bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State Control and Corporate Governance in Transition Economies: 25 Years on from 1989
Authors: Grosman Anna , Okhmatovskiy Ilya , Wright Mike 
Published: October 2015

AbstractManuscript typeReviewResearch Question/IssueWhich forms of state control over corporations have emerged in countries that made a transition from centrally‐planned to marked‐based economies and what are their implications for corporate governance? We assess the literature on variation and evolution of state control in transition economies, focusing on corporate governance of state‐controlled firms. We highlight emerging trends and identify future research avenues.Research Findings/InsightsBased on our analysis of more than 100 articles in leading management, finance, and economics journals since 1989, we demonstrate how research on state control evolved from a polarized approach of public–private equity ownership comparison to studying a variety of constellations of state capitalism.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe identify theoretical perspectives that help us better understand benefits and costs associated with various forms of state control over firms. We encourage future studies to examine how context‐specific factors determine the effect of state control on corporate governance.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsInvestors and policymakers should consider under which conditions investing in state‐affiliated firms generates superior returns.
Stiffness characteristics of splints for fixation of traumatized teeth
Authors: Ben Hassan Meshari W. , Andersson Lars , Lucas Peter W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground/AimTraumatic dental injuries (TDI) are treated by repositioning and splinting. Ideally, injured teeth should possess some mobility for optimal periodontal and pulp healing. Splints should be easy to apply in emergencies, affordable, and esthetically acceptable. The aims were to compare some clinically used splints with regard to stiffness (measured in Nm−1), esthetics, cost, and ease of application.Materials and MethodsSix splints were applied to dental models using an acid‐etched bonding technique. One central incisor was adjusted to give 1 mm of horizontal movement at the incisal edge. The mobilized tooth was then connected to adjacent teeth with either twistflex wire (TF), titanium trauma splint (TTS), single (SFG) and double fiberglass (DFG), nylon (fishing) line (FL), or power chain (PC). A horizontal force was then gradually applied to the incisor in a standardized manner with a spherical probe (1.65 mm radius), monitoring force with a 50N load cell and displacement with a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). Signals were amplified, converted digitally (14‐bit analog‐to‐digital converter), and displayed in real time to show the splint stiffness. Splints were also ranked with regard to esthetics, application time needed, and ease of application cost.ResultsFL and PC were the least stiff, averaging 5.7 and 6.3 Nm−1, respectively. TTS averaged 6.9 Nm−1, while SFG and TF averaged 18.5 and 18.4 Nm−1, respectively. DFG was the stiffest, averaging 24.3 Nm−1. PC and SFG were the fastest to apply. FL showed the best esthetic score, followed by TTS and PC. TTS was the most expensive splint, while FL, PC, SFG, DFG, and TF showed similar costs.ConclusionsOf these TDI splints, DFG should be avoided for flexible splinting because it is too stiff. PC may be an interesting novel alternative, affording sufficient mobility due to its low stiffness.
The salt chimney effect: delay of thermal evolution of deep hydrocarbon source rocks due to high thermal conductivity of evaporites
Authors: Zhuo Q. G. , Meng F. W. , Zhao M. J. , Li Y. , Lu X. S. , Ni P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHalf of the topseals to the world's largest oilfields are evaporites. Rock salt has a thermal conductivity two to four times greater than that of other sedimentary rocks found in oil‐ and gas‐bearing basins. Strong heat conduction through evaporites can increase the geothermal gradient above evaporite deposits, resulting in a positive thermal anomaly and above‐average temperature while simultaneously decreasing the geothermal gradient below evaporites, resulting in a negative thermal anomaly. Most Triassic–Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks in the Kuqa Basin, western China, are overlain by ~1500‐m‐thick Tertiary evaporites with underlying Cretaceous sandstones and mudstones. Directly measured strata temperatures indicate an obvious break in the steepness of the geothermal gradient above and below Paleogene evaporites, with a significantly steeper geothermal gradient above the evaporites. Simulations of the thermal evolution of source rocks based on data collected from well Kela‐2 indicate that if the thickness of evaporites (mainly rock salt and anhydrite rock) in overlying rocks above source rocks increases compared with the thickness of siliciclastic rocks in the overlying rocks, then strata temperatures and vitrinite reflectance in Jurassic source rocks will decrease accordingly. Our thermal simulations based on the thickness and thermal conductivity of evaporites accurately coincide with previous studies based on homogenization temperatures, hydrocarbon–water contact retrospection, and carbon isotope results from natural gases. The gas generation center located in the Kalasu Tectonic Belt today is also sealed in an evaporite‐related structural trap that formed at this time. Therefore, the speculated natural gas generation times not only correlate with the evaporite‐related structural trap formation, but the calculated maturity of deep source rocks below the evaporites also coincides with current gas reserves. And our studies can help to find the deep oils and gases under thick evaporites.
