bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarkably similar migration patterns between different red‐backed shrike populations suggest that migration rather than breeding area phenology determines the annual cycle
Authors: Pedersen Lykke , Onrubia Alejandro , Vardanis Yannis , Barboutis Christos , Waasdorp Stef , van Helvert Monique , Geertsma Marten , Ekberg Per , Willemoes Mikkel , Strandberg Roine , Matsyna Ekaterina , Matsyna Alexander , Klaassen Raymond H. G. , Alerstam Thomas , Thorup Kasper , Tøttrup Anders P.
Published: August 2020

The regular fluctuation of resources across the Globe guides movements of migratory animals. To ensure sufficient reproductive output and maintain viable population sizes, migratory animals should match arrival at breeding areas with local peaks in resource availability. It is generally assumed that breeding phenology dictates the timing of the annual cycle, but this is poorly studied. Here, we use light‐level geolocator tracking data to compare the annual spatiotemporal migration patterns of a long‐distance migratory songbird, the red‐backed shrike, Lanius collurio, breeding at widely different latitudes within Europe. We find that populations use remarkably similar migration routes and are highly synchronized in time. Additional tracks from populations breeding at the edges of the European range support these similar migration patterns. When comparing timing of breeding and vegetation phenology, as a measure of resource availability across populations, we find that arrival and timing of breeding corresponds to the peak in vegetation greenness at northern latitudes. At lower latitudes birds arrive simultaneously with the more northerly breeding populations, but after the local greenness peak, suggesting that breeding area phenology does not determine the migratory schedule. Rather, timing of migration in red‐backed shrikes may be constrained by events in other parts of the annual cycle.
Analyst underreaction and the post‐forecast revision drift
Authors: Chen Po‐Chang , Narayanamoorthy Ganapathi S. , Sougiannis Theodore , Zhou Hui
Published: August 2020

The post‐forecast revision drift (PFRD), the phenomenon of delayed stock price reactions to analyst forecast revisions, is a well‐documented market anomaly. Prior research attributes PFRD to underreaction by investors to analyst forecast revisions. This study investigates the role of the analyst forecast revision process itself in the PFRD anomaly. Using a large sample of US firms, we confirm prior findings of a positive serial correlation (momentum) in individual analysts’ revisions to their earnings forecasts and, based on both indirect and direct tests, document a positive association between this momentum and PFRD. Further analyses reveal that both the forecast revision momentum and PFRD vary in similar ways with respect to the nature of the news driving the revisions and the information environment. Collectively, our findings show that underreaction by individual analysts in the forecast revision process is an important contributor to the PFRD phenomenon.
Phylogeographic structure and population connectivity of a small benthic fish (Tripterygion tripteronotum) in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Sefc Kristina M. , Wagner Maximilian , Zangl Lukas , Weiß Sara , Steinwender Bernd , Arminger Paul , Weinmaier Theresa , Balkic Nejra , Kohler Tobias , Inthal Silvio , Kovačić Marcelo , Zogaris Stamatis , Hahn Christoph , Koblmüller Stephan
Published: August 2020

Aim

Population connectivity of benthic marine organisms depends strongly on planktonic larval dispersal and is controlled by geographic distance and oceanographic structure. We examine isolation by distance versus resistance to barriers (ocean current boundaries) against a background of post‐glacial habitat expansion in a small benthic fish of the Adriatic Sea.

Location

Adriatic Sea, Eastern Mediterranean.

Taxon

Tripterygion tripteronotum.

Methods

We performed population genetic analyses using mitochondrial control region sequences of 550 individuals from 25 locations sampled along the Eastern Adriatic coast. Investigations of population structure included differentiation tests, cluster analyses and distance‐based redundancy analysis. We then ran Lagrangian simulations of passive larval drift to examine correlations among population structure, geographic distance and the Adriatic gyre system. To test for signatures of a post‐glacial range expansion, we modelled the demographic history of the populations and examined the geographic distribution of genetic diversity.

Results

Genetic population structure corresponded to the Adriatic gyres without additional effect of geographic distance. Inference of northward‐biased gene flow between the northern and the Istrian gyre was consistent with simulated trajectories of passive drift, whereas the phylogeographic break coinciding with the boundary between the Central and the Northern Adriatic gyre was stronger than predicted by drift simulations. Genetic connectivity of populations within gyres was high. Genetic signatures of population expansion were consistent with a rapid post‐glacial recolonization of the northern Adriatic.

