bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of information on smallholder irrigation farmers’ willingness to pay for groundwater protection
Authors: Alhassan Mustapha , Gustafson Christopher R. , Schoengold Karina 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn Ghana, groundwater, accessed through wells and boreholes, is generally unregulated and may be contaminated with pollutants including excess nitrates from agricultural chemical fertilizers. Yet, studies estimating how clean groundwater is valued are not available in Ghana. In addition, some research suggests that the pre‐experiment information provided to survey respondents affects their valuation of an identical outcome. This paper estimates smallholder farmers’ preferences for groundwater protection using pre‐experiment information focused on one of two outcomes: environment or health. The double‐bounded contingent valuation (DBCV) approach is used to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) to protect groundwater quality. The estimation accounts for shift and anchoring effects, which are common issues with the DBCV method. The mean WTP from the health (environmental) information subsample is about US$19 (US$17) per acre, and the values are significantly different between the information conditions. The findings shed light on the importance of using precise information in eliciting WTP in a developing country setting.
Party Nomination Strategies in List Proportional Representation Systems
Authors: Buisseret Peter , Folke Olle , Prato Carlo , Rickne Johanna 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn list proportional representation (PR) systems, parties shape political selection. We propose a theory of party list choice and elections in list PR systems. Our results describe how a party allocates candidates of heterogeneous quality across list ranks depending on (1) its policy goals and (2) its competitive environment. We test our predictions on the universe of Swedish local politicians from 1991 to 2014. Although parties assign better candidates to higher ranks at all ballot levels, the pattern is most pronounced among electorally advantaged parties that have the strongest prospect of controlling the executive. Our findings challenge conventional accounts of candidate selection in which parties prioritize candidate quality in their nomination strategies only when constrained by electoral incentives.
Comparative efficacy between hemodialysis using super high‐flux dialyzer with hemoperfusion and high‐volume postdilution online hemodiafiltration in removing protein bound and middle molecule uremic toxins: A cross‐over randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Khemnark Nutchaya , Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Limjariyakul Maneerut , Mahatanan Nunta , Chariyavilaskul Pajaree , Wittayalertpanya Supreecha , Susantitaphong Paweena , Eiam‐Ong Somchai 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundHemodialysis (HD) using super high‐flux dialyzer (HD + SHF) comparably removed uremic toxins to high‐volume postdilution online hemodiafiltration (olHDF). Integration of hemoperfusion (HP) to HD + SHF (HD + SHF + HP) might provide superior uremic toxin removing capability to high‐volume postdilution olHDF.MethodThe present study was conducted in thrice‐a‐week HD patients to compare the efficacy in removing indoxyl sulfate (IS), beta‐2 microglobulin (β2M), and urea between high‐volume postdilution ol‐HDF and HD + SHF + HP, comprising HD + SHF as the main treatment plus HD + SHF + HP 1/week in the first 4 weeks and 1/2 weeks in the second 4 weeks.ResultsTen prevalent HD patients with blood flow rate (BFR) above 400 ml/min were randomized into two sequences of 8‐week treatment periods of HD + SHF + HP and later high‐volume postdilution olHDF or vice versa. When compared with high‐volume postdilution olHDF (convective volume of 26.02 ± 1.8 L/session), HD + SHF + HP provided comparable values of percentage reduction ratio of IS (52.0 ± 11.7 vs. 56.3 ± 7.5%, p = 0.14) and β2M (83.7 ± 4.9 vs. 84.0 ± 4.3%, p = 0.37) and slightly lower urea reduction ratio. Despite greater dialysate albumin loss (p = 0.008), there was no significant change in serum albumin level in HD + SHF + HP group.ConclusionsHD + SHF + HP could not provide superior efficacy in removing uremic toxins to high‐volume postdilution olHDF. The use of low BFR of 200 ml/min during the first 2 h of HD + SHF + HP session, according to the instruction of manufacturer, might impair the efficacy of the HD + SHF part in removing uremic toxins.
