bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEO duality and firm performance: the moderating roles of CEO informal power and board involvements
Authors: Wijethilake Chaminda , Ekanayake Athula
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to draw on the resource dependence theory to synthesize the conflicting arguments as well as commonalities of the agency and stewardship perspectives on the relationship between CEO duality and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis is used to analyze the data collected from a sample of 212 large-scale publicly listed companies representing 20 sectors in the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka.

Findings

The research results based on all of 212 publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka show, in support of the agency theory, that CEO duality exerts a negative effect on firm performance when the CEO is equipped with additional informal power. Conversely, CEO duality exhibits a positive effect on firm performance when board involvements are high, a finding that supports the commonalities of the agency and stewardship theoretical perspectives.

Practical implications

By examining the governance practices and concepts in an Asian developing economy, this study provides insight into the power dynamics between the CEO and the board of directors in managerial contexts that are largely different from those in western countries.

Originality/value

This study expands the theoretical underpinning of corporate governance research by identifying the performance implications of CEO duality within the broad context of the resource provision of the board of directors and the informal power of CEOs.
Publishing while editor: Transparency and behaviour in public administration journals
Authors: Rosenblum Simone , St. Clair Rebekah L. , Isett Kimberley R. , Johnson Reagan
Published: January 2020

Journal editors serve as gatekeepers of knowledge, a role critical to preserving the quality and standards of good research. Some scholars have questioned whether editors have taken advantage of their position to publish their own work. To understand the extent to which editors of public administration journals self‐publish, we examined publishing patterns over a 20‐year period. We collected the names of editors from the mastheads of 13 generalist public administration journals from 1997 to 2016 and used data indexed from Web of Science to look at articles published in those journals during the same time. We found that while self‐publishing behaviour is not common across the entire field, it is a trend for certain journals and individuals. We also found the practice of self‐publishing is influenced by whether an individual served in a primary editorial role (e.g., editor‐in‐chief), length of editorial service, and overall scholarly productivity. We discuss appropriateness and ethical implications of the practice.
The effect of protein profile and preheating on denaturation of whey proteins and development of viscosity in milk protein beverages during heat treatment
Authors: Kelleher Clodagh M , Aydogdu Tugce , Murphy Kevin M , O'Mahony James A , Kelly Alan L , O'Callaghan Donal J , McCarthy Noel A
Published: January 2020

The effect of preheat temperature (63 or 77 °C for 30 s; final heat 120 °C for 30 s) and casein to whey protein ratio on the physical characteristics of 3.3%, w/w, dairy protein beverages was investigated. Dispersions preheated at 77 °C had lower viscosity than dispersions preheated at 63 °C. Casein‐containing dispersions had significantly lower levels of α‐lactalbumin denaturation than whey protein‐only dispersions. A higher proportion of casein improved the thermal stability of protein dispersions. Overall, alteration of preheat temperature and casein to whey protein ratio can influence dairy beverage quality, with increasing levels of casein reducing physical changes due to heat treatment.
Oviposition behavior of the mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus under risk of intraguild predation and cannibalism
Authors: Dumont François , Lucas Éric , Alomar Oscar
Published: January 2020

Zoophytophagous mirid species, that feed and develop either on prey or plant resources, are often found simultaneously on the same host. Hence, these species can engage in both intraguild predation and cannibalism, which can pose a threat to mirid eggs. Ovipositing females may respond to such risks of predation on their eggs by reducing the number of eggs laid or selecting safer oviposition sites. We tested the oviposition behavior of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Hemiptera: Miridae) females under the risk of cannibalism by M. pygmaeus males and intraguild predation by Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) males (Hemiptera: Miridae) under laboratory conditions. Intraguild predators and cannibals were introduced during or after the oviposition period. The number of eggs laid (using counts of newly hatched nymphs) and their proportion on each part of a tomato plant were both measured. The results reveal that only cannibalism by M. pygmaeus males after the period of oviposition significantly decreased the number of hatched eggs. Cannibalism thus represents a greater risk to mirid eggs than intraguild predation. The M. pygmaeus female responded to the presence of potential intraguild predators (or competitors) by decreasing the number of eggs laid in the upper leaves. The results suggest that M. pygmaeus females avoid competition by N. tenuis, by laying fewer eggs on upper leaves. Cannibalism could regulate zoophytophagous predator populations under prey scarcity conditions and minimize the risk of crop damage associated with those biological control agents.
Paratext and Self‐Promotion in the Memoirs of the First Forty‐Five Years of the Life of James Lackington, Bookseller (1791)
Authors: Readioff Corrina
Published: January 2020

At least four editions of James Lackington's Memoirs appeared in the four years following its initial publication in 1791. During this time both the text and its numerous paratextual devices were amended and expanded. Through adjustments to paratext, Lackington aimed to refine the nuance of his Memoirs in line with changing public tastes and ideas, and as a response to critics’ accusations of self‐aggrandisement. This article will explore how these paratextual alterations, which began as a means of modifying self‐presentation, implicitly reveal a careful attention to detail that is in itself the most authentic representation of Lackington's personality and identity.
Thermal sum and phenological descriptions of growth stages of the common bean according to the BBCH scale
Authors: Cavalcante Adailza G. , Lemos Leandro B. , Meirelles Flávia C. , Cavalcante Alian C. P. , de Aquino Leonardo A.
Published: January 2020

