bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The colour of environmental fluctuations associated with terrestrial animal population dynamics
Authors: Gilljam David , Knape Jonas , Lindén Andreas , Mugabo Marianne , Sait Steven M. , Fowler Mike S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimThe temporal structure (colour) of environmental variation influences population fluctuations, extinction risk and community stability. However, it is unclear whether environmental covariates linked to population fluctuations are distinguishable from a purely random process (white noise). We aimed to estimate colour coefficients and relative support for three models commonly representing coloured stochastic processes, in environmental series linked to terrestrial animal population fluctuations.LocationNorth America and Eurasia.Time period1901–2002.Major taxa studiedBirds, insects and mammals.MethodsWe analysed multiple abiotic environmental covariates, comparing point estimates and confidence intervals of temporal structure in competing models fitted using white noise, autoregressive [AR(1)] and 1/f processes in the time domain and the frequency domain (where time series were analysed after decomposition into different sinusoidal frequencies and their relative powers). All animal time series were sampled annually for ≤ 50 years, potentially inflating type II errors. We also considered 101‐year series of matched environmental covariates, performing a statistical power analysis evaluating our ability to draw robust conclusions.ResultsTemperature‐related variables were associated with the largest fraction of population fluctuations. Ninety‐three per cent of shorter environmental series were indistinguishable from white noise, limited by time‐series length and associated with wide confidence intervals. The longer environmental series analysed in the time domain offered sufficiently high statistical power to identify correctly colour estimates ≥ |0.27|, indicating that 20% of series were best described by a slightly reddened noise process.Main conclusionsFocusing on the short time‐scales typically available for ecologists, most environmental variables associated with terrestrial animal population fluctuations are best characterized by white noise processes, although type II errors are common. The correct detection of intermediately coloured noise with power 0.8 requires ≥ 16 data points in the time domain or ≥ 47 points in the frequency domain. Over longer time‐scales, where type II errors are less likely, one‐fifth of populations are associated with coloured (often reddened) variables.
Indigenous marine diatoms as novel sources of bioactive peptides with antihypertensive and antioxidant properties
Authors: Barkia Ines , Al‐Haj Lamya , Abdul Hamid Azizah , Zakaria Mutaharah , Saari Nazamid , Zadjali Fahad 
Published: November 2018

SummarySeveral bioactive compounds from microalgae have demonstrated diverse biological activities with positive effects on human health. However, the potential of bioactive peptides as functional foods is still undervalued. Therefore, the exploration of microalgae strains as sources of bioactive peptides could reveal strong and unique bioactivities, especially when these marine sources have never been explored before. For this aim, protein extracts from six indigenous marine diatoms were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using four proteases (flavourzyme, pepsin, papain and trypsin). The hydrolysates were then tested for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Results showed that papain hydrolysates from all microalgae strains exhibited strong ACE‐inhibitory activities and antioxidant properties. In particular, protein hydrolysates from Bellerochea malleus were found to reduce blood pressure properties of 17 mmHg after 5 days of oral administration to SHR animals. These results revealed the potential of bioactive peptides from indigenous marine diatoms for use as functional foods or nutraceuticals.
On Education Level and Terms in Obtaining P2P Funding: New Evidence from China*
Authors: Xu Junhui , Hilliard Jitka , Barth James R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the role of education in China's fast‐growing peer‐to‐peer (P2P) lending market. The level of education, as part of a borrower's profile, is an important yet relatively neglected factor that can affect both the demand and supply of credit in an increasingly more technologically oriented marketplace. With this in mind, we test the relationship between a borrower's education level and the interest rate, loan amount, and loan maturity based on more than 10,000 transactions from Renrendai.com. Controlling for a variety of other factors, we find on average that an individual with a higher education level obtains a lower interest rate, larger loan amount, and longer maturity. In contrast, less educated individuals pay higher interest rates, obtain smaller loans, and for shorter time periods.
