bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equity incentive plans and R&D investment manipulation: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Hu Pengbo , Wang Jenny J. , Li Zeyu , Zheng Hongrui , Gao Xue 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper examines the issue of earning management in companies with equity incentives from two dimensions: management manipulation of the intensity of R&D and accounting treatment by using a sample of Shanghai and Shenzhen listed companies in China from 2014 to 2019. We find that in order to depress the benchmarks and exercise prices for the performance appraisal of the equity incentive covenants, managers not only conduct accrual earnings management by expensing R&D expenditure but also increase the intensity of R&D investment for real earnings management. We also find that companies with equity incentives where managers have more power are more inclined to opt for the more concealed means of real earnings management and try to avoid accrual earnings management, which may entail higher regulatory costs and greater litigation risk with tightening accounting regulations. Our findings contribute to expanding the literature on earnings management of companies with equity incentives and provide empirical evidence for regulators to implement ‘precision regulation’ on equity incentives and earnings management.
The serotonin 2A receptor agonist TCB‐2 attenuates heavy alcohol drinking and alcohol‐induced midbrain inhibitory plasticity
Authors: Kimmey Blake A. , Wittenberg Ruthie E. , Croicu Alexandra , Shadani Nikita , Ostroumov Alexey , Dani John A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDisruption of neuronal chloride ion (Cl−) homeostasis has been linked to several pathological conditions, including substance use disorder, yet targeted pharmacotherapies are lacking. In this study, we explored the potential of serotonin 2A receptor (5‐HT2AR) agonism to reduce alcohol consumption in male wild‐type C57Bl/6J mice and to ameliorate alcohol‐induced inhibitory plasticity in the midbrain. We found that administration of the putative 5‐HT2AR agonist TCB‐2 attenuated alcohol consumption and preference but did not alter water or saccharin consumption. We hypothesized that the selective behavioural effects of TCB‐2 on alcohol drinking were due, at least in part, to effects of the agonist on ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurocircuitry. Alcohol consumption impairs Cl− transport in VTA GABA neurons, which acts as a molecular adaptation leading to increased alcohol self‐administration. Using ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, we found that exposure to either intermittent volitional alcohol drinking or an acute alcohol injection diminished homeostatic Cl− transport in VTA GABA neurons. Critically, in vivo TCB‐2 administration normalized Cl− transport in the VTA after alcohol exposure. Thus, we show a potent effect of alcohol consumption on VTA inhibitory circuitry, in the form of dysregulated Cl− homeostasis that is reversible with agonism of 5‐HT2ARs. Our results provide insight into the potential therapeutic action of 5‐HT2AR agonists for alcohol abuse.
Using information and communication technology learnings to alleviate social isolation for older people during periods of mandated isolation: A review
Authors: Todd Emily , Bidstrup Bronwyn , Mutch Allyson 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in reducing social isolation in older people and draw recommendations from previous literature appropriate for informing ICT use in future mandated periods of isolation.MethodsA systematically conducted review of key databases to identify studies investigating ICT interventions that targeted social isolation or loneliness among older people.ResultsFifteen articles were identified. All articles used ICT as an intervention for targeting social isolation with varying results. Most studies reported positive impacts on social isolation, but this was identified more in self‐reporting compared to changes in baseline measures. The types of ICT used included videoconferencing, Internet‐based applications and purpose‐designed applications. A number of factors were also identified throughout the studies that impacted uptake that should be considered when implementing ICT.ConclusionsOverall, we found evidence of ICT improving social connectedness of older people to some extent although more rigorous research in future is needed. Recommendations from previous literature highlight the importance of including older people in purposeful design, engaging families and support networks, and providing ongoing ICT training and support so that systems and skills are in place for future periods of mandated isolation. The literature also warns us not to rely on ICT as the only avenue for social interaction either during or outside periods of social distancing.
Modelling students’ career indicators via mixtures of parsimonious matrix‐normal distributions
Authors: Tomarchio Salvatore D. , Ingrassia Salvatore , Melnykov Volodymyr 
Published: February 2022

SummaryThe evaluation of the teaching efficiency, under different points of view, is an important aspect for the university system because it helps managers to improve more and more the quality of the education and helps students to achieve strong professional skills. In this framework, students’ careers as well as teachers’ qualification and quantity adequacy indicators are analysed based on data sets provided by the Italian National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR) according to a mixture model approach. In particular, parsimonious mixtures of matrix‐normal distributions are used to detect underlying grouping structures. The results show that the data present an underlying group structure of courses having different traits, thus providing useful information for the university policy makers.