The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., is a legume of economic and food importance in tropical and subtropical countries. Thus, the objective of this study was to define the phenological growth stages of common beans according to the Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale, as well as the degree days, to optimise common bean management practices in accordance with the plant phenology. All phenological stages, including germination, foliar development, side shoots formation, stem elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, pod development and plant senescence, were evaluated using the BBCH scale. The descriptions of the phenological stages, combined with illustrations, and the sum of degree days during the crop cycle improve our understanding of these phenological stages. The identification of the vegetative and reproductive stages of the common bean facilitates improved management of the crop under different environmental conditions, taking thermal accumulation into consideration.
Frailty in the older person undergoing elective surgery: a trigger for enhanced multidisciplinary management – a narrative review
Authors: Subramaniam Ashwin , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Lodge Margot , Moran Christopher , Srikanth Velandai
Published: January 2020

Background

The ageing of our society has led to increasing numbers of older people requiring elective surgical procedures. Preoperative frailty is a strong predictor of adverse post‐operative outcomes. This review aims to summarize the evidence for interventions aimed at improving outcomes in frail older people who may undergo elective surgery.

Methods

Articles published on perioperative management of frailty between 1 January 1970 and 31 May 2019 were searched using PubMed and EMBASE.

Results

We identified very few studies investigating such interventions, such as comprehensive geriatric assessment, prehabilitation (alone or as a multicomponent strategy) and other multicomponent interventions. Administration of a comprehensive geriatric assessment was shown to be associated with reduced mortality, fewer complications and shorter length of hospital stay, and may be best targeted towards those who are identified as frail for resource efficiency. Multicomponent interventions including prehabilitation may be associated with improved outcomes, but the evidence base for these needs to be strengthened.

Conclusion

Establishing multidisciplinary collaborative services to provide person‐centred models of care should be considered for older people presenting for elective surgery, particularly in those with greater preoperative frailty. Further large‐scale studies should focus on implementing and evaluating such multicomponent models of care.
Evaluation of the economic burden of kidney stone disease in the UK: a retrospective cohort study with a mean follow‐up of 19 years
Authors: Geraghty Robert M. , Cook Paul , Walker Valerie , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To estimate the cost of kidney stone disease (KSD) in England.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with KSD, referred to a metabolic stone clinic between 1990 and 2007 using electronic records of patients with KSD in a tertiary referral centre, to determine cost using UK National Health Service (NHS) tariff, with subsequent extrapolation to the entire England population. Those with no documentation and <5 years follow‐up were excluded. The outcome measure was calculation of cost (as per 2018 NHS tariff) presented as lower and higher estimates for: per episode; total within the cohort; and estimation of initial, 5‐,10‐ and 15‐year costs for the cohort and total population in England. Linear regression was used to examine for significant predictors of per episode and total cost.

Results

A total of 781 patients were included in the study after 1000 records were screened for inclusion, with a mean follow‐up of 19 years. The mean (SD) overall costs per episode were between £1277 (1724) and £2887 (2492). Total initial costs for the cohort were between £950 842 and £2 336 442, rising to between £1.43 million and £3.02 million at 15 years of follow‐up. Estimated cost in 2010 in England alone was between £190 million and £324 million.

Conclusion

KSD is a costly disease, comparable to the combined cost of prostate and bladder cancer in UK.
Complexities in the medical management of hypoglycaemia due to congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Worth Christopher , Yau Daphne , Salomon Estebanez Maria , O’Shea Elaine , Cosgrove Karen , Dunne Mark , Banerjee Indraneel
Published: January 2020

Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare disease of hypoglycaemia but is the most common form of recurrent and severe hypoglycaemia causing brain injury and neurodisability in children. The management of CHI is complex due to the limited choice of medications, all with a limited therapeutic window, often lacking efficacy and associated with serious side effects. The therapeutic strategy in CHI is to recognize and treat hypoglycaemia promptly, thereby optimizing long‐term neurological outcomes; this should be achieved through individualized treatment plans that deliver glycaemic stability while minimizing side effects. Further, such a strategy should consider the likelihood of reduction in disease severity over time, with dose adjustments and medication withdrawal as indicated to optimize both safety and tolerability. The option for pancreatic surgery should also be considered in specific circumstances as appropriate for the patient's best long‐term interests.
“I wish someone would explain why I am in care”: The impact of children and young people's lack of understanding of why they are in out‐of‐home care on their well‐being and felt security
Authors: Staines Jo , Selwyn Julie
Published: January 2020

Having a good understanding of one's origins and history is known to be significant in identity development. Drawing on a large‐scale online survey of looked after children's subjective well‐being, this paper demonstrates that a significant number of children and young people (age 4–18 years) did not fully understand the reasons for their entry to care. The paper explores the effect of this lack of knowledge on children's well‐being and on their feelings of being settled in their current placement. The study reiterates the need for professionals to be honest and open with children in out‐of‐home care and the need to specifically address, perhaps repeatedly, why a child is not living with their birth family.
Retinal blood vessel‐origin yes‐associated protein (YAP) governs astrocytic maturation via leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF)
Authors: Ai Li‐Qian‐Yu , Yuan Rong‐Di , Chen Xi , Liu Yun‐Jia , Liu Wen‐Yi , Zhu Jing‐Yi , Zhang Zhou , Yan Jun , Chen Chun‐Lin , Lin Sen , Ye Jian
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To testify that endothelial cells (ECs) induce astrocyte maturation by leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) secretion.