Main conclusions

The combination of dense sampling and passive drift simulation allowed us to distinguish among effects of geographic distance, oceanographic features and palaeoenvironmental changes on current population structure. Comparisons between realized and potential connectivity illustrate the value of integrating different data sources to understand population structure and inform conservation planning.
A multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the digital therapeutics for essential hypertension: Rationale and design of the HERB‐DH1 trial
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Nomura Akihiro , Harada Noriko , Tanigawa Tomoyuki , So Ryuhei , Nakagawa Kiyose , Suzuki Shin , Okura Ayako , Hida Eisuke , Satake Kohta
Published: August 2020

Digital therapeutics is a new approach to treat hypertension via using software programs such as smartphone apps and/or device algorithms. We develop a HERB system—new interactive smartphone app (HERB Mobile) with web‐based patient management console (HERB Console)—to lower blood pressure (BP) based on an algorithm that helps users to promote lifestyle modifications in conjunction with medically validated non‐pharmacological interventions. The app can assess the personalities, behavior characteristics, and hypertension determinants of each patient with hypertension to provide adequate guidance. To demonstrate the efficacy of the system, we designed a randomized, controlled, multicenter, open‐label trial “HERB‐DH1 (HERB digital hypertension 1)” to assess the efficacy of HERB system in patients with essential hypertension. The authors allocate patients to the intervention group (HERB system + standard lifestyle modification) or to the control group (standard lifestyle modification alone). In the intervention group, we provide the HERB Mobile for patients and the HERB Console for their primary physicians for 24 weeks. Both groups are instructed for standard lifestyle modifications based on the current recommendations in the Japanese Society of Hypertension 2019 guideline. The primary outcome is the mean change from baseline to 12 weeks in 24‐hour systolic BP measured by ambulatory BP monitoring. We started this study in December of 2019, and the trial results will be expected in early 2021. We believe that this trial enables us to verify the efficacy of the HERB system in patients with essential hypertension.
Association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and the effects of Angiotensin II receptor blocker on renal function among African Americans: A post hoc analysis of a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Chen Li , Zhu Haidong , Harshfield Gregory A. , Huang Ying , Dong Yanbin
Published: August 2020

We tested the hypothesis that vitamin D status may modify the effect of Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) on renal function among African Americans. Sixty‐four participants were included in this ancillary study from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial among normotensive African Americans to test the effect of ARB on stress response of blood pressure and renal sodium handling. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either ARB or placebo for one week, washed out for one week and then cross‐overed to receive the other intervention for one week. On the final day of each intervention, the participant underwent a mental stress test. Baseline serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was measured in this ancillary study. Sixty‐four participants were included, aged 26.5 ± 10.2 years and 47% were female. Among the participants with the serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the low tertile, ARB treatment was associated with 2.58 mg/dL higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < .001) and was not associated with serum creatinine (SCr) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Ps > .05). Among the participants in the high 25(OH)D tertile, ARB was associated with 1.59 mg/dL lower BUN (P < .001), 0.08 mg/dL lower SCr (P = .001), and 8.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher eGFR (P = .001). The interactions between vitamin D and ARB on renal function were more significant during stress and recovery than at rest. The effects of ARB treatment on renal function are modified by the vitamin D status among African Americans. ARB may improve renal function only among the ones with optimal vitamin D status.
Hypertension, heart failure, and frailty in older people: A common but unclear situation
Authors: Camafort Miguel , Kario Kazuomi
Published: August 2020

Hypertension and heart failure are common conditions in older people. Comorbidity, together with aging, is commonly associated with frailty, which is a cause of a worse prognosis, more hospitalizations, increased dependency, and mortality. Despite being increasingly common conditions, data on the prevalence and influence of frailty in hypertensive older patients with HF are lacking. This may be due to the multidimensional aspects of frailty and the differing tools used to evaluate it. Nevertheless, in clinical practice, it is common to see frail hypertensive patients with HF but the specific characteristics of this group of patients, including multimorbidity and frailty, and the lack of data from registries or randomized clinical trials make the diagnosis and management of these patients more difficult than in those of other ages. This review focuses on what is known and on where future investigations should focus in this common but unclear situation.
Overview of blood pressure measurement by Brazilian health professionals
Authors: Albuquerque Nila L. S. , Padwal Raj , Araujo Thelma L.
Published: August 2020

Although automated monitors for blood pressure (BP) measurement are used increasingly worldwide, understanding of how such devices are used in Brazil is low. This study analyzed the status of BP measurement by Brazilian health professionals. A questionnaire regarding experience with BP measurement was sent electronically to Brazilian nurses, nursing assistants, and doctors. It had 2004 responses. Previous experience with use of automated monitors was most frequent in men (71.2%), nursing technicians (65.5%), specialists (61.1%), secondary care (71.9%), emergency care (70.6%), or the private sector (66.3%). The least complied aspects of the standardized measurement protocol were availability of various cuff sizes (53.9% and 72.9% for auscultatory and oscillometric methods, respectively) and proper calibration checks (21.5% and 46.8% for auscultatory and oscillometric methods, respectively). Brazilian health professionals report not adequately performing all the necessary aspects to measure BP in accordance with the standardized protocol in both methods, but mainly regarding the oscillometric.
Increased cardiovascular death rates in a COVID‐19 low prevalence area
Authors: Del Pinto Rita , Ferri Claudio , Mammarella Leondino , Abballe Stefano , Dell'Anna Sofia , Cicogna Sabrina , Grassi Davide , Sacco Simona , Desideri Giovambattista
Published: August 2020

