bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood obesity and community food environments in Alabama's Black Belt region
Authors: Li Y. , Robinson L. E. , Carter W. M. , Gupta R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildhood obesity has been rising rapidly in the USA. The rate is higher among those at a lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority groups. In Alabama, nearly half of the children from rural African American families are overweight or obese. Studies suggest that children's eating behaviours and weight could be influenced by surrounding food environments. The purpose of this paper is to assess the community food environment and examine the associations with childhood obesity in Alabama's Black Belt region.MethodsThis research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. Weight status of 613 African American students in four elementary schools in a rural county of Alabama was assessed. We examined community food environments around children's home through GIS (Geographic Information System) and statistical methods. The interrelations between children's weight and community food environments are explored with multi‐level models.ResultsApproximately 42.1% of surveyed children were overweight or obese, much higher than the national average, 30.6%. In Model 1, convenience stores (3.44; P < 0.01), full service restaurants (8.99; P < 0.01) and supermarkets (−37.69; P < 0.01) were significantly associated with the percentile of body mass index. Fast food stores (−0.93; P = 0.88) were not related to children's weight. In Model 2, the additions of sociodemographic factors and school effects cause significant changes of the relationships between children's weight and four types of food outlets. The percentage of African American population (90.23, P < 0.01) and school (6.68, P < 0.01) were positively associated with children's weight; while median household income (−39.6; P < 0.01) was negatively related to it.ConclusionChildren's weight is influenced by community food environments, sociodemographic factors and school context. Findings suggest that policymakers and planners need to improve community food environments of low‐income minority communities. Parents and schools should pay more attention to reduce the negative impacts of food environments on children.
The contributions of behaviour change science towards dental public health practice: a new paradigm
Authors: Asimakopoulou Koula , Newton Jonathon Tim 
Published: October 2014

AbstractConventional behavioural models, such as social cognition models, to improve oral health have been proposed for a long time but have failed to consistently explain reliable amounts of variability in human behaviours relevant to oral health. This paper introduces current work from the behavioural sciences aiming to better understand the process through which behaviour change may take place. Given the shortcomings seen so far in attempts to explain behaviour through traditional models it is proposed that a new approach is adopted. This commentary outlines this new approach, grounded in current work by mainstream behaviour change experts. We propose that attempts to use unreliable theoretical models to explain and predict oral health behaviour should now be replaced by work following this new paradigm.
Persistent centripetal fat distribution and metabolic abnormalities in patients in long‐term remission of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Wagenmakers Margreet , Roerink Sean , Gil Linda , Plantinga Theo , Smit Jan , Netea‐Maier Romana , Hermus Ad 
Published: October 2014

SummaryObjectiveCentripetal obesity is associated with systemic low‐grade inflammation and an increased cardiovascular risk. Patients in long‐term remission of Cushing's syndrome (CS) report persisting abdominal fat accumulation. However, this has previously not been adequately objectified. Therefore, we investigated the adipose tissue distribution and adipocytokine profiles of patients in long‐term remission of CS.DesignCross‐sectional case–control study in a tertiary referral centre.PatientsFifty‐eight patients, in remission of CS for at least 5 years, were compared to 58 age‐, gender‐ and BMI‐matched healthy control subjects.MeasurementsMeasures of body composition (assessed with clinical evaluation and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning) and serum adipocytokine profiles.ResultsCompared to the matched control subjects, patients in long‐term remission of CS had a greater waist circumference (P < 0·01), a smaller thigh circumference (P < 0·01), a higher waist‐to‐hip ratio (P < 0·01) and a higher hip‐to‐thigh ratio (P < 0·01). As measured with DEXA scanning, patients had a higher percentage of truncal fat mass (P = 0·01), and the truncal fat mass to leg fat mass ratio was greater (P < 0·01). Patients had lower adiponectin levels (P < 0·01), higher leptin levels (P < 0·01) and higher resistin levels (P = 0·04) than control subjects.ConclusionEven after long‐term remission, patients who suffered from CS in the past continue to have a centripetal adipose tissue distribution and an adverse adipokine profile. This is independent of aetiology of the CS, treatment strategies, hormonal deficiencies and comorbidity, and probably contributes to the persistent increased cardiovascular risk.