Drought‐induced osmotic adjustment and changes in carbohydrate distribution in leaves and flowers of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Pilon Cristiane , Loka Dimitra , Snider John L. , Oosterhuis Derrick M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractResearch has indicated osmotic adjustment as a mechanism by which leaves and roots of cotton plants overcome a drought period. However, the relevance of this mechanism in reproductive tissues of modern cultivars under drought has not been fully investigated. The objectives of this study were to measure osmoregulation and carbohydrate balance in reproductive tissues and their subtending leaves grown under water‐deficit conditions. Two cotton cultivars were grown under controlled environment and field conditions. Plants were exposed to water‐deficit stress at peak flowering, approximately 70 days after planting. Measurements included stomatal conductance, proline concentration, soluble carbohydrates and starch concentration, and water potential components. Stomatal conductance of drought‐stressed plants was significantly lower compared to control, while osmotic adjustment occurred in reproductive tissues and their subtending leaves by different primary mechanisms. Pistils accumulated higher sucrose levels, maintaining cell turgor in plants exposed to drought at similar levels to those in well‐watered plants. However, subtending leaves lowered osmotic potential and maintained cell turgor by accumulating more proline. Soluble carbohydrates and starch concentration in leaves were more affected by drought than those of floral tissues, with corresponding reduction in dry matter, suggesting that flowers are more buffered from water‐deficit conditions than the adjacent leaves.
Designating “hot” items in multiple‐choice questions—A strategy for reviewing course materials
Authors: Hsia Yen‐Teh , Jong Bin‐Shyan , Lin Tsong‐Wuu , Liao Ji‐Yang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSuppose learners use their free time to go online to review course materials, and they do so by taking optional tests that consist of multiple‐choice questions (MCQs). What will happen if, for every practice question, there is always a choice (out of four possible choices) that is marked as “the (current) hot choice?” Will this make any difference in learning effects? To answer this question, an educational experiment was conducted. It was found that “hot designations” helped the experimental group perform significantly better in both the immediate post‐test exam and a delayed post‐test exam and that learners with higher levels of initial knowledge benefited more from this review strategy. From the results of a follow‐up questionnaire and one‐on‐one interviews, it was found that the proposed review strategy promoted a more thorough thinking style in subjects of the experimental group.
Prediction models for the incidence and progression of periodontitis: A systematic review
Authors: Du Mi , Bo Tao , Kapellas Kostas , Peres Marco A 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimsTo comprehensively review, identify and critically assess the performance of models predicting the incidence and progression of periodontitis.MethodsElectronic searches of the MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, DOSS, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest databases, and hand searching of reference lists and citations were conducted. No date or language restrictions were used. The Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies checklist was followed when extracting data and appraising the selected studies.ResultsOf the 2,560 records, five studies with 12 prediction models and three risk assessment studies were included. The prediction models showed great heterogeneity precluding meta‐analysis. Eight criteria were identified for periodontitis incidence and progression. Four models from one study examined the incidence, while others assessed progression. Age, smoking and diabetes status were common predictors used in modelling. Only two studies reported external validation. Predictive performance of the models (discrimination and calibration) was unable to be fully assessed or compared quantitatively. Nevertheless, most models had “good” ability to discriminate between people at risk for periodontitis.ConclusionsExisting predictive modelling approaches were identified. However, no studies followed the recommended methodology, and almost all models were characterized by a generally poor level of reporting.
Modification of glass ionomer cements on their physical‐mechanical and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Ching Hii S. , Luddin Norhayati , Kannan Thirumulu P. , Ab Rahman Ismail , Abdul Ghani Nik R. N. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this review was to provide an insight about the factors affecting the properties of glass ionomer cements and provides a review regarding studies that are related to modification of glass ionomer cements to improve their properties, particularly on physical‐mechanical and antimicrobial activity.MethodsPubMed and Science Direct were searched for papers published between the years 1974 and 2018. The search was restricted to articles written in English related to modification of glass ionomer cements. Only articles published in peer‐reviewed journals were included. The search included literature reviews, in vitro, and in vivo studies. Articles written in other languages, without available abstracts and those related to other field were excluded. About 198 peer‐review articles in the English language were reviewed.ConclusionBased on the finding, most of the modification has improved physical‐mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements. Recently, researchers have attempted to improve their antimicrobial properties. However, the attempts were reported to compromise the physical‐mechanical properties of modified glass ionomer cements.Clinical significanceAs the modification of glass ionomer cement with different material improved the physical‐mechanical and antimicrobial properties, it could be used as restorative material for wider application in dentistry.