The province of L'Aquila (Central Italy) was marginally affected by COVID‐19 pandemic, but changes in health care seeking behaviors were noticed. The authors retrospectively analyzed de‐identified data concerning all‐cause and cardiovascular hospitalizations, cardiovascular acute phase treatments, and in‐hospital cardiovascular deaths in the province of L'Aquila from January 1 to March 31, in 2020 and 2019. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) comparing 2020 and 2019 for admissions/procedures were calculated through Poisson regression. All‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in the examined time windows was also assessed. Less all‐cause (IRR 0.85, P < .001) and cardiovascular (IRR 0.73, P < .001) hospitalizations occurred in 2020 than in 2019. Less daily cardiovascular procedures were also performed (IRR: 0.74, P = .009). A disproportionate decrease in the number of procedures was observed in relation to cardiovascular hospitalizations in 2020 (−5.5%, P = .001). Unlike all‐cause mortality, more in‐hospital cardiovascular deaths occurred in March 2020 compared with March 2019 (+6.8%, P = .048).
Atypical Work and Unemployment Protection in Europe*
Authors: Jara Tamayo Holguer Xavier , Tumino Alberto
Published: August 2020

Abstract

This article evaluates the degree of income protection that the tax‐benefit system provides to atypical workers in the event of unemployment. Our approach relies on simulating transitions from employment to unemployment for the entire workforce in EU member states to compare household financial circumstances before and after the transition. Our results show that coverage rates of unemployment insurance are low among atypical workers, who are also more exposed to the risk of poverty than standard employees, both while in work and in unemployment. Low work intensity employees are characterized by having high net replacement rates. However, this is due to the major role played by the market incomes of other household members. Finally, we show that in countries where self‐employed workers are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, extending the eligibility to this group of workers would increase their replacement rates and make them less likely to fall into poverty in the event of unemployment.
Mother–infant interactions with infants with congenital visual impairment and associations with longitudinal outcomes in cognition and language
Authors: Sakkalou Elena , O’Reilly Michelle A. , Sakki Hanna , Springall Clare , de Haan Michelle , Salt Alison T. , Dale Naomi J.
Published: August 2020

Background

This study investigated mother–infant interactions, including maternal maintaining of infant attentional focus and sensitivity, with infants with congenital severe and profound visual impairment (VI) and the association with developmental trajectories from one to three years.

Method

Fifty‐five infants and mothers were video‐recorded playing together with a standard set of toys at Time 1 (T1) mean age 12.95 months (8.13–17.05 months). Maintain was categorized as the mother following and maintaining the child’s focus, and Sensitivity, the mother’s responsiveness and contingency to infant behaviour. Vision level was measured using the Near Detection Scale. Cognition and language were measured at T1, 12 months later (T2) and 24 months later (T3) using the Reynell‐Zinkin Scales.

Results

Cross‐sectional analyses showed that mothers of infants with severe VI (basic form vision) produced higher rates of Maintain compared to those with children with profound VI (light perception at best). Linear mixed‐effects models examining developmental progression from T1 to T3 (controlling for vision level) showed an average increase of 5 DQ points (CI 95%: 1.03–9.08) in verbal comprehension for higher Sensitivity. No significant findings were found for Maintain.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that mother–infant interactions (maternal Maintain) are associated with level of vision at infancy, but only maternal Sensitivity has a long‐term positive association with advances in verbal comprehension from infancy to about three years. They highlight the need for incorporating strategies related to parent–infant interactions, including increased sensitivity, into early intervention for children with visual impairment.
Phase III, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin monotherapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise
Authors: Ji Linong , Ma Jianhua , Lu Weiping , Liu Jingdong , Zeng Jiao’e , Yang Jialin , Li Wei , Zhang Xiuzhen , Xiao Xinhua , Takayanagi Gen , Wang Yi
Published: August 2020

Aims/Introduction

Although the efficacy of teneligliptin, a highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, has been amply studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, no clinical trials of teneligliptin have been carried out in China. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin monotherapy compared with a placebo in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.

Materials and Methods

This multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study, carried out at 42 sites, enrolled type 2 diabetes patients with glycosylated hemoglobin 7.0 to <10.0% and fasting blood glucose <270 mg/dL. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to treatment with 20 mg teneligliptin or a placebo (n = 127, each) administered orally once daily before breakfast for 24 weeks. Change in glycosylated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24 was the primary efficacy end‐point. Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse events and adverse drug reactions.

