bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intradialytic isometric handgrip exercise does not cause hemodynamic instability: A randomized, cross‐over, pilot study
Authors: Ribeiro Heitor S. , Cunha Vinícius A. , Baiao Victor M. , Almeida Lucas S. , Dourado Gustavo Í. , Carvalho Helton L. , Duarte Marvery P. , Inda‐Filho Antônio , Viana João L. , Nóbrega Otávio T. , Ferreira Aparecido P.
Published: August 2020

Hemodialysis (HD) patients experience hemodynamic instability and intradialytic exercise seems to attenuate it. This study aimed to verify the acute hemodynamic response to different intradialytic handgrip exercise intensities in HD patients. In a randomized, cross‐over, experimental pilot study, eight patients completed two experimental sessions and one control in random order: (a) regular HD; (b) low‐intensity isometric handgrip exercise; and (c) moderate‐intensity isometric handgrip exercise. BP and heart rate variability were recorded immediately before and every 15 minutes. Isometric handgrip exercise protocols, regardless of the intensity, did not lead to significant changes in hemodynamic stability, nor when compared to the control condition (P > .05). The systolic BP and double product significantly increased immediately after the moderate‐intensity protocol (122.0 ± 15.9 vs 131.3 ± 19.8, P < .05; 9094.7 ± 1705.7 vs 9783.0 ± 1947.9, P < .05, respectively) but returned to the pre‐exercise values 10 minutes later. We conclude that intradialytic isometric handgrip exercise does not induce hemodynamic instability at low and moderate intensities.
Vertical structure and innovation: A study of the SoC and smartphone industries
Authors: Yang Chenyu
Published: August 2020

This article studies how vertical integration and upstream R&D subsidy affect innovation and welfare in vertically separated industries. I formulate a dynamic structural model of a dominant upstream firm and oligopolistic downstream firms that invest in complementary innovations. I estimate the model using data on the System‐on‐Chip (SoC) and smartphone industries. The results suggest that a vertical merger can increase innovation and welfare, mainly driven by the investment coordination of the merged firms. I also find that subsidizing the upstream innovation increases overall private investment, innovation, and welfare.
Corporate Governance and Earnings Management: Evidence from Shareholder Proposals*
Authors: Fan Zhongwen , Radhakrishnan Suresh , Zhang Yuan
Published: August 2020

We examine the causal effects of corporate governance on earnings management using shareholder‐sponsored proposals that pass or fail by a small margin of votes in annual shareholder meetings. This setting provides a causal estimate that overcomes concerns of endogeneity. Specifically, compared with firms whose shareholder proposals fall just short of a majority threshold, firms whose shareholder proposals narrowly pass have similar characteristics but a discretely higher likelihood of implementing improvements in governance. As such, we expect that firms whose shareholder proposals pass the threshold by a small margin exhibit a significantly lower level of earnings management. Employing a regression discontinuity design, we find results that support our expectation based on the propensity to just meet or beat analysts' forecasts by one cent as a proxy for earnings management. In addition, we show that the results are driven by governance changes that increase directors' monitoring. Our results are robust to using discretionary accruals as an alternative measure of earnings management. Collectively, the results suggest that improvements in corporate governance curtail earnings management, and support the underlying premise of regulators that improvements in corporate governance would improve financial reporting.
The Effect of Humanizing Robo‐Advisors on Investor Judgments*
Authors: Hodge Frank D. , Mendoza Kim I. , Sinha Roshan K.
Published: August 2020

We examine the effect of humanizing (naming) robo‐advisors on investor judgments, which has taken on increased importance as robo‐advisors have become increasingly common and there is currently little SEC regulation governing key aspects of their use. In our first experiment, we predict and find that investors are more likely to rely on the investment recommendation of an unnamed robo‐advisor, whereas they are more likely to rely on the investment recommendation of a named human advisor. Theory suggests one reason that naming a robo‐advisor may have drawbacks pertains to the complexity of the task the robo‐advisor performs. We explore the importance of task complexity in our second experiment. We predict and find that investors are less likely to rely on a named robo‐advisor when the advisor is perceived to be performing a relatively complex task, consistent with our first experiment, and more likely to rely on a named robo‐advisor when the advisor is perceived to be performing a relatively simple task, consistent with prior research on human‐computer interactions. Our findings contribute to the literature examining how technology influences the acquisition and use of financial information and the general literature on human‐computer interactions. Our study also addresses a call by the SEC to learn more about robo‐advisors. Lastly, our study has practical implications for wealth management firms by demonstrating the potentially negative effects of making robo‐advisors more humanlike in an attempt to engage and attract users.
Fitness Fanatics: Exercise as Answer to Pending Zombie Apocalypse in Contemporary America
Authors: Hejtmanek Katie Rose
Published: August 2020

