bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forty-five years of the International Journal of Social Economics (IJSE): a bibliometric overview
Authors: Kumar Satish , Sureka Riya , Pandey Nitesh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The International Journal of Social Economics has completed 45 years of its publication in 2018; as a part of this recognition, this paper aims to present an overview of the IJSE through bibliometric analysis of its contents from 1974–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from Scopus database, the prominence of the research is assessed by studying and analyzing annual publication, and citation structure, most cited papers in IJSE, documents most cited by IJSE, most productive author, institution and country in IJSE with their temporal analysis and the thematic structure of the journal through keyword co-occurrence analysis. Additionally, a graphical representation of the bibliometric data using VOSviewer is presented in the paper.

Findings

Major findings show that IJSE has grown in productivity, as well as stature as the number of articles published each year, and the citation counts are increasing. Major themes published in the journal include poverty, social economics sustainable development, developing country, religion, economic theory, etc.

Originality/value

This is the first article providing an overall summary of the research work published in the journal.
Financial inclusion and migrant remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa: a panel VAR approach
Authors: Anarfo Ebenezer Bugri , Amewu Godfred , Dzeha Gloria Clarissa
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study examines the causal and dynamic link between financial inclusion and migrant remittances in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a panel vector autoregressive (VAR) framework to examine the dynamic relationship between financial inclusion and migrant remittances in sub-Saharan Africa.

Findings

The findings indicate that there is a reverse causality between financial inclusion and migrant remittances in sub-Saharan Africa.

Practical implications

The practical implications of these findings are that central governments and economic policymakers in sub-Saharan African countries should formulate and implement policies aimed at fostering financial inclusion if they are to attract more migrant remittances to promote economic growth and financial sector development. This suggests that these two variables are complementary and not contradictory. The results also suggest that central banks and other financial institutions can leverage the positive effect of financial inclusion of financial sector development to enhance the development of the financial sector instead of pursuing financial sector development as a policy objective. This means policies aimed at promoting financial inclusion will not impede or sacrifice migrant remittances, economic growth and financial sector development.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to construct a financial inclusion index to examine the link between financial inclusion and migrant remittances from the sub-Saharan Africa perspective

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2019-0612/
Public procurement quality assessment of a region: regression analysis
Authors: Belokrylova Olga S. , Belokrylov Kirill A. , Tsygankov Sergey S. , Syropyatov Vadim A. , Streltsova Elena D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to present the results of a study aimed at constructing economic and mathematical models used in decision-making in the management of budget procurement of a region, contributing to the efficient use of budget funds. One of the key problems in this area is the assessment of the quality of procurement

Design/methodology/approach

One of the key problems in this area is the assessment of the quality of procurement, the solution of which requires the application of economic and mathematical methods, models, tools and algorithms built into information systems for supporting decision-making. The introduction of these systems brings to a qualitatively new level the system of relations between subjects of budget procurement. The paper analyzes modern publications on the implementation of public procurement and related issues of efficiency (savings) of budgetary funds.

Findings

The indicators on the basis of which the evaluation of the quality of regional procurement is determined are proposed. The architecture of the information system for decision support in the evaluation of procurement quality has been developed. The system has the property of adapting to changes in the state of the environment through the constant accumulation of statistical data characterizing the procurement and adjustment of the parameters of the mathematical model in accordance with them. A mathematical model is built into the control loop that allows ranking the indicators of budget purchases by the degree of their influence on the effective attribute. The role of a functional feature is the quality of budget procurement. The mathematical model is based on the application of the mathematical apparatus of correlation and regression analysis. The impact of each of the factor attributes on the functional attribute has been assessed.

Originality/value

The mathematical model is based on the application of the mathematical apparatus of correlation and regression analysis. The impact of each of the factor attributes on the functional attribute has been assessed. Real statistics are given that characterize budget procurements carried out in retrospect. The coefficients of the linear regression model are determined based on the use of the STATISTICA application software package. The proposed decision support information system with a regression model built into it allows one to make scientifically and quantitatively sound decisions when assessing the quality of budget purchases of a region.
Hands-off? Laissez-faire policies on Covid-19 may exacerbate health inequalities
Authors: Foley William , Gërxhani Klarita
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper establishes an association between income and the likelihood of seeking medical treatment for Covid-19 symptoms in some countries. We provide an explanation for this income effect based on the stringency of government response to the pandemic and the unequal distribution of agency among social classes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper makes use of data from the Six-Country Survey on Covid-19 to establish the existence of an income effect on health utilisation, and from the Oxford Covid-19 Government response tracker to show that this income effect is associated with the stringency of governmental response to the pandemic. Data from the 2011/12 “Health and Healthcare” round of the International Social Survey Programme is used to show that this income effect cannot be explained by pre-existing patterns. An explanation for the link between government stringency and the income effect is advanced on a theoretical basis.

