bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing local adaptations of affiliate freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera laevis, to its host fish, Oncorhynchus masou masou
Authors: Kitaichi Hitoshi , Negishi Junjiro N. , Ito Daisetsu , Miura Kazuki , Urabe Hirokazu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the limiting factors of the reproduction process in host–affiliate relationships is a high priority. We examined the effects of habitat location on the reproductive process of freshwater pearl mussels Margaritifera laevis (Bivalvia, Unionida) as a parasite using sympatric and allopatric Oncorhynchus masou masou (Actinopterygii, Salmoniformes) as a host fish. Initial infection rates of parasitic larvae (glochidia) and transformation rates to cysts (encysted glochidia) were examined for all parasite‐host combinations from three habitat locations (a total of nine combinations) to test the hypothesis that sympatric pairs of mussels and fish result in the highest success rates of glochidia infection and encystment. Measurements of glochidia‐infected fish reared in flow‐through experimental indoor tanks were taken at the initial infection point as well as at encystment, 2 weeks after the infection. Results disagreed with our hypothesis. Instead, an unexpected heterogeneity in a pathological deformity in gills explained a greater amount of variance in these processes. This deformity was responsible for reducing the initial infection rate and increasing the metamorphosis rates of initially attached glochidia to cysts. The field‐measured prevalence of the gill deformity was low in all habitat locations, indicating that the deformity occurred during the acclimation period before infection for relatively small‐sized host fish more susceptible to infection. Our results did not show the local adaptation of parasitic freshwater mussels to host fish but shed light on one of the least studied factors, providing an empirical underpinning of the importance of pathologically diversified host conditions in the reproductive processes of unionid mussels.
A few dominant bacteria and their genomic basis in mediating distinct ecosystem functions
Authors: Ren Minglei , Wang Jianjun 
Published: June 2021

SummarySpecies attributes such as abundance and traits are important determinant components for ecosystem functions (EFs), while their influences on distinct functions remain understudied. Here, we linked 753 treehole bacterial communities to two distinct types of EFs, including the three broad functions of respiration, metabolic activity and cell yield and the four narrow functions related to specific organic matter degradation. Towards high occurrence of phylotypes or traits, the dependency of broad EFs on species abundance or traits increased, whereas the dependency of narrow functions decreased. Among the immense number of bacterial phylotypes, the relative abundance of only 5.05% of phylotypes (that is, 542 phylotypes), but accounting for 68.60% of total abundance, were significantly related to both distinct EFs ranging from 2 to 7 functions, the level of which was used to quantify species functional generality. Such ‘low species number, high relative abundance and strong functional generality’ features for these 542 phylotypes could be further potentially linked to their enriched functional genes involved in cellular processes including nutrient acquisition, environmental adaptation and cell growth. Our study highlights the key role of a handful of microbial species in determining and anticipating distinct EFs by explicitly considering their abundance and trait attributes.
The nexus between tourism, financial development, and economic growth: Evidence from African countries
Authors: Ehigiamusoe Kizito Uyi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the nexus between tourism, financial development and economic growth in 31 African countries using the Dumitrescu–Hurlin Granger non‐causality test that accounts for heterogeneity and cross‐sectional dependence. It also employs the Granger causality test in the frequency domain that distinguishes between temporary and permanent causality for the country‐specific analysis. It shows a cointegration relationship between tourism, financial development and economic growth. It reveals a joint long‐run causality from tourism and financial development to economic growth, and a joint short‐run and long‐run causality from tourism and economic growth to financial development, albeit the joint causality from financial development and economic growth to tourism is tenuous. The individual causality shows a bidirectional causality between tourism and economic growth, between financial development and economic growth, and between tourism and financial development. The country‐specific analysis reveals that tourism is a significant predictor of financial development and economic growth at high frequency rather than at low frequency in most countries. Therefore, African countries should prioritize the policies and programs that can facilitate the development of the tourism and financial sectors in their quest to accelerate economic growth and development.
Chemical composition, bioactive compounds extraction, and observed biological activities from jussara (Euterpe edulis): The exotic and endangered Brazilian superfruit
Authors: Vannuchi Nicholas , Jamar Giovana , Pisani Luciana , Braga Anna Rafaela Cavalcante , de Rosso Veridiana Vera 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this article, we reviewed studies on the fruits of the jussara palm (Euterpe edulis Martius), an endangered Brazilian Atlantic Forest palm tree, also coined as “Superfruit.” We summarized the chemical components of the pulp and observed biological activities in murine and humans, as well as the best practices involving the extraction of its target compounds, bioavailability, and stability of extracts. Jussara has shown a rich phenolic profile that justifies its antioxidant properties, in addition to a considerable lipidic and energetic value. As the main feature, the fruit possesses large amounts of anthocyanins that can be commercially explored as a food additive or cosmetic colorants. Recent studies emphasized jussara's antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cardioprotective capabilities via reshaping of the gut microbiota. Further knowledge is needed to establish bioavailability and optimal serving size, as many of its antioxidant compounds go under chemical bioconversion in the intestinal tract. While extraction of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and oils have interesting results, more studies are required in order to reduce the use of conventional organic solvents and improve their stability and shelf life when added to food products, an area in which nanotechnology seems promising.
Bad apples and incredible certitude
Authors: Sierra‐Arévalo Michael , Papachristos Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractResearch summaryChalfin and Kaplan attend to the problem of police misconduct with a series of simulation analyses that leverage data on complaints and uses of force in the Chicago Police Department. They conclude that incapacitating officers has minimal effects on misconduct and that, given political constraints, policy makers may prefer broader reforms around accountability and management to removing “bad apples”. In this comment, we argue that this conclusion and its policy implications are characterized by “incredible certitude” driven by a selective focus on a subset of their full simulation results and inadequate incorporation of network spillovers into their analysis.Policy implicationsContrary to CK's conclusions, their preferred estimates of the effect of incapacitating “bad apples” on misconduct are squarely within the range of other interventions aimed at reducing police complaints and use of force. Once network spillovers are accounted for, estimates are up to five times as large. We conclude with a discussion of how even small reductions in misconduct can have outsized benefits as measured in both dollars and human suffering, and argue that the removal of problem officers is a normative good that should be pursued on moral grounds.
Gelfoam slurry tract occlusion after computed tomography‐guided percutaneous lung biopsy: Does it prevent major pneumothorax?
Authors: Sum Reuben , Lau Theodore , Paul Eldho , Lau Kenneth 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionComputed tomography (CT)‐guided lung biopsy is a frequently performed procedure in the diagnostic workup for suspicious lung nodules that can be complicated by pneumothorax. This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of biopsy tract occlusion with a gelatin sponge slurry for preventing post‐biopsy pneumothorax.MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive adult patients who underwent CT‐guided lung biopsy over a 10‐year period. Age, gender, existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), evidence of emphysema on CT, location of the lesion and the presence of pneumothorax on post‐procedure CT and 4‐h chest radiograph were recorded.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety‐six patients were included (126 patients in the non‐gelfoam group and 170 in the gelfoam group). When gelfoam was used, risk of developing an immediate pneumothorax was lower (P = 0.032). Patients with emphysema were 2.4 times more likely to develop a delayed pneumothorax without gelfoam (P = 0.034). There was a significantly higher risk of both immediate and delayed pneumothorax in non‐peripheral lesions without gelfoam (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). The frequency of requiring a chest tube to treat a pneumothorax was 86% lower when gelfoam was used (P = 0.012).ConclusionGelfoam is effective in preventing immediate pneumothorax. In patients with emphysema, there was a significantly higher risk of delayed pneumothorax without gelfoam. Additionally, non‐peripheral lesions were more likely to develop pneumothorax when gelfoam was not used. The use of gelfoam was especially important in preventing the development of major pneumothoraces that would require drainage with a chest tube.
A structural estimation of spatial differentiation and market power in input procurement
Authors: Jung Jinho , Sesmero Juan , Siebert Ralph 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe estimate the degree of spatial differentiation–primarily driven by transportation costs–among downstream firms that buy corn from upstream farmers and examine whether such differentiation softens competition enabling buyers to exert market power (defined as the ability to pay a price for corn that is below its marginal value product net of processing cost). We estimate a structural model of spatial competition using corn procurement data from the U.S. state of Indiana from 2004 to 2014. We adopt a strategy that allows us to estimate firm‐level structural parameters while using aggregate data. Our results return a transportation cost of 0.5 cents per bushel per mile (10% of the corn price under average conditions), which provides evidence of spatial differentiation among buyers. The estimated average markdown is $0.67 per bushel (13% of the average corn price in the sample), of which $0.49 is explained by spatial differentiation and the rest by the fact that firms operated under binding capacity constraints. Finally, we evaluate the effect of hypothetical mergers on input markets and farm surplus. A merger between nearby ethanol producers eases competition, increases markdowns by 18%, and triggers a sizable reduction in farm surplus. In contrast, a merger between distant buyers has negligible effects on competition and markdowns.
Association between dietary protein intake and change in grip strength over time among adults of advanced age: Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ)
Authors: Wham Carol , Moyes Simon A. , Rolleston Anna , Adamson Ashley , Kerse Ngaire , Teh Ruth 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the association between dietary protein intake and change in grip strength (GS) over time among Māori and non‐Māori of advanced age.MethodsProtein intake was estimated from 2×24h multiple pass recall (MPR) in 554 participants, and GS was measured yearly over five years. Anthropometric, physical activity and health data were collected.ResultsThe median weight‐adjusted protein intake was low (for Māori and non‐Māori men 1.05 and 0.98g/kg/day; for Māori and non‐Māori women 0.87 and 0.91g/kg/day, respectively). There was a general decrease in GS over five years (mean % change of −2.38 ± 15.32 and −4.49 ± 21.92 for Māori and non‐Māori women and −5.47 ± 16.09 and −1.81 ± 13.16 for Māori and non‐Māori men yearly). Intake of protein was not related to GS at any of the five‐year assessment points nor was it related to change over time.ConclusionProtein intake was low in this cohort of octogenarians and was not protective against loss of GS over five years.
Intravitreal anti‐VEGF use in France: a cross‐sectional and longitudinal Nationwide observational study
Authors: Billioti de Gage Sophie , Bertrand Marion , Grimaldi Sébastien , Zureik Mahmoud 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo describe the sociodemographic, medical and management characteristics of patients using intravitreal (IVT) anti‐vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) in France.MethodsAn observational study was conducted in patients treated with IVT ranibizumab or aflibercept, aged 18 years or older using the French National Health Insurance Databases covering 99% of the French population. Patients currently treated in 2018 were included in a cross‐sectional approach to describe treatment history over the previous 6 years. Patients newly treated between 2014 and 2018 were included in a longitudinal approach to describe treatment management during up to 6 years of follow‐up. Sociodemographic characteristics and medical history were described in both populations. The analyses were performed at the patient level, as no distinction between the eyes could be made.ResultsA total of 224 775 current users of IVT anti‐VEGF in 2018 (mean age 78.1 ± 11.3 years, 60% female) and 330 969 new users between 2014 and 2018 (mean age 75.9 ± 12.0 years, 59% female) were included. In both populations cardiovascular comorbidities or risk factors were frequent and the main treatment indications were age‐related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. Among current users of IVT anti‐VEGF in 2018, the mean number of years receiving a treatment was 2.9 ± 2.0 years, with a mean of 13.7 ± 11.8 dispensations. In the longitudinal approach, a 26% increase in IVT anti‐VEGF initiation was observed between 2014 and 2018. For new users, the mean number of years receiving a treatment was 1.6 ± 1.6 and 67% had at least three dispensations within the first three months. A treatment interruption was observed for 83% of new users and occurred on average of 6.1 ± 8.1 months after initiation. The mean number of dispensations was 4.8 ± 2.8 in the first year and 2.2 ± 2.9 in the second year. The mean number of eye monitoring examinations was 6.5 ± 4.7 in the first year and 4.6 ± 4.4 in the second year.ConclusionThis study described the real‐world conditions of IVT anti‐VEGF dispensing at the entire French population scale. Less frequent dispensations and surveillance examinations were observed than in monthly schemes applied in registration trials for IVT anti‐VEGF. These results may indicate a lack of systematic monitoring associated with fewer injections and/or clinicians’ preference for more flexible and personalized injection schemes than those originally recommended.
The prevalence of dry eye in a very old population
Authors: Bikbov Mukharram M. , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M. , Rakhimova Ellina M. , Rusakova Iuliia A. , Fakhretdinova Albina A. , Tuliakova Azaliia M. , Panda‐Jonas Songhomitra , Gilmanshin Timur R. , Zainullin Rinat M. , Bolshakova Natalia I. , Safiullina Kamilia R. , Gizzatov Ainur V. , Ponomarev Ildar P. , Yakupova Dilya F. , Baymukhametov Nail E. , Nikitin Nikolay A. , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo assess the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in a very old population.MethodsThe Ural Very Old Study (UVOS), a population‐based cohort study performed in rural and urban Bashkortostan/Russia, included 1526 (81.1%) out of 1882 eligible individuals aged 85+ years. The participants underwent a detailed medical and ophthalmological examination including Schirmer´s test, slit‐lamp based assessment of the Meibomian glands and an interview.ResultsThe study included 1493 (97.8%) individuals with available information about DED (mean age: 88.3 ± 2.9 years). Schirmer´s test was ≤5 mm in 388 individuals (34.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 31.5, 37.1), and the mean score of subjective dry eye symptoms was 7.52 ± 2.14 (median: 6; range: 6–18; 95%CI: 7.41, 7.63). An MGD grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 was diagnosed in 367 (31.4%), 309 (26.4%), 89 (7.6%) and 39 (3.3%) eyes, respectively. The prevalence of DED diagnosis definition #2 (dry eye score ≥8, Schirmer´s test ≤5 mm) and definition #4 (dry eye score ≥7, Schirmer test ≤5 mm, MGD grade 1+), were 164/1132 (14.5%; 95%CI: 12.4, 16.5), and 167/1131 (14.8%; 95%CI: 12.7, 16.8), respectively. In multivariate analysis, higher DED prevalence was associated with female sex (odds ratio (OR): 2.36; 95%CI: 1.18, 4.71; p = 0.02), rural region of habitation (OR: 2.72; 95%CI: 1.10, 6.70; p = 0.03), longer axial length (OR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.04,1.62; p = 0.02), higher hearing loss score (OR: 1.03; 95%CI: 1.01, 1.05; p = 0.001) and lower self‐reported salt consumption (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.54, 0.75; p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn this population‐based recruited very old study sample aged 85+ years, higher DED prevalence (dry eye score ≥8, Schirmer´s test <5 mm; mean: 14.5%) and MGD prevalence (any grade:68.8%) was associated with female sex, rural region of habitation, longer axial length, higher hearing loss score and lower salt consumption.
The Corporate Governance Role of Audit Committees: Through the Lenses of New Zealand Institutional Investors
Authors: Wu Julia Yonghua , Feehily Ronán , Lord Beverley Rae 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper explores how directors of New Zealand institutional investor entities perceive the role of audit committees in their investee firms. We find that perceptions of audit committee mechanisms by directors of New Zealand institutional investor entities are distinct in terms of: (1) the directors’ knowledge of audit committee mechanisms; (2) directors’ evaluation of the governance role of audit committees; and (3) whether and how audit committees in investee firms affect the investment decisions of institutional investors. We argue that the identities of directors and contextualising events may have contributed to the discrete views taken by the directors of New Zealand institutional investor entities. We use institutional theory and discourse analysis to design and analyse the interviews. Our paper presents evidence from New Zealand, where the adoption of audit committees has been largely driven by regulatory changes overseas. Findings from this paper may be of interest to regulators, researchers and practitioners to make informed comparisons with observations from other countries in examining the function of audit committees and in evaluating the implications of corporate governance regulatory changes. Regulators and other corporate governance stakeholders may benefit from this paper by reflecting on the reciprocal influence between an audit committee and the institutionalisation of governance practices.
Role of green advertisement authenticity in determining customers' pro‐environmental behavior
Authors: Kaur Kulwinder , Kumar Vikas , Syan Amanjot Singh , Parmar Yadvinder 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe present study investigates the impact of advertisement authenticity and the role of various latent variables in determining customers' pro‐environmental behavior. Data have been collected from 731 respondents belonging to the North Indian region through a convenience sampling technique. Structural equation modeling technique has been employed to measure the impact of identified dimensions on customers' pro‐environmental behavior. The study results validated that pro‐environmental behavior is significantly determined by advertisement authenticity, trustworthiness, threat appeal, environmental threat appeals, and perceived severity. The findings further provide substantial insights that validate the use of threat appeal in green advertising, thus enabling the advertisers, marketers, and government agencies to develop robust and effective marketing strategies for promoting the use of eco‐friendly products.
Pharmacokinetics of daridorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, are not affected by renal impairment
Authors: Berger Benjamin , Muehlan Clemens , Klein Gernot , Dingemanse Jasper 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics (PKs), safety, and tolerability of daridorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist intended for the treatment of insomnia. A single‐center, open‐label study evaluated the PKs of daridorexant in patients with severe renal function impairment (SRFI; determined by creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft‐Gault equation; N = 8) not on dialysis, and in matched control subjects (based on sex, age, and body weight; N = 7). A single oral dose of daridorexant 25 mg was orally administered in the morning. Blood samples were collected up to 72 h postdose for PK assessments of daridorexant. In patients with SRFI, maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax; geometric mean ratio [GMR] and 90% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94 [0.60–1.46]), time to reach Cmax (Tmax; median difference [90% CI] of −0.25 h [−0.75 to 0.25]), and half‐life (GMR [90% CI] of 0.99 [0.66–1.48]), were virtually unchanged. Exposure (area under the plasma concentration‐time profile) to daridorexant was slightly higher in patients with SRFI than in control subjects with the GMR (90% CI) being 1.16 (0.63–2.12). No safety issue of concern was detected as all adverse events were transient and of mild or moderate intensity, and no treatment‐related effects on vital signs, clinical laboratory, or electrocardiogram variables were observed following daridorexant administration in patients with SRFI and control subjects. Based on these observations, PK alterations of daridorexant due to renal function impairment are not considered of clinical relevance and no dose adjustment is necessary in these patients.
An industrial‐organization approach to conventional and unconventional monetary policy
Authors: Gunji Hiroshi , Miyazaki Kenji 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study, we use an industrial‐organization model of the banking industry with money creation to examine the effect of conventional and unconventional monetary policy on the money stock. We consider quantitative monetary easing, qualitative monetary easing, and a negative interest rate on excess reserve balances as unconventional monetary policy. Our main findings are as follows. First, under a plausible setting of the parameters, the model with money creation supports the liquidity puzzle, in which tight monetary policy increases the money stock. The greater the number of banks, the stronger the effect. Second, quantitative monetary easing has no impact on money stocks, loans, deposits and bank holding assets other than government bonds. Third, the effect of qualitative monetary easing is ambiguous, but when the number of banks is sufficiently large, the effect is almost the same as the interest rate on reserves. Fourth, the effect of negative interest rate policy is quite complex.