Do credit unions have distinct objectives? Evidence from executive compensation structures
Authors: van Rijn Jordan , Zeng Shuwei , Hueth Brent 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCredit unions compete directly with commercial banks in markets for consumer financial services yet receive an exemption from federal corporate income tax. Commercial banks claim that credit unions are no different than banks and that the credit union tax exemption represents an unfair competitive advantage. Credit unions counter that while they offer similar products and services, they differ from commercial banks in terms of structure and mission, given their not‐for‐profit, cooperative status. In this paper, we test for substantive differences in the objective functions of commercial banks and nonprofit credit unions by comparing CEO compensation structures. Drawing on the relevant principal–agent literature, we provide several arguments to support the hypotheses that credit union boards of directors establish lower‐powered incentive contracts with their CEOs relative to similarly sized commercial banks, and offer lower total compensation. We find that credit union CEOs receive approximately 250% less performance‐based compensation relative to CEOs of similarly sized community banks. Bank CEOs also earn approximately 15% to 20% more total compensation on average. The results are generally robust to controlling for CEO‐ and board‐level characteristics, local economic conditions, and institution‐level indicators of size, growth, complexity, liquidity and risk. The findings suggest important differences in incentive structures and objectives between banks and credit unions.
Meta‐analysis of dietary chitosan effects on performance, nutrient utilization, and product characteristics of ruminants
Authors: Harahap Rakhmad P. , Suharti Sri , Ridla Muhammad , Laconi Erika B. , Nahrowi Nahrowi , Irawan Agung , Kondo Makoto , Obitsu Taketo , Jayanegara Anuraga 
Published: January 2022

AbstractChitosan (CHI) has been used as a feed additive in ruminant diets, but the effects obtained to date have been varied. This study aimed to evaluate the dietary addition of CHI on performance, nutrient utilization, and product characteristics of ruminants by using a meta‐analysis approach. A total of 15 articles that composed of 21 studies and 57 data points were included in the database. Number of articles reported the effects of dietary CHI addition were six on beef cattle, seven on dairy cows, and two papers on sheep. Data analysis was based on the mixed model methodology, in which CHI addition levels were considered as fixed effects whereas different studies were treated as random effects. Results revealed that, across various studies, CHI decreased ruminal acetate proportion (p < 0.05) and increased propionate proportion (p < 0.01). Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were elevated due to CHI addition (p < 0.05). CHI decreased blood cholesterol level (p < 0.05) and increased monounsaturated fatty acid proportion in the milk (p < 0.05). However, CHI addition had no effect on dry matter intake, milk production, and milk efficiency of ruminants. In conclusion, CHI is able to modify rumen fermentation towards a favorable direction, but it limitedly affects performance of ruminants.
Oleuropein suppresses mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation possibly via an activation of transient receptor potential V1 and sirtuin‐1 in cultured chicken muscle cells
Authors: Muroi Hikaru , Hori Kouhei , Tokutake Yukako , Hakamata Yuki , Kawabata Fuminori , Toyomizu Masaaki , Kikusato Motoi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study investigated the intracellular mechanism governing the effects of oleuropein (OLE), a phenolic compound of Olea europaea, on mRNA expression of avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) and mitochondrial biogenesis‐related factors, and reactive oxygen species (mitROS) generation in a primary cultured chicken muscle cells. The OLE‐treated cells exhibited increases in Avucp and ATP5a1z expression and a decrease in mitROS generation (p < 0.05), while the effects was canceled by sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) or transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) inhibitors, EX‐527 or BCTC, respectively. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration was significantly increased by OLE, while the induction was canceled by BCTC. The study also found that TRPV1 was expressed in the cell membrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and Ca2+ could be released from ER in the OLE‐treated cells. The OLE‐treated cells exhibited increases in the phosphorylation ratio of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) protein content. EX‐527 and BCTC inhibitors canceled the effects of OLE on p‐AMPK ratio and PGC‐1α content, while EX‐527 SIRT did not change PGC‐1α content. The results suggest that the OLE effects may be due to Ca2+ release, possibly from TRPV1 at ER, and increased p‐AMPK ratio, followed by SIRT1 activation and PGC‐1α protein expression.