Findings

The authors find in Britain, the US, and – with greater uncertainty – in Japan that individuals who experience potential Covid-19 symptoms are less likely to seek medical treatment if they have a lower income. The authors also show that governments in these countries adopted a less stringent response to the pandemic than the countries in our sample which do not exhibit an income effect – China, Italy and South Korea. The authors argue that laissez-faire policies place the burden of action upon the individual, activating underlying differences in agency between the social classes, and making (high) low-income individuals (more) less likely to seek medical attention.

Research limitations/implications

Since there was not a direct measure of agency in the data, it could not be empirically verified that agency mediates the effect of government stringency on health utilisation. Further research could make use of datasets which incorporate such a measure, if they become available. It could also extend the geographical scope of the findings, to see if the income effect manifests in other countries which adopted a laissez-faire response to the pandemic.

Practical implications

Governments should intervene more stringently during pandemics to minimise inequality in health outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper establishes an association between the stringency of government response to the Covid-19 pandemic and income inequality in health utilisation. This contributes to scholarly and policy debates around health inequality in the area of social epidemiology, and the sociology of inequality more generally. It is also of relevance to the general public, in the context of a deadly pandemic.
Adoption and impact of modern varieties of paddy in India: evidence from a nationally representative field survey
Authors: Kumar Anjani , Tripathi Gaurav , Joshi P. K.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

New varieties of paddy are constantly being developed in India in order to sustain yield gains in the face of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the authors attempt to identify the drivers for adoption of new varieties of paddy in India; the authors also estimate the impact on yield of the adoption of new paddy varieties.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data consisted of the reported information from approximately 20,000 paddy farmers in India. The study employs Cragg's double-hurdle model to study the probability and intensity of adoption of new varieties; we use regression discontinuity design to estimate the change in yield due to adoption of new varieties.

Findings

The authors’ findings indicate that the adoption of new varieties of paddy in India varies significantly within and between regions; further, the adoption of new varieties is affected by a number of socioeconomic and demographic factors; the authors also find that the adoption of new varieties increases yield significantly.

Research limitations/implications

These are observational data and not based on the experiments. The authors relied on farmers' memory to recall the information.

Originality/value

The authors suggest the formulation of strategic policies that can cater to the needs of regions and states that are lagging behind in the adoption of new paddy varieties.
Practitioners’ experiences of the mental capacity act: a systematic review
Authors: Scott Jade , Weatherhead Stephen , Daker-White Gavin , Manthorpe Jill , Mawson Marsha
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA, 2005) provided a new legal framework for decision-making practice in England and Wales. This study aims to explore qualitative research on practitioners’ knowledge and experiences of the MCA in health and social care settings to inform practice and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Four electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched in November 2019 for peer-reviewed, qualitative, English language studies exploring practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of the MCA in health and social care settings. Nine studies were included and appraised for methodological quality. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Findings

Data revealed both positive aspects and challenges of applying the MCA in practice within five main themes, namely, travelling the “grey line”, the empowering nature of the MCA, doing the assessment justice, behaviours and emotional impact and knowledge gaps and confidence.

Practical implications

The fundamental principles of the MCA appear to be adhered to and embedded in practice. However, practitioners find mental capacity work remains challenging in its uncertainties. While calling for more training, they may also benefit from further MCA skills development and support to increase confidence and reduce apprehension.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review to synthesise qualitative literature on practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of the MCA. Findings offer insight into practice experiences of the MCA and provide a basis for the development of training and supervisory support.
Recipes for new product success: the interplay between orientations and environmental turbulence
Authors: Ho Joanne , Plewa Carolin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Prior studies suggest that strategic orientations not only impact innovation outcomes individually but also by interacting with each other and with environmental factors. Yet, inconsistent results in the literature remain, likely due to the common use of regression analysis and related limitations in capturing the complex reality of interdependent effects. This paper aims to overcome this challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on configuration theory, this research uses fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to investigate configurations of customer, competitor and technology orientations, interfunctional coordination (IC) and environmental turbulence leading to new product success (NP) among high-tech manufacturing business-to-business firms.

Findings

Findings show seven configurations of strategic orientations as determining NP, including four configurations specific to firms operating in turbulent environments.

Originality/value

This study offers important theoretical, empirical and managerial contributions. In particular, it is the first to reveal configurations of strategic orientations that determine NP. It also advances knowledge by delineating those configurations that are most suited to firms operating in turbulent environments. Finally, findings demonstrate the interchangeable nature of facets traditionally joined as a single market orientation construct – customer and competitor orientation as well as IC.
Updates on Hong Kong’s anti-money laundering laws 2020
Authors: Yim Foster Hong-Cheuk , Lee Ian Philip
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the latest developments of anti-money laundering (AML) laws in terms of case law and to give meaningful response in relation to certain key findings (KFs) and recommendations by the financial action task force contained in its mutual evaluation report dated September 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

In terms of AML case law, the authors analyse the latest judgment from the Hong Kong (HK) court of final appeal. In terms of the evaluation report, the authors outline salient points from the KFs and recommendation, commenting on their likelihood of success.