Effect of light absence or attenuation on biaxial flexural strength of dual‐polymerized resin cements after short‐ and long‐term storage
Authors: Lima Renally B. W. , Murillo‐Gómez Fabián , Sartori Cristiana G. , De Góes Mário F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of dual resin cements is affected by light absence or attenuation, storage time, or cements' chemical nature.Materials and methodsOne hundred and twenty disk‐shaped specimens were made from each cement (non‐self‐adhesive cement and self‐adhesive cement) using Teflon molds on a controlled temperature surface (35°C). Specimens were polymerized as follows (N = 30): self‐cured, directly light‐cured, light‐cured at a distance of 6 mm between the light tip and the specimen, and through a 6‐mm thick composite resin barrier (indirectly light‐cured). Each group was divided (N = 10) for storage purposes (15 minutes, 24 hours, and 6 months). Specimens were placed into a biaxial‐flexure jig and a vertical load was applied until failure. The BFS values were subjected to generalized linear models statistical analysis and Weibull distributions (α = 0.05).ResultsAfter 15 minutes aging, neither material achieved enough polymerization to perform the BFS test when polymerized using the self‐curing mode. The self‐adhesive product demonstrated much lower variation in strength with storage time than did the non‐self‐curing cement.ConclusionsAttenuated/light‐curing reduced BFS values only for 15‐minutes storage period for both materials. Flexural strength of the self‐adhesive cement was less affected by light absence/attenuation and storage time.Clinical significanceBiaxial flexural strength of a self‐adhesive resin cement is less sensitive to variation in light application and storage time than is a non‐self‐adhesive cement.
SSC prediction of cherry tomatoes based on IRIV‐CS‐SVR model and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Jun Sun , Yating Li , Xiaohong Wu , Chunxia Dai , Yong Chen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAs one of the most important indexes of internal quality testing of fruit, soluble solids content (SSC) is significant for its rapid and efficient nondestructive testing by using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). In this article, 126 cherry tomatoes were selected as the research object. Reflectance spectra data of 228 bands in cherry tomatoes were acquired by the near infrared spectrometer and SSC was measured by the hand‐held refractometer. Savitzky–Golay (SG) combined with multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) was used to preprocess the spectral data to reduce the effects of light scattering and other noise. Then, the dimensions of spectral data were reduced by iteratively retaining informative variables (IRIV) algorithm and 10 characteristic wavelengths were obtained, which were 1,080.37, 1,113.62, 1,117.3, 1,297.57, 1,301.02, 1,538.32, 1,540.40, 1,590.72, 1,615.94, and 1,636.89 nm, respectively. Subsequently, support vector regression (SVR) and its two optimization models, PSO‐SVR and CS‐SVR, were respectively used to establish SSC prediction models based on full spectra and characteristic spectra. The experimental results showed the IRIV‐CS‐SVR model for SSC prediction achieved the accuracy with of 0.9718 and of 0.9845. Thus, it is feasible to use NIRS with IRIV‐CS‐SVR to make a rapid and efficient nondestructive SSC prediction of cherry tomatoes.Practical applicationsAs one of the important testing standards of fruit internal quality, SSC is of great significance for the rapid and efficient nondestructive testing. In this article, an iteratively retaining information variables (IRIV) algorithm is proposed to extract the characteristic wavelengths, and a regression model CS‐SVR is established by combining the optimization algorithm cuckoo search (CS). This study shows that the model IRIV‐CS‐SVR has a certain effect on SSC prediction of cherry tomatoes.