Effectiveness, safety and overall satisfaction of early postpartum placement of hormonal IUD compared with standard procedure: An open‐label, randomized, multicenter study
Authors: Lichtenstein Liljeblad Karin , Kopp Kallner Helena , Brynhildsen Jan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionIn this open‐label, randomized controlled, non‐inferiority, multicenter study we aimed to study the risk of termination of pregnancy within 1 year postpartum, the safety profile and patient acceptability after early postpartum insertion of a hormonal intrauterine device (LNG‐IUS, Mirena®) compared with standard placement 6–8 weeks postpartum.Material and methodsApril 2018 to January 2020 women with uncomplicated vaginal delivery at four urban birth centers in Sweden, were randomized to either early placement within 48 h after delivery (early group) or standard placement 6–8 weeks postpartum (standard group) of a hormonal intrauterine device. The main outcome measure was the proportion of terminations of pregnancies in each group during the first year after placement of the intrauterine device. Registration EudraCT database no. 2017–001945‐29.ResultsThe study was prematurely stopped according to the protocol due to an expulsion rate >20% in the early group. No pregnancies occurred. Fifty‐two women were randomized to early and 49 women to standard insertion. In the early group, 23/52 (44.2%) of the intrauterine devices were expelled. After expulsion, 10 women chose to have another hormonal intrauterine device placed but still significantly fewer women (39/52, 75%, p = 0.22) in the early group used the hormonal intrauterine device method at study completion. No expulsions occurred in the standard group, but 5/49 (10.2%) requested removal and 41/49 (83.7%, p = 0.22) had used the hormonal intrauterine device method continuously for 1 year.ConclusionsEarly hormonal intrauterine device insertion after vaginal delivery is associated with high expulsion rates. Despite this, a high continuation rate of the hormonal intrauterine device method is seen among women once choosing the method. In the light of high continuation rates, the advantages of early insertion could balance the risk of expulsion for well‐informed women.
Role of SLC4 and SLC26 solute carriers during oxidative stress
Authors: Remigante Alessia , Spinelli Sara , Pusch Michael , Sarikas Antonio , Morabito Rossana , Marino Angela , Dossena Silvia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBicarbonate is one of the major anions in mammalian tissues and fluids, is utilized by various exchangers to transport other ions and organic substrates across cell membranes and plays a critical role in cell and systemic pH homoeostasis. Chloride/bicarbonate (Cl−/HCO3−) exchangers are abundantly expressed in erythrocytes and epithelial cells and, as a consequence, are particularly exposed to oxidants in the systemic circulation and at the interface with the external environment. Here, we review the physiological functions and pathophysiological alterations of Cl−/HCO3− exchangers belonging to the solute carriers SLC4 and SLC26 superfamilies in relation to oxidative stress. Particularly well studied is the impact of oxidative stress on the red blood cell SLC4A1/AE1 (Band 3 protein), of which the function seems to be directly affected by oxidative stress and possibly involves oxidation of the transporter itself or its interacting proteins, with detrimental consequences in oxidative stress‐related diseases including inflammation, metabolic dysfunctions and ageing. The effect of oxidative stress on SLC26 members was less extensively explored. Indirect evidence suggests that SLC26 transporters can be target as well as determinants of oxidative stress, especially when their expression is abolished or dysregulated.
Analysis of early expressive communicative behaviour of young children with significant cognitive and motor developmental delays
Authors: Dhondt Ann , Van keer Ines , van der Putten Annette , Maes Bea 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundRelated to the target group of young children with a significant cognitive and motor developmental delay, the aims of this study were to obtain more insight into (the interrelations between) several characteristics of these children's expressive communicative behaviour and to explore associations between child behaviour, partner behaviour and contextual factors.MethodsA coding scheme was specifically developed and used to code observational data of 38 children. Three different communication‐eliciting situations were video recorded. Potential communicative acts were detected, described, coded and counted within various coding categories. Data analysis mainly involved chi‐square tests in combination with Cramer's V and Friedman's two‐way analysis of variance by ranks.FindingsPotential communicative acts of young children with significant cognitive and motor developmental delay can be described in terms of focus, used modalities, level of initiative, communication complexity, signs of functionality and signs of emerging intentionality. The communicative focus of the children is mostly elicited by the prompt given by the communication partner and relates to certain behavioural modalities. Specific scaffolding behaviours of the partner are associated with the communication complexity of the children.ConclusionThis study provides some concrete suggestions on how to organise the interaction with these children.
Export tax rebates and resource misallocation: Evidence from a large developing country
Authors: Weinberger Ariel , Xuefeng Qian , Yaşar Mahmut 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe export tax rebate policy is one of the most frequently used policy instruments by Chinese policy‐makers. This paper provides a vital analysis of its allocation effects. We use customs transactions, tax administration and firm‐level data to measure the effect of variation in export tax rebates, taking advantage of the large policy change in 2004. A difference‐in‐difference approach allows us to compare the production and pricing decisions of eligible versus non‐eligible firms and the distributional implications. We tie these distributional results to a structural model akin to Hsieh and Klenow (2009) where incomplete tax rebates act as a tax on revenue of export sales. A reduction in tax rebates shifts production away from rebate‐eligible firms and decreases allocative efficiency. Our takeaway is that by adjusting its value‐added tax policy as a part of broader policy objectives, China introduces an allocative efficiency dimension that must be taken into consideration.
Radiological characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Egypt
Authors: Nasreldein Ahmed , Farweez Hasan , Abo Elfetoh Noha , Badawy Eman R. , Mahmoud Doaa M. , Hassanein Sara , Khedr Eman 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, which mainly affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnosis of NMOSD based on the 2015 consensus criteria.MethodsThe objective of this study was to describe the MRI characteristics of NMOSD patients in Egypt. This were a prospective, observational study on patients fulfilling the 2015 diagnostic criteria of NMOSD. Patients were recruited consecutively from the Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery hospital, Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt from March 2019 until August 2020. Data on demographics, clinical and laboratory features were collected. MRI scan results were reviewed for each patient and compared according to Aquaporin4‐seropositivity.ResultsNinety patients fulfilled NMOSD diagnostic criteria. The mean age at onset was 30.7±11.8 with a female predominance of 3:1. AQP4 antibodies were positive in 77/90 patients (85.6%). Seventy‐two patients (80%) had acute myelitis, 44 cases (61.1%) had longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) and 61 cases (87.1%) had a central position in the cord. Bright spotty lesions (BSL) were found in 44 cases (61.1%). The most common site of cord involvement was the cervical region. Abnormal MRI brain scans were found in 81.1% of patients. No statistically significant differences could be found between the two groups.ConclusionThere was a high frequency of abnormal spine and brain MRI findings in the Egyptian population. Even though no specific patterns were typical for AQP4‐specific serostatus, certain findings may suggest NMOSD diagnosis and warrant AQP4‐IgGs testing.
Predictors of out‐group empathy among majority and minority children in a conflict‐affected society
Authors: Taylor Laura K. , Tomašić Humer Jasmina , Dautel Jocelyn B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe examined the predictors of out‐group empathy in children growing up in a city devastated during the fall of the Former Yugoslavia. Children (N = 155; 76 male, 79 female) from both majority (64.5% Croatian) and minority (35.5% Serbian) ethnic groups, ranging from 6 to 11 years old (M = 8.77, SD = 1.15) participated. A multiple‐group path analysis in Mplus found that age, general empathy, quality contact and perceived intergroup conflict related to higher out‐group empathy. There were no significant links from gender, quantity contact or out‐group friends to out‐group empathy. The findings were consistent across majority and minority ethnic groups. Implications are discussed.
Payroll dispersion and performance in soccer: A seasonal perspective analysis for Italian Serie A (2007–2021)
Authors: Di Domizio Marco , Bellavite Pellegrini Carlo , Caruso Raul 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the relevance of wage distributions among players in determining the seasonal performances of Italian Serie A teams. Using dispersion measures on weighted wages calculated from 2007 to 2021, we analyzed the relationship between pay dispersion and team performance over 14 seasons. The percentage of points at the end of the season served as the dependent variable, and panel data techniques revealed a statistically significant association of seasonal team performances with relative wages and a negative association with salary dispersion. The empirical results confirm that cohesion theory holds true for soccer teams in Italy, and therefore more equally weighted wages are associated with better on‐field performance.