Genetic variants associated with acamprosate treatment response in alcohol use disorder patients: A multiple omics study
Authors: Ho Ming‐Fen , Zhang Cheng , Wei Lixuan , Zhang Lingxin , Moon Irene , Geske Jennifer R. , Skime Michelle K. , Choi Doo‐Sup , Biernacka Joanna M. , Oesterle Tyler S. , Frye Mark A. , Seppala Marvin D. , Karpyak Victor M. , Li Hu , Weinshilboum Richard M. 
Published: January 2022

Background and PurposeAcamprosate is an anti‐craving drug used for the pharmacotherapy of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, only some patients achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. This study was designed to explore differences in metabolomic profiles between patients who maintained sobriety and those who relapsed, to determine whether those differences provide insight into variation in acamprosate treatment response phenotypes.Experimental ApproachWe previously conducted an acamprosate trial involving 442 AUD patients, and 267 of these subjects presented themselves for a 3‐month follow‐up. The primary outcome was abstinence. Clinical information, genomic data and metabolomics data were collected. Baseline plasma samples were assayed using targeted metabolomics.Key ResultsBaseline plasma arginine, threonine, α‐aminoadipic acid and ethanolamine concentrations were associated with acamprosate treatment outcomes and baseline craving intensity, a measure that has been associated with acamprosate treatment response. We next applied a pharmacometabolomics‐informed genome‐wide association study (GWAS) strategy to identify genetic variants that might contribute to variations in plasma metabolomic profiles that were associated with craving and/or acamprosate treatment outcome. Gene expression data for induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived forebrain astrocytes showed that a series of genes identified during the metabolomics‐informed GWAS were ethanol responsive. Furthermore, a large number of those genes could be regulated by acamprosate. Finally, we identified a series of single nucleotide polymorphisms that were associated with acamprosate treatment outcomes.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results serve as an important step towards advancing our understanding of disease pathophysiology and drug action responsible for variation in acamprosate response and alcohol craving in AUD patients.
The economic benefits of recreation in Canada
Authors: Lloyd‐Smith Patrick 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCanadians spend approximately 2.2% of the country's gross domestic product on outdoor recreation, but we do not yet know the economic benefits people receive from participating in these activities. I provide the first ever comprehensive assessment of the economic benefits of outdoor recreation in Canada. I use a nationally representative survey of recreational behaviour on over 24,000 Canadians to estimate a Kuhn–Tucker demand model that accounts for substitution between activities and satiation in demand. The results demonstrate that participation in outdoor recreation provides Canadians with $98 billion in annual economic benefits, which is well over twice as large as reported expenditures. I also reveal substantial heterogeneity in recreation benefits across activities and regions in Canada.
Allergenic characterization of Bomb m 4, a 30‐kDa Bombyx mori lipoprotein 6 from silkworm pupa
Authors: Jeong Kyoung Yong , Lee Jong Sun , Yuk Ji Eun , Song Hangyeol , Lee Hye Jung , Kim Kuan Jung , Kim Bum Joon , Lim Kook‐Jin , Park Kyung Hee , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Park Jung‐Won 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundSilkworm pupa (SWP) food anaphylaxis has been described frequently in Asian countries. However, false‐positive reactions by skin pricks and serum IgE (sIgE) tests to the extract complicate diagnosis, requiring identification of clinically relevant major allergens.ObjectivesIn this study, we characterized a novel SWP allergen, Bomb m 4, a 30‐kDa lipoprotein, and evaluated its diagnostic sensitivity.MethodsBomb m 4 was identified by a proteomic analysis. This recombinant (r)Bomb m 4 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the IgE reactivity by ELISA was compared with other reported allergenic proteins: Bomb m 1 (arginine kinase), 27‐kDa glycoprotein, Bomb m 3 (tropomyosin) using the serum samples from 17 SWP allergic patients and 11 asymptomatic sensitized subjects.ResultsrBomb m 4‐specific IgE was recognized by all 17 SWP allergic patients. The 27‐kDa glycoprotein and Bomb m 1 sIgE were found in 35.3% and 0%, respectively, in the SWP allergic patients. ELISA sIgE reactivity increased significantly, when 4 M urea was added in serum samples. However, only 16% inhibition of sIgE reactivity to the whole SWP extract was exhibited by rBomb m 4, whereas more than 93% of self‐inhibition of rBomb m 4 sIgE was obtained, possibly due to the low abundance of Bomb m 4 in the extract. Three linear epitopes (81–95, 191–205 and 224–238 residues) of rBomb m 4 were identified. These epitopes are shown to be released by pepsin digestion. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the highest diagnostic value of Bomb m 4 followed by Bomb m 1, 27‐kDa glycoprotein and Bomb m 3.ConclusionBomb m 4 is the major allergen of SWP allergic patients. It has cryptic epitopes which are exposed to IgE antibodies with digestive enzymes. This recombinant Bomb m 4 allergen permits exact diagnosis of SWP allergy.