Results

The least square mean (LSM) change in glycosylated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24 was −0.95% with teneligliptin versus −0.14% with a placebo, yielding an LSM difference (teneligliptin vs placebo) of −0.80% (P < 0.0001). For the secondary end‐point, from baseline to week 24, the LSM change in fasting blood glucose was −21.9 mg/dL with teneligliptin versus −1.4 mg/dL with a placebo, yielding an LSM difference (teneligliptin vs placebo) of −20.5 mg/dL (P < 0.0001). The adverse event and adverse drug reaction incidence rates, including hypoglycemia, were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

At 24 weeks, teneligliptin was generally well tolerated and effective in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.
Patent Similarity Data and Innovation Metrics
Authors: Whalen Ryan , Lungeanu Alina , DeChurch Leslie , Contractor Noshir
Published: August 2020

We introduce and describe the Patent Similarity Dataset, comprising vector space model‐based similarity scores for U.S. utility patents. The dataset provides approximately 640 million pre‐calculated similarity scores, as well as the code and computed vectors required to calculate further pairwise similarities. In addition to the raw data, we introduce measures that leverage patent similarity to provide insight into innovation and intellectual property law issues of interest to both scholars and policymakers. Code is provided in accompanying scripts to assist researchers in obtaining the dataset, joining it with other available patent data, and using it in their research.
Working Hard or Making Work? Plaintiffs’ Attorney Fees in Securities Fraud Class Actions
Authors: Choi Stephen J. , Erickson Jessica , Pritchard A. C.
Published: August 2020

In this article, we study attorney fees awarded in the largest securities class actions: “mega‐settlements.” Consistent with prior work, we find larger fee awards but lower percentages in these cases. We also find that courts are more likely to reject or modify fee requests made in connection with the largest settlements. We conjecture that this scrutiny provides an incentive for law firms to bill more hours, not to advance the case, but to help justify large fee awards—“make work.” The results of our empirical tests are consistent with plaintiffs’ attorneys investing more time in litigation against larger companies, with the largest potential damages, particularly when there are multiple lead counsel firms. We find a similar pattern with relative efficiency, with more hours per docket entry for the largest‐stake cases with multiple lead counsel firms. Overall, our results suggest that plaintiffs’ attorneys are receiving windfall fee awards in at least some mega‐settlement cases at shareholders’ expense.
Inputs and Outputs on Appeal: An Empirical Study of Briefs, Big Law, and Case Complexity
Authors: Samaha Adam M. , Heise Michael , Sisk Gregory C.
Published: August 2020

The relationship between judicial inputs and outputs remains opaque. Conventional wisdom is plentiful but useful evidence is not. This study examines civil appeals in three federal appellate courts, concentrating on the briefing, the attorneys, and the complexity of the case. We find no evidence that short briefs are more persuasive, while the evidence in favor of long briefs on the appellant's side is provocative. We also find suggestive evidence that the experience of the lead lawyer on the appellee's side matters. However, “Big Law” firms and large teams of lawyers do not seem to perform better on appeal, all else equal. Finally, different kinds of case complexity point in different directions. The presence of a cross‐appeal is associated with judge votes to reverse—but not necessarily in favor of the cross‐appellant. At the same time, complex trial‐level proceedings may be associated with judge votes to affirm.
Distinct haplotypes and free movement ofAedes aegyptiin Port Sudan, Sudan
Authors: Elnour Mohammed‐Ahmed B. , Moustafa Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed , Khogali Rua , Azrag Rasha S. , Alanazi Abdullah D. , Kheir Amani , Nakao Ryo , de Meeûs Thierry , Salim Bashir
Published: August 2020

Any attempt to control a mosquito‐borne disease should primarily focus on controlling its vector. In Sudan, arboviral infections are a major health problem where periodical outbreaks of arboviruses transmitted byAedes aegyptihave been reported. This preliminary study was performed to uncover the population genetic diversity ofAedes aegyptifrom Red Sea State, Sudan, using mtDNA‐COIgene. We performed morphological identification, PCR and DNA nucleotide sequencing and analysed the genetic polymorphism, and isolation by distance ofAedes aegyptifrom four sites. Of the 55 samples successfully sequenced, six haplotypes were revealed. Global haplotype network revealed that the predominant haplotype in Sudan (Hap1; 31 sequences = 56.4%), the second most frequent haplotype (Hap2; 13 sequences = 23.6%) and Hap 5 (3.6%) were identical or genetically close to isolates seen in different countries distributed in the United States, South America, Europe, Asia and two African isolates, one from Kenya and the other from Europa Island (Mozambique Channel). Haplotype 4 (3.6%) appeared closely related to mosquitoes sampled from Cameroon, Kenya, Sri Lanka and India and belonged to a lineage that contained isolates from all over the geographical expansion. Haplotype 6 (1.8%) seemed quite distant from any other sequenced mtDNA. To summarize, four haplotypes were found only in Sudan, and one rare haplotype appeared genetically distant from all other haplotypes, suggesting a local origin. Subdivision measures and testing suggested a probable free (or almost free) migration between the different sites sampled.
Marginal adaptation of zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate overlays with different preparation designs
Authors: Falahchai Mehran , Babaee Hemmati Yasamin , Neshandar Asli Hamid , Neshandar Asli Marzieh
Published: August 2020

Objective

Following the advent of strong adhesive bonding, the conservative tooth preparation designs without a retentive form gained increasing popularity. This study aimed to evaluate the marginal adaptation of zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) overlays with different preparation designs.

Materials and methods

Forty sound human maxillary first molars were collected and divided into four groups (n = 10) according to their preparation design for the fabrication of ZLS overlays: (O) anatomical occlusal reduction, (OS) anatomical occlusal reduction with rounded shoulder, (OG) anatomical occlusal reduction with a central groove, and (OSG) anatomical occlusal reduction with rounded shoulder and central groove. A video measuring machine (VMM) was used to measure the marginal gap. Statistical analysis was carried out using one‐way ANOVA followed by paired t test and Tukey's test (α = .05).

Results

The gap size was significantly different between the groups both before (P = .004) and after (P = .008) cementation, and it was significantly smaller in group O than group OSG (P = .002 before and P = .004 after cementation). Marginal gap increased in all groups following cementation (P < .001).

Conclusions

Group O showed comparable marginal adaptation with groups OS and OG while group OSG with the most complex design showed the lowest marginal adaptation for ZLS overlays.

Clinical Significance

According to the results of this in vitro study, it may be stated that for defect‐free teeth requiring occlusal restoration, the occlusal surface preparation alone would suffice to achieve optimal marginal adaptation, and retentive and more invasive preparation designs are not required.
Traditional approaches to estimate length at first maturity (L50) retrieve better results than alternative ones in a Neotropical heptapterid
Authors: Soares Bruno E. , Barros Thiago F. , Hashiguti Danielly T. , Pereira Douglas C. , Ferreira Karina C. F. , Caramaschi Érica P.
Published: August 2020

Length at first maturity (L50) is an important tool for the management and conservation of fish populations. Traditional approaches based on macroscopic and microscopic maturity staging exhibit high accuracy and precision, while alternative approaches (e.g., Ig‐based staging, stanza changing point) are less resource‐demanding. Herein, we compare four approaches to estimate L50 in a population of the heptapterid Rhamdioglanis transfasciatus from Atlantic Forest streams. Fish were sampled monthly during a year by using electrofishing. We measured the length (cm), mass (g), and gonad mass (g) of each specimen, then classified their maturity status macroscopically and microscopically. Alternative approaches were strongly discordant from traditional ones. Logistic curves considering mature individuals as those displaying at least 1% of the maximum Ig in the sample greatly underestimated L50 for females and overestimated L50 for males. The stanza changing point derived from the polyphasic growth model underestimated L50 in both cases. Despite the increasing development of less onerous approaches, it seems that they are not suitable for all fish populations and the requirements to use such approaches demand further investigation.
Antibiotics modulate biofilm formation in fish pathogenic isolates of atypical Aeromonas salmonicida
Authors: Desbois Andrew P. , Cook Kira J. , Buba Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida causes furunculosis infections of non‐salmonid fish, which requires antibiotic therapy. However, antibiotics may induce biofilm in some bacteria, which protects them against hostile conditions while allowing them to persist on surfaces, thus forming a reservoir for infection. The aim of this study was to determine whether atypical isolates of A. salmonicida increased biofilm in the presence of two antibiotics, florfenicol and oxytetracycline. A microtitre plate assay was used to quantify biofilm in the presence and absence of each antibiotic. Fifteen of 28 isolates formed biofilms under control conditions, while 23 of 28 isolates increased biofilm formation in the presence of at least one concentration of at least one antibiotic. For oxytetracycline, the most effective concentration causing biofilm to increase was one‐quarter of that preventing visible bacterial growth, whereas for florfenicol it was one‐half of this value. This is the first study to demonstrate that a bacterial pathogen of fish increases biofilm in response to antibiotics. Biofilm formation may increase the risk of re‐infection in culture systems and this lifestyle favours the transmission of genetic material, which has implications for the dissemination of antibiotic‐resistance genes and demonstrates the need for enhanced disease prevention measures against atypical A. salmonicida.
Stimulation of in situ low intensity ultrasound on batch fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to enhance the GSH yield
Authors: Yang Yao , Xiang Jiahui , Zhang Zhaoli , Umego Ekene Christopher , Huang Guoping , He Ronghai , Ma Haile
Published: August 2020