Physical fitness has a long history in the United States. Currently, functional fitness has emerged as a popular, novel method of exercising. Based on years of ethnographic research on a branded version of functional fitness, I argue this form of exercise is an audit system and culture, initiated by the creators of the brand itself, implemented in the gyms, and governed by the participants. This article illustrates that such an exercise regimen is a response to the post‐9/11 world—complete with war on terror, economic insecurity, and border security threats—and provides a window into the necropolitics of elite, white America due to an uncertain, neoliberal future. [fitness, audit culture, race, zombie apocalypse, United States]
“Music Makes My Old Heart Beat”: A Randomised Controlled Study on the Benefits of the Use of Music in Comprehensive Care for Institutionalised Older Adults
Authors: Castillejos Carolina , Godoy‐Izquierdo Débora
Published: August 2020

Background

Research on the therapeutic use of music is growing, but the lack of experimental rigour and outcomes diversity has impeded researchers from obtaining clear evidence of the multiple benefits of music interventions in older adults. We explored the outcomes of a music‐complemented intervention integrated into the therapeutic activities of institutionalised elderly people.

Methods

A randomised controlled study with baseline, post‐intervention, and 2‐week follow‐up measures was carried out with 50 residents in a caring institution. Several indicators of physical health, cognitive functioning, emotional well‐being, pain, and happiness were assessed at all phases.

Results

Mixed factorial ANOVAs showed a positive impact of the music intervention on the outcomes in the intervention group (effect sizes up to .78) compared to the stability in the control (waiting list) group. Notably, the benefits seemed to be temporary, as they decreased progressively after the discontinuation of the intervention.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effects of a planned music‐based intervention on several health‐ and well‐being‐related outcomes and has important applications regarding the use of music as a complement in therapeutic interventions with elderly people. The implementation of music therapy within the comprehensive care of institutionalised people must be maintained over time for the effects to be durable.
The Relationship between Risk Event Involvement and Risk Perception during the COVID‐19 Outbreak in China
Authors: Qian Da , Li Ou
Published: August 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a worldwide pandemic that continues to spread and the situation continues to deteriorate globally. It is also a risk event for the public in affected areas. However, little is known about the relationship between “being involved/exposed in a risk event at the moment” and people’s risk perception of that event.

Methods

The mediation model and analysis of covariance method were performed on a Chinese sample (N = 351) during the outbreak of COVID‐19 to test the underlying mechanism between risk event involvement and risk perception.

Results

Risk event involvement was positively related not only to people’s event‐related risk perception but also their general risk perception (i.e. risk perception towards other events), and negative emotion mediated these relationships. In addition, the residents of Wuhan (vs. non‐Wuhan) exhibited significantly higher event‐related risk perception as well as general risk perception.

Conclusions

The findings deepen our understanding of risk perception by suggesting that being involved in a risk event at the moment is also a nonnegligible variable positively related to risk perception through increased negative emotion. Finally, theoretical and managerial implications of the result are discussed.
Accuracy in Surrogate End‐of‐Life Medical Decision‐Making: A Critical Review
Authors: Spalding Rachael
Published: August 2020

Background

Increasing age is accompanied by a greater need for medical decisions, due in part to age‐related increases in chronic disease and disability. In later life, medical decisions about end‐of‐life care in particular are likely. However, a significant percentage of these decisions are made by surrogate decision‐makers. “Surrogates” are most often instructed to use the substituted judgment standard and make decisions that patients would choose if they were able. Whether surrogates make decisions that adequately match patients’ preferences is a concern. Surrogates are generally poor predictors of patient preferences (Shalowitz et al., 2006). However, no critical review of this literature has yet been published.

Method

A critical review was conducted to summarise and provide a methodological critique of 25 studies.

Results

These studies generally concur that patient–surrogate agreement on medical decisions is poor. However, this conclusion is qualified by inconsistencies in methodological quality and the potentially limited generalisability of these findings.

Conclusions

Clinical research incorporating standardised hypothetical decision‐making protocols, as well as triangulated data collection methods, would bolster confidence in future findings. Investigations prioritising the surrogate decision‐making process, rather than solely the decisional outcome, could better identify ways to improve the decision‐making process for incapacitated patients.
Avoiding harm: Tackling problematic polypharmacy through strengthening expert generalist practice
Authors: Reeve Joanne
Published: August 2020

Problematic polypharmacy is a growing challenge. Medication that is intended to improve patients' health and wellbeing is instead becoming part of the problem. The way we practice medicine has become a driver for the problem. Dealing with the challenge will need us to think differently about how we do clinical care.

A 2013 Kings Fund report stated that tackling problematic polypharmacy requires us to actively build a principle of compromise into the way we use medicines. There are implications for how we consult and make decisions with patients, in how we design health practice and systems to support that decision making, and, in our understanding of the process of research, how we generate the knowledge that informs practice.

