammatory pathways and extraosseous mineral deposition. We aimed to discover whether CPP are present in the peritoneal dialysis fluid effluent (PDF) of stable peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and if so, how these particles might be formed.MethodsSerum and PDF were sampled from 20 stable PD patients. CPP were quantified by the reduction in fetuin‐A concentration after high speed centrifugation. 8‐iso‐PGF2α in PDF was measured as a marker of oxidative stress. Fetuin‐A and phosphate were added to commercially available dialysis fluids to assess their ability to support CPP formation ex vivo.ResultsWe report that the major protein component of these mineral‐containing nanoparticles, fetuin‐A, is relatively abundant in PDF and that CPP were present in the PDF of 17/20 PD patients. PDF CPP levels were strongly correlated with 8‐iso‐PGF2α concentrations. In vitro experiments suggested that commonly used peritoneal dialysate fluids, irrespective of composition, could not sustain appreciable de novo CPP formation ex vivo.ConclusionFetuin‐A is either actively transported or locally produced by the peritoneal membrane in PD patients. The association between fetuin‐A‐containing CPP and markers of oxidative stress warrants further mechanistic studies.
The endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ‐NOP receptor system as a potential therapeutic target for intestinal disorders
Authors: Agostini S. , Petrella C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn 1995, by reverse pharmacology approach, used here for the first time in the history of pharmacology, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been discovered as the endogenous ligand of a preidentified receptor named opioid receptor like 1. Subsequent studies showed that N/OFQ and its receptor (N/OFQergic system) are widely distributed in central and peripheral nervous systems as well as in peripheral organs of human and animals, and represent a system that is involved in a very large range of biological functions such as pain perception, intestinal motility and secretion, immune modulation, stress. From the time of its discovery to now, a high number of NOP agonists and antagonists have been synthesized and tested in various pathologies. Nevertheless, none of the molecules targeting N/OFQergic system have currently succeeded in going through clinical trials concerning gut pathologies, indicating that further studies are required. The work from Dr. Fichna et al., published in the present issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, adds another brick in the wall of understanding the role of N/OFQergic system in IBS‐D pathology by the pharmacological evaluation of a new NOP receptor agonist, SCH 221510, in animal models of intestinal alterations (diarrhea and visceral hyperalgesia). Interestingly, authors report clinical data confirming the involvement of N/OFQergic system in IBS‐D patients and, consequently, suggest this system as a valuable therapeutic target for IBS‐D pathology. This minireview aims to give a brief summary of experimental and clinical studies focusing on the N/OFQergic system as pharmacological target for the therapeutic treatment of intestinal pathologies such as IBS and IBD.