bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stock buybacks in the spotlight
Authors: Campbell Katherine , Ellingson Dee Ann , Weiss Jane M. 
Published: February 2024

Theoretical Basis
The theoretical basis for the case is information asymmetry and signaling theory, with buybacks providing a mechanism for reducing information asymmetry between management and investors. The controversy surrounding buybacks has led to political and regulatory scrutiny, which, consistent with evidence from academic research, may affect corporate behavior.

Research methodology
The compact case is based on secondary, public information about stock buybacks. All sources used are cited in-text, with full citations included in the references section at the end of the teaching note.

Case Overview/Synopsis
Stock buybacks, a means of providing returns to shareholders, have recently received increased scrutiny by politicians, media and shareholder activists. Proponents have argued that buybacks result in efficient allocation of capital by returning funds to shareholders, whereas opponents have criticized buybacks for enriching executives, providing tax advantages to shareholders and contributing to income inequality. Corporations did not curtail their use of buybacks after the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposed an excise tax. The case frames the buyback debate in current events and focuses on the buyback activity of Apple. The case provides students the opportunity to analyze alternative ways that companies can provide returns to shareholders, evaluate impacts of buybacks on corporate stakeholders and appraise the reasons for, and implications of, current controversy regarding buybacks.

Complexity/Academic Level
This compact case is appropriate for upper-level undergraduate or graduate courses in financial accounting, tax and finance. This case provides an opportunity to analyze and evaluate stock buyback decisions in the context of the current controversy related to buybacks.
Pollinator intraspecific body size variation and sociality influence their interactions with plants
Authors: Peralta Guadalupe , Resasco Julian , Worthy Sydney , Frost Carol M. , Guevara Angie T. , Manning Isabella , Cagnolo Luciano , Burkle Laura A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Species morphological and behavioural traits are key determinants of which pollinator species interact with which plant species. However, individuals within species are not identical in their traits and this diversity could help us understand plant–pollinator interaction patterns.

Using three independent data sets, we assessed whether bee intraspecific body size variation (ITV) and sociality influenced pollinator interaction specialisation, intraspecific niche partitioning, centrality in the interaction network and phylogenetic diversity of the plants visited.

We found that solitary pollinators were more specialised in their interactions with plants and had lower intraspecific niche partitioning compared to social pollinators. Furthermore, solitary pollinators with higher ITV had higher centrality in the network and visited a higher phylogenetic diversity of plants compared to solitary species with lower ITV, whereas the opposite pattern emerged for social pollinators. Pollinator ITV did not differ between social and solitary bee species.

Our findings show that the effect of pollinator body size variation on plant–pollinator interactions depends on pollinator species sociality. Specifically, solitary pollinators with higher ITV and social pollinators with lower ITV seem to be the most important contributors to maintaining the evolutionary diversity of the plant community, and also the species with the largest potential to affect (via cascade effects) the entire plant–pollinator network.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Evolutionary and ecological trends in the Neotropical cycad genus Dioon (Zamiaceae): An example of success of evolutionary stasis
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Ortega José Said , Pérez‐Farrera Miguel Angel , Sato Mitsuhiko P. , Matsuo Ayumi , Suyama Yoshihisa , Vovides Andrew P. , Molina‐Freaner Francisco , Kajita Tadashi , Watano Yasuyuki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCycads represent an example of the success of evolutionary stasis. Despite their early origin, they survived multiple events of mass extinction and diversified in modern tropical ecosystems during the Cenozoic without major changes in their morphology. What factors have allowed their persistence and diversification despite their conservative nature? We reviewed documentation on the micro‐ and macro‐evolutionary processes involved in the diversification of the Neotropical genus Dioon. Dioon comprises 18 species from varied habitats in Mexico and Honduras, and serves as a model to understand the patterns of cycad diversification. Here, we synthesize evidence reached from different fields, especially biogeography, phylogenetics, population ecology, and speciation, to propose a mechanism that can explain the current patterns of biodiversity in Dioon. At the macroevolutionary scale, a Paleogene origin for Dioon is more likely than an alternative hypothesis of a Neogene origin. Dioon lineages have dispersed along with the expansion of tropical forests throughout main mountain chains. Subsequently, climate change, and particularly aridification, promoted the fragmentation of the tropical forests, allowing the main Dioon clades to evolve in isolation at distinct biogeographic regimes. At the microevolutionary scale, low seed dispersal capability, stochastic demographic processes, and niche conservatism restrict the lineages to isolate themselves at narrow habitats, promoting local adaptation in populations. Local adaptation seems to be a process achieved through many generations under stabilizing selection. Altogether, these processes shaped the diversification in Dioon. This review attempts to stimulate further research on cycads and other biological groups that have diversified despite their apparent evolutionary stasis.