Family Firm Heterogeneity and Corporate Policy: Evidence from Diversification Decisions
Authors: Schmid Thomas , Ampenberger Markus , Kaserer Christoph , Achleitner Ann‐Kristin 
Published: October 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper empirically tests how founders and their families affect business segment diversification. We contribute to the literature by studying the distinct effects of family ownership, management, and supervision on diversification strategies.Research Findings/InsightsWe use a large panel dataset of listed German firms. Our results indicate a sharp contrast between firms owned by families and those in which the family holds an active management position. Firms owned by families have higher levels of diversification. However, the opposite is true for firms managed by families. Furthermore, other large shareholders perform a monitoring role and induce family owners to concentrate on their core business.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis paper clearly confirms that family firms comprise a heterogeneous group of firms. Thus, empirical research in this area should carefully distinguish the impact of different channels (i.e., management vs. ownership) families may use to influence corporate decision making. For diversification decisions, we can even show that family ownership and management have an opposite impact. Founding families have to trade off the desire to preserve financial wealth (via diversification) with the risk of losing control and endangering their socioemotional wealth (SEW).Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsFor policy makers, our results underline that family firms are not a homogeneous group of firms. Hence, it is important to consider their heterogeneity in the political discussion. For example, needs and preferences of family managed firms may differ substantially from those of family owned firms. Equity investors and debt providers should also be aware of this family firm heterogeneity.
Power and Paradigms: The Dutch Response to Pressures for Shareholder Value
Authors: Bezemer Pieter‐Jan , Zajac Edward J. , Naumovska Ivana , van den Bosch Frans A J , Volberda Henk W. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueIn recent years, research aimed at identifying and relating the antecedents and consequences of diffusing organizational practices/ideas has turned its attention to debating the international adoption and implementation of the Anglo‐American model of corporate governance, i.e., a shareholder value orientation (SVO). While financial economists characterize the adoption of an SVO as necessary and performance‐enhancing, behavioral scientists have disputed such claims, invoking institutional contingencies in the appropriateness of an SVO. Our study seeks to provide some resolution to the debate by developing an overarching sociopolitical perspective that links the antecedents and consequences of the adoption of the contested practice of SVO.Research Findings/InsightsWe test our framework using extensive longitudinal data from 1992–2006 from the largest listed corporations in the Netherlands. We find a negative relationship between SVO adoption and subsequent firm performance, although this effect is attenuated when accompanied by greater SVO alignment among major owners and a firm's visible commitment to an SVO.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study extends prior research on the diffusion of contested organizational practices that has taken a sociopolitical perspective by offering an original contingency perspective that addresses how and why the misaligned preferences of corporate owners will affect (i) a company's inclination to espouse an SVO, and (ii) the performance consequences of such misalignment.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study suggests that, when board members are considering the adoption of new ideas/practices (e.g., SVO), they should consider the contextual fitness of the idea/practice with the firm's owners and their interests.
Simultaneous immunostaining with anti‐S100P and anti‐SV40 antibodies revealed the origin of BK virus‐infected decoy cells in voided urine samples
Authors: Ariyasu S. , Yanai H. , Sato M. , Shinno Y. , Taniguchi K. , Yamadori I. , Miki Y. , Sato Y. , Yoshino T. , Takahashi K. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundMethods for determining the origin of BK virus (BKV)‐infected cells (decoy cells) in clinical urine samples have not been established although they could enhance the diagnosis of BKV infection in immunocompromised patients.MethodsWe performed simultaneous immunostaining with anti‐S100P (a urothelial marker) and anti‐SV40 antibodies in 66 clinical urine samples exhibiting SV40 positivity and a decoy‐cell appearance on Papanicolaou staining. The clinical voided urine samples included seven cases of renal transplantation, 47 cases of cancer therapy and 12 cases of non‐neoplastic disease. SurePath™ liquid‐based cytology was used for the urine samples.ResultsBKV‐infected cells were categorized as SV40(+)/S100P(+) and SV40 (+)/S100p(−). SV40(+)/S100P(−) cells were found in 55 cases (83.4%); nine cases (13.6%) carried both SV40(+)/S100P(−) and SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells. The former were identified as BKV infection in renal tubules and the latter in both the renal tubules and urothelial epithelia. The remaining two cases (3.0%) had only SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells of urothelial origin.ConclusionSimultaneous immunostaining with anti‐S100P and anti‐SV40 is a useful method for determining the origin of BKV‐infected cells in clinical urine samples from immunocompromised patients such as renal transplantation recipients.