Findings

With the developments in AML case law and the KFs identified, HK is expected to maintain its high standard in AML/counter financing of terrorism (CFT) compliance.

Originality/value

A robust AML/CFT regime is the bedrock of HK’s reputable status as an international financial centre. This study seeks to illicit meaningful interactions amongst all stakeholders.
How a brick-and-mortar retailer’s strategic focus on niche (versus mainstream) brands influences category sales
Authors: Hoskins Jake David , Griffin Abbie
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the role of niche brands in online retailer assortments and the general market positions of niche brands, no prior study has explicitly focused on if and when brick-and-mortar retailers should include niche brands in their category assortments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically analyze the category performance implications of focusing assortments on niche brands, at the expense of mainstream brands, in two product categories that have significant niche brand presence, namely, coffee and beer. The empirical data include sales, distribution and marketing tactical information for 50 US geographic markets from 2001–2011.

Findings

This research finds that a mainstream brand focus has a generally positive impact on category performance. However, a store’s strategic shift toward niche brands is beneficial in certain cases such as when a store has higher average prices or product form variety or when they are part of a powerful chain. The authors also find that a niche brand focus strategy is becoming increasingly viable over time for brick-and-mortar retailers.

Originality/value

Little is known about the parameters that might make a brick-and-mortar retailer more or less likely to pursue a niche brand focus strategy and when doing so might improve category performance. This analysis helps clarify the conditions under which a brick-and-mortar retailer may experience category level sales increases from focusing assortments on niche brands.
Using cognitive behavioral intervention to prevent substance use among university students: comparative study
Authors: Hamdan Mansour Ayman , Shehadeh Jumana H. , Hamdan Mansour Laith A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate effectiveness of cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) to prevent substance use among first-year university students at high risk of substance use.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixty university students at high risk for substance use recruited and assigned to CBI and control groups (30 students per groups). Intervention impact was assessed on measures of attitudes toward substance use at three time points: baseline, postintervention and three-months postintervention.

Findings

The analysis showed that participants’ negative attitudes toward substance use in the intervention group was increased post intervention. Although the mean score was significantly higher than the baseline (Time I) at Time II and dropped at Time III, the mean scores remained higher than time I, using repeated measure ANOVA (p < 0.05).

Practical implications

Findings of this study provide evidence that CBI is effective to sustain substance abstinence among this age group.

Originality/value

The paper is testing effectiveness CBI among a high-risk population of substance use. The study is highlighting the importance of sustaining substance abstinence using psychological preventive methods.
Putting choice in the spotlight to advance theory on organizational adaptation to technological discontinuities
Authors: Carter William
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to develop and argue for a new research path to advance theory on incumbent firm adaptation to discontinuous technological change. Integrating variance and process epistemologies, implications of distinguishing a firm's capacity to adapt from their adaptive choices are highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts and argument presented are based on an extensive review and synthesis of the literature on the phenomenon.

Findings

Distinguishing resource-based capacity variables and behavioral-based choice variables can fuel progress in the literature on incumbent adaptation to technological changes. More attention is needed on the direct, proximate determinants of what occurs in the process of adaptation, e.g. the intermediate choices to adapt, the timing of adaptive actions and the selection of a means for adapting. Work must then associate specific choices with performance outcomes to complete both sides of the mediated cause-effect model connecting characteristics of the decision issue to performance.

Originality/value

Most studies toward understanding how incumbent firms adapt to discontinuous technological innovation have used variance analyses to identify firm and technology characteristics that explain adaptation outcomes. Focusing on characteristics and content, however, does not adequately explain why or how firms adapt. Scholars thus continue to lament the lack of clear, practical theory. I contend one heretofore unaddressed reason for this dissatisfaction is that too much of the research base neglects the importance of understanding choices and the factors affecting them.
Distinct functions of two FabA‐like dehydratase domains of polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase in the biosynthesis of very long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Xie Xi , Sun Kaiwen , Meesapyodsuk Dauenpen , Miao Yu , Qiu Xiao
Published: July 2020

Thraustochytrium is a unicellular marine protist for the commercial production of very long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs). Biosynthesis of these VLCPUFAs in the protist is catalysed by a PUFA synthase comprising three subunits, each with multiple catalytic domains. Among these domains, two tandem FabA‐like dehydratase domains (DH1 and DH2) in subunit‐C together are responsible for introducing double bonds in VLCPUFAs. Domain swapping analysis in yeast showed that the defective phenotype of a Scfas1 mutant could be complemented by expressing an engineered ScFAS1 gene in which the DH domain was replaced by a single DH1 or mutated DH2 of the two. Heterologous expression of the PUFA synthase in E. coli showed that the mutation of DH1 of the two or deletion of DH1 or substitution of DH1 with DH2 resulted in the complete loss of activity in the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs. Mutation of DH2 of the two or deletion of the DH2 domain produced a small amount of DPA, but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These results indicate that each of the two FabA‐like domains of the PUFA synthase possesses distinct function. DH1 domain is essential for the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs, but DH2 domain is required for the biