bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Risk Management
Authors: Stulz René M. 
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a theory of corporate risk management that goes beyond the “variance‐minimization” model that long dominated academic discussions of the subject. It argues that the primary goal of risk management is not to dampen swings in corporate earnings, cash flows, or value, but rather to provide protection against the possibility of costly lower‐tail outcomes—situations that would cause financial distress or make a company unable to carry out its investment strategy. In the jargon of finance specialists, risk management can be viewed as the purchase of “well‐out‐of‐the‐money put options” designed to limit downside risk.By eliminating downside risk and reducing the expected costs of financial trouble, risk management can also help a company to achieve both its value‐maximizing capital structure and its optimal ownership structure. For besides increasing corporate debt capacity, the reduction of downside risk also encourages larger equity stakes for managers by shielding their investments from “uncontrollables.”The paper also departs from standard finance theory in suggesting that some companies may have a comparative advantage in bearing certain financial market risks—an advantage that derives from information acquired through their normal business activities. Although such specialized information may lead some companies to take speculative positions in commodities or currencies, it is more likely to encourage “selective” hedging, a practice in which the risk manager's “view” of future price movements influences the percentage of the exposure that is hedged.But to the extent that such view‐taking becomes an accepted part of a company's risk management program, it is important to evaluate managers’ bets on a risk‐adjusted basis and relative to the market. If risk managers want to behave like money managers, they should be evaluated like money managers.
Real Options and Hidden Leverage∗
Authors: Myers Stewart C. , Read James A. 
Published: March 2022

Financial leverage is customarily measured by the ratio of debt to net assets or debt to enterprise value. These measures usually understate effective leverage, because corporate commitments to ongoing and future capital investments create hidden leverage that acts like debt, but does not appear on book balance sheets.Hidden leverage acts like debt in two important ways. First, it increases financial risk. The more hidden leverage, the more volatile are stock market returns. Second, failure to meet hidden‐leverage obligations is costly. Failure may mean loss of investment opportunities or other damage to the company's long‐term prospects and value.In the case of growth companies, the most important source of hidden leverage is options for future investment. Investment opportunities are real call options, where the underlying asset is a real (as distinct from a financial) asset. Suppose an energy company has a good greenfield site and the opportunity to build a petrochemical plant when and if the time is ripe. The future decision will depend on the spread between feedstock and product prices, on energy and transportation costs, and on the resolution of other uncertainties that will determine the plant's future NPV. Though the plant may never be constructed, the option to construct it is valuable now.Most companies also have real put options: opportunities to abandon assets. Abandonment options are generally more abundant in mature or declining industries.Starting with insight that real call options are equivalent to leveraged positions in the underlying asset, the authors use option pricing concepts to calculate the amounts of option leverage. They show why high‐growth companies like Apple are effectively far more leveraged than their GAAP accounting balance sheets would suggest. Such analysis helps explain why companies like Apple also keep so much cash and marketable securities on hand.Growth (call) options typically have negative debt capacity, which displaces explicit borrowing. Abandonment (put) options have positive debt capacity, which allows the company to borrow more than its assets in place would normally support. This can explain the high debt ratios in many LBOs.The authors explore other effects of hidden leverage. For example, standard procedures for estimating the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) will overestimate WACC for growth firms and underestimate it for mature firms with valuable abandonment options.
Global cognitive function correlates with P‐wave dispersion in frail hypertensive older adults
Authors: Mone Pasquale , Pansini Antonella , Calabrò Francesco , De Gennaro Stefano , Esposito Mafalda , Rinaldi Paolo , Colin Antonio , Minicucci Fabio , Coppola Antonio , Frullone Salvatore , Santulli Gaetano 
Published: March 2022

AbstractP‐Wave Dispersion (PWD) is an ECG parameter defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest P‐Wave duration. PWD has been associated with hypertension, a leading cause of age‐related cognitive decline. Moreover, hypertension is associated with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Based on these considerations, we evaluated PWD and global cognitive function in frail hypertensive older adults with a previous diagnosis of cognitive decline. We evaluated consecutive frail hypertensive patients ≥65‐year‐old with a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score <26. Patients with evidence of secondary hypertension, history of stroke, myocardial infarction, or therapy with beta‐blockers or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were excluded. Beta‐blocker therapy causes a significant decrease in PWD; patients treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were not included to avoid confounding effects on cognitive function. By examining 180 patients, we found that PWD significantly correlated with MMSE score. Strikingly, these effects were confirmed in a linear multivariate analysis with a regression model. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that PWD correlates with global cognitive function in frail hypertensive older adults.