Materials and Methods

In vivo experiments, mice bearing floxed alleles of YAP were crossed with mice expressing a Cre recombinase driven by the endothelial Tek promoter (Tek‐Cre) to finally obtain the following three genotypes: YAPf/f, Tek‐Cre; YAPf/w, Tek‐Cre; and YAPf/f. Retinal vascularization and astrocyte network were evaluated by whole‐mount fluorescence and Western blotting. In vitro, experiments were performed in an astrocyte and human microvascular endothelial cell (HMEC‐1) coculture model to analyse the mechanisms underlying the effect of endothelial YAP on astrocytes.

Results

In vivo, YAPf/f;Tek‐Cre mice showed delayed angiogenesis, sparse vessels and decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes but aberrant growth of endothelial networks and immature astrocytes (platelet‐derived growth factor A, PDGFRA+ astrocytes) overgrowth. In vitro, Yap deletion attenuated the LIF release that delayed the maturation of retinal astrocyte which was consistent with the results of HMEC‐1—astrocyte coculture. The effect of YAP overexpression on LIF‐LIFR axis in HMEC‐1 interferes the GFAP expression of astrocyte. In contrast, LIF protein rescues the astrocytic GFAP expression when EC YAP was inhibited by siRNAs.

Conclusions

We show that EC yes‐associated protein (YAP) is not only a critical coactivator of Hippo signalling in retinal vessel development but also plays an essential role in retinal astrocyte maturation by regulating LIF production.
Simvastatin Induces Delayed Apoptosis Through Disruption of Glycolysis and Mitochondrial Impairment in Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Kuzyk Crystal L. , Anderson Colin C. , Roede James R.
Published: January 2020

Simvastatin, a commonly used cholesterol‐lowering drug, inhibits the mevalonate pathway involved in the synthesis of the mitochondrial electron carrier coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), as well as other bioenergetics substrates. The purpose of this study was to investigate simvastatin exposure on mitochondrial respiration, metabolic fuel preferences, and glucose utilization. We hypothesized that simvastatin at a noncytotoxic dose will impair energy metabolism in human neuroblastoma cells. SK‐N‐AS cells were exposed at acute and chronic time points and evaluated in a Seahorse XF analyzer, revealing decreased mitochondrial and glycolytic parameters. Flow cytometry showed a significant induction of apoptosis in simvastatin‐treated cells at 48 hours. Finally, multiple techniques were used to show that simvastatin‐mediated impairment of bioenergetics is more complex than CoQ10 depletion or hampered glucose uptake. Therefore, the data reported here represent a biphasic hit to mitochondria followed by reduction in glucose and glutamine metabolism in neuroblastoma; adding mechanism to potential pleotropic effects of statins.
Endoscopic resection of a giant gastric fundus adenoma with high‐grade dysplasia by a multi‐step endoscopic mucosal resection and submucosal dissection hybrid technique
Authors: Kaczmarek Dominik J. , Strassburg Christian P. , Weismüller Tobias J.
Published: January 2020

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Detecting cognitive decline in community‐dwelling older adults using simple cognitive and motor performance tests
Authors: Tomita Yosuke , Tanaka Shigeya , Takahashi Shingo , Takeuchi Nobuyuki
Published: January 2020

Aim

The objective of this study was to estimate the predictive accuracy of simple cognitive and motor performance tests to detect cognitive decline (CD) in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

In total, 102 community‐dwelling older adults participated in this study. Cognitive function, gait performance and coordinated finger movements were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the 10‐m walking test and the finger‐tapping test, respectively. We classified the participants into either a CD (n = 60) or a healthy control (n = 42) group.

Results

Significant group differences were found in the visuospatial/executive function subscale score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, stride length and total finger tap count. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that visuospatial/executive function subscale score, stride length and total tap count were the significant predictors for the presence of CD (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 82.9%, predictive accuracy 83.2%). We also constructed a decision tree model with these three variables to increase the usefulness of our model as a screening tool by assigning a cut‐off value for each assessment. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 88.1% and 85.2%, respectively, with an overall predictive accuracy of 86.4%.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that simple cognitive and motor performance tests have moderate‐to‐high discriminant validity for the presence of CD in community‐dwelling older adults. Addition of such tests might lead to the more accurate detection of early cognitive decline. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Source misuse in applied linguistics articles: Exploring proficient and novice English writersʼ perceptions of plagiarism
Authors: Soltani Parvin , Jalilifar Alireza
Published: January 2020