This review considers the current state of play in all 3 areas and identifies some of the work we still need to do in order to generate the practice‐based evidence needed to tackle this most challenging problem.

Finding a way to redesign practice to address problematic polypharmacy could offer a template for tackling other related complex issues facing medical practice such as multimorbidity, chronic pain and complex mental health.
Brain connectivity alteration detection via matrix‐variate differential network model
Authors: Ji Jiadong , He Yong , Liu Lei , Xie Lei
Published: August 2020

Brain functional connectivity reveals the synchronization of brain systems through correlations in neurophysiological measures of brain activities. Growing evidence now suggests that the brain connectivity network experiences alterations with the presence of numerous neurological disorders, thus differential brain network analysis may provide new insights into disease pathologies. The data from neurophysiological measurement are often multidimensional and in a matrix form, posing a challenge in brain connectivity analysis. Existing graphical model estimation methods either assume a vector normal distribution that in essence requires the columns of the matrix data to be independent or fail to address the estimation of differential networks across different populations. To tackle these issues, we propose an innovative matrix‐variate differential network (MVDN) model. We exploit the D‐trace loss function and a Lasso‐type penalty to directly estimate the spatial differential partial correlation matrix and use an alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm for the optimization problem. Theoretical and simulation studies demonstrate that MVDN significantly outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods in dynamic differential network analysis. We illustrate with a functional connectivity analysis of an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder dataset. The hub nodes and differential interaction patterns identified are consistent with existing experimental studies.
Daratumumab‐based therapy for patients with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance
Authors: Kastritis Efstathios , Theodorakakou Foteini , Roussou Maria , Psimenou Erasmia , Gakiopoulou Charikleia , Marinaki Smaragdi , Gatou Anastasia , Fotiou Despina , Migkou Magdalini , Kanellias Nikolaos , Eleutherakis‐Papaiakovou Evangelos , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Dialoupi Ioanna , Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos Ioannis , Kostopoulos Ioannis V. , Terpos Evangelos , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: August 2020

Treatment of the plasma cell clone in monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is necessary in order to reduce toxic immunoglobulin load to the kidneys and salvage renal function. There are limited data on the use of daratumumab in patients with MGRS. We summarize our experience with the use of daratumumab‐based therapy in 25 MGRS patients, 12 of whom were previously untreated. The median follow‐up of the cohort is 14 months. The best overall haematologic response in evaluable patients was complete response (CR) in five (22%), very good partial response (VGPR) in five (22%) and partial response (PR) in seven (30%) patients for an overall response rate of 74%. Two of five patients in CR and two patients with initially detectable clones, but non‐measurable immunoglobulins, had undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD) with next‐generation flow cytometry (NGF) after therapy. Haematologic response rate for previously untreated patients was 83% vs. 69% for previously treated and for daratumumab combinations it was 91% vs. 64%, and with CR/VGPR 82% vs. 29%, compared to daratumumab monotherapy. At six months, 12/22 (55%) patients not on dialysis achieved a reduction of proteinuria >30%, of at least 0·5 g/24 h, without an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction. The toxicity was mild and predictable. In conclusion, daratumumab‐based therapy is a new option for patients with MGRS.
Prices paid for farmland in Ontario: Does buyer type matter?
Authors: Vyn Richard J. , Shang Max Zongyuan
Published: August 2020

In the wake of the substantial increases in farmland values that have occurred in Ontario since 2008, concerns have been expressed regarding the potential influence of nonfarmer buyers, such as investment companies and foreign buyers, on prices paid for farmland. To examine whether these concerns may be warranted, this paper estimates the impact of nonfarmer buyers on sale prices for farmland in Ontario, using a hedonic approach and farmland sales data from 2002 to 2016. Analysis is also conducted to determine whether marginal implicit prices of specific farm attributes differ between farmer buyers and nonfarmer buyers. The results indicate that nonfarmer buyers have paid higher prices for farmland, but only in near‐urban areas. In addition, differences in marginal implicit prices for farmland attributes are found, where farmer buyers value more highly attributes related to the agricultural productivity of the property while nonfarmer buyers value more highly attributes related to nonagricultural use. These results imply that the higher prices paid by nonfarmers may be attributable to the bid‐rent theory, as nonfarmers may be bidding more than farmers for farmland in near‐urban areas due to higher expected returns from future urban use of the land.
Relevance of contact sensitizations in occupational dermatitis patients with special focus on patch testing of workplace materials
Authors: Schubert Steffen , Geier Johannes , Skudlik Christoph , Reich Anna , Hansen Andreas , Buhl Timo , Mempel Martin , Schön Michael P. , John Swen M. , Brans Richard
Published: August 2020

Background

Studies on patch testing with workplace materials and evaluation of current occupational relevance of positive patch test reactions are scarce in patients with occupational dermatitis (OD).

Objectives

To identify frequent sensitizations with occupational relevance and to determine the value of patch testing with workplace materials in OD patients.