Rewiring metabolic flux to simultaneously improve malate production and eliminate by‐product succinate accumulation by Myceliophthora thermophila
Authors: Gu Shuying , Wu Taju , Zhao Junqi , Sun Tao , Zhao Zhen , Zhang Lu , Li Jingen , Tian Chaoguang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough a high titre of malic acid is achieved by filamentous fungi, by‐product succinic acid accumulation leads to a low yield of malic acid and is unfavourable for downstream processing. Herein, we conducted a series of metabolic rewiring strategies in a previously constructed Myceliophthora thermophila to successfully improve malate production and abolish succinic acid accumulation. First, a pyruvate carboxylase CgPYC variant with increased activity was obtained using a high‐throughput system and introduced to improve malic acid synthesis. Subsequently, shifting metabolic flux to malate synthesis from mitochondrial metabolism by deleing mitochondrial carriers of pyruvate and malate, led to a 53.7% reduction in succinic acid accumulation. The acceleration of importing cytosolic succinic acid into the mitochondria for consumption further decreased succinic acid formation by 53.3%, to 2.12 g/L. Finally, the importer of succinic acid was discovered and used to eliminate by‐product accumulation. In total, malic acid production was increased by 26.5%, relative to the start strain JG424, to 85.23 g/L and 89.02 g/L on glucose and Avicel, respectively, in the flasks. In a 5‐L fermenter, the titre of malic acid reached 182.7 g/L using glucose and 115.8 g/L using raw corncob, without any by‐product accumulation. This study would accelerate the industrial production of biobased malic acid from renewable plant biomass.
Human myofiber‐enriched aging‐induced lncRNAFRAIL1 promotes loss of skeletal muscle function
Authors: Miller Matthew J. , Gries Kevin J. , Marcotte George R. , Ryan Zachary , Strub Matthew D. , Kunz Hawley E. , Arendt Bonnie K. , Dasari Surendra , Ebert Scott M. , Adams Christopher M. , Lanza Ian R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe loss of skeletal muscle mass during aging is a significant health concern linked to adverse outcomes in older individuals. Understanding the molecular basis of age‐related muscle loss is crucial for developing strategies to combat this debilitating condition. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a largely uncharacterized class of biomolecules that have been implicated in cellular homeostasis and dysfunction across a many tissues and cell types. To identify lncRNAs that might contribute to skeletal muscle aging, we screened for lncRNAs whose expression was altered in vastus lateralis muscle from older compared to young adults. We identified FRAIL1 as an aging‐induced lncRNA with high abundance in human skeletal muscle. In healthy young and older adults, skeletal muscle FRAIL1 was increased with age in conjunction with lower muscle function. Forced expression of FRAIL1 in mouse tibialis anterior muscle elicits a dose‐dependent reduction in skeletal muscle fiber size that is independent of changes in muscle fiber type. Furthermore, this reduction in muscle size is dependent on an intact region of FRAIL1 that is highly conserved across non‐human primates. Unbiased transcriptional and proteomic profiling of the effects of FRAIL1 expression in mouse skeletal muscle revealed widespread changes in mRNA and protein abundance that recapitulate age‐related changes in pathways and processes that are known to be altered in aging skeletal muscle. Taken together, these findings shed light on the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle aging and implicate FRAIL1 in age‐related skeletal muscle phenotypes.