In this study, an in situ 7.5 L ultrasonic fermentation tank was used to culture Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 30°C for 36 hr to explore the effects of low intensity ultrasound on the production of glutathione (GSH). Ultrasonic conditions of 28 kHz frequency, 28 W/L power density for fermentation time of 0–12 hr, 280 W/L power density for fermentation time of 12–36 hr, 3 s of interval and fixed frequency mode were used for the set‐up and a nonsonicated set‐up served as the control for the experiment. Results showed that ultrasound treatment increased total GSH production by 15.60% from a maximum value of 45.52 mg/L in the control to a maximum value of 52.62 mg/L in the sonicated sample. Also, intracellular and extracellular GSH productions in the sonicated sample increased by 5.60% and 42.92% respectively. Regular detection of the changes of biomass yield, residual sugar, dissolved oxygen and pH showed that sonication resulted in biomass increased by 7.25%, glucose consumption rate increased by 53.08% and dissolved oxygen content decreased by 41.67%. The biomass models of sonication and nonsonication treatments were established according to growth of S. cerevisiae showed that the model fitted well with Logistic regression in which the strain specific growth rate increased by 60.95% after sonication. GSH production model agreed with Luedeking‐Piret regression in which GSH synthesis parameters of sonication, α and β increased by 1.96% and 19.64% in comparison to the nonsonicated sample. This study clearly demonstrated that ultrasonic stimulation could improve the biosynthesis of GSH during fermentation.

Practical Applications

In this study, the GSH was producted by microbial fermentation in in situ 7.5 L ultrasonic fermentation tank. During the fermentation, sonication was applied to increasing yield of GSH. The results show that the study provides a theoretical basis for manufacture GSH combined with sonication industrialization. The fermentation kinetic model was established, which provided experimental basis for continous fermentation.
Soybean drying as a moving boundary problem: Shrinkage and moisture kinetics prediction
Authors: Guilherme Gustavo Lopes , Nicolin Douglas Junior
Published: August 2020

In this work, the diffusion of moisture in the drying process of soybean grains is mathematical modeled considering shrinkage. Moisture and radius data as a function of time were obtained by experimental tests in a drying oven for three different drying temperatures. Radius decrease was registered by image analysis. The parameters of the diffusion model were obtained by nonlinear regression. The model provided diffusivity values and drying constants at the surface of the grains as a function of temperature. The average moisture profiles presented good agreement with the experimental values. Although the radius profiles predictions presented higher deviation when compared with the experimental values, a good agreement were found, especially at the higher drying rates of the process. The model provided good predictions of the moisture and radius profile for the drying process of soybean grains and the diffusivities and drying constants for considering the grain shrinkage during the process.

Practical Applications

Diffusion coefficients are crucial parameters to be estimated in order to design highly efficient drying process for food industry. Thus, if the mass transfer is mathematically modeled considering realistic aspects, which occur during the drying process, such as the shrinkage of the grains, the diffusion coefficients estimated become more trustable, allowing the project and optimization of drying equipment for the grain processing industry.
Identification of tomato maturity based on multinomial logistic regression with kernel clustering by integrating color moments and physicochemical indices
Authors: Jiang Yiping , Bian Bei , Wang Xiaochan , Chen Sifan , Li Yuhua , Sun Ye
Published: August 2020

The identification of tomato maturity is significant to extend the fruit shelf life and generate the scientific processing strategy. Tomato maturation is a gradual process, and the internal physicochemical characteristics are most related to maturity states. Merely choosing visual features to identify maturity would cause discriminant errors. This study designed a simple and effective identification method for tomato maturity by integrating color moments and physicochemical indices. The color moments were extracted by an adaptive K‐means clustering image processing program, and firmness, soluble solid content and sensory evaluation were measured by professional techniques. The optimal multidimensional index set was formulated according to color moments and physicochemical indices simultaneously. To reduce the confusion between adjacent stages, a novel multinomial logistic regression with kernel clustering (MLRKC) method was designed to identify maturity, and the accuracy was 95.83% for tomato testing set. Moreover, the traditional image features set and some classic methods were applied to verify the performance of proposed method, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was applied to identify the tomatoes in the realistic circumstance. The identification results demonstrated satisfactory performances and promising applications of MLRKC method integrating color moments and physicochemical indices.

Practical Applications

Tomato is a climacteric fruit which could mature after harvesting. Identification tomato maturity stage is significant to decide the optimal transportation modes, inventory strategies and processing technology. Traditional methods for identifying tomato maturity were high‐cost and complicated, which were inefficient for small‐scale production. The method proposed in this study could simply the identification steps and reduce the operating cost, and also provide more accurate and valuable information. The investigated theoretical basis could be incorporated into the small farmers and small‐scale food processing companies to achieve tomato precision processing with low additional costs.
Physicochemical changes in cooked prawn muscle with or without shell during water bath treatment: Effect of thermal protein denaturation
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Llave Yvan , Fukuoka Mika , Sakai Noboru
Published: August 2020

The presence or absence of prawn shell impacts the cooked muscle quality. Here, we evaluated the effect of different cooking temperatures and times during water bath treatment on the quality attributes of peeled and unpeeled prawns. Several factors, including heat penetration, moisture content, color distribution, microstructure, and texture changes were tested. Thermal protein denaturation was assessed to clarify differences in quality attributes between both samples. Heat penetration was slightly slower in unpeeled prawns compared to peeled prawns, which correlated with the lower denaturation rate for each protein (myosin, sarcoplasmic‐collagen, and actin). The tissue connection between the shell and muscle protects the prawn meat from shrinkage, resulting in reduced water release. Maximum stress at 50, 65, and 75°C was significantly higher in unpeeled prawns than in peeled prawns. However, the absence of shell resulted in a denser microstructure and slightly higher color profile in peeled prawns. These findings may be applied for the thermal processing of prawns.