The source misuse practices of non‐English speaking academic authors are a controversial but less researched topic in plagiarism studies. The present study investigated the illegitimate textual borrowing practices of proficient and novice (co)authors as well as multi‐ and single‐authored articles in Iranian scholarly journals of Applied Linguistics. The similarity check was performed by the use of the text matching software (iThenticate) along with human inspection. The results revealed no significant difference in the plagiarism levels of proficient and novice (co)authors nor in multi‐author and single‐author articles. The study further continued through interviews to explore several proficient and novice academic authors' perception and knowledge about plagiarism. The proficient writers, as faculty members, showed better understanding of textual borrowing strategies. The evidence suggested that postgraduate students still have not developed an intrinsic drive to avoid plagiarism because they think they do not receive proper training in source attribution and in plagiarism avoidance. Thus, the plagiarism debate including the practice of source use conventions and ethics of knowledge should gradually flow in all students' activities. This process can take effect as long as it is supported by the institutional measures along with appropriate use of both educational and developmental programs.
An empirical study on Chinese adolescents' fashion involvement
Authors: Su Jin , Tong Xiao
Published: January 2020

Chinese adolescents are growing up with China's rapid economic growth and they represent the up and coming group of China's fashionistas. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of consumer socialization on Chinese adolescents' fashion involvement. Using the data collected from 169 Chinese adolescents, the research provides empirical results about the impacts of different consumer socialization agents on Chinese adolescents' fashion involvement. The study results reveal the positive and significant impacts of fashion magazines, fashion websites and peers on Chinese adolescents' fashion involvement, but a negative and significant impact of Internet on adolescents' fashion involvement. In addition, parents and TV were found to have no significant impact on Chinese adolescents' fashion involvement. Such empirical research not only deepens our understanding of the nature and strength of the relationships between the consumer socialization agents and Chinese adolescents' fashion consumer behaviour, but also makes a meaningful contribution to improving the consumer socialization framework. We believe these findings will be useful to update current consumer socialization frameworks and make it more relevant and useful for studying the new generation of consumers in the emerging market context.
Conduction slowing area during sinus rhythm harbors ventricular tachycardia isthmus
Authors: Ueda Akiko , Soejima Kyoko , Nakahara Shiro , Fukuda Reiko , Fukamizu Seiji , Kawamura Iwanari , Miwa Yosuke , Mohri Takato , Katsume Yumi ,   other members of the ILAM‐PM Study Group
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The voltage map during sinus rhythm (SR) is a cornerstone of substrate mapping (SM) in scar‐related ventricular tachycardia (VT) and frequently used with pace mapping (PM). Where to conduct PM is unclear in cases of an extensive or unidentified substrate. Conduction properties are another aspect incorporated by SM, and conduction slowing has gained interest as being related to successful ablation, although its mechanism has not been elucidated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between SR conduction properties and VT isthmuses.

Methods

Nineteen patients (mean age, 62 years) who underwent VT ablation with voltage mapping and PM were reviewed. Isochronal late activation maps (ILAMs) with eight zones were reconstructed and sequentially named from one to eight according to the SR propagation. Good PM sites were superimposed on ILAMs, and the isthmus was defined using different pacing latencies. ILAM properties harboring isthmuses were investigated.

Results

Twenty‐eight ILAMs (13 epicardium, 1 right ventricular [RV], and 14 left ventricular [LV] endocardium) were reviewed. Eighteen isthmuses of 24 target VTs were identified, in which the proximal ends were in a later zone than the distal ends (zone 6 vs 4; P < .001), suggesting a reverse isthmus vector to the SR. The conduction velocity of the zone involving the distal isthmus was significantly lower than that of the SR preceding zone (0.40 vs 1.30 m/s; P < .001). SR conduction velocity decelerated by 69.5% (range 59.7%‐74.5%) before propagating into the isthmus area.

Conclusion

Conduction slowing area during SR were related with the exit portion of the VT isthmuses.
Impact of the inflammation on the outcomes of catheter ablation of drug‐refractory ventricular tachycardia in cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Kaur Daljeet , Roukoz Henri , Shah Mandar , Yalagudri Sachin , Pandurangi Ulhas , Chennapragada Sridevi , Narasimhan Calambur
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Catheter ablation (CA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) has been reported with varying success. However, there is a scarcity of data on the outcomes of CA based on ongoing inflammation.

Objective

We hypothesized that the response to VT ablation depends upon the stage of the disease.

Methods

Between July 2004 and December 2018, 24 patients of CS presented with drug‐refractory VT at CARE Hospital (Hyderabad) and the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN). Patients were classified into two groups based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography: (a) inflammatory phase, (b) scar phase. All patients underwent 3D electro‐anatomic mapping guided CA.

Results

The clinical VT was ablated in all but one patient. In 16 patients (66.6%), both the clinical and nonclinical VTs were ablated (complete success), while in seven patients (29.1%) nonclinical VTs was still inducible. In patients with inflammation (group A), complete success for VT ablation was achieved in 10 out of 17 (58.8%). In patients without inflammation (group B), complete success was achieved in six out of seven patients (85.7%). Eleven patients (45.8%) had a recurrence of VT. Among patients in the inflammatory phase (group A): 10 out of 17 patients had a recurrence of VT, while only one out of seven patients in the scar phase (group B) had VT recurrence over a mean follow‐up of 5.7 ± 3.9 years. Epicardial ablation was performed in 10 (41.6%) patients.