Local outbreak of hepatitis E: a rare cause of viral hepatitis in Australia
Authors: Pokorny A. M. J. , Pokorny C. S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHepatitis E is a not uncommon cause of viral hepatitis globally but is relatively rare in Australia. Here, we report a case of acute hepatitis E that was acquired in Sydney and was part of a cluster believed to be infected locally. This is to our knowledge the first known outbreak of locally acquired hepatitis E in Australia. We discuss pathogenesis, clinical features and means by which further spread of infection can be limited.
Intergenerational Risk Sharing, Pensions, and Endogenous Labour Supply in General Equilibrium*
Authors: Beetsma Roel M. W. J. , Romp Ward E. , Vos Siert J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe show that a two‐tier pension system, with a pay‐as‐you‐go first tier and a fully funded, defined wage‐indexed second tier, can provide for optimal intergenerational risk‐sharing without distorting the labour supply, thereby achieving the first best. Other arrangements with a fully‐funded second tier fail to achieve the first best.
Temporary Disability Insurance and Labor Supply: Evidence from a Natural Experiment*
Authors: Pettersson‐Lidbom Per , Thoursie Peter Skogman 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMost developed countries have compulsory insurance programs for temporary disability, that is, cash benefits for non‐work‐related sickness. Despite the economic significance of these programs, little is known about their effects on work absenteeism or labor supply. We exploit a policy reform that consisted of the abolishment of a waiting day together with an increase of cash benefits for short sick leaves. We find that the total number of days of sickness absence was reduced by the reform, which is likely due to the fact that the abolishment of the waiting period made it less costly for workers to be absent for short periods.
Caregiver resilience in palliative care: a research protocol
Authors: Limardi Stefano , Stievano Alessandro , Rocco Gennaro , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo describe a research protocol designed to formulate a conceptual framework of informal caregiver resilience in palliative care.BackgroundResilience is the ability to adapt or to improve one's own conditions following experiences of adversity. The end‐of‐life care provided by informal caregivers is a form of adversity because it entails objective difficulties, emotional involvement and deep levels of introspection that have been stimulated by the death event. Resilience has not yet been addressed in association with end‐of‐life care.DesignThis is a multicentre cross‐sectional study.MethodsWe will administer a questionnaire to a sample of informal end‐of‐life caregivers to collect data about the main psychological, behavioural and healthcare factors that impact resilience. Data analysis will include descriptive and correlational statistical techniques, multiple linear regressions and structural equation modelling. Data will be collected in multiple palliative care centres and statistical analysis will be carried out using software: SPSS version 19.0 and MPlus version 7.3. The study is supported by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship in Italy (Research Grant number 2.13.10) that was awarded in March 2013.DiscussionThe study seeks to identify the predictive, mediating and moderating roles of select variables: caregivers’ self‐efficacy, burdens of caregiving, depression and resilience. The results of this analysis will impact the theoretical study of resilience in palliative care and will have practical implications for interventions aimed at supporting caregivers through healthcare teams.