The impact of birthweight on subsequent phenotype of type 2 diabetes in later life
Authors: Paulina Christian , Donnelly Louise A. , Pearson Ewan R. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimsIt is well established that low birthweight is associated with subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of our study was to use a large birth cohort linked to a national diabetes registry to investigate how birthweight impacts the phenotype at diagnosis of T2DM and the subsequent rate of glycaemic deterioration.MethodsWe linked the Walker Birth Cohort (48,000 births, 1952–1966, Tayside, Scotland) to the national diabetes registry in Scotland (SCI‐Diabetes). Birthweight was adjusted for gestational age. Simple linear regression was performed to assess the impact of the adjusted birthweight on the diabetes phenotype at diagnosis. This was then built up into a multiple regression model to allow for the adjustment of confounding variables. A cox proportional hazards model was then used to evaluate the impact of birthweight on diabetes progression.ResultsLower birthweights were associated with a 293 day younger age of diagnosis of T2DM per 1 kg reduction in birthweight, p = 0.005; and a 1.29 kg/m2 lower BMI at diagnosis per 1 kg reduction in birthweight, p < 0.001. There was no significant association of birthweight on diabetes progression.ConclusionFor the first time, we have shown that a lower birthweight is associated with younger onset of T2DM, with those with lower birthweight also being slimmer at diagnosis. These results suggest that lower birthweight impacts on T2DM phenotype via reduced beta‐cell function rather than insulin resistance.
GDNF neurotrophic factor signalling determines the fate of dermal fibroblasts in wound‐induced hair neogenesis and skin regeneration
Authors: Vishlaghi Neda , Rieger Sandra , McGaughey Vanessa , Lisse Thomas S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe propose that GDNF, a glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, can promote hair follicle neogenesis and skin regeneration after wounding by directing the fate of dermal fibroblasts. Our hypothesis is largely based on detailed GDNF and receptor analysis during skin regenerative stages, as well as the induction of GDNF receptors after wounding between the pro‐regenerative spiny mouse (genus Acomys) and its less‐regenerative descendant, the house mouse (Mus musculus). To characterize the GDNF‐target cells, we will conduct a series of lineage‐tracing experiments in conjunction with single‐cell RNA and assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin sequencing experiments. The heterogenetic dynamics of skin regeneration have yet to be fully defined, and this research will help to advance the fields of regenerative medicine and biology. Finally, we believe that stimulating the GDNF signalling pathway in fibroblasts from less‐regenerative animals, such as humans, will promote skin regeneration, morphogenesis and scarless wound healing.
On the static and fatigue life of nano‐reinforced Al‐GFRP bonded joints under different dispersion treatments
Authors: Zamani Pedram , Alaei Mohammad Hossein , da Silva Lucas F. M. , Ghahremani‐Moghadam Danial 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAs bonded components of engineering structures inevitably experience fatigue loading conditions during their service life, it is significant to find ways to enhance their endurance. Also, adding nanoparticles to the adhesive can be introduced as an approach to design more durable bonded joints. In this way, it is important to determine a nanoparticle dispersion method which can lead to the longest fatigue life. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the influence of various nanoparticle dispersion treatments on static and fatigue responses of aluminum‐to‐composite bonded joints under four‐point bending. For this purpose, four dispersion techniques of mechanical stirring, bath‐sonication, low‐power and high‐power probe‐sonication were used to disperse nanoparticles into the adhesive. Also, four specimen groups of neat (with no additive particles), graphene nano platelet (GNP)‐reinforced, nano silica‐reinforced, and hybrid‐reinforced (including GNP + nano silica) were prepared. Results indicated that, for the joints including GNPs, the longest fatigue life was achieved for the specimens prepared by low‐power sonication method, while for hybrid‐type reinforcements, using high‐power method led to the highest endurance. Moreover, for 0.5 and 1.0 wt.% of nano silica, the endurance of bath‐sonicated specimens was 12.77% and 9.28% longer than low and high‐power probe‐sonicated joints, respectively. Using the backface strain (BFS) measurement technique, the influence of dispersion methods was studied on extending the crack initiation life (CIL) of each joint group. It was revealed that, for 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% of nano silica, the CIL is independent of the dispersion method, while, for 1.5 wt.%, probe sonicated specimens had the longest CIL. The microstructural characterization of each dispersion method and major reinforcing mechanisms were interpreted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For future researches, using X‐ray tomography and health monitoring methods is recommended to detect size and location of damage for nanoparticle reinforced composite structures.
Effect of pasteurization on membrane proteins and oxidative stability of oil bodies in various crops
Authors: Wu Lichun , Sun Yufan , Kang Mengxue , Zhong Mingming , Qi Baokun , Li Yang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOil bodies (OBs) are natural pre‐emulsion systems and an ideal green food additive. However, their proclivity to oxidation limits the applications of OBs. In this study, the effect of pasteurization (85 and 125 °C; 1 min) on membrane proteins and the oxidative stability of various OBs (soybean, sunflower, peanut, sesame, and walnut) were investigated. The membrane proteins are extracted from the OBs. The ultrahigh‐temperature pasteurization (125 °C, 1 min) eliminated lipoxygenase of soybean and peanut OBs. Furthermore, oleosin exhibited a higher denaturation temperature (approximately 100 °C) than extrinsic proteins (approximately 50 °C). Pasteurization induced the conversion of the α‐helix structure to a disordered structure by rearranging the hydrogen bonds. The pasteurized soybean and peanut OBs exhibited a high oxidative stability owing to their stable membrane structures and decreased lipoxygenase activity, while sunflower, sesame, and walnut OBs did not exhibit good oxidative stability because of their vulnerable membranes, a large number of unsaturated fatty acids, and severe aggregation of droplets. Simulated milk based on pasteurized soybean and peanut OBs (125 °C, 1 min) maintained outstanding storage stability. These results confirmed that pasteurized soybean and peanut OBs have the potential as a skim milk additive for the benefit of the consumer.
Evaluating test utilization for anemia during pregnancy
Authors: Santana Gina , Reise Rachel , Koenig Mark , Dodd Monique , Zhang Qian‐Yun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate, using longitudinal laboratory data, potential care gaps, and the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women residing in New Mexico, USA.MethodsA total of 985 pregnant women aged 13–60 were included from December 1, 2018 to December 1, 2019. Parameters included frequency of CBC, iron studies, reticulocyte panel, prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iron deficiency (ID), anemia change throughout pregnancy, and ICD‐10 codes utilization.ResultsCBC was completed in 896/985 (91%) of the sample population in the first trimester and 528/985 (53.6%) in the third trimester. Two hundred and fifty‐two (25.6%) women had anemia at any given point during pregnancy. ID was prevalent in 1.3% of women in the first trimester and 1.0% in the third, while IDA was prevalent in 0.4% in their first trimester and 5.5% in the third. Data also show an overall worsening of anemia from first to third trimester (2.8% and 40.9%, respectively, p < .0001). A positive correlation was found between mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and reticulocyte hemoglobin (RET‐He) (r = .8592, 95% CI 0.7475 to 0.9237).ConclusionTest utilization for anemia screening during pregnancy can be improved to guide patient management to reduce anemia rate and potential anemia‐associated complications.