Conclusion

CA of drug‐refractory VT in CS is effective, often requiring the epicardial approach. Incomplete success and recurrence of VT were higher in the inflammatory phase of the disease.
Pinpointing the role of Aeromonas salmonicida in the development of skin ulcerations in common dab (Limanda limanda)
Authors: Vercauteren Maaike , De Swaef Evelien , Declercq Annelies Maria , Aerts Johan , Ampe Bart , Gulla Snorre , Haesebrouck Freddy , Devriese Lisa , Decostere Annemie , Chiers Koen
Published: January 2020

Aeromonas salmonicida was isolated from ulcerations in common dab (Limanda limanda). An experiment was performed to pinpoint its role in ulceration development, considering the importance of the skin barrier and the pigmented and non‐pigmented sides. The skin of dab was treated in three zones, one where scales and epidermis were removed, one where mucus was discarded and one non‐treated zone. Fish were tagged to allow individual identification and challenged with A. salmonicida. Mortality and severity of the developing lesions were recorded for 21 days post‐inoculation. Starting 12 days post‐inoculation, mortality occurred gradually in challenged fish; however, no direct cause could be established. Both control fish and challenged fish developed ulcerations containing A. salmonicida. Sequencing of vapA gene revealed that isolates retrieved from both groups were distinct, suggesting the presence of A. salmonicida prior to the trial. Most ulcerations developed in zones where skin was removed, suggesting that abrasion might be a predisposing factor in ulceration development. Ulcerations were also observed at the insertion site of the tag, where exposed muscle tissue might have favoured the development of ulcerations. In conclusion, A. salmonicida seems to be involved in the development of skin ulcerations in dab, although the exact pathogenesis needs to be elucidated.
Infection dynamics of Bonamia exitiosa on intertidal Ostrea angasi farms
Authors: Buss Jessica Jamuna , Wiltshire Kathryn Helen , Harris James Owen , Tanner Jason Elliot , Deveney Marty Robert
Published: January 2020

Bonamia spp. cause epizootics in oysters worldwide. In southern Australia, Bonamia exitiosa Hine, Cochennac and Berthe, 2001 threatens aquaculture of Ostrea angasi Sowerby, 1871. Bonamia spp. infections can display strong seasonality, but seasonal dynamics of B. exitiosa–O. angasi are unknown. Ostrea angasi naïve to B. exitiosa infection were stocked onto farms in three growing regions, and B. exitiosa was monitored seasonally for one year. Environmental parameters we measured did not correlate with B. exitiosa prevalence or infection intensities. Extreme temperatures suggest O. angasi culture systems need development. Bonamia exitiosa prevalence increased over time. After three months, O. angasi had B. exitiosa prevalence of 0.08–0.4, and after one year, the prevalence was 0.57–0.88. At some sites, O. angasi had >0.5 B. exitiosa prevalence in >6 months, but at other sites, >9 months passed before prevalence was >0.5. Bonamia exitiosa infection intensities were low with no seasonal pattern but were affected by the interaction of site, season and oyster meat:shell ratio. Understanding infection and initiating a breeding programme for resistance would provide benefits for O. angasi industry expansion.
Ultrasound‐steam combination process for microbial decontamination and heat transfer enhancement
Authors: Basumatary Regina , Vatankhah Hamed , Dwivedi Mritunjay , John Dalia , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: January 2020

Steam is by far the most effective heating medium used in commercial thermal processing applications. However, for rapid short time direct heating of food products it poses some serious difficulties because of the presence of air along the surface and internal tissues of the food products interferes with the heat transfer mechanism and slows down the effective heating of the surface. Addition of an ultrasound environment to steam can assist in removing this surface barrier and promote better heat transfer. The objective of this research was to evaluate the suitability of ultrasound—steam combination heating for (a) microbial decontamination and (b) enhancing heat transfer. It was demonstrated that short‐time (15 s) combined ultrasound—steam heating could result in more than five logarithmic cycle destruction ofEscherichia colipopulation on carrot surfaces. Secondly, for longer time heating, the combination heat treatment was more efficient than steam alone for enhancing heat transfer rates contributing to achieve a lower heating rate index, higher temperatures and higher process lethality values.

Practical Applications

Surface contamination of fruits, vegetables, and meats present a serious problem with respect to public health safety and their marketability. Many techniques have been employed for microbial decontamination of food contact surfaces only with limited success. New methods are always evolving to improve the process efficiency without impairing the product quality. Physical methods are gaining more popularity than chemicals due to consumer concerns for chemical additives. While steam and sound have been independently used successfully for various food processing applications, their combination has not been widely tried either to improve the efficacy of surface decontamination or improved heat transfer. The main focus of this study is to review and demonstrate the success ultrasound‐steam combination process.
Multimorbidity in Medicare Beneficiaries: Performance of an ICD‐Coded Multimorbidity‐Weighted Index
Authors: Wei Melissa Y. , Ratz David , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

Most older adults have multimorbidity that impairs physical functioning, but it is difficult to quantify using claims data. We previously developed and validated a multimorbidity‐weighted index (MWI) that embeds physical functioning through disease weightings. We mapped these conditions to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes and compared them with existing indices.