The Impact of Age on 5‐Year Outcomes After Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation
Authors: BUNCH T. JARED , MAY HEIDI T. , BAIR TAMI L. , JACOBS VICTORIA , CRANDALL BRIAN G. , CUTLER MICHAEL , WEISS J. PETER , MALLENDER CHARLES , OSBORN JEFFREY S. , ANDERSON JEFFREY L. , DAY JOHN D. 
Published: October 2015

Impact of Age After Atrial Fibrillation Catheter AblationBackgroundCatheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established therapeutic rhythm approach in symptomatic patients. Many studies have shown that age has little to no impact on outcomes during the first year after ablation. However, AF is a disease of aging and age‐based substrate for arrhythmia is likely to progress. To this regard, we examined patients with 5‐year outcome data following an index AF ablation procedure to define the impact of age on long‐term outcomes.MethodsA total of 923 patients that underwent their index AF ablation and had 5 years of follow‐up were studied. Patients were followed up for atrial flutter/AF recurrence, heart failure, stroke, death, and cardiac function. Patients were separated and compared in 5 age‐based groups (<50, 51–60, 61–70, 71–80, >80).ResultsThe average age of the population was 66 ± 11 years and 59% were male. The AF was paroxysmal in 55%, persistent in 27%, and longstanding persistent in 18%. Older patients were more likely female and had higher rates of cardiovascular diseases. For every 10‐year increase in age there was a higher multivariate‐adjusted risk of atrial flutter/AF recurrence (HR: 1.13, P = 0.01), death (HR:1.91, P < 0.0001), and major adverse cardiac events (HR: 1.09, P = 0.07). Although atrial flutter/AF recurrence rates by age were similar at 1 year, at 5 years, younger patients had significantly lower rates of recurrences.ConclusionAge significantly impacts outcomes after AF ablation when analyzed with long‐term follow‐up. These data highlight the progressive nature of AF and the need to consider interventions early.
Endogeneity Analysis of Output Synchronization in the Current and Prospective EMU
Authors: Arestis Philip , Phelps Peter 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe sustainability of European EMU (economic and monetary union) remains an important issue in light of existing plans for enlargement. This article conducts an endogeneity analysis of output synchronization, based on panel data estimation from 1994 to 2013, for different country‐groups, including core, periphery, central and eastern European countries, northern European countries and the prospective candidate countries, which are expected to adopt the euro over the coming years. The quantification of trade‐related and direct spillover channels associated with monetary integration provides insight into the relative importance of direct and indirect synchronization gains arising from EMU membership. The use of amplitude and concordance measures of synchronization and a range of estimators enhances robustness. Important endogeneity implications emerge from our analysis.
The Centralization of EU Competition Policy: Historical Institutionalist Dynamics from Cartel Monitoring to Merger Control (1956–91)
Authors: Warlouzet Laurent 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe contemporary strength of EU competition policy does not stem naturally and mechanically from the Treaty of Rome, nor is it only a consequence of the spread of ‘neoliberal’ ideas or the single market programme. It is also the product of decades of dynamics underlined by historical institutionalism, which allowed the Commission to secure decisive powers, despite the unwillingness of some of the most powerful Member States. In this regard, the two most important cornerstones were Regulations 17/62 on cartels and 4064/89 on mergers. The Commission benefited from the unintended consequences of decisions taken in the Council and from the path dependencies created by Regulation 17/62. It progressively developed a centralized institutional framework with itself at the centre.
A New Phaeodarian Species Discovered from the Japan Sea Proper Water, Auloscena pleuroclada sp. nov. (Aulosphaeridae, Phaeosphaerida, Phaeodaria)
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhide , Imai Ichiro , Tuji Akihiro , Suzuki Noritoshi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA new phaeodarian species, characterized by the presence of long developed side branches recurved proximally and distally on the surface of its radial tube, was described as Auloscena pleuroclada. This new species was only collected from the layers below the 250 m depth in the Sea of Japan. They have never been found in the shallower layers (above 250 m) of this sea or in other investigated areas. The distribution of the present new species is presumably restricted within the deep water of this area, and this species could be a specific phaeodarian adapted to the deep‐sea environment.
Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba spp. Occurring in Water Bodies and Patients in Poland and Redefinition of Polish T16 Genotype
Authors: Adamska Małgorzata 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAcanthamoeba genus is divided into 20 genotypes (T1–T20) on the basis of the gene encoding 18S rRNA sequence. Using of at least 2 kbp gene fragments is strongly recommended to identify new genotypes and 5% difference is commonly used as a criterion of new genotypes, however, this value is questionable. In this paper, Polish Acanthamoeba strains described earlier on the basis of ~850 bp Ami fragment of 18S rRNA gene as T4, T11 and a new T16 genotype, have been analyzed using near‐complete sequence of the gene. This analysis was needed because the Ami fragment does not reveal full variability within 18S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on Ami fragment is biased by artifacts in the construction of the tree, so the fragment should not be used for identification of new putative Acanthamoeba genotypes. The analysis confirmed that the Polish sequences represent T4 and T11 genotypes and that the strains described earlier as T16 genotype are in fact a new subgroup of the T20 genotype and that this genotype should be divided into two subgroups: T20a (two strains described by [J. Eukaryot. Microbiol. 62 (2015) 69]) and T20b (11 Polish strains described in this study). The T20b subgroup was isolated from both clinical samples and water bodies used by people as bathing places and there is a risk of infection for humans during contact with water.
System N transporters are critical for glutamine release and modulate metabolic fluxes of glucose and acetate in cultured cortical astrocytes: changes induced by ammonia
Authors: Zielińska Magdalena , Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Hadera Mussie Ghezu , Sonnewald Ursula , Albrecht Jan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGlutamine (Gln) is synthesized in astrocytes from glutamate (Glu) and ammonia, whereupon it can be released to be transferred to neurons. This study evaluated the as yet not definitely established role of the astrocytic Gln transporters SN1 and SN2 (Slc38a3andSlc38a5respectively) in Gln release and metabolic fluxes of glucose and acetate, the canonical precursors of Glu. Cultured neocortical astrocytes were grown in the absence or presence of ammonia (5 mM NH4Cl, 24 h), which deregulates astrocytic metabolism in hyperammonemic encephalopathies. HPLC analyses of cell extracts of SN1/SN2 siRNA‐treated (SN1/SN2−) astrocytes revealed a ~ 3.5‐fold increase in Gln content and doubling of glutathione, aspartate, alanine and glutamate contents, as compared to SN1/SN2+ astrocytes. Uptake and efflux of preloaded [3H]Gln was likewise significantly decreased in SN1/SN2− astrocytes. The atom percent excess13C values (given as M + 1) for alanine, aspartate and glutamate were decreased when the SN1/SN2− cells were incubated with [1‐13C] glucose, while Gln consumption was not changed. No difference was seen in M + 1 values in SN1/SN2− cells incubated with [2‐13C] acetate, which were not treated with ammonia. In SN1/SN2− astrocytes, the increase in Gln content and the decrease in radiolabeled Gln release upon exposure to ammonia were found abrogated, and glutamate labeling from [2‐13C]acetate was decreased as compared to SN1/SN2+ astrocytes. The results underscore a profound role of SN1 and/or SN2 in Gln release from astrocytes under physiological conditions, but less so in ammonia‐overexposed astrocytes, and appear to manifest dependence of astrocytic glucose metabolism to Glu/Gln on unimpaired SN1/SN2− mediated Gln release from astrocytes.imageThe astrocytic N system transporters SN1 and SN2 show preponderance to mediate glutamine (Gln) efflux. Under hyperammonemic conditions, accumulation of Gln, a direct product of ammonia detoxification, may deregulate astrocytic metabolism and seems to be responsible for astrocytic swelling. This study evaluated not definitely established role of SN1 and SN2 in Gln release and metabolic fluxes of radiolabeled glucose and acetate. Simultaneous silencing of SN1/SN2 transporters increase Gln, glutathione, aspartate, alanine and glutamate contents (Panel B; marked in red) as compare to non‐silenced astrocytes (Panel A). The atom percent excess13C values (given as M + 1) for alanine, aspartate and glutamate were decreased when the cells with silenced transporters were incubated with [1‐13C]glucose, whereas no difference was seen in M + 1 values when those cells were incubated with [2‐13C]acetate. Ammonia abrogated the increase in Gln content and decrease in radiolabeled Gln release in astrocytes with silenced transporters, but caused a decrease in glutamate labeling from [2‐13C]acetate.