Practical Applications

The applications of the findings of this study include but are not limited to: (a) predicting the thermal protein denaturation conditions for both peeled and unpeeled prawn muscles, which can facilitate the selection of the applied thermal process degree in order to reduce cooking losses, (b) direct mapping of color distribution at the surface and internal sections of both samples, which contribute to the acceptability of cooked prawn products and easy detection of overcooked areas, and (c) helping in the sensitization of consumers and also processors of the quality attribute retention of processed prawns, since prawns are processed with or without peeling as desired by the target customer
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: The effect of vitamin E supplementation in adult patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Vadarlis Andreas , Antza Christina , Bakaloudi Dimitra Rafailia , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Kalopitas Georgios , Samara Myrto , Dardavessis Theodoros , Maris Theofanis , Chourdakis Michail
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Νon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to be the most common cause of end‐stage liver disease in the next years. Vitamin E has shown beneficial effects as a possible “scavenger” of oxidative stress products, which play a major role in pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of the present meta‐analysis is to investigate the effects of vitamin E supplementation in biochemical and histological parameters in adult patients with NAFLD.

Methods

Literature search was performed in major electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Embase) up to June 2020 for randomized clinical trials, which examined vitamin E versus placebo treatment in adults with NAFLD. Changes in liver enzymes were considered as primary outcomes while changes in histological, biochemical, and metabolic parameters as secondary. Quality of evidence was assessed through risk of bias according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Eight studies were included in qualitative analysis and seven in quantitative analysis. Vitamin E reduced the values of liver enzymes compared with placebo (−7.37 IU/L, 95% confidence interval: −10.11 to −4.64 for alanine aminotransferase, and −5.71 IU/L, 95% confidence interval: −9.49 to −1.93 for aspartate aminotransferase). Additionally, vitamin E improved statistically significantly liver pathology in every individual histological parameter as well as low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and serum leptin values.

Conclusions

Vitamin E can improve biochemical and histological characteristics of NAFLD patients, especially of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis patients. The results indicate that vitamin E could be a promising choice and be considered as a treatment option in patients with NAFLD.
Relationship Between Fear of Falling, Fear‐Related Activity Restriction, Frailty, and Sarcopenia
Authors: Merchant Reshma Aziz , Chen Matthew Zhixuan , Wong Beatrix Ling Ling , Ng Shu Ee , Shirooka Hidehiko , Lim Jia Yi , Sandrasageran Surein , Morley John E.
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of fear of falling (FOF) and fear‐related activity restriction (FAR) and their association with frailty, sarcopenia, gait speed and grip strength, cognitive impairment, depression, social isolation, self‐perceived health, and vision.

DESIGN

Observational cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 493 community‐dwelling older adults, 60 years and older.

MEASURES

FOF and FAR were assessed using validated single closed‐ended questions. Questionnaire was administered to evaluate frailty (FRAIL scale ‐ Fatigue, Resistance, Aerobic, Illness, and Loss of Weight), sarcopenia (SARC‐F ‐ lifting and carrying 10 pounds, walking across a room, transferring from bed/chair, climbing a flight of 10 stairs, and frequency of falls in the past 1 year), social isolation (six‐item Lubben Social Network Scale), depression (Even Briefer Assessment Scale), cognition (Chinese Mini‐Mental State Examination), and perceived general health and pain (The EuroQol‐5 Dimension (EQ‐5D)and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS)) . Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the influence of sociodemographic, medical, functional, and cognitive variables on FOF with/without FAR.

RESULTS

Prevalence of FOF was 69.2%, and among them, 38.4% had FAR. Prevalence of FOF with or without FAR in those with sarcopenia was 93.3% and in prefrail/frail was 76.6%. FOF was significantly associated with prefrail/frail (odds ratio (OR) = 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–3.73), depression (OR = 4.90; 95% CI = 1.06–22.67), number of medications (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.03–1.59), and female sex (OR = 3.54; 95% CI = 1.82–6.90). FOF + FAR was associated with depression (OR = 5.17; 95% CI = 1.84–14.54) and sarcopenia (OR = 8.13; 95% CI = 1.52–43.41).