Parental awareness and attitudes towards prevention of respiratory syncytial virus in infants and young children in Australia
Authors: Holland Charlie , Baker Megan , Bates Amber , Hughes Catherine , Richmond Peter C. , Carlson Samantha , Moore Hannah C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimTo assess parental awareness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the level of acceptance of future RSV prevention strategies.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was implemented targeting “future” and “current” parents of children aged ≤5 years in Australia.ResultsFrom 1992 eligible participants, two non‐mutually exclusive subgroups were formed: “current” parents (N = 1931) and “pregnant/planning” parents (N = 464: 403 also “current” parents and 61 “future” parents). Participants were predominantly (86.6%) aged 25–39 years and 68.5% with university education. The majority (89.6% current; 78.7% future) had heard of RSV. Of those, 64.2% (current) and 50.0% (future) were aware that pneumonia is associated with RSV; 71.8% (current) and 52.1% (future) were aware that bronchiolitis is associated with RSV. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, Australian‐born parents (aOR = 2.47 [95% CI: 1.48–4.12]), living in the eastern states (e.g., New South Wales: aOR = 6.15 [95% CI:2.10–18.04]), with a university‐level education (aOR = 2.61 [95% CI:1.38–4.94]) and being a current parent (aOR = 12.26 [95% CI:2.82–53.28]) were associated with higher RSV awareness. There was a high level of acceptance for maternal vaccines (future: 79.3%) and infant immunisation (all: 81.7%).ConclusionWhile RSV awareness and immunisation acceptance were high, there was limited knowledge of severity of RSV, especially in future parents. Education campaigns need to be developed to increase RSV knowledge.
The PROPHER study: patient‐reported outcomes after parastomal hernia treatment—a prospective international cohort study
Authors:   PROPHER Study Collaborating Group
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimA significant proportion of stoma patients develop a parastomal hernia (PSH), with reported rates varying widely from 5% to 50% due to heterogeneity in the definition and mode of diagnosis. PSHs are symptomatic in 75% of these patients, causing a significant impact on quality of life due to issues with appliance fitting, leakage, skin excoriation and pain. They can also lead to emergency presentations with strangulation and obstruction. Evidence is lacking on how to select patients for surgical intervention or conservative treatment. In those who do undergo surgery, the best operation for a particular patient or PSH is not always clear and many options exist. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of an individual patient’s PSH treatment on their subsequent self‐reported outcomes including treatment success and quality of life.MethodsThis is a prospective international cohort study of PSH treatment, including both operative and non‐operative interventions. A global network of clinicians and specialist nurses will recruit 1000–1500 patients and centralize detailed information, their individual background and their PSH treatment, as well as short‐term outcomes up to 30 days. Patients will then provide their own outcomes data including quality of life and whether their treatment was successful, via a secure online system, at 3, 6 and 12 months. PROPHER will be run in two phases: an internal pilot phase of at least 10 hospitals from up to five countries, and a main phase of up to 200 hospitals from across the European Society of Coloproctology network.DiscussionThis study will provide a wealth of contemporaneous information which will improve our ability to counsel patients and facilitate improved selection of appropriate and personalized interventions for those with a PSH.
Comparing five equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance and assign individuals to KDIGO categories across the full age spectrum using real world data
Authors: Dagenais Simon , Radi Zaher , Burnham Janelle , Goodman Smita , Bell Griffith , Corrigan Brian , Corman Shelby , Friedman Gary 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFive equations are commonly used by biopharma companies to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or creatinine clearance (CrCl) based on regulatory and stakeholder recommendations. Changes observed in GFR and/or CrCl can be challenging to interpret as participants transition between age strata, prompting changes in equations. This manuscript explores how GFR, CrCl, and the resulting Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) categories of kidney function can change when different equations are used. We analyzed descriptively real‐world data (RWD) from 48 health care organizations in the United States to identify patients with data (age, sex, height, weight, serum biomarkers such as creatinine [Scr] and/or cystatin C [Scys]) sufficient to estimate GFR and/or CrCl. Five equations (Bedside Schwartz, Modified Schwartz, Cockcroft‐Gault, 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease‐Epidemiology Collaboration [CKD‐EPI] Scr, and 2021 CKD‐EPI Scr/Scys) were used to estimate GFR and/or CrCl and assign individuals to KDIGO categories (G1–G5). We identified 32,728 patients, including 378 infants (<2 years), 1191 younger children (2 to <6 years), 1891 older children (6 to <12 years), 3174 adolescents (12 to <18 years), 16,367 younger adults (18 to <65 years), and 9727 older adults (65+ years) with sufficient information to estimate kidney function. For patients greater than or equal to 2 years, estimated GFR and/or CrCl and KDIGO categories based on the 2021 CKD‐EPI Scr/Scys equation appeared similar to those based on currently recommended equations. RWD suggests the 2021 CKD‐EPI Scr/Scys equation could potentially be used to estimate GFR in individuals aged 2 years and older; more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Some patients with type 2 diabetes may benefit from intensive glycaemic and blood pressure control: A post‐hoc machine learning analysis of ACCORD trial data
Authors: Jiao Tianze , Kianmehr Hamed , Lin Yilu , Li Piaopiao , Singh Ospina Naykky , Ghayee Hans K. , Ruzieh Mohammed , Fonseca Vivian , Shi Lizheng , Zhang Ping , Shao Hui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThe action to control cardiovascular risk in diabetes (ACCORD) trial showed a neutral average treatment effect of intensive blood glucose and blood pressure (BP) controls in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Yet, treatment effects across patient subgroups have not been well understood. We aimed to identify patient subgroups that might benefit from intensive glucose or BP controls for preventing MACE.Materials and methodsAs a post‐hoc analysis of the ACCORD trial, we included 10 251 individuals with type 2 diabetes. We applied causal forest and causal tree models to identify participant characteristics that modify the efficacy of intensive glucose or BP controls from 68 candidate variables (demographics, comorbidities, medications and biomarkers) at the baseline. The exposure was (a) intensive versus standard glucose control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.0% vs. 7.0%‐7.9%], and (b) intensive versus standard BP control (systolic BP <120 vs. <140 mmHg). The primary outcome was MACE.ResultsCompared with standard glucose control, intensive one reduced MACE in those with baseline HbA1c <8.5% [relative risk (RR): 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67‐0.93] and those with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥106 ml/min/1.73 m2 (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55‐0.99). Intensive BP control reduced MACE in those with normal high‐density lipoprotein levels (women >55 mg/dl, men >45 mg/dl; RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34‐0.74). Risk reductions were not significant in other patient subgroups.ConclusionsOur findings suggest heterogeneous treatment effects of intensive glucose and BP control and could provide biomarkers for future clinical trials to identify more precise HbA1c and BP treatment goals for individualized medicine.
Host‐dependent larval migration and parasitism risk in a polyphagous moth
Authors: Martel Véronique , Schlyter Fredrik , Sadek Medhat M. , Hegazi Esmat M. , Glaus Valentine , Hansson Bill S. , Anderson Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFemale herbivorous insects are expected to oviposit on the host plant providing the best performance of the offspring. However, in some insects the larvae are mobile and are not totally dependent on the mother's choice. They can change host plant when conditions for development or exposure to natural enemies vary between individual plants within a patch. Here we study larval migration and preference between two host plants, cotton and alfalfa, in the Egyptian leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Previous studies have shown that although larval performance is better on cotton, females prefer to oviposit on alfalfa, and this preference corresponds to a higher survival of the eggs. In this study, S. littoralis larvae showed directed movement between host plants and were found to prefer alfalfa over cotton in field test in Egypt, as well as in laboratory selection of feeding site assays. To determine effects by natural enemies, the parasitism rates and various life‐history traits were measured for one larval parasitoid, Microplitis rufiventris Kokujev (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), on several host plants including cotton and clover (equivalent host plant to alfalfa). Overall, parasitism was higher on cotton and parasitoid performance (cocoon mass, adult longevity, and female egg load) was better on cotton compared to clover. This fact suggests an enemy‐free space on clover and alfalfa, as parasitism rate is higher on cotton, and the parasitoid performance is also better on cotton‐fed larvae.
Movement disorders following mechanical thrombectomy resulting in ischemic lesions of the basal ganglia: An emerging clinical entity
Authors: Rigon Leonardo , Genovese Danilo , Piano Carla , Brunetti Valerio , Guglielmi Valeria , Cimmino Angelo Tiziano , Scala Irene , Citro Salvatore , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Rollo Eleonora , Di Iorio Riccardo , Broccolini Aldobrando , Morosetti Roberta , Monforte Mauro , Frisullo Giovanni , Caliandro Pietro , Pedicelli Alessandro , Caricato Anselmo , Masone Giovanna , Calabresi Paolo , Marca Giacomo Della 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposePost‐stroke movement disorders (PMDs) following ischemic lesions of the basal ganglia (BG) are a known entity, but data regarding their incidence are lacking. Ischemic strokes secondary to proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion treated with thrombectomy represent a model of selective damage to the BG. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and features of movement disorders after selective BG ischemia in patients with successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsWe enrolled 64 consecutive subjects with AIS due to proximal MCA occlusion treated with thrombectomy. Patients were clinically evaluated by a movement disorders specialist for PMDs onset at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months.ResultsNone of the patients showed an identifiable movement disorder in the subacute phase of the stroke. At 6 and 12 months, respectively, 7/25 (28%) and 7/13 (53.8%) evaluated patients developed PMDs. The clinical spectrum of PMDs encompassed parkinsonism, dystonia and chorea, either isolated or combined. In most patients, symptoms were contralateral to the lesion, although a subset of patients presented with bilateral involvement and prominent axial signs.ConclusionPost‐stroke movement disorders are not uncommon in long‐term follow‐up of successfully reperfused AIS. Follow‐up conducted by a multidisciplinary team is strongly advisable in patients with selective lesions of the BG after AIS, even if asymptomatic at discharge.
Surface Deformation and Seismicity Linked to Fluid Injection in the Raton Basin
Authors: Chambers Cameron R. , Brown Megan R. M. , Stokes Scott M. , Ge Shemin , Menezes Elizabeth A. , Tiampo Kristy F. , Sheehan Anne F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt is suggested that in addition to seismicity deep fluid injection may cause surface uplift and subsidence in oil and gas‐producing regions. This study uses the Raton Basin as an example to investigate the hydromechanical processes of surface uplift and subsidence during wastewater injection. The Raton Basin, in southern central Colorado and northern central New Mexico, has experienced wastewater injection related to coalbed methane and gas production starting in 1994. In this study, we estimate the extent and magnitude of total vertical deformation in the Raton Basin from 1994 to 2020 and incremental deformation between the years 2017 to 2020. Results indicate a modeled uplift as much as 15 cm occurring between 1994 and 2020. Between 2017 and 2020, up to 3 cm of uplift occurred, largely near the northwestern injection wells. Most modeled uplift between 1994 and 2020 occurred near the southern wells, where the greatest cumulative volume of wastewater was injected. However, modeled subsidence occurred around the southern and eastern wells between 2017 and 2020, after the rate of injection decreased. Modeling indicates that while the magnitude of modeled uplift corresponds to cumulative injection volume and maximum rate in the long‐term, short‐term incremental deformation (uplift or subsidence) is controlled by changes in the rate of injection. The number of yearly earthquake events follows periods of rapid modeled uplifting throughout the Basin, suggesting that measurable surface deformation may be caused by the same injection‐induced pore pressure perturbations that initiate seismicity.
Saliva direct PCR protocol for HLA‐DQB1*02 genotyping
Authors: Carrillo Angeles , Manzur María Jimena , Juri Ayub Maximiliano 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCeliac disease (CD) is an immune disorder, that is triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. The HLA‐DQB1*02 allele is the main predisposing genetic factor and a candidate for first‐line genotyping screening. We designed and validated a simple, DNA purification‐free PCR protocol directly from crude saliva, enabling the detection of the DQB1*02 allele. This assay also distinguishes homozygous from heterozygous carriers. We propose this method for use in mass screening and/or epidemiological studies.