The optimal immunosuppression management to prevent early rejection after liver transplantation: A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: De Martin Eleonora , Londoño Maria‐Carlota , Emamaullee Juliet , Lerut Jan , Potts Jonathan , Aluvihare Varuna , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , McCaughan Geoffrey ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal immunosuppression protocol to prevent early acute cellular rejection (ACR) after liver transplantation (LT) avoiding prolonged hospitalization and early hospital readmission is undefined.ObjectivesTo identify the most suitable immunosuppression regimen for inclusion in ERAS programs in order to minimize early ACR after LT and to provide expert panel recommendationsData sourcesOvid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.MethodsSystematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. Studies from January 2000 onward focusing on early ACR were included. Rates of early renal dysfunction and infection were evaluated. CRD42021245586ResultsThirty‐seven studies met inclusion criteria; 23 randomized controlled trials, 14 retrospective or prospective observational comparative or noncomparative studies. Several sources of biases which potentially confound conclusions were identified: heterogeneity in immunosuppression protocols, higher serum tacrolimus levels than currently used in clinical practice, differences in the definition of ACR.ConclusionsTacrolimus is the standard immunosuppression after LT and can be used in combination with other drugs such as corticosteroids and MMF, and in association with anti‐IL2 receptor antibody (IL2Ra) induction. (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong). Low dose or delayed introduction of tacrolimus in association with corticosteroids and MMF and/or anti‐IL2Ra induction can be used to reduce acute kidney injury. (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong). Use of tacrolimus in association with corticosteroids and MMF and/or anti‐IL2Ra induction does not lead to increased infection rates. (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Weak)
Hepatoprotective effects of semaglutide, lanifibranor and dietary intervention in the GAN diet‐induced obese and biopsy‐confirmed mouse model of NASH
Authors: Møllerhøj Mathias B. , Veidal Sanne S. , Thrane Kirstine Tølbøl , Oró Denise , Overgaard Agnete , Salinas Casper Gravesen , Madsen Martin Rønn , Pfisterer Larissa , Vyberg Mogens , Simon Eric , Broermann Andre , Vrang Niels , Jelsing Jacob , Feigh Michael , Hansen Henrik H. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has emerged as a major challenge for public health because of high global prevalence and lack of evidence‐based therapies. Most animal models of NASH lack sufficient validation regarding disease progression and pharmacological treatment. The Gubra‐Amylin NASH (GAN) diet‐induced obese (DIO) mouse demonstrate clinical translatability with respect to disease etiology and hallmarks of NASH. This study aimed to evaluate disease progression and responsiveness to clinically effective interventions in GAN DIO‐NASH mice. Disease phenotyping was performed in male C57BL/6J mice fed the GAN diet high in fat, fructose, and cholesterol for 28–88 weeks. GAN DIO‐NASH mice with biopsy‐confirmed NASH and fibrosis received low‐caloric dietary intervention, semaglutide (30 nmol/kg/day, s.c.) or lanifibranor (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Within‐subject change in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Activity Score (NAS) and fibrosis stage was evaluated using automated deep learning‐based image analysis. GAN DIO‐NASH mice showed clear and reproducible progression in NASH, fibrosis stage, and tumor burden with high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Consistent with clinical trial outcomes, semaglutide and lanifibranor improved NAS, whereas only lanifibranor induced regression in the fibrosis stage. Dietary intervention also demonstrated substantial benefits on metabolic outcomes and liver histology. Differential therapeutic efficacy of semaglutide, lanifibranor, and dietary intervention was supported by quantitative histology, RNA sequencing, and blood/liver biochemistry. In conclusion, the GAN DIO‐NASH mouse model recapitulates various histological stages of NASH and faithfully reproduces histological efficacy profiles of compounds in advanced clinical development for NASH. Collectively, these features highlight the utility of GAN DIO‐NASH mice in preclinical drug development.
Effects of voluntary exercise on muscle structure and function in cerebral palsy
Authors: Moreau Noelle G. , Lieber Richard L. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSkeletal muscles are required for functional movement and force production. While it is clear that cerebral palsy (CP) results in loss of muscle strength and bodily function, and that much of this loss is caused by injury to the central nervous system, muscle is a very plastic tissue that is also dramatically affected. In many studies, it is assumed that voluntary exercise will cause the muscle to respond in the same way that typically developing muscle does, but there are scarce data demonstrating that this is true. The purpose of this review is to briefly describe muscle architectural adaptation to various forms of exercise with specific reference to voluntary exercise performed in children with CP. Exercise itself is not generic but can vary by intensity, duration, and the exact nature of the muscle length change and velocity imposed during the exercise. Our goal is to stimulate discussion in this area by pointing out salient experimental variables and, ultimately, to improve activity and participation in children with CP.