Patients and Methods

Results and clinical data of 654 patients with suspected OD patch tested between 2013 and 2017 were analysed.

Results

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 113 (17.3%) patients. Mechanics had the widest range of occupational sensitizations. Sensitization to epoxy resin was rated occupationally relevant in almost all handicraft trades. Among positive patch test reactions to workplace products, those to water‐based metal working fluids and leave‐on cosmetic products were most frequent. Despite frequent testing, protective gloves only rarely elicited positive reactions. Preservatives and rubber compounds were most frequently identified as currently occupationally relevant.

Conclusions

Rubber allergy is occupationally relevant especially in healthcare workers and cleaners. Generally, preservatives including formaldehyde releasers are important allergens in OD patients. Leave‐on cosmetic products must not be forgotten as allergen sources. Patch testing both workplace materials and standardized test preparations has a complementary value and is beneficial for the diagnostic work‐up of OD patients.
Thickening of the basement membrane as a diagnostic sign of mycosis fungoides
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Diep My , Cassarino David
Published: August 2020

The epidermal basement membrane (BM) is readily identified on skin biopsy specimens stained with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) and PAS with diastase (PAS‐D). Thickening of BM can be evidenced in several inflammatory and tumoral conditions. We noticed that most of our biopsy specimens of mycosis fungoides (MF) showed thickening of the BM. We decided to retrospectively study BM thickness in 27 biopsy specimens of MF and compare them with 27 cutaneous biopsy specimens of inflammatory diseases. We studied PAS and PAS‐D stains in all cases and we measured BM thickness with an ocular micrometer. Cases were scored in a four‐tiered system: 0: no detectable staining; 1+ (mild: < 5 μm); 2+ (moderate: 5‐9 μm); and 3+ (prominent: >9 μm). The difference between both groups (MF vs controls) was highly significant for BM thickness values by both one‐ and two‐tailed t tests (P < 0.0006). While only 3 biopsy specimens from the controls (11.11%) showed areas of 3+ thickening, 12 biopsy specimens of MF (44.44%) showed areas of 3+ thickening, and most cases showed diffuse, at least 2+ thickening, while the controls showed more segmental, mostly 1 or 2+ staining. We conclude that thickening of BM can be useful in the differential diagnosis with inflammatory conditions.
Clinical and histopathological features of pagetoid Spitz nevi of the thigh
Authors: Chung Jina , Yuan Zhimin M. , Lee Jason B.
Published: August 2020

Background

Pagetoid Spitz nevus is a rare subtype of Spitz nevus usually found on the lower extremities, particularly on the thigh of women. As a rare and under‐recognized entity that can be misdiagnosed as melanoma, further characterization of clinical and histopathological features is needed to improve its recognition.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all melanocytic neoplasms from the thigh diagnosed over a 3‐year period.

Results

Fifty‐five (15.4%) of the 357 melanocytic neoplasms on the thigh were Spitz nevi, the majority of them occurring in women (87.3%). Of the 55 Spitz nevi, 33 (60.0%) were pagetoid Spitz nevi, 14 (25.5%) were Reed nevi, and eight (14.5%) were conventional Spitz nevi. The mean age of patients with pagetoid Spitz nevi was 47.2, the majority being women (84.9%). Pagetoid Spitz nevi were small, with a mean histopathologic diameter of 4 mm, and often junctional (63.6%). Compared to Clark nevi of the thigh, pagetoid Spitz nevi comprised significantly more solitary melanocytes with a greater degree of scatter.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Spitz nevi and, in particular, pagetoid Spitz nevi constitute a significant percentage of nevi on the thigh. Previously reported benign clinical and histopathological features of pagetoid Spitz nevi are confirmed in this study.
Risky alcohol consumption prior to incarceration: A cross‐sectional study of drinking patterns among Australian prison entrants
Authors: Kerslake Milo , Simpson Melanie , Richmond Robyn , Albany Hamish , Butler Tony
Published: August 2020

Introduction and Aims

Risky alcohol consumption is linked to poor health and criminal justice outcomes. This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of risky drinking in a sample of recently incarcerated Australians.

Design and Methods

Consecutive cross‐sectional data were collected from prisoners residing in 19 correctional facilities in six Australian states and territories as part of the National Prison Entrants' Bloodborne Virus and Risk Behaviour Survey Report. The sample consisted of 389 prisoners (339 men, 50 women). Risky alcohol consumption was estimated using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Condensed questionnaire, with a cut‐off score of ≥6. Potential correlates of risky alcohol consumption were assessed utilising univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Over one‐third (34.5%) of prisoners who were screened met the criteria for risky alcohol consumption. The five factors found to be independently and positively associated with risky alcohol consumption were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) status, incarceration in prison in the Northern Territory, heavy tobacco use, cannabis use and abstinence from drugs in the 4 weeks prior to incarceration. Additionally, risky alcohol consumption was associated with current or past hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection.

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings highlight that risky alcohol consumption is common among prisoners across Australia. This is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes and re‐offending, suggesting a need for alcohol interventions targeting prisoners.
Platform Supported Supply Chain Operations in the Blockchain Era: Supply Contracting and Moral Hazards*
Authors: Cai Ya‐Jun , Choi Tsan‐Ming , Zhang Juzhi
Published: August 2020

Platform operations are very common in the sharing economy. Nowadays, retailers can sell the end‐of‐season product leftovers to platforms which offer product rental services to the market. Motivated by this observed industrial practice, we build stylized supply chain models to explore the platform supported supply chain operations. We uncover that the presence of the platform creates the “triple marginalization” problem in which supply chain coordination cannot be achieved even if the manufacturer is willing to supply at cost using the wholesale pricing contract. We show how the markdown sponsor (MS) contract can deal with the triple marginalization problem and achieve supply chain coordination. However, we illustrate that a moral hazard problem, in which the retailer has incentive to overclaim the amount of markdown sponsor, arises. We reveal that the moral hazard problem brings a loss to the manufacturer, an immoral gain for the retailer, and there is no impact on the platform and consumers. We analytically derive the impact of moral hazard (which means the loss to the manufacturer, and the gain for the retailer) and find that it relates to the markdown sponsor rate, as well as the degree of overclaiming. To overcome the moral hazard problem under MS contract, we propose measures such as the adoption of blockchain technology, and “discounted” markdown sponsor contract, to help. We also explore the implementations of other contracts to overcome the moral hazard, like virtual buyback with inventory reallocation contract, and wholesale pricing contract with side payments.
Isotope evidence for latitudinal migrations of the dragonfly Sympetrum fonscolombii (Odonata: Libellulidae) in Middle Asia
Authors: Borisov Sergey N. , Iakovlev Ivan K. , Borisov Alexey S. , Zuev Andrey G. , Tiunov Alexei V.
Published: August 2020

Sympetrum fonscolombii dragonflies are believed to migrate seasonally. In the spring and early summer, the already‐mature dragonflies arrive in Middle Asia for reproduction. In the late summer and autumn, summer‐generation dragonflies migrate to the south. Their wintering places remain unknown.

Stable hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analyses were conducted to confirm the migration of S. fonscolombii and determine the wintering area. Stable isotope composition of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in wings and legs was used to clarify the habitats in which dragonfly development took place.

Three cohorts of dragonflies collected in different regions of Middle Asia were used for analysis: (i) immigrants that arrived in the spring, (ii) residents that developed in Middle Asia, and (iii) transit dragonflies migrating to the south during autumn.

The average δ2H values in the wings were significantly higher in immigrants (−96‰) than in residents (−134‰) and transit individuals (−124‰). High δ18O and δ15N values in the tissue of immigrants confirmed their southerly origin.

Based on the species range and the global distribution of annual averages of δ2H and δ18O values in precipitation, the latitudinal migrations of S. fonscolombii were inferred to cover the area from the proposed natal regions of immigrants in South‐West Asia (below ∼36°N) to Southern Ural and the south of Western Siberia in the north (54–55°N) with a maximum migration distance of more than 4000 km.
Why do nondemocratic regimes promote e‐participation? The case of Moscow's active citizen online voting platform
Authors: Schlaufer Caroline
Published: August 2020

Citizen online participation has become an increasingly important feature of policymaking in nondemocratic regimes. This article explores the question of why nondemocratic governments promote e‐participation tools. To address this question, this research examines the motives for the introduction of the Active Citizen e‐voting platform in Moscow through an in‐depth case study drawing on interviews and qualitative document analysis. The case study identifies a variety of objectives pursued by the Moscow city government with the promotion of e‐participation and relates them to three legitimation strategies, namely, input‐based legitimation, output‐based legitimation and discourse‐based legitimation. The results underscore how controlled e‐participation may combine different legitimation strategies without challenging the distribution of decision‐making power.
Amino acid cues emanating from Pacific salmon eggs and ovarian fluid
Authors: Dittman Andrew H. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: August 2020