Fostering and framing international social research on alcohol and other drugs: A tribute toRobinRoom
Authors: Giesbrecht Norman , Rosenqvist Pia 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis commentary concentrates on three aspects ofRobinRoom's research history: the extent and scope of his research, his role as a builder of research milieus and his importance for the creation of research networks. It is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis, but rather illustrative. A supplementary table provides information on 24 international research projects that Robin Room led or where he played a significant role. In addition to looking at his scientific production history as reflected in databases, when preparing this essay the authors consulted 38 researchers who had worked or presently work with him in various projects, groups or in the research institutes where has held leadership positions. We posed questions pertaining to: major research issues over the past 50 years, the involvement of Robin Room in various projects, the ways in which these projects had contributed to social science or practice and Robin's contributions to the creation of research milieus.[Giesbrecht N, Rosenqvist P. Fostering and framing international social research on alcohol and other drugs: A tribute toRobinRoom. Drug Alcohol Rev2014;33:617–24]
Shadow Banking, Chinese Style
Authors: Sharma Shalendra D. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractShadow banks are broadly defined as entities which conduct credit intermediation outside the formal banking system. Poorly regulated, engaging in opaque forms of intermediation, deeply interconnected with the official banking system, and operating with implicit government guarantees, they pose a major source of systemic risk. Yet shadow banks provide an important service by channeling credit to excluded investors, and can complement the formal banking sector. What explains the rapid proliferation of shadow banks in China? How large are they and what forms do they take? What types of risks do they pose to the financial system? And how best can China utilise the services of shadow banks while at the same time ensuring that they do not create systemic risks for the financial system?
Bus Competition in Ireland: Delayed by Regulatory Roadblocks
Authors: Massey Patrick 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCompetition in local bus services in Ireland has been prohibited for more than 80 years, with the majority of services operated by state‐owned monopolies. The Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 seemed to herald a radical departure. It established a new transport regulator and provided that, after an initial five‐year period, routes would be opened up to competitive tendering unless an extension of the incumbents' monopoly rights was necessary to guarantee continuity of services. Yet in December 2013 the regulator decided to extend the state bus companies' monopolies on the vast majority of their routes until the end of 2019. This paper argues that there is no economic evidence to support this decision, which is reminiscent of the previous policy approach of protecting the state companies and raises concerns of possible regulatory capture. The paper calls for the phased introduction of competitive tendering of all routes currently operated by the state bus companies as quickly as possible.
Post‐TAVR Ventricular Septal Defect in the Presence of Subaortic Membrane
Authors: Lee Christina W. , Hegde Sheila M. , Ewer Steven M. , Lozonschi Lucian 
Published: October 2014

Mini‐AbstractTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has traditionally been reserved for patients who are high‐risk with significant comorbid conditions. We present a case of an 80‐year‐old female who sustained a small, restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD) following TAVR. This patient was thoroughly evaluated preoperatively and the decision was made to proceed with nonconventional repair given significant comorbid conditions in conjunction with subvalvular stenosis secondary to a subvalvular membrane. The objective of this presentation is to direct special focus to the echocardiographic images of this unique case in the setting of this unique anatomic variant.
A Distinctly Rare Case of Candida Endocarditis Involving the Bioprosthetic Pulmonary and the Eustachian Valve Diagnosed on 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Pasha Ahmed K. , Snyder Branden A. , Zangeneh Tirdad T. , Thompson Jess L. , Sobonya Richard E. , Abidov Aiden 
Published: October 2014

Mini‐AbstractWe describe a unique case where a 53‐year‐old man with history of intravenous drug abuse and prior endocarditis presented with fever and chest pain. He was found to have a eustachian valve vegetation and bioprosthetic pulmonary valve vegetation. The causative organism was Candida albicans. In this case, three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography clearly identified the pulmonic valve vegetation which was not well seen on two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.
Decomposing biodiversity data using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation model, a probabilistic multivariate statistical method
Authors: Valle Denis , Baiser Benjamin , Woodall Christopher W. , Chazdon Robin 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe propose a novel multivariate method to analyse biodiversity data based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model. LDA, a probabilistic model, reduces assemblages to sets of distinct component communities. It produces easily interpretable results, can represent abrupt and gradual changes in composition, accommodates missing data and allows for coherent estimates of uncertainty. We illustrate our method using tree data for the eastern United States and from a tropical successional chronosequence. The model is able to detect pervasive declines in the oak community in Minnesota and Indiana, potentially due to fire suppression, increased growing season precipitation and herbivory. The chronosequence analysis is able to delineate clear successional trends in species composition, while also revealing that site‐specific factors significantly impact these successional trajectories. The proposed method provides a means to decompose and track the dynamics of species assemblages along temporal and spatial gradients, including effects of global change and forest disturbances.