Simvastatin inhibits neural cell apoptosis and promotes locomotor recovery via activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway after spinal cord injury
Authors: Gao Kai , Shen Zhaoliang , Yuan Yajiang , Han Donghe , Song Changwei , Guo Yue , Mei Xifan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractStatins exhibit neuroprotective effects after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the molecular mechanism underlying these effects remains unknown. This study demonstrates that the hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor simvastatin (Simv) exhibits neuroprotective effects on neuronal apoptosis and supports functional recovery in a rat SCI model by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. In specific, Simv administration after SCI significantly up‐regulated the expression of low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 phosphorylation and β‐catenin protein, increased the mRNA expression of lymphoid enhancer factor‐1 and T‐cell factor‐1, and suppressed the expression of β‐catenin phosphorylation in the spinal cord neurons. Simv enhanced motor neuronal survival in the spinal cord anterior horn and decreased the lesion of spinal cord tissues after SCI. Simv administration after SCI also evidently reduced the expression levels of Bax, active caspase‐3, and active caspase‐9 in the spinal cord neurons and the proportion of transferase UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive neuron cells, but increased the expression level of Bcl‐2 in the spinal cord neurons. However, the anti‐apoptotic effects of Simv were reduced in cultured spinal cord nerve cells when the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway was suppressed in the lipopolysaccharide‐induced model. Furthermore, the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores indicated that Simv treatment significantly improved the locomotor functions of rats after SCI. This study is the first to report that Simv exerts neuroprotective effects by reducing neuronal apoptosis, and promoting functional and pathological recovery after SCI by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
imageWe verified the neuroprotective properties associated with simvastatin following spinal cord injury (SCI). Simvastatin reduced neuronal apoptosis, improved the functional and pathological recovery via activating Wnt/β‐catenin signal pathway, however, the anti‐apoptosis effects of simvastatin were reversed following suppressing Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in primary spinal cord neurons. The significant findings may provide clinical therapeutic value of simvastatin for treating SCI.
Differences Among States in Rural Veterans’ Use of VHA and Non‐VHA Hospitals
Authors: West Alan N. , Weeks William B. , Charlton Mary E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo understand how vouchers for non‐VHA care of VHA‐enrolled veterans might affect rural enrollees, we determined how much enrollees use VHA and non‐VHA inpatient care, and whether this use varies substantially between rural and urban residents depending on state of residence.MethodsFor veterans listed in the 2007 VHA enrollment file as living in Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, or New York, we merged 2004‐2007 administrative discharge data for all VHA hospitalizations with all non‐VHA hospitalizations listed in state health department or hospital association databases. Within states, rural and urban residents (RUCA‐defined) were compared on VHA and non‐VHA hospitalization rates, overall and for major diagnostic categories.FindingsNon‐VHA hospital use was much greater than VHA use, though it also was more variable across states. In states with higher proportions of urban enrollees, use of non‐VHA hospitals was lower for small or isolated rural town residents than urban residents; in the more rural states, it was greater. Rural enrollees also used VHA hospitals more than urban enrollees if they lived in the South, but they used VHA hospitals less in other states. Findings were consistent across principal diagnoses, except that in every state, rural veterans were hospitalized less often for mental disorders but more for respiratory diseases. Logistic regressions controlling several covariates consistently showed that very rural enrollees relied on VHA hospitals more than urban enrollees. Vouchers would likely increase non‐VHA use more in states with greater rural populations.ConclusionsVouchers for non‐VHA inpatient care might have greater impact in rural states.