The relationship between a cirrhosis‐specific comorbidity scoring system and healthcare utilization patterns
Authors: Dashputre Ankur A , Nemecek Branden D , Kamal Khalid M , Covvey Jordan R 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimPatients with liver cirrhosis are impacted by comorbidities that affect healthcare utilization and survival. The study objective was to assess the relationship between a cirrhosis‐specific comorbidity scoring system (CirCom) and healthcare utilization among patients with cirrhosis.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using electronic medical records from a large academic‐based healthcare network. Patients aged 18–90 years with at least one International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code for cirrhosis (571.2/571.5) between 2009 and 2014, and at least 180 pre‐index and 365 days of post‐index electronic medical record data were included. Patients were assigned CirCom scores based on comorbidities observed at/before index cirrhosis diagnosis. All‐cause/cirrhosis‐specific outpatient/hospital utilization was assessed post‐index diagnosis across 1 year. Predictors of utilization (age, sex, race, body mass index, etiology, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease, and CirCom) were assessed using negative binomial and Poisson regression with robust standard errors.ResultsA total of 957 patients were included. Healthcare utilization according to CirCom demonstrated a positive linear relationship for both all‐cause outpatient/hospital utilization, but no relationship was evident for cirrhosis‐specific utilization. Increased CirCom was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause utilization for both outpatient (relative risk [RR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–2.07) and hospital (RR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.38–2.12) utilization. However, CirCom showed a statistically non‐significant association for cirrhosis‐specific outpatient (RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.91–1.29) and cirrhosis‐specific hospital (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.67–1.13) utilization.ConclusionsCirCom failed to predict cirrhosis‐specific healthcare utilization but did positively predict all‐cause utilization for both outpatient and hospital services and therefore may be useful in risk assessment and management of cirrhosis.
Three‐dimensional analysis of shape variations and symmetry of the fibula, tibia, calcaneus and talus
Authors: Tümer Nazlı , Arbabi Vahid , Gielis Willem Paul , de Jong Pim A. , Weinans Harrie , Tuijthof Gabrielle J. M. , Zadpoor Amir A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe bones forming the talocrural joint (TCJ) and subtalar joint (STJ) are often assumed to be bilaterally symmetric. Therefore, the contralateral limb (i.e. the fibula, tibia, calcaneus and talus) is used as a template or an intra‐subject control in clinical and research practice. However, the validity of the symmetry assumption is controversial, because insufficient information is available on the shape variations and bilateral (a)symmetry of the fibula, tibia, calcaneus and talus. Using three‐dimensional spatially dense sampled representations of bone shapes extracted from bilateral computed tomography scans of 66 individuals (55 male, mean age: 61 ± 10 years; 11 female, mean age: 53 ± 15 years), we analyzed whether: (i) similar shape patterns exist in the left and right bones of the same type; (ii) gender has an effect on bone shape variations; (iii) intra‐subject shape variation is smaller than that of inter‐subject for a given shape variance direction. For the first set of analyses, all left and right instances of the same type of bone were considered as two separate groups, and statistically compared with each other on multiple aspects including group location (central tendency), variance‐covariance scale (dispersion) and orientation (covariance structure) using distance‐based permutational tests. For the second and third sets of analyses, all left and right bones of the same type were pooled into one group, and shape variations in the TCJ and STJ bones were extracted using principal component analysis. The effects of gender on age‐adjusted bone shape differences were assessed using an analysis of covariance. Moreover, intra‐class correlation was employed to evaluate intra‐ and inter‐subject bone shape variations. For each bone type, both sides had similar shape patterns (Ppermutational‐values > 0.05). After Bonferroni adjustment, gender led to shape differences, which were mainly in the lateral and medial condyles of the tibia (P = 0.003), the length and height of the calcaneus (P < 0.001), the posterior and anterior talar articular surfaces of the calcaneus (P = 0.001), and in the posterior aspect of the talus (P = 0.001). Intra‐subject shape variations in the tibial tuberosity together with the diameter of the tibia, and the curvature of the fibula shaft and the diameter of the fibula were as high as those of inter‐subject. This result suggests that the shape symmetry assumption could be violated for some specific shape variations in the fibula and tibia.