Observations of immature and adult stages of the myrmecophilous cetoniine beetle Campsiura nigripennis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Maruyama Munetoshi , Hasin Sasitorn , Woraguttanon Varawut , Wiyanan Suthat , Sakchoowong Watana 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSeveral cetoniine species are known or speculated to be associated with ants, based on their specialized morphological characters. However, there are only a few species where biological information on the larval and adult stages is available. Field observations revealed that Campsiura nigripennis spends the immature stages inside elephant dung, and that adult females fly to elephant dung for oviposition. In addition, adult beetles of C. nigripennis intruded into arboreal nests of Oecophylla smaragdina. Specialized morphological characters appear to allow them to tolerate attacks from the ants. Furthermore, the distribution of the beetle in continental Asia largely overlaps that of the Asian elephant, indicating that dung of elephants, in conjunction with that of other large mammals, is fundamental to the biology of C. nigripennis.
Odd Lot Trades: The Behavior, Characteristics, and Information Content, Over Time
Authors: Johnson Hardy 
Published: October 2014

AbstractI investigate the role odd lot trades play in equity markets, and how this role changes over four periods: 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2012. In each of these years, I examine the determinants, price contribution, and characteristics of odd lot trading. I find that odd lot proportions are increasing, but the determinants of the proportions remain consistent. I find that odd lot transactions contribute to price formation, this contribution is in excess of the odd lot proportion of volume, and is increasing over time. An intraweek pattern of odd lot trading exists with Monday having the highest proportions.
Insider Trading and Financing Constraints
Authors: Ataullah Ali , Goergen Marc , Le Hang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractInsider trading may alleviate financing constraints by conveying value‐relevant information to the market (the information effect) or may exacerbate financing constraints by impairing market liquidity and distorting insiders’ incentives to disclose value‐relevant information (the confidence effect). We examine the significance of these two contrasting effects by investigating the link between insider trading and financing constraints as measured by the investment‐cash flow sensitivity. We find that, overall insider trading exacerbates financing constraints; however the information effect dominates the confidence effect for insider purchases. Only trades by executive directors are significantly related to financing constraints.
Split Ratings and Differences in Corporate Credit Rating Policy between Moody's and Standard & Poor's
Authors: Bowe Michael , Larik Waseem 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates split credit ratings awarded by Moody's and Standard & Poor's (S&P) to U.S. corporations. Bivariate probit model estimates, analyzing 5,238 firm‐year observations from dual‐rated S&P 500/400/600 index‐constituent corporations, indicate firm‐specific financial and governance characteristics predict split ratings. Large, profitable companies with enhanced interest coverage, a greater percentage of independent directors, and more institutional investment are less likely to receive splits. Moody's appears more conservative in its evaluations, assigning lower ratings to smaller, less profitable companies with low interest coverage. Moody's also associates external, independent constraints on managerial autonomy with a higher corporate credit standing relative to S&P.
A New Method to Measure the Performance of Leveraged Exchange‐Traded Funds
Authors: Charupat Narat , Miu Peter 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe examine the effects of daily return compounding, financing costs, and management factors on the performance of leveraged exchange‐traded funds (LETFs) over various holding periods. We propose a new method to measure LETFs’ tracking errors that allows us to disentangle these effects. Our results show that the compounding effect generally has more influence on tracking errors than other factors, especially for long holding periods and in a “sideways” market. The explicit costs (i.e., the expense ratios) and other factors (e.g., financing costs) can materially affect the performance of LETFs, especially for those with high leverage ratios and bear funds.
R&D Increases and Long‐Term Performance of Rivals
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Syan , Hung Weifeng , Wang Yanzhi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe examine how a firm's research and development (R&D) increases affect its intra‐industry competitors in the long run. Consistent with the R&D spillover hypothesis, when a firm unexpectedly increases its R&D spending, its intra‐industry competitors experience improvements in operating performance and analyst forecast revisions and earn positive abnormal stock returns in the long run. The industry concentration, which is related to the firm's strategic reaction, is crucial in determining the magnitude of the R&D spillover effect.
Evaluating the SDC Mergers and Acquisitions Database
Authors: Barnes Beau Grant , L. Harp Nancy , Oler Derek 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe compare 20 years of data from Thompson Financial SDC Platinum (SDC)'s Mergers and Acquisitions database with a hand‐collected database, providing evidence on the completeness and accuracy of SDC data across time. We find that our hand‐collected data is generally more accurate than SDC, but SDC's accuracy and coverage improves over time. Our investigation of discrepancies between the databases finds that SDC is more prone to errors on smaller, high book‐to‐market acquirers with weak announcement period market responses. Preliminary analyses suggest that this potential bias is not significant, but could affect inferences when examining smaller, high book‐to‐market firms.