bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between bioactive compounds and sensory properties of dark chocolate produced from Brazilian hybrid cocoa
Authors: das Virgens Ivia Araújo , Pires Tassia Cavalcante , de Santana Ligia Regina Radomille , Soares Sérgio Eduardo , Maciel Leonardo Fonseca , Ferreira Adriana Cristina Reis , Biasoto Aline Camarão Telles , Bispo Eliete da Silva
Published: September 2020

This work evaluated the influence of bioactive compounds on the sensory profile and acceptability of dark chocolate produced from Brazilian hybrid cocoa. The results showed that higher contents of catechin, epicatechin, caffeine, total phenolic compounds and flavonoids contributed to higher intensity of bitterness, cocoa flavour, acid taste, and astringency, and negatively affected the acceptance of chocolate samples from the TSH1188, PH16, and CEPEC2002 varieties. Other varieties SR162 and BN34 showed lower contents of caffeine and phenolic compounds, and higher concentration of theobromine, revealed notes of sweet/caramel and fruity flavour, presented a higher acceptance. This research showed the great potential of the ‘Catongo’ (SR162) and BN34 hybrids from southern Bahia (Brazil) for the production of fine cocoa. The chemical and sensory evaluations may be a strategic tool to help cocoa producers in deciding which genetic varieties should be marketed as fine cocoa, adding value to the product and highlighting promising cocoa varieties.
Lactose‐free skim milk and prebiotics as carrier agents of Bifidobacterium BB‐12 microencapsulation: physicochemical properties, survival during storage and in vitro gastrointestinal condition behaviour
Authors: Dantas Adriana , Verruck Silvani , de Liz Gabriela Rodrigues , Hernandez Eduard , Prudencio Elane Schwinden
Published: September 2020

Bifidobacterium BB‐12 was microencapsulated by spray drying using lactose‐free milk, lactose‐free milk and inulin, and lactose‐free milk and oligofructose, resulting in powders 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The highest encapsulation yield (88.01%) and the highest bifidobacteria viability during 120 days of storage were noted for spray‐dried powder 2. Spray‐dried powders 1 and 3 show a higher tendency to yellow colour. After being submitted to in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the best probiotic survival rate result was found for spray‐dried powder 3 (87.59%). Therefore, spray‐dried powders containing prebiotics were the most appropriate combinations for microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium BB‐12 and maintenance of cell viability during storage and gastrointestinal system, showing great potential to be used in lactose‐free dairy products.
Psychometric properties of the ‘Self‐Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx = Treatment Questionnaire’ in Chinese children and young people with chronic diseases
Authors: Ma Jiali , Yu Qinglin , Ding Wenwen , Zhang Taomei , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2020

Aims

The aims of this work were to translate, culturally adapt and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Self‐Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx = Treatment Questionnaire.

Background

Children and young people with chronic diseases are expected to start self‐managing their diseases and have a smooth and coordinated transition from paediatric‐ to adult‐oriented care.

Design

This study involved the cultural adaptation of a questionnaire into Chinese and examined its factor structure.

Methods

This was a multicentre cross‐sectional study of children and young people/adolescents (8–18 years) who were diagnosed with chronic diseases in China from June 2016 to December 2018. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to analyse the questionnaire's validity.

Results

Four major factors were identified in the Chinese version of the questionnaire, and it had a good fit to the target population. The internal reliability was good. All factors were positively and strongly correlated with the total score. The t test revealed that the Medication Management score was not significantly different between two age groups (8–11 and 12–18 years), but the scores of the other factors and overall scale were lower in the 8–11 years age group.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the questionnaire has good reliability and validity in the Chinese context.
Incidence of influenza virus infections confirmed by serology in children and adult in a suburb community, northern China, 2018‐2019 influenza season
Authors: Xu Cuiling , Liu Ling , Ren Binzhi , Dong Libo , Zou Shumei , Huang Weijuan , Wei Hejiang , Cheng Yanhui , Tang Jing , Gao Rongbao , Feng Lizhong , Zhang Ruifu , Yuan Chaopu , Wang Dayan , Chen Jing
Published: September 2020

Background

In mainland China, seasonal influenza disease burden at community level is unknown. The incidence rate of influenza virus infections in the community is difficult to determine due to the lack of well‐defined catchment populations of influenza‐like illness surveillance sentinel hospitals.

Objectives

We established a community‐based cohort to estimate incidence of seasonal influenza infections indicated by serology and protection conferred by antibody titers against influenza infections during 2018‐2019 influenza season in northern China.

Methods

We recruited participants in November 2018 and conducted follow‐up in May 2019 with collection of sera every survey. Seasonal influenza infections were indicated by a 4‐fold or greater increase of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody between paired sera.

Results

Two hundred and three children 5‐17 years of age and 413 adults 18‐59 years of age were followed up and provided paired sera. The overall incidence of seasonal influenza infection and incidence of A(H3N2) infection in children (31% and 17%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in adults (21% and 10%, respectively). The incidences of A(H1N1)pdm09 infection in children and adults were both about 10%, while the incidences of B/Victoria and/Yamagata infection in children and adults were from 2% to 4%. HI titers of 1:40 against A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses were associated with 63% and 75% protection against infections with the two subtypes, respectively.

Conclusions

In the community, we identified considerable incidence of seasonal influenza infections. A HI titer of 1:40 could be sufficient to provide 50% protection against influenza A virus infections indicated by serology.
Optimal pricing and production decisions of fashion apparel brands in a two‐stage sales setting
Authors: Shi Baoli , Xu Qi , Sun Zhongmiao
Published: September 2020

Clothing is a typical seasonal and fashionable product; it is very easy to cause inventory backlog problems. This paper addresses the determination of pricing and production of a fashion clothing brand under both presale and regular sales stages. More specifically, we analyze the effect of the fashion degree of clothing and price on the demand. Demand during different market periods (peak sales season, low sales season, and stable market) change with time. The static pricing decision of presale price is made at the presale stage, but the regular sales price under static and dynamic pricing decisions is compared. We build both static and dynamic pricing models, with the objective of finding a pricing and production strategy that maximizes total expected profit of the clothing brand under two‐stage sale. The influences of the fashion degree attenuation factor and the initial fashion degree on the brand's optimal pricing and revenue are analyzed. We show that when the market is in the off season or the market size is stable, the brand can benefit from the dynamic pricing policy. When the market is in peak sales season, the static price is better than the dynamic price strategy. No matter how the market size changes, in the regular sales stage, the optimal price of the brand always decreases with the fashion degree attenuation factor, and increases with the fashion degree sensitivity coefficient.
Embedding carbon dots in Eu3+‐doped metal‐organic framework for label‐free ratiometric fluorescence detection of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Guo Xiaoping , Pan Qiwen , Song Xiaoqian , Guo Qianyi , Zhou Shangxiong , Qiu Jianrong , Dong Guoping
Published: September 2020

Fluorescent detection is a new spectroscopic measurement for ions sensing due to the advantages of real‐time determination with high selectivity, accuracy, and low cost. However, chemosensors based on fluorescent detection are usually determined by absolute intensity from a monochromatic emission signal, which is easy to be fluctuated by the external environment, especially for Fe3+ detection in complex fluids. Herein, we rationally design a dual‐emission Eu3+: CDs@ZIF‐8 to construct a ratiometric fluorescent sensor with self‐calibrating ability for Fe3+ determination. High efficient carbon dots (CDs) are embedded in europium ions (Eu3+)‐doped MOF by simple stirring preparation at room temperature. The label‐free ratiometric fluorescent probe (ICDs@ZIF‐8/IEu) exhibits simultaneous blue and red emission under the same excitation at 365 nm. Remarkably, Eu3+: CDs@ZIF‐8 displays the superiority of high selectivity to Fe3+, which shows ratiometric fluorescence characteristics (I0/I) in a range of 0‐6 μmol\L with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.897 μmol\L. Besides, the CDs‐MOF nanocomposite holds good aqueous dispersibility and low cytotoxicity, which shows great potential applications in medical aid including biological detection and clinical diagnosis.
Magnetoelectric coupling in CoFe2O4‐Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 coaxial nanofibers
Authors: Liu Nannan , Du Pengcheng , Zhou Peng , Tanguturi Ranganadha G. , Qi Yajun , Zhang Tianjin
Published: September 2020

In this work, we reported the fabrication and magnetoelectric coupling properties of the multiferroic CoFe2O4‐PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (CFO‐PZT) coaxial nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning technique. The coaxial structure of nanofibers was demonstrated by magnetic force microscope and transmission electron microscope. The multiferroic properties of coaxial nanofibers have been revealed by magnetic hysteresis loops and piezoresponse amplitude butterfly curves and phase hysteresis loops. The as‐prepared coaxial nanofibers show an effective piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 30 pm/V and a saturated magnetization of 12 emu/g. Their magnetoelectric response has been probed by means of the localized changes in magnetization after poling the domains of the composite system. A static, large converse magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of 1.2 × 10−8 s/m was obtained in a single CFO‐PZT nanofiber.
Influence of addition of nanosize barium cerate on the microstructure and properties of top‐seeded melt growth YBCO bulk superconductors
Authors: Diko Pavel , Pagáčová Renáta , Zmorayová Katarína , Kuchárová Veronika , Vojtková Liudmila , Antal Vitaliy , Kavečanský Viktor
Published: September 2020

Barium cerate (BaCeO3) is one of the possible additions to bulk YBa2Cu3O7 single‐grain superconductors to suppress the growth of Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) particles. This paper investigates the synthesis of barium cerate powder and its use in YBa2Cu3O7 bulk superconductors. Crystalline barium cerate was synthesized by solid‐state reaction, by co‐precipitation of oxalates and by sol‐gel method. Final calcination was held in air or in vacuum. It is shown that the most efficient in refining Y211 is nanocrystalline barium cerate prepared by sol‐gel method calcined in vacuum. The effective refinement of Y211 particles occurred over the entire interval of nanocrystalline BaCeO3 addition from 0.38 to 1.90 wt%. The optimal concentration of nanosize barium cerate was determined, microstructure and superconducting properties were characterized. The effect of Y211 content on trapped field in YBCO bulks with addition of nanocrystalline barium cerate is shown.
Mother Knows Best: Pregnancy, Applied Ethics, and Epistemically Transformative Experiences
Authors: Woollard Fiona
Published: September 2020

L.A. Paul argues that interesting issues for rational choice theory are raised by epistemically transformative experiences: experiences which provide access to knowledge that could not be known without the experience. Consideration of the epistemic effects of pregnancy has important implications for our understanding of epistemically transformative experiences and for debate about the ethics of abortion and applied ethics more generally. Pregnancy is epistemically transformative both in Paul’s narrow sense and in a wider sense: those who have not been pregnant face significant barriers to acquiring the knowledge made accessible through pregnancy. This knowledge is crucial for engaging with the ethics of abortion. The epistemically transformativeWIDE nature of pregnancy may require us to use new methods to try to partially grasp what pregnancy is like, such as, for example, significant engagement with narrative literature. Because pregnancy is also epistemically transformative in a narrow sense, we need to work out how to engage in ethical reasoning when relevant knowledge is not fully accessible to all. This argument has implications beyond the debate about abortion. Philosophers in many areas of applied ethics will need to work out how to respond appropriately to epistemically transformative experiences.
Moult nestedness and its imperfections: insights to unravel the nature of passerine wing‐feather moult rules
Authors: Guallar Santi , Jovani Roger
Published: September 2020

Passerine moult shows two well‐known although intriguing characteristics: 1) a varying subset of wing feathers are retained during certain moult episodes, and 2) the identity of the replaced feathers is not random. However, the rules that underlie these moult features are largely unknown. Non‐randomness could arise under time and energy constraints if feathers differed in their importance, such that they could be ordered following a hypothetical moult rank. This rule predicts a nested relationship among wing‐feather moult phenotypes, where phenotypes of smaller extent would consist of subsets of the wing feathers replaced in phenotypes of larger extent. Here, we analysed a dataset of 3909 preformative and prealternate moult phenotypes from 434 Holarctic and Neotropical passerine species. We found that passerine wing‐feather moult was nested (nodf = 84.31). However, systematic imperfections in the nestedness pattern led us to test whether the existence of different feather moult ranks may increase nestedness in homogeneous subsets of moult phenotypes. We tested this hypothesis between moult episodes and found that nestedness increased for the preformative moult (nodf = 90.99) and decreased for the prealternate moult (nodf = 67.28). We further analysed the adaptive meaning of different moult ranks associated with feather mass, feather exposure and feather contribution to flight. Overall, these three feather traits explained 53.74% of the variation in the priority of wing‐feather replacement, with exposure having a stronger explanatory power than the other two traits. Our findings provide a first model to interpret variation of wing‐feather moult phenotypes in passerines, and outlines the relevance of season for passerine moult, suggesting a dynamic link between moult expression and plumage requirements.
First records of complete annual cycles in water rails Rallus aquaticus show evidence of itinerant breeding and a complex migration system
Authors: Lislevand Terje , Hahn Steffen , Rislaa Sven , Briedis Martins
Published: September 2020

In water rails Rallus aquaticus, northern and eastern populations are migratory while southern and western populations are sedentary. Few details are known about the annual cycle of this elusive species. We studied movements and breeding in water rails from southernmost Norway where the species occurs year‐round. Colour‐ringed wintering birds occurred only occasionally at the study site in summer, and vice versa. Geolocator tracks revealed that wintering birds (n = 10) migrated eastwards in spring to breed on both sides of the Baltic Sea, whereas a single breeding bird from the study site wintered in north Italy. Ambient light records of geolocator birds further indicated that all but one incubated 2–4 clutches per season. By combining information on incubation and movement, we found evidence for itinerant breeding in three individual birds: After a first breeding attempt (one did not incubate), all moved 129–721 km to breed again. This behaviour is rarely recorded in birds and was unexpected because the water rail is described as monogamous with both parents caring for eggs and chicks. The study greatly improves our knowledge about the annual cycle and reproduction in water rails. However, more studies are warranted to evaluate the generality of our findings and causes of breeding itinerancy.
Microbiability of meat quality and carcass composition traits in swine
Authors: Khanal Piush , Maltecca Christian , Schwab Clint , Fix Justin , Tiezzi Francesco
Published: September 2020

The impact of gut microbiome composition was investigated at different stages of production (weaning, Mid‐test and Off‐test) on meat quality and carcass composition traits of 1,123 three‐way crossbred pigs. Data were analysed using linear mixed models which included the fixed effects of dam line, contemporary group and gender as well as the random effects of pen, animal and microbiome information at different stages. The contribution of the microbiome to all traits was prominent although it varied over time, increasing from weaning to Off‐test for most traits. Microbiability estimates of carcass composition traits were greater than that of meat quality traits. Among all of the traits analysed, belly weight (BEL) had a higher microbiability estimate (0.29 ± 0.04). Adding microbiome information did not affect the estimates of genomic heritability of meat quality traits but affected the estimates of carcass composition traits. Fat depth had a greater decrease (10%) in genomic heritability at Off‐test. High microbial correlations were found among different traits, particularly with traits related to fat deposition with a decrease in the genomic correlation up to 20% for loin weight and BEL. This suggested that genomic correlation was partially contributed by genetic similarity of microbiome composition. The results indicated that better understanding of microbial composition could aid the improvement of complex traits, particularly the carcass composition traits in swine by inclusion of microbiome information in the genetic evaluation process.
Periostin regulates autophagy through integrin α5β1 or α6β4 and an AKT‐dependent pathway in colorectal cancer cell migration
Authors: Thongchot Suyanee , Singsuksawat Ekapot , Sumransub Nuttavut , Pongpaibul Ananya , Trakarnsanga Attaporn , Thuwajit Peti , Thuwajit Chanitra
Published: September 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most fatal cancers with highly invasive properties. The progression of CRC is determined by the driving force of periostin (PN) from cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment. This present work aims to investigate autophagy‐mediated CRC invasion via the receptor integrin (ITG) by PN. The level of PN in 410 clinical CRC tissues was found increased and was an independent poor prognosis marker (HR = 2.578, 95% CI = 1.218‐5.457, P‐value = .013) with a significant correlation with overall survival time (P‐value < .001). PN activated proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells, but with reduced autophagy. Interestingly, the reduction of LC3 autophagic protein corresponded to the increased ability of CRC cell migration. The siITGα5‐treated HT‐29 and siITGβ4‐treated HCT‐116 CRC cells attenuated epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transitions (EMT)‐related genes and pAKT compared with those in siITG‐untreated cells. The reduction of pAKT by a PI3K inhibitor significantly restored autophagy in CRC cells. These evidences confirmed the effect of PN through either ITGα5β1 or ITGα6β4 and the AKT‐dependent pathway to control autophagy‐regulated cell migration. In conclusion, these results exhibited the impact of PN activation of ITGα5β1 or ITGα6β4 through pAKT in autophagy‐mediated EMT and migration in CRC cells.
Increased expression profile of NCSTN, Notch and PI3K/AKT3 in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Hessam S. , Gambichler T. , Skrygan M. , Scholl L. , Sand M. , Meyer T. , Stockfleth E. , Bechara F.G.
Published: September 2020

Background

In a small number of kindreds with familial hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) different mutations of NCSTN (nicastrin) have been identified. Blocking of NCSTN leads to impairment of the Notch and PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, which is assumed to play a pathogenic role in HS. However, very limited data are available concerning expression levels of these pathway components in HS skin.

Objectives

To analyse the mRNA and protein expression of NCSTN, Notch1–3, PIK3R3 and AKT3 in HS.

Methods

Skin samples from healthy controls, lesional and perilesional skin of HS patients with and without a positive family history were analysed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Univariate statistical analyses were conducted regarding association between expression levels and patient's characteristics.

Results

Expression levels of all investigated genes showed significantly higher levels in lesional HS skin compared with healthy controls. Univariate analysis showed no association between a positive family history and mRNA expression levels. Perilesional HS skin of patients with mild disease severity (Hurley I) showed significant higher mRNA expression levels of the investigated pathway components compared to moderate (Hurley II) and severe disease (Hurley III).

Conclusion

We found no evidence for diminished expression levels of the Notch signalling. In contrast, the NCSTN, Notch and PI3K/AKT signalling components are overexpressed in HS. Future research is needed to investigate a possible pathogenetic role or to reveal a coactivation of these overexpressed components during inflammatory response in HS.
The life history characteristics of Neosebastes pandus and the relationship between sexually dimorphic growth and reproductive strategy among Scorpaeniformes
Authors: Coulson Peter G.
Published: September 2020

Scorpaeniformes are an important component of commercial and recreational fisheries world‐wide. The Neosebastes species, found in the western Pacific and south‐east Indian Ocean, have received little attention from a research perspective. Samples of the bighead gurnard perch, Neosebastes pandus, collected from the lower west and south coasts of Western Australia, were used to undertake the first comprehensive investigation of the biological characteristics of a Neosebastes species. Opaque zones in sectioned sagittal otoliths were validated as forming annually. Female N. pandus grow to a significantly larger size, on average, than males and dominate the largest size classes, while males, growing to a smaller size, accumulate in the intermediate size classes. Although males were far less numerous than females in those age classes in which both sexes were found, males and females attain similar maximum ages >25 years. Neosebastes pandus spawns over a brief period between May (austral late autumn) and July (austral mid‐autumn) when water temperature and day length are declining. The mean monthly gonadosomatic indices (GSI, IGS) values of females during the spawning period are 37–50 times higher than those of males, which mature at an earlier age and smaller length compared to females. Histological examination of the ovaries of females indicate that their structure is consistent with “general” teleost ovarian anatomy and thus differs from Scorpaena, Helicolenus and Sebastes species whose ovaries are adapted for specialized reproductive modes. The reproductive strategy of N. pandus of maximizing the reproductive output of females, by this sex attaining a larger size than males and pair spawning (i.e., large disparity in IGS values) demonstrates the close lineage between the Neosebastes and other Scorpaeniformes, such as the Scorpaena, Helicolenus and Sebastes.
Juvenile and Family Court Judges’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Sex Trafficking of Minors: Associations with Gender, Race, and U.S. Region
Authors: Cole Jennifer , Sprang Ginny , Leistner Christine
Published: September 2020

Juvenile and family court judges are a professional group that have a significant amount of decision‐making power in cases of sex trafficking of minors. The purpose of this project is to examine the association of juvenile and family court judges’ gender, race, and U.S. region with their attitudes and knowledge about sex trafficking of minors. Drawing from a survey of 55 juvenile and family court judges in the U.S., this study used standardized scales to measure attitudes and knowledge about child sex trafficking. Results indicate some differences by gender and geography in a sample of experienced judges across the U.S. The consistency of these findings are discussed in the context of other research and implications for targeted training.
Categorization and authentication of Beijing‐you chicken from four breeds of chickens using near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometrics
Authors: Zhang Binhui , Gao Song , Jia Fei , Liu Xue , Li Xingmin
Published: September 2020

Beijing‐you chicken (BJY) is a classic chicken breed originating from the Beijing area. BJY is popular among the local people and faces the risk of counterfeiting in the market. In this study, hyperspectral imaging in tandem with multivariate analyses were employed to identify and authenticate BJY among four common chicken breeds. Images of chicken breasts (50 each) were collected in the near‐infrared range (900–1,700 nm) and five pretreatment methods were implemented individually after spectra extraction. Different combinations of pretreatments and grouping methods were used with two statistical classifiers (k‐nearest neighbor and support vector machine) before and after feature wavelength selection using successive projections algorithm. Finally, a comparatively satisfactory result was achieved, and the accuracies reached 100% for the calibration set and 92% for the prediction set, in which BJY could almost be identified with a 98% accuracy rate. The results indicated that the hyperspectral imaging technique was a promising method for industrial applications to address fraud in determining chicken breeds.

Practical Applications

Beijing‐you chicken is a precious breed of chicken in China that has been applied for geographical indication products. The protection of this variety can provide theoretical basis and technical support for the division of geographical indications. Therefore, a fast and effective identification method is needed for the classification of Beijing‐you chicken breed. Hyperspectral imaging is a popular method for varieties classification. In our study, the satisfying results revealed that this method could be used for classification of Beijing‐you chicken when necessary. The results will be useful for the application of hyperspectral imaging technology in the classification of Beijing‐you chicken. Moreover, this method has great potential for real‐time online detection in factories for future work.
Changes in Body Mass Index Are Related to Faster Cognitive Decline Among African American Older Adults
Authors: Aiken‐Morgan Adrienne T. , Capuano Ana W. , Arvanitakis Zoe , Barnes Lisa L.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to: (1) examine relationships between body mass index (BMI) stability and cognitive decline in older African Americans; and (2) investigate differences in the relationships between women and men.

DESIGN

The present study is a secondary data analysis of the Minority Aging Research Study, which is a longitudinal, cohort study of risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimerʼs disease among older African Americans living in the Chicago, IL, area. The study entails annual clinical evaluations, including measures of 19 neuropsychological tests that represent five cognitive domains, including episodic, semantic, and working memory, perceptual speed, and visuospatial ability.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (n = 671; mean age = 73.5 years; standard deviation = 6.2 years) were included in the present analysis if they were dementia free at baseline and completed at least two clinical evaluations, on average 1 year apart, that included valid cognitive and BMI assessments.

RESULTS

Mixed‐effects models showed higher baseline BMI was related to slower global cognitive decline, whereas changes in BMI (instability) were related to faster global cognitive decline. These effects were the same for four of five cognitive domains and remained after controlling for various health characteristics. However, women and men did not differ in any of the relationships.

CONCLUSION

Higher BMI is related to slower cognitive decline in older African Americans, but greater BMI instability is related to faster decline. Stability of BMI should be considered in the cognitive aging of African Americans.
Olfactory bulb‐targeted quantum dot (QD) bioconjugate and Kv1.3 blocking peptide improve metabolic health in obese male mice
Authors: Schwartz Austin B. , Kapur Anshika , Huang Zhenbo , Anangi Raveendra , Spear John M. , Stagg Scott , Fardone Erminia , Dekan Zolan , Rosenberg Jens T. , Grant Samuel C. , King Glenn F. , Mattoussi Hedi , Fadool Debra Ann
Published: September 2020

The olfactory system is a driver of feeding behavior, whereby olfactory acuity is modulated by the metabolic state of the individual. The excitability of the major output neurons of the olfactory bulb (OB) can be modulated through targeting a voltage‐dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3, which responds to changes in metabolic factors such as insulin, glucose, and glucagon‐like peptide‐1. Because gene‐targeted deletion or inhibition of Kv1.3 in the periphery has been found to increase energy metabolism and decrease body weight, we hypothesized that inhibition of Kv1.3 selectively in the OB could enhance excitability of the output neurons to evoke changes in energy homeostasis. We thereby employed metal‐histidine coordination to self‐assemble the Kv1.3 inhibitor margatoxin (MgTx) to fluorescent quantum dots (QDMgTx) as a means to label cells in vivo and test changes in neuronal excitability and metabolism when delivered to the OB. Using patch‐clamp electrophysiology to measure Kv1.3 properties in heterologously expressed cells and native mitral cells in OB slices, we found that QDMgTx had a fast rate of inhibition, but with a reduced IC50, and increased action potential firing frequency. QDMgTx was capable of labeling cloned Kv1.3 channels but was not visible when delivered to native Kv1.3 in the OB. Diet‐induced obese mice were observed to reduce body weight and clear glucose more quickly following osmotic mini‐pump delivery of QDMgTx/MgTx to the OB, and following MgTx delivery, they increased the use of fats as fuels (reduced respiratory exchange ratio). These results suggest that enhanced excitability of bulbar output neurons can drive metabolic responses.

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Social cognition and social functioning in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Kessels Roy P. C. , Waanders‐Oude Elferink Maaike , van Tilborg Ilse
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to examine social cognition and social functioning in a group of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) patients. Thirty one people with aMCI, 29 individuals with AD, and 45 healthy older adults participated in the study. Facial expressions of happiness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise presented in different intensities had to be labelled. Mentalizing was assessed using first‐order belief theory of mind (ToM) stories and everyday social functioning by the Inventory of Interpersonal Situations (IIS), completed by an informant. aMCI patients were impaired in recognizing the emotions anger, disgust, and fear, while AD patients were impaired in recognizing the emotions anger, disgust, and surprise. More importantly, no significant differences between aMCI and AD patients were found on overall emotion recognition. Both the aMCI and AD patients were impaired on the ToM task, but no differences between the aMCI and AD patients were found. On everyday social functioning, only the AD patients showed impairments. No associations between the IIS and ToM were found, but the IIS and emotion perception were significantly correlated. Regression analysis taking all potentially confounding variables into account showed that only mood, but not the social‐cognitive task performance or any other cognitive variable, predicted social functioning. aMCI and AD patients demonstrated impairments in mentalizing and facial emotion perception, and showed decrements in everyday social functioning. Informing caregivers about these deficits may help them to understand deficits in social cognition that may be present already in the MCI stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
Resilience and well‐being production among vulnerable consumers facing systematic constraints
Authors: Huang Yimin , Cheng Junjun , Chu Rongwei
Published: September 2020

This paper explores how vulnerable consumers within systematic constraints of economic inequality, institutional barriers, and social segregation in an urban environment cope with their vulnerabilities to achieve their well‐being. Taking China's internal migrant workers as a research context, our study examines their vulnerable experiences and reveals the impact of systematic constraints on migrant workers' self‐perception, interpretation, and actions. It discovers a staged process through which migrant workers acquire resilience to optimize life satisfaction by fulfilling a sense of control over their migration life. Through a situated approach to capture the contextual impact of systematic constraints on vulnerability experiences and the construction of resilient pathways to achieve well‐being, this paper puts forward critical welfare issues such as inclusive marketplace, social capital, and community empowerment which are important to migrants' social integration and capability building. This calls for more coordinated efforts to promote effective resilience building and sustained well‐being among resource‐constrained consumers.
Acral lentiginous melanoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Redi Ugo , Marruzzo Giovanni , Lovero Stefano , Khokhar Hassan Tahir , Lo Torto Federico , Ribuffo Diego
Published: September 2020

Background

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) carries one of the worst prognoses among other subtypes. This malignant tumor is found on the distal limbs and is usually detected at late stages. Hereby, the authors present their experience on this melanoma subtype.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted. Data were extracted from patients’ medical records and from phone interviews.

Results

A total of 43 patients were included in the study. The main signs and symptoms disclosed by the patients were bleeding (41.9%), size greater than 6 mm (41.9%), change in size (37.2%), change in shape (30.2%), rise above the surface of the skin (27.9%), change in color (20.9%), irregular borders (16.3%), and inflammation (16.3%). The first healthcare professional consulted was a general practitioner or a dermatologist in the majority of cases (88.3%). Only 44.2% of the patients were sent by their first physician for a biopsy, whereas 30.3% were sent by the 2nd physician. 14 patients underwent biopsy within 1 month from the first appointment with a physician, while 20 patients within 3 months and 9 patients within 6 months. Only 7 patients sought medical attention in the first 3 months; 21 patients sought medical care between 3 months and one year from the appearance of the lesion, while the remaining 15 patients waited more than a year.

Conclusions

One of the major issues found in ALM is represented by the diagnostic delay; this may be due to either the patients or the physicians’ failure to recognize warning signs.
Stakeholder Agency Relationships: CEO Stock Options and Corporate Tax Avoidance
Authors: Zolotoy Leon , O’Sullivan Don , Martin Geoffrey P. , Wiseman Robert M.
Published: September 2020

Infusing stakeholder agency theory with insights from behavioural agency theory, we describe a frame‐dependent relationship between CEO stock option incentives and tax avoidance. Our theoretical framework highlights the role of competing shareholder demands in providing a salient reference point for a CEO contemplating the implications of tax avoidance for their stock option wealth. In a study of 2,573 publicly listed U.S. firms between 1993 and 2014, we show that the implications of CEO stock option incentives are contingent on whether the firm’s effective tax rate is anticipated to be below or above the tax rate of peer firms – an outcome that the CEO can cast as balancing stakeholder demands. Consistent with our theoretical reasoning, we also show that, both above and below this reference point, the implications of option incentives for corporate tax avoidance are amplified by the level of activist institutional ownership and attenuated by the CEO’s ability to unwind their bond with shareholders through hedging. In doing so, our study offers an impetus for a broader stakeholder approach to governance research examining CEO incentive alignment.
Increased somatosensory amplification is associated with decreased pressure pain thresholds at both trigeminal and extra‐trigeminal locations in healthy individuals
Authors: Spano Valerie E. , Imbriglio Tina V. , Ho Ka Chun (Jeremy) , Chow Jeffrey C. F. , Cioffi Iacopo
Published: September 2020

Background

The diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is based on patient history and physical examination, and may require medical imaging. Masticatory muscle palpation is essential to make a diagnosis of TMD. However, the response of masticatory muscles to mechanical pressure stimuli depends on many physical and psychological factors.

Objective

This study aimed at determining the impact of somatosensory amplification (SSA)—an estimate of somatic awareness and bodily hypervigilance—on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) measured at both trigeminal and extra‐trigeminal locations in healthy individuals.

Methods

PPTs were measured at the right anterior temporalis and superficial masseter, and the thenar eminence of the right hand in one hundred healhty individuals (69F, 31M), divided in three groups based on their SSA scores: low (N = 32), intermediate (N = 34) and high (N = 34). General linear models were used to test between‐group differences in PPTs including sex as a covariate. The level of significance was set atP < .05.

Results

Individuals with high SSA had lower PPTs at the anterior temporalis than individuals with low (P = .006) and intermediate (P = .001) SSA. No significant between‐group differences were found in PPTs measured at the masseter (P = .372). PPTs measured at the thenar eminence were significantly lower in the high than the low SSA group (P = .009). Females had lower PPTs at the masseter than males (P = .021) but not at other muscle locations (allP > .05).

Conclusion

Increased somatosensory amplification is associated with decreased pressure pain thresholds at both trigeminal and extra‐trigeminal locations in healthy individuals. SSA could be a potential confounder while diagnosing TMD and evaluating treatment outcomes.
The STEM Graduate: Immediately after Graduation, Men and Women Already Differ in Job Outcomes, Attributions for Success, and Desired Job Characteristics
Authors: Jasko Katarzyna , Pyrkosz‐Pacyna Joanna , Czarnek Gabriela , Dukała Karolina , Szastok Marta
Published: September 2020

We examined the job outcomes of men and women who recently graduated from the same STEM majors in Poland (N = 8,082). The results demonstrated that women experienced more difficulties in finding a job, received fewer job offers, were less likely to find a job consistent with their education, and earned less money than men. Additionally, we examined the attributions that men and women made for their professional success and the characteristics that they sought in potential jobs. In comparison to men, women were less likely to attribute their success to stereotypically male characteristics and more likely to attribute their success to stereotypically female characteristics. Moreover, women were less likely than men to perceive agency‐affording job characteristics (e.g., salary) as decisive features when making a decision about a job. The findings suggest that despite having the same educational background, the professional situations of male and female graduates differ.
Equality through Innovation: Promoting Women in the Workplace in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries with Health Information Technology
Authors: Asi Yara M. , Williams Cynthia
Published: September 2020

Technological innovation has served as a useful catalyst for development goals across sectors, from agriculture to education. Various forms of health information technology (HIT), such as mobile health and telemedicine, have been used globally to support health care delivery systems. Forms of HIT, developed primarily by men in rich countries, are touted to support all patients and providers. However, while women perform most global health delivery, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), they have less access to technology. Stakeholders have been slow to recognize and resolve conflicts about how technology affects gender disparities, especially in health care. In this paper, we describe, using a social capital framework, how integrating HIT in health systems can empower women in the health care workforce. We conclude with policy recommendations that can support women in the health care workforce through HIT.
Negotiating Challenges and Aspirations in a Gendered Work Environment: The Voices of Women Working in the Iranian Broadcasting Media
Authors: Ghasemi Asemeh
Published: September 2020

I report the results of in‐depth interviews with 30 Muslim women working in the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Organization (IRIB), illuminating the challenges that women negotiate and their aspirations in a male‐dominant work environment. Two main challenges were identified: (a) the gender‐unequal stratification of work positions and opportunities, and (b) the complexity of work‐required physical proximity and observance of religious codes of conduct. Although some participants seemed resigned to the power of the gender order that privileged men and focused on performing their professional duties, others actively struggled with gender discrimination to prove themselves as equally competent as men and transform the work culture. Overall, the results highlight these women's agency in accepting and contesting dominant gendered norms, structures, and practices. The enactment of such agency also shows that the gender order is not immutable, but is relational and dynamic, and thus open to change.
Effect of carboxymethylcellulose and locust bean gums on some of physicochemical, mechanical, and textural properties of extruded rice
Authors: Mirzaei Mehry , Movahhed Sara , Asadollahzadeh Mohammad Javad , Ahmadi Chenarbon Hossein
Published: September 2020

Extrusion is a composite process consisting of many different unit operations such as mixing, cooking, pasting, and molding. In this process, the raw material is forced through a tiny opening to be transformed into a product with a desired and unique shape, texture, color, and taste. In combination with different amounts and types of additives, this technique can result in functional food products for a broad range of people suffering from micronutrient deficiency. The hydrocolloid compounds are now employed to improve the texture and performance properties of many food products. Therefore, this study scrutinized the effects of carboxymethylcellulose and locust bean gums at different levels (0.5, 0.75, and 1%) alone or in combination with each other on chemical, physical, mechanical, and textural properties of extruded rice in comparison with the qualitative properties of the control rice. A completely random design was used along with three replications to analyze the test results. Then the means were compared through Duncan's multiple range test at (α = 5%). According to the results, addition of gums increased moisture, ash, total color difference, water absorption capacity, solubility, failure force, rupture energy, elasticity module, and toughness when reduced lateral expansion was compared to the control. Moreover, the addition of gums after the cooking process increased cooking loss, texture hardness, chewability, and elasticity of the specimens in comparison with the control. According to the results of pre‐ and post‐cooking tests, the specimens containing locust (0.75%) and carboxymethylcellulose (0.75%) gums were the best treatments.
Effects of the size distribution of wheat starch on noodles with and without gluten
Authors: Yan Huili , Lu Qiyu
Published: September 2020

To understand the effects of A‐ and B‐type wheat starch on noodle quality, two noodle models with (Model 1) and without (Model 2) gluten were constructed with five different ratios of A‐ to B‐granules (100A‐0B, 75A‐25B, 50A‐50B, 25A‐75B, and 0A‐100B). With increasing proportions of B‐granules, the noodle structures of Models 1 and 2 became increasingly dense. The cooking loss, water absorption, proportion of free water, chewiness, cohesiveness and resilience decreased from 35.64 to 15.49%, 240.92 to 228.58%, 88.89 to 85.98%, 21.93 to 13.24 N, 0.77 to 0.56, and 0.61 to 0.36, respectively, with the increased proportion of B‐granules in Model 2, while those parameters normally presented “V” or inverted “V” trends in Model 1. Compared to their counterparts in Model 2, gluten networks with 25–50% B‐granules had an outstanding ability to increase the percentage of tightly bound water, hardness, chewiness and springiness by 4.50%, 24.07 N, 25.05 N, and 0.17 at most and reduce the proportion of free water and water absorption by 5.56 and 73.70% at most, respectively. The results indicated that the effect of the gluten network on noodle qualities may partially depend on its structure, which is shaped by the granule size distribution. Compared to the other characteristics of noodles, the springiness was influenced by a more complicated mechanism involving A‐ and B‐granules in Model 2, while it was strongly affected by the gluten network under the given experimental conditions in Model 1.