Fractional microneedling radiofrequency treatment for axillary osmidrosis: A minimally invasive procedure
Authors: Lin Li , Huo Ran , Bi Jianhai , Meng Zhen , Cao Yongqian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAxillary osmidrosis is a distressing condition that can reduce quality of life and lead to personal and social problems. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) treatment is a new minimally invasive procedure.ObjectiveWe sought to assess retrospectively the efficacy and safety of FMR treatment for axillary osmidrosis compared with subcutaneous surgery in a Chinese population.MethodsIn total, 48 and 42 patients receiving FMR treatment and subcutaneous surgery, respectively, were recruited. The treatments were assessed in terms of efficacy, complications, and malodor recurrence. Patient satisfaction and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were also evaluated.ResultsIn total, 93.75% of patients in the FMR group and all patients in the surgery group showed good‐to‐excellent improvement in osmidrosis (P > 0.05). The patients’ satisfaction in the FMR group was significantly higher than that in the surgery group at 1 month after treatment, but there were no differences between the two groups at the 3rd and 6th months (P > 0.05). The DLQI score was significantly decreased after both treatments. Two patients in the surgery group experienced hemorrhage complications, and no patients in the FMR group showed severe adverse effects. There was no significant difference in the malodor recurrence rate between the groups.ConclusionsFractional microneedling radiofrequency treatment offers a safe and effective method for treating axillary osmidrosis with minimal recovery time and no strict postoperative immobilization.
Inhibition of HYBID (KIAA1199)‐mediated hyaluronan degradation and anti‐wrinkle effect of Geranium thunbergii extract
Authors: Yoshida Hiroyuki , Yamazaki Kohei , Komiya Aya , Aoki Mika , Nakamura Tomomi , Kasamatsu Shinya , Murata Takeshi , Sayo Tetsuya , Okada Yasunori , Takahashi Yoshito 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundHyaluronan (HA) is an essential constituent of extracellular matrix in the skin. HA reduction in the dermis and overexpression of HYBID (KIAA1199), a key molecule for HA degradation in skin fibroblasts, are implicated in facial skin wrinkling.AimsWe aimed to obtain anti‐wrinkle agent(s) by screening for inhibition of HYBID‐mediated HA degradation.MethodsVarious plant extracts were screened for inhibition of HA degradation in HYBID‐stable transfectants in HEK293 (HYBID/HEK293). Inhibition of HA‐degrading activity and HYBID mRNA and protein expression by Geranium thunbergii extract was studied in skin fibroblasts and HYBID/HEK293 cells. Size distribution of newly produced HA was evaluated by preparing metabolically radiolabeled HA in skin fibroblasts. A double‐blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled study was performed in healthy Japanese women (n = 21) by topically treating each side of the face with a lotion formulated with G. thunbergii extract or placebo for 8 weeks.ResultsAmong the plant extracts tested, only G. thunbergii extract abolished HA depolymerization in skin fibroblasts and HYBID/HEK293 cells by down‐regulating HYBID mRNA and protein expression and by inhibiting HYBID‐mediated HA‐degrading activity. Although untreated skin fibroblasts produced polydispersed HA, G. thunbergii extract‐treated cells produced high‐molecular‐weight HA. Treatment with G. thunbergii extract‐formulated lotion significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced skin wrinkling scores at the outer eye corner compared with the placebo formulation.ConclusionsGeranium thunbergii extract inhibited HYBID‐mediated HA degradation in vitro and showed anti‐wrinkle activity in vivo accompanying the improvement in skin elasticity. Our study provides a possible strategy for anti‐wrinkle care through inhibition of HYBID‐mediated HA degradation.