siRNA‐induced CD44 knockdown suppresses the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer stem cells through inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zou Weiyan , Zhang Yi , Bai Guangfu , Zhuang Jialu , Wei Lin , Wang Zishu , Sun Meiqun , Wang Junbin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCD44 has shown prognostic values and promising therapeutic potential in multiple human cancers; however, the effects of CD44 silencing on biological behaviors of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have not been fully understood in colorectal cancer. To examine the contribution of siRNA‐induced knockdown of CD44 to the biological features of colorectal CSCs, colorectal CSCs HCT116‐CSCs were generated, and CD44 was knocked down in HCT116‐CSCs using siRNA. The proliferation, migration and invasion of HCT116‐CSCs were measured, and apoptosis and cell‐cycle analyses were performed. The sensitivity of HCT116‐CSCs to oxaliplatin was tested, and xenograft tumor growth assay was performed to examine the role of CD44 in HCT116‐CSCs tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin and vimentin was quantified. siRNA‐induced knockdown of CD44 was found to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion, induce apoptosis, promote cell‐cycle arrest at the G1/G0 phase and increase the sensitivity of HCT116‐CSCs to oxaliplatin in HCT116‐CSCs, and knockdown of CD44 suppressed in vivo tumorigenesis and intrapulmonary metastasis of HCT116‐CSCs. Moreover, silencing CD44 resulted in EMT inhibition. Our findings demonstrate that siRNA‐induced CD44 knockdown suppresses the proliferation, invasion and in vivo tumorigenesis and metastasis of colorectal CSCs by inhibiting EMT.
Searching for seadragons: predicting micro‐habitat use for the common (weedy) seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) based on habitat and prey
Authors: Allan Sam J. , O'Connell Max J. , Harasti David , Klanten O. Selma , Booth David J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHabitat associations can be critical predictors of larger‐scale organism distributions and range shifts. Here the authors consider how a critical habitat, kelp (Ecklonia radiata) and prey (mysid crustacean swarms), can influence small‐ and large‐scale distribution on the iconic common (weedy) seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus:Syngnathidae). P. taeniolatus are charismatic fish endemic to the temperate reefs of southern Australia, reported to range from Geraldton, Western Australia (28.7667°S, 114.6167°E) around southern Australia to Port Stephens, New South Wales (32.614369°S, 152.325676°E). The authors test a previously developed model of seadragon habitat preferences to predict P. taeniolatus occurrence within four sites from Sydney to the northern limit of their range in eastern Australia. They determined that P. taeniolatus associations with Ecklonia and mysid shrimp can be extrapolated across multiple sites to predict the occurrence of individual P. taeniolatus within a location/site. For instance, the authors demonstrated a significant positive relationship between the density of mysid swarms and the density of P. taeniolatus, evident across all sites despite large differences in the density of mysid swarms among sites. The findings are the first to model P. taeniolatus habitat associations across multiple sites to the northern limit of their range and have applications in protecting P. taeniolatus populations and how they may respond under climate change scenarios, such as poleward kelp retractions.
Anisakidae parasitism activated immune response and induced liver fibrosis in wild anadromous Coilia nasus
Authors: Ying Congping , Fang Xin , Wang Honglan , Yang Yanping , Xu Pao , Liu Kai , Yin Guojun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAnisakidae nematode larvae is one of the most common parasites in wild anadromous Coilia nasus. This study aims to explore the mechanism of the C. nasus immune response to the parasitism of Anisakid nematode larvae. Results found that Anisakid nematode larvae parasitism caused liver injury as evidenced by histomorphology results as well as high levels of aminotransferase and aspertate aminotransferase. Furthermore, Anisakid nematode larvae parasitism induced an immune response in the host, which was characterized by the elevated populations of macrophages and neutrophils in the liver and head‐kidney in the Anisakidae‐infected group compared to the noninfected group. The expression of immunoglobulin IgM and IgD in the liver and head‐kidney was also increased in the Anisakidae‐infected group. The Anisakidae‐infected group showed higher activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, which indicates severe oxidative stress, and increased production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α, IL‐6 as well as MCP‐1 in the liver compared with the noninfected group. As a result of inflammation, livers of hosts in the Anisakidae‐infected group showed fibrosis, and elevated expression of associated proteins including α‐smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, collagen type I and type III compared with the noninfected group. We demonstrated that Anisakid nematode larvae parasitism results in injury and fibrosis in the liver, and triggers immune cell infiltration and inflammation in the liver and head‐kidney of C. nasus. Altogether, the results provide a foundation for building an interaction between parasite and host, and will contribute to C. nasus population and fishery resource protection.
Median and ulnar nerve fascicle imaging using MR microscopy and high‐resolution ultrasound
Authors: Žiga Snoj , Igor Serša , Urša Matičič , Domen Plut , Erika Cvetko , Gregor Omejec 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and PurposeUnderstanding nerve microanatomy is important as different neuropathies and some nerve neoplasms present with fascicle enlargement. The aim of our study was to gain clinically oriented knowledge on nerve fascicular anatomy using imaging modalities.MethodsOn a cadaveric upper extremity, high‐resolution ultrasound (HRUS) scan with 22 MHz probe was performed. Sections of the median and ulnar nerves were excised at the level of the distal arm and after magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), histological cross‐sections (HCS) were prepared. Cross‐referencing of the MRM and HRUS images with HCS was performed. Fascicle and nerve contouring was performed with morphometric software in order to assess nerve and fascicular cross‐sectional area (CSA), fascicle count, and interfascicular distances. Based on fascicle differentiation, factual fascicle (FF) group and fascicular cluster (FC) group were defined.ResultsOn the cross‐referenced imaging material, fascicles were differentiated in 92.7% on MRM and in 57.3% on HRUS. High to very high positive correlation among imaging material was observed for the fascicle CSA. FF depiction was 30.1% on HRUS. In comparison to the FF group, the FC group had significantly larger fascicle CSA and shorter interfascicular distances.DiscussionThe findings of our study contribute to understanding of fascicle depiction on imaging modalities. HRUS offers good visualization of fascicles. The capability of differentiating fascicles is modality specific and depends on the fascicle CSA and the amount of interfascicular epineurium.
Peircean realism: A primer
Authors: Ritz Bridget 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCharles S. Peirce's realism has been neglected by pragmatists and critical realists alike in the current debate over metatheoretical realism in sociology. This paper introduces Peirce's view of what is at stake in the question of realism, specifically regarding causation. Leveraging current interest in Peirce's conception of abduction, I show how realism about causation is implicit therein. I present a genealogy of the concept of real causation Peirce embraces. I explicate Peirce's view of the scientific significance of realism about causation, and why he finds it compelling. Finally, I argue that Peirce would intervene in the current debate by saying that those committed to abductive theorizing and causal explanation are implicitly realist.
How gender, marital status, and gender norms affect savings goals
Authors: Agunsoye Ariane , Monne Jerome , Rutterford Janette , Sotiropoulos Dimitris P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSetting savings goals can increase wealth accumulation behaviour, yet it depends on how challenging the goals are. Using rarely available savings goal data from 1,760 clients of an advisory investment firm, we identify gender attitudinal differences in goal amounts: men choose more ambitious savings goals than women, independently from expected life‐long earnings. This, however, holds only for individuals living in a couple, for which men's savings goals reach the highest levels. Based on insights from qualitative research (56 semi‐structured interviews of 60 participants), we argue that these differences originate from gender‐normative roles assigned to members within the households. Most women are assigned to daily budget management, exacerbating worries about financial security issues in the short term and negatively impacting savings goals. This observation holds even when women, rather than men, manage long‐term investment for the household. Men's assignment to long‐term financial planning is related to optimism and ambition with regards to their savings goal choice, but these attitudes remain conditional on the fact that they do not deal with day‐to‐day budget management.
Evaluation of the periodontal viruses in cardiovascular patients associated with periodontitis
Authors: Ilango Paavai , Mahendra Jaideep , Mahendra Little , Cherian Sanjay M. , Suresh Vasugi , Mahalingam Arulpari , Khanna Vinoth , Thanigaimalai Abirami 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe current study aimed in evaluating the prevalence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in periodontitis and/or coronary artery disease (CAD) patients to compare with their healthy controls and insist their significance in the same.MethodologyTwo hundred and forty patients were divided into 4 groups. Non‐periodontitis+non‐cardiac (NP+NC) = 60 patients, periodontitis+non‐cardiac patients (P+NC) = 60 patients, non‐periodontitis+cardiac patients (NP+C) = 60 patients, and periodontitis+cardiac (P+C) = 60 patients. Demographic variables, cardiac and periodontal parameters were recorded. EBV, CMV, and HSV were evaluated in the subgingival plaque samples using RT‐PCR (real‐time polymerase chain reaction) and compared between the groups. The results were statistically analyzed using Student's t‐test, Pearson's chi‐square, Turkey post hoc analysis, and multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe demographic variables did not differ significantly between the groups, except for age. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein, and random blood sugar were significantly higher in NP+C and P+C (p ≤ 0.05). The plaque index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss (p ≤ 0.05) were significantly higher in P+NC and P+C. EBV and CMV were significantly higher in the two periodontitis groups P+NC and P+C (p‐value = 0.000). HSV was significantly higher in the two cardiac groups (NP+C and P+C) (p≤0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between EBV and CAL (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionThe study concluded that higher prevalence of EBV and CMV was found in groups with periodontitis patients. This indicates the significant role of the viruses in periodontitis as confirmed by association between EBV and CAL. The viruses were said to be highest in periodontitis patients with CAD. This could pave a new link in the risk of CAD in periodontitis patients.
Comparison of lichen sclerosus in boys and girls: A systematic literature review of epidemiology, symptoms, genetic background, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis
Authors: Kumar Kajal S. , Morrel Beth , van Hees Colette L. M. , van der Toorn Fred , van Dorp Wendy , Mendels Elodie J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundStudies concerning pediatric lichen sclerosus are limited, and, to date, there have been no studies comparing the course of lichen sclerosus in boys and girls. We sought to examine all publications on boys and girls with lichen sclerosus and assess and compare epidemiology, symptoms and signs, genetic background, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis.MethodsA systematic search was performed in the Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were information on children ages 0–18 years and a clinical or histologic diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. Literature from 1985 to 2021 was reviewed.ResultsA total of 1780 articles were retrieved from the search, of which 90 articles were eligible for inclusion. Boys and girls present similarly on many aspects; nonetheless, treatment and follow‐up are approached differently.ConclusionsThough the clinical approach is often different, lichen sclerosus in boys and girls demonstrates many similarities. More research is needed, especially on follow‐up, to gain a better understanding of the course of lichen sclerosus and establish an advanced management plan for children.
Melasma: The need for tailored photoprotection to improve clinical outcomes
Authors: Morgado‐Carrasco Daniel , Piquero‐Casals Jaime , Granger Corinne , Trullàs Carles , Passeron Thierry 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground/purposeMelasma is a frequent photoexacerbated hyperpigmentary disorder, which can significantly impact on the quality of life. We sought to review the pathogenesis of melasma, and the role of photoprotection in the prevention and treatment of this disorder.MethodsWe conducted a narrative review of the literature. We performed literature searches with PubMed from January 1990 to December 2021 using the keywords “melasma,” “pathogenesis,” “ultraviolet radiation,” “visible light,” “photoprotection,” and “sunscreens.”ResultsThe physiopathology of melasma includes a complex interaction between genetics, sex hormones, and sun exposure. Visible light, in particular high‐energy visible light (HEVL), and long‐wave UVA (UVA1) play a key role in melasma pathophysiology, and recent research suggests that melasma shares many features with photoaging disorders. Melasma disproportionately affects dark‐skinned individuals. Some 30% to 50% of South Americans and Asians, among other ethnicities, can present with melasma. Dark‐skinned patients take fewer photoprotective measures. Also, the majority of melasma patients do not adequately follow photoprotection recommendations, including the application of sunscreen. Intensive use of a broad‐spectrum sunscreen can prevent melasma in high‐risk individuals, can lessen melasma severity (associated or not with depigmenting agents), and can reduce relapses.ConclusionsDue to the physiopathology of melasma, sunscreens should be broad‐spectrum with high sun protection factor, and provide high protection against UVA1 and VL. Sunscreens should be cosmetically acceptable and leave no white residue. Tinted sunscreens are an excellent choice, as pigments can protect from HEVL and UVA1, and may provide camouflage, but they must offer colors that match the skin tone of each patient.
Social networks of independents and partisans: Are independents a moderating force?
Authors: Reilly Thom , Hedberg E. C. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWhile scholars have long recognized that social networks impact political engagement for partisans, comparatively little work has examined the role of networks for independent voters. In this article, we contribute to existing research on social networks and politics by surveying Arizona registered voters about their political persuasion, personal networks, and media consumption habits. Our findings show that independents have networks that are structurally different from partisans. Specifically, we found that both Democrat and Republican respondents were more likely to frequently talk about politics with independents than with members of the opposing party. Independents were also less likely than partisans to end a friendship over a political dispute. Taken together these findings show that independents may be frequent and reliable discussion partners for partisans and may be able to moderate political views. We find evidence for the moderating force of independents is especially apparent in the media consumption habits of Republican respondents.Related ArticlesCormack, Lindsey. 2019. “Leveraging Peer‐to‐Peer Connections to Increase Voter Participation in Local Elections.”Politics & Policy47(2): 248–66.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12297.Malmberg, Fredrik G., and Henrik Serup Christensen. 2021. “Voting Women, Protesting Men: A Multilevel Analysis of Corruption, Gender, and Political Participation.”Politics & Policy49(1): 126–61.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12393.Rowe, Andrew D., and David E. Pitfield. 2019. “The Challenge of Social Media Incorporation: A Case Study of HACAN Clearskies.”Politics & Policy47(4): 775–806.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12319.