DESIGN

Population‐based prospective cohort.

SETTING

Respondents to the 2006‐2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with linked Medicare claims data and continuous enrollment in 2006.

PARTICIPANTS

Community‐dwelling Medicare‐eligible HRS participants (N = 9923; mean age = 75.5 ± 8.5 y).

MEASUREMENTS

Individuals were followed for future physical functioning (2006‐2014) and mortality (2007‐2016). MWI conditions were mapped to ICD‐9‐CM codes to produce an ICD‐coded MWI (MWI‐ICD). We compared MWI‐ICD, simple disease count, Charlson, Elixhauser, and the health‐related quality of life comorbidity index (HRQOL‐CI) through distributions, hazard ratios for mortality, and relationships with future physical functioning.

RESULTS

MWI‐ICD exhibited the broadest distribution and most unique values (5891). Left censoring was most pronounced for Charlson (34.3% score = 0) and Elixhauser (13.1% score = 0) vs MWI (5.0% score = 0). Hazard ratios and concordance (C)‐statistics for mortality across extreme quartiles were similar for MWI‐ICD, Elixhauser, and Charlson but lower for disease count and the HRQOL‐CI. For physical functioning, MWI‐ICD yielded the greatest contrast across extreme quartiles and overall coefficient of determination (R2).

CONCLUSION

MWI‐ICD was significantly associated with mortality and future physical functioning and comparable with established metrics for mortality prediction although not weighted to mortality. MWI‐ICD successfully captures diseases accumulation and functioning in claims data. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:999–1006, 2020
Comment on: Using Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound on Home Visits
Authors: Flores Christopher V. , Simon Lauren M.
Published: January 2020

See the Reply by Bonnel et al.
Prolactin maintains transient melanin‐concentrating hormone expression in the medial preoptic area during established lactation
Authors: Kokay Ilona C. , Grattan David R. , Murray Joanne F.
Published: January 2020

A population of neurones in the medial part of the medial preoptic area (mPOA) transiently express melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) in mid to late lactation in the rat, and this expression disappears on weaning. Prolactin is known to mediate many of the physiological adaptations that occur within the dam associated with lactation and the mPOA is well endowed with prolactin receptors (Prlr); hence, we hypothesised that these transiently MCH‐expressing cells may be regulated by prolactin. By in situ hybridisation, we show that approximately 60% of the cells expressing prepro‐MCH (Pmch) mRNA in the medial part of the mPOA on day 19 of lactation also express Prlr mRNA. To demonstrate that these transiently MCH‐expressing cells can acutely respond to prolactin, dams were treated with bromocriptine on the morning of day 19 of lactation and then given vehicle or prolactin 4 hours later. In the prolactin‐treated animals, over 80% of the MCH‐immunopositive cells were also immunopositive for phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5, an indicator of prolactin receptor activation: double immunopositive cells were rare in vehicle‐treated animals. Finally, the effect of manipulating the circulating concentrations of prolactin on days 17, 18 and 19 on the number of MCH‐immunopositive cells on day 19 was determined. Reducing circulating concentrations of prolactin over days 17, 18 and 19 of lactation with or without a suckling stimulus resulted in a reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of MCH‐immunopositive cells in the medial part of the mPOA on day 19 of lactation. Further research is required to determine the functional role(s) of these prolactin‐activated transiently MCH‐expressing neurones; however, we suggest the most likely role involves adaptations in maternal metabolism to support the final week of lactation.
Standards policy and international trade: Multilateralism versus regionalism
Authors: Takarada Yasuhiro , Kawabata Yasushi , Yanase Akihiko , Kurata Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

We develop a simple model of policy coordination on domestic standards and examine whether domestic standards policy can lead to regional and multilateral harmonization of standards under the principle of national treatment. This paper focuses on mandatory product and process standards affecting the characteristics of a final good that control negative consumption externalities (e.g., vehicle emissions control and safety standards, restrictions on the use of pesticides for agricultural goods, and safety standards for electrical products). Only the products that meet a country's national standards are allowed to circulate in that country's market. Raising standards reduces negative externalities caused by consumption of a traded good but increases firms’ costs. We use the core as the solution concept. A standards regime is considered to be in the core if it is not blocked by any coalition within countries. The main finding is that a multilateral agreement on standards that maximizes world welfare is only in the core if externalities are local or slightly transboundary. Otherwise, only a regional agreement on standards is in the core. As extensions, we consider many and asymmetric number of firms, asymmetry in market size, fixed costs for different standards, and a multilateral agreement on different standards.
Assessing Representations of Close Relationships Among Chinese and Japanese Adolescents and Young Adults: Commonalities and Differences in the Two Confucian Cultures
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Hirai Mika , Hou Jing , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

This article proposed an affective relationships model with its assessment instrument and examined how Chinese and Japanese adolescents and young adults construct mental representations of their close relationships, and the influence of Confucian cultural beliefs on these representations. The participants were 1,565 students aged 14 to 24 years living in China or Japan. The students were asked about their relationships with four figures: mother, father, closest friend, and romantic partner. We found that: (a) adolescents and young adults in both cultures constructed constellations of relationships containing multiple figures, and they articulated reasons for each figure's significance; and (b) there were between‐group differences in the relationships with the father and the romantic partner for Chinese versus Japanese adolescents and young adults. These differences were partly explained by the influence of Confucianism on the Chinese participants’ cultural beliefs that retained the patriarchal values.
Extremophile Microalgae: the potential for biotechnological application
Authors: Malavasi Veronica , Soru Santina , Cao Giacomo
Published: January 2020

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that use sunlight as an energy source, and convert water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic salts into algal biomass. The isolation and selection of microalgae, which allow one to obtain large amounts of biomass and valuable compounds, is a prerequisite for their successful industrial production. This work provides an overview of extremophile algae, where their ability to grow under harsh conditions and the corresponding accumulation of metabolites are addressed. Emphasis is placed on the high‐value products of some prominent algae. Moreover, the most recent applications of these microorganisms and their potential exploitation in the context of astrobiology are taken into account.
Chloroplastic Os3BGlu6 contributes significantly to cellular ABA pools and impacts drought tolerance and photosynthesis in rice
Authors: Wang Chengliang , Chen Shuai , Dong Yanping , Ren Ruijuan , Chen Defu , Chen Xiwen
Published: January 2020

Cellular abscisic acid (ABA) concentration is determined by both de novo biosynthesis and recycling via β‐glucosidase(s). However, which rice β‐glucosidase(s) are involved in this process remains unknown. Here, we report on a chloroplastic β‐glucosidase isoenzyme, Os3BGlu6, that functions in ABA recycling in rice.

Disruption of Os3BGlu6 in rice resulted in dwarfism, lower ABA content in leaves, drought‐sensitivity, lower photosynthesis rate and higher intercellular CO2 concentration. Os3BGlu6 could hydrolyze ABA‐GE to ABA in vitro. The reversion and overexpression rice lines restored or increased the drought tolerance as shown by the higher β‐glucosidase activity, ABA concentrations and expressions of ABA‐ and drought‐responsive genes. Drought induced Os3BGlu6 to form dimers, and the degree of polymerization correlated well with the increase in cellular ABA concentrations and drought tolerance in rice.

Os3BGlu6 was responsive to drought and ABA treatments, and the protein was localized to the chloroplast. Disruption of Os3BGlu6 resulted in the increased stomatal density and impaired stomatal movement. Transcriptomics revealed that disruption of Os3BGlu6 resulted in chloroplastic oxidative stress and lowered Rubisco activity even under normal conditions.

Taken together, these results suggest that chloroplastically localized Os3BGlu6 significantly affects cellular ABA pools, thereby affecting drought tolerance and photosynthesis in rice.
Transitions to adulthood and the changing body mass index of adolescent girls in Zambia
Authors: Soler‐Hampejsek Erica , Hewett Paul C. , Spielman Kathryn , Austrian Karen
Published: January 2020

Adolescent girls in low‐ and middle‐income countries often experience several important life transitions, including school‐leaving, marriage, and childbearing. Understanding how these transitions are associated with changes in the nutritional status of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is crucial for programs that aim to improve nutritional outcomes among youth and promote healthy transitions to adulthood. We investigated the associations between adolescent transitions and body mass index (BMI) among a cohort of 4887 adolescent girls in Zambia aged 10–19 years when first interviewed in 2013. Estimating fixed‐effects models controlling for constant and time‐varying confounders, we found that school‐leaving, marital status, and childbearing are associated with the nutritional status of AGYW in diverse ways. School‐leaving was associated with higher BMI and increased odds of overweight/obesity. Marriage was not only associated with increased odds of undernutrition, particularly in rural areas, but also with increased odds of overweight/obesity among older girls. Motherhood was associated with lower BMI and lower odds of overweight/obesity, particularly among breastfeeding mothers. Our results provide evidence of characteristics of AGYW that would be useful for targeted nutritional interventions and behavior change programming, including girls leaving school, recently married, and young women undergoing a marital separation, as well as young mothers and their children.
The major‐effect quantitative trait locus Fnl7.1 encodes a late embryogenesis abundant protein associated with fruit neck length in cucumber
Authors: Xu Xuewen , Wei Chenxi , Liu Qianya , Qu Wenqing , Qi Xiaohua , Xu Qiang , Chen Xuehao
Published: January 2020