The eggs of salmonid fishes are an important food source for many aquatic predators that detect eggs using olfaction. Moreover, chemicals from eggs and ovarian fluid aid sperm cells in detecting and locating eggs for fertilization, and ovarian fluid is attractive to conspecific males. Thus chemicals from eggs and ovarian fluid may facilitate reproduction but may also attract egg predators. The authors sampled mature females of three Pacific salmon species – Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) – and determined the proportional representation of amino acids, potent fish odorants, from their eggs and ovarian fluid (Chinook and coho salmon only). They then tested juvenile coho salmon, an egg predator, for responses to ovarian fluid and egg odours using the electro‐olfactogram (EOG) recording technique. The amino acid compositions of the salmon species were significantly and positively correlated with each other, and the interspecific differences were comparable to those between individuals of the same species. The egg water samples were, on average, dominated by lysine, alanine and glutamine (12.6%, 12.4% and 10.9%, respectively). The ovarian fluid samples were dominated by lysine (20.5%), followed by threonine (9.7%), glycine (9.2%) and arginine (8.8%). EOG recordings demonstrated the ability of juvenile coho salmon to detect the chemical traces of eggs and ovarian fluid. It is concluded that salmon eggs are a potent source of odours for potential predators but likely not highly differentiated among salmon species.
Water disinfection by ozonation has advantages over UV irradiation in a brackish water recirculation aquaculture system for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Teitge Felix , Peppler Christina , Steinhagen Dieter , Jung‐Schroers Verena
Published: August 2020

By keeping tropical shrimp, like Litopenaeus vannamei, in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), valuable food for human consumption can be produced sustainable. L. vannamei tolerates low salinities, and therefore, the systems can operate under brackish water conditions. The stabilization of the microbial community in RAS might be difficult under high organic loads, and therefore, water treatment measures like UV irradiation or ozone application are commonly used for bacterial reduction. To investigate the impact of these measures, the effects of UV irradiation and ozone application were studied in small‐scale brackish water RAS with a salinity of 15‰ stocked with L. vannamei. UV reactors with 7 and 9 W were used, and by ozonizers with a power of 5–50 mg/hr, the redox potential in the water was adjusted to 350 mV. Ozone had a stabilizing effect on the microbial composition in the water and on biofilms of tank surfaces and shrimp carapaces, prevented an increase of nitrite and accelerated the degradation of nitrate in the water. UV irradiation led to changes in the microbial composition and was less effective in optimizing the chemical water quality. Thus, the use of ozone could be recommended for water treatment in brackish water RAS for shrimp.
Draft genome sequence of scale drop disease virus (SDDV) retrieved from metagenomic investigation of infected barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790)
Authors: Kayansamruaj Pattanapon , Soontara Chayanit , Dong Ha T. , Phiwsaiya Kornsunee , Senapin Saengchan
Published: August 2020

Scale drop disease virus (SDDV) is a novel viral pathogen considered to be distributed in farmed barramundi (Lates calcarifer) in South‐East Asia. Despite the severity of the disease, only limited genomic information related to SDDV is available. In this study, samples of SDDV‐infected fish collected in 2019 were used. The microbiome of brain tissue was investigated using Illumina HiSeq DNA sequencing. Taxonomic analysis showed that SDDV was the main pathogen contained in the affected barramundi. De novo metagenome assembly recovered the SDDV genome, named isolate TH2019, 131 kb in length, and comprised of 135 ORFs. Comparison between this genome and the Singaporean SDDV reference genome revealed that the nucleotide identity within the aligned region was 99.97%. Missense, frameshift, insertion and deletion mutations were identified in 26 ORFs. Deletion of four deduced amino acid sequence in ORF_030L, identical to the SDDV isolate previously identified in Thailand, would be a potential biomarker for future strain classification. Interestingly, the genome of SDDV TH2019 harboured a unique 7,695‐bp‐long genomic region containing six hypothetical protein‐encoded genes. Collectively, this study demonstrated that the SDDV genome can be sequenced directly, although with limited coverage depth, using metagenomic analysis of barramundi sample with severe infection.
Fungi in sands of Mediterranean Sea beaches of Israel—Potential relevance to human health and well‐being
Authors: Frenkel Michael , Yunik Yaron , Fleker Marcelo , Blum Shlomo E. , Sionov Edward , Elad Daniel , Serhan Hanan , Segal Esther
Published: August 2020

Background

Sand of sea harbour bacteria that may cause enteric and other infections in humans, and are controlled by regulatory measures. Data on fungi in sea sand are scarce. Thus, an international group of mycologists was formed to explore fungal flora in sand of various waterbodies.

Objectives

The aim was to explore fungal sand contamination in beaches of the Israeli Mediterranean Sea Coast, regarding possible impact on human health in three aspects: (a) faecal contamination, as judged by presence of the human enteric fungi; (b) contamination by fungi, causing dermal infections; (c) and the presence of moulds, causing respiratory allergies and pose a risk for infection in immunocompromised individuals.

Methods

The study included sand screen of six urban beaches from north to south of the Israeli Mediterranean Coast. Sand samples were extracted by water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. The fungi were identified phenotypically, by MALDI‐TOF MS system and ITS sequencing.

Results

The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were moulds and about 20% yeasts. The mould species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida, Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula species.

Conclusions

(a) Fungi are contaminating Israeli Mediterranean sand beaches; (b) the contaminating fungi include various yeast and mould species; (c) some of the yeasts and mould species found in sand are known opportunistic pathogens, or respiratory allergens; (d) the data could serve as basis for initiating regulatory measures to control fungal contamination of sand for the benefit of public health.
Bredia reniformis (Melastomataceae), a new species from Guangxi, China
Authors: He Chun‐Mei , Zeng Si‐Jin , Li Shu‐Wan , Tong Yi‐Hua
Published: August 2020

Bredia reniformis, a new species of Melastomataceae from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Bredia reniformis is similar to B. plagiopetala (C. Chen) R. C. Zhou & Ying Liu and B. gracilis (Hand.‐Mazz.) Diels by having axillary inflorescences and flowers with eight isomorphic stamens, but differs from the latter two in having glandular‐puberulous indumentum, reniform calyx lobes and shortly falcate yellowish anthers with obconical dorsal appendages.
Continuous petal variation in Epimedium tianmenshanense (Berberidaceae), a taxon endemic to western Hunan, China
Authors: Xu Yanqin , Huang Hua , Jiang Yong , He Yiming , Li Renqing , Huang Xiaofang
Published: August 2020

In the protologue, Epimedium tianmenshanense (Berberidaceae), a species endemic to western Hunan, China, was described as ‘flower small, 0.2–0.4 cm diam., inner sepals white, petals as long as inner sepals or a little shorter than the latter, spur very short, ca 5.0 mm’. However, both morphological characteristics and molecular evidence suggest that E. tianmenshanense is closely related to E. baojingense, a taxon with a long spur, thus suggesting that the size of the floral parts is not as reliable as previously believed. When investigating the variability of E. tianmenshanense in more detail, in the field as well as in cultivation, we found that the petals were are highly variable in morphology (both shape and size), being cucullate, subulate, short to long spurred, and with various transitions. The flowers size varied from small to large accordingly. The flowers with cucullate and subulate petals, which were a little shorter than the inner sepals or almost as long as the latter, were small (about 0.8 cm in diameter). The flowers with long spurs, which were much longer than the inner sepals, were also large (about 2.5–3.5 cm in diameter). Finally, the flowers with short spurs, which were a little longer than the inner sepals, were medium‐sized (about 1.0–1.2 cm in diameter). In addition, the color of inner sepals was revised from ‘white, occasionally light mulberry‐purple’ to yellowish green or yellowish white. Epimedium tianmenshanense is a perfect example of natural petal evolution, which could be used for further taxonomic and evolutionary studies. The reason for the variation and the taxonomic treatment of the species still need further study.
Oreocharis argentifolia (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the karst region in southeastern Yunnan, China
Authors: Cai Lei , Dao Zhi‐Ling
Published: August 2020

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Oreocharis argentifolia Lei Cai & Z.L.Dao from Mengzi City, Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically most similar to O. panzhouensis Lei Cai, Y.Guo & F.Wen in plant habit, number of stigma lobes and stamens, and the shape of the calyx, but differs in the shape of the leaf blade, indumentum, shape and color of corolla and the adnate position of the filaments. A detailed description, color photographs, distribution and habitat, as well as its morphological relationship with relevant similar species are also provided.
Palmorchis triquilhada sp. nov. (Orchidaceae; Neottieae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Ferreira Filho Ricardo Leite , Barberena Felipe Fajardo Villela Antolin
Published: August 2020

The Neotropical genus Palmorchis (Orchidaceae) contains 38 species distributed from Nicaragua to Peru, including northern Brazil. The genus is characterized by whitish or greenish tubular flowers with morphologically similar sepals and petals, a generally trilobed lip basally adnated to the gynostemium, and a gynostemium with a more or less curved apex. Here, a new species of Palmorchis belonging to the informal Palmorchis sobralioides group is described and illustrated from the state of Pará in the Brazilian Amazon, and its taxonomic affinities are discussed. Palmorchis triquilhada is close to P. sobralioides, differing basically by having a smaller size, pubescent leaves, deltoid and pubescent floral bracts, pubescent lip with ciliate margin, and a three‐keeled lanceolate median lobe without calli and with an acute apex. A description, photos, illustrations and ecological and taxonomic comments are provided for the species, as well as an identification key for related species.
Impatiens bomiensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Xizang, China
Authors: Peng Yang‐Cheng , Peng Shuai , Yang Ning , Xu Zhi‐Gao , Cong Yi‐Yan
Published: August 2020

Impatiens bomiensis, a new species of Balsaminaceae from Bomi County, Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to Impatiens fragicolor based on morphological characters and molecular data, but differs in the shape of the lower sepal, the dorsal petal and the number of globose glands at petiole base.
Limited long‐term effectiveness of roller‐chopping for managing woody encroachment
Authors: Eldridge David J. , Ding Jingyi
Published: August 2020

The encroachment of woody plants into grasslands, woodland, and savanna has increased markedly over the past century, prompting the use of different physical methods to remove woody plants and restore grasses. Roller‐chopping is used extensively in the Americas, but little is known about its long‐term effectiveness for restoration, and whether its effectiveness varies with the intensity of encroachment. We compared the effects of roller‐chopping, under three treatment intensities (control, single treatment, double treatment), on woody plant density, ground cover, and groundstorey plants at sites of low, moderate, and high woody plant density in a semi‐arid eastern Australian woodland over 10 years. Both single and double treatment significantly altered the size distribution of Dodonaea viscosa, which comprised more than 85% of woody plants at all sites. Thus, roller‐chopping changed the size distribution of the community from an even‐size distribution to one dominated by shorter plants, irrespective of initial encroachment level. The effectiveness of roller‐chopping was strongly site‐specific, with significant reductions in density at low‐ and high‐density sites, but no clear trend in relation to the intensity of treatment (i.e. single cf. double treatment). The effectiveness of roller‐chopping was unsustained over the long term, with the suppressive effect on woody density diminishing over time. Grass cover increased with increasing intensity of woody removal, but only at the low‐density site and with some ill‐defined, variable, and short‐term effects on plant composition. Managers should consider that the short‐term effects may not adequately reflect the long‐term results of woody plant removal using the roller‐chopper.
Functional inference on rotational curves under sample‐specific group actions and identification of human gait
Authors: Telschow Fabian J.E. , Pierrynowski Michael R. , Huckemann Stephan F.
Published: August 2020

Inspired by the problem of gait reproducibility (reidentifying individuals across doctor's visits) we develop two‐sample permutation tests under a sample‐specific group action on Lie groups with a bi‐invariant Riemannian metric. These tests rely on consistent estimators and pairwise curve alignment. To this end, we propose Gaussian perturbation models and for the special case of curves on the group of 3D rotations we provide asymptotic consistency and, employing a quaternion point of view, fast spatial alignment of pointwise extrinsic mean curves. In our application to rotations of the tibia versus the femur at the knee joint under the spatial action of marker placement and the temporal action of different walking speeds, obtained from an experiment, we solve the problem of gait reproducibility.
k‐step stage life testing
Authors: Laumen Benjamin , Cramer Erhard
Published: August 2020

The model of stage life testing proposed in Laumen and Cramer (2019b) is extended from two to k stages. It is illustrated that this model can be seen as an extension of progressive censoring with fixed censoring times as well as of simple step stress testing. Extending the first model, the new approach allows to incorporate information from progressively censored units subject to additional life testing. On the other hand, simple step stress modeling is generalized in the sense that only parts of the units under test are put on another stress level whereas the others remain on the initial level. The model is further studied for exponential lifetimes assuming a cumulative exposure model. We obtain the exact (conditional) distribution of the maximum likelihood estimators which is applied to construct (exact) confidence intervals for the distribution parameters. Finally, we investigate the situation of Weibull distributed lifetimes on the initial stage. The study is supplemented by illustrative simulations.
Identification of HLA‐A*31:73 in a platelet donor from China by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Li Xiao‐Feng , Wang Qiang , Zhang Xu , Lin Feng‐Qiu , Li Jian‐Ping
Published: August 2020

HLA‐A*31:73 has one nucleotide change from HLA‐A*31:01:02:01 where Serine (71) is changed to Alanine.
The novel HLA‐B*57:135 allele was identified during high‐resolution HLA typing
Authors: Loginova Maria , Kutyavina Svetlana , Paramonov Igor , Belyaev Andrey
Published: August 2020

HLA‐B*57:135 differs from HLA‐B*57:01:01:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position 692 (G‐>A).
Access and use of sexual and reproductive health services among resettled refugee and refugee-claimant women in high-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Stirling Cameron Emma , Almukhaini Salma , Dol Justine , Aston Megan
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to understand access to and use of sexual and reproductive health services among resettled refugees and refugee-claimant women in high-income countries.

Introduction:

Sexual and reproductive health is a critical component of women's well-being and quality of life. Refugee and refugee-claimant women have demonstrated a lower level of sexual health knowledge and reduced usage of sexual and reproductive health services after resettling in high-income countries. This has led to negative outcomes among resettled refugee populations, including unwanted pregnancies and abortion, lower than recommended rates of cervical cancer screening, high rates of sexually transmitted infections, and non-consensual sex. Despite these negative outcomes, no review has been conducted to understand access to and use of sexual and reproductive health services among resettled refugee women in high-income countries.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will seek to identify studies that describe access to and use of sexual and reproductive health services among refugee and refugee-claimant women who have resettled in a high-income country. Evidence from qualitative, quantitative, mixed method studies, and gray literature will be included.

Methods:

This review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search strategy, developed with a librarian scientist, will be used to identify relevant sources. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be evaluated against inclusion criteria. Information will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a screening tool. Data will be synthesized and presented narratively, with tables and figures where appropriate.