CONCLUSION

FOF with/without FAR is highly prevalent among community‐dwelling older adults, especially in those with sarcopenia, prefrailty, and frailty, with significant negative impact on function, quality of life, social network, and mental health. Further research is needed to investigate the value of population‐level screening, causal relationship, and efficacy of comprehensive intervention strategies.
Analyst following, disclosure quality, and discretionary impairments: Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Ling
Published: August 2020

Financial statement preparers’ discretion in fair value measurements is integral to asset impairment accounting. Firms may misuse this discretion to report more or less impairment loss than is warranted by underlying economic circumstances. Using data from a sample of publicly listed firms in China, this study finds that analyst following reduces abnormal impairment loss, the portion of reported impairment loss that cannot be explained by corporate economic circumstances and that this effect is more pronounced for firms with lower information disclosure quality. However, the reducing effects of analyst following and its interaction with disclosure quality are greater for income‐decreasing than for income‐increasing abnormal impairment loss. Additional analyses support the argument that these differences are attributable to the dominance of accounting’s contracting role over its informational role. Overall, the findings indicate that the influence of analyst following on discretionary impairment accounting decisions is moderated by disclosure quality and by the relative importance of accounting’s contracting and informational roles in an emerging market setting.
Symptom clusters and quality of life among patients with chronic heart failure: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hu Yinyi , Jiang Jiaoming , Xu Liyuan , Wang Cui , Wang Pengxiao , Yang Biwen , Tao Ming
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study aimed to identify symptom clusters among patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and examine their independent relationships with quality of life (QoL).

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional design was adopted, and 201 Chinese participants were recruited. Their symptom profiles and QoL were assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale‐Heart Failure and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the symptom clusters. Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to examine their independent relationships with QoL.

Results

Six distinct symptom clusters were identified: the fatigue, dyspneic, discomfort, congestive, ischemic, and emotional symptom clusters. These six symptom clusters accounted for 57.508% of the variance in patient symptom experiences and were positively related to their overall QoL. Moreover, the fatigue (β = .317, p < .001), dyspneic (β = .228, p < .001), congestive (β = .363, p < .001), and emotional (β = .200, p < .001) symptom clusters independently predicted QoL.

Conclusion

The six symptom clusters that were identified in this study and the relationships that they shared with QoL are expected to inform future approaches to symptom management. Interventions that target these symptom clusters will improve the QoL of patients with HF.
Development of an early detection scale for intimate partner violence to occur in relationships under power and control
Authors: Shinjo Masaki , Inoue Matsuyo , Akamine Itsuko , Naka Chieri , Tanaka Hideo
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study aimed to develop a detection scale for intimate partner violence (DS‐IPV), excluding physical and sexual violence, and to validate the scale.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken using an anonymous 26‐item self‐administered questionnaire with volunteer women aged 18–59 residing in one prefecture in Japan. A total of 1,937 responses were obtained, and 1,915 were valid. The responses of the 1,277 women who had a partner at the time were included in the analysis. Statistical analysis examined exploratory/confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and construct validity.

Results

A four‐factor scale with 22 items was extracted for the DS‐IPV. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the indices of fitness supported these results. Prior to the factor analysis, the Kiser‐Mayer‐Olkin measurement (.936) and Bartlett's sphericity test (p < .001) showed that all samples met the statistical criteria. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .92 for total score and varied between .70 and .90 for each of the four factors, and internal consistency was confirmed. The following four factors emerged from an oblique factor analysis, with a cumulative variance of 58.1%: “arousing anxiety”; “controlling behavior”; “coercion and threat”; and “daily emotions”. These four factors had a moderate correlation (.23–.48, p < .01) with each other, which indicated construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed the indices of fitness supported these results.

Conclusions

The DS‐IPV scale, a concise scale to detect and screen for potential intimate partner violence, was developed. The DS‐IPV scale showed good internal consistency and construct validity.
Prevalence and risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia among newborns from a low‐risk birth setting using delayed cord clamping in Japan
Authors: Shinohara Eriko , Kataoka Yaeko
Published: August 2020

Aim

Neonatal jaundice is a common problem among infants. Among the several risk factors are East Asian race and delayed cord clamping. Birth centers manage low‐risk term deliveries using physiological management, which may include delayed cord clamping. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of hyperbilirubinemia, a pathological process of jaundice, and its risk factors among neonates born at a Japanese birth center.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from March 2006 to October 2014 from healthy mothers and neonates at a birth center in a metropolitan area of Japan. Demographic data and background factors of hyperbilirubinemia, including blood and transcutaneous values of jaundice, were collected and statistically analyzed.

Results

Of the 1,211 neonates analyzed, 4.7% exceeded the standard transcutaneous bilirubin value, and 1.8% needed phototherapy. Multiple logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) was used to identify the risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia, which were found to be cephalohematoma (OR = 30.18, 95% CI 5.63–161.69), delay of meconium elimination (OR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.28–5.51), previous history of phototherapy of siblings (OR = 10.28, 95% CI 3.53–29.92), and primiparity (OR = 4.55, 95% CI 2.59–8.02).

Conclusions

In low‐risk Japanese neonates delivered at a birth center expected to practice delayed cord clamping, the rate of neonates requiring phototherapy was not high compared to previous studies, and the identified risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia were related to bilirubin metabolism.