Fruit neck length (FNL) is an important quality trait in cucumber because it directly affects its market value. However, its genetic basis remains largely unknown. We identified a candidate gene for FNL in cucumber using a next‐generation sequencing‐based bulked segregant analysis in F2 populations, derived from a cross between Jin5‐508 (long necked) and YN (short necked). A quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 7, Fnl7.1, was identified through a genome‐wide comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms between long and short FNL F2 pools, and it was confirmed by traditional QTL mapping in multiple environments. Fine genetic mapping, sequences alignment and gene expression analysis revealed that CsFnl7.1 was the most likely candidate Fnl7.1 locus, which encodes a late embryogenesis abundant protein. The increased expression of CsFnl7.1 in long‐necked Jin5‐508 may be attributed to mutations in the promoter region upstream of the gene body. The function of CsFnl7.1 in FNL control was confirmed by its overexpression in transgenic cucumbers. CsFnl7.1 regulates fruit neck development by modulating cell expansion. Probably, this is achieved through the direct protein–protein interactions between CsFnl7.1 and a dynamin‐related protein CsDRP6 and a germin‐like protein CsGLP1. Geographical distribution differences of the FNL phenotype were found among the different cucumber types. The East Asian and Eurasian cucumber accessions were highly enriched with the long‐necked and short‐necked phenotypes, respectively. A further phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Fnl7.1 locus might have originated from India. Thus, these data support that the CsFnl7.1 has an important role in increasing cucumber FNL.
Protein phosphatase 2A alleviates cadmium toxicity by modulating ethylene production in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Xue , Zhang Wenwen , Zhang Shuqun , Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: January 2020

Cadmium (Cd) is phytotoxic and detoxified primarily via phytochelatin (PC) complexation in Arabidopsis. Here, we explore Cd toxicity responses and defence mechanisms beyond the PC pathway using forward genetics approach. We isolated an Arabidopsis thaliana Cd‐hypersensitive mutant, Cd‐induced short root 1 (cdsr1) in the PC synthase mutant (cad1‐3) background. Using genomic resequencing and complementation, we identified PP2A‐4C as the causal gene for the mutant phenotype, which encodes a catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Root and shoot growth of cdsr1 cad1‐3 and cdsr1 were more sensitive to Cd than their respective wild‐type cad1‐3 and Col‐0. A mutant of the PP2A scaffolding subunit 1A was also more sensitive to Cd. PP2A‐4C was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus and PP2A‐4C expression was downregulated by Cd in cad1‐3. PP2A enzyme activity was decreased in cdsr1 and cdsr1 cad1‐3 under Cd stress. The expression of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid synthase genes ACS2 and ACS6 was upregulated by Cd more in cad1‐3 and cdsr1 cad1‐3 than in Col‐0 and the double mutant had a higher ACS activity. cdsr1 cad1‐3 and cdsr1 overproduced ethylene under Cd stress. The results suggest that PP2A containing 1A and 4C subunits alleviates Cd‐induced growth inhibition by modulating ethylene production.
Leptomeningeal disease in melanoma patients: An update to treatment, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Glitza Isabella C. , Smalley Keiran S. M. , Brastianos Priscilla K. , Davies Michael A. , McCutcheon Ian , Liu James K. C. , Ahmed Kamran A. , Arrington John A. , Evernden Brittany R. , Smalley Inna , Eroglu Zeynep , Khushalani Nikhil , Margolin Kim , Kluger Harriet , Atkins Michael B. , Tawbi Hussein , Boire Adrienne , Forsyth Peter
Published: January 2020

In February 2018, the Melanoma Research Foundation and the Moffitt Cancer Center hosted the Second Summit on Melanoma Central Nervous System Metastases in Tampa, Florida. The meeting included investigators from multiple academic centers and disciplines. A consensus summary of the progress and challenges in melanoma parenchymal brain metastases was published (Eroglu et al., Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 2019, 32, 458). Here, we will describe the current state of basic, translational, clinical research, and therapeutic management, for melanoma patients with leptomeningeal disease. We also outline key challenges and barriers to be overcome to make progress in this deadly disease.
Platform Pricing with Strategic Buyers: The Impact of Future Production Cost
Authors: Lin Mei , Pan Xiajun Amy , Zheng Quan
Published: January 2020

Two‐sided platforms are often coupled with exclusive hardware products that connect two sides of users, the consumers of the hardware product (i.e., buyers) and the application developers (i.e., sellers). The hardware product in the platform business model introduces three important issues that are not yet well understood in the literature of platform pricing: potentially downward‐trending production cost, product quality improvements, and consumers’ strategic behaviors. Using analytical modeling, our study explicitly factors in these issues in analyzing a monopoly platform owner’s two‐sided pricing problem. The platform sequentially introduces and prices quality‐improving hardware products, for which the costliness of quality may decrease. Strategic buyers make purchasing and upgrading decisions, which dynamically determine the buyer‐side network size. Meanwhile, the seller‐side network size is determined endogenously. We find that, an increase in the likelihood or magnitude of the future costliness reduction raises the initial buyer‐side price of the low‐quality product and lowers the seller‐side fee. This strategy, in turn, creates an indirect intertemporal effect that allows the platform to also raise the buyer‐side price(s) of the product(s) sold later. These findings contrast with conventional wisdom and provide an economic explanation for premium introductory pricing of many platform products. Moreover, we find that strengthening the network effect can result in more pronounced increases in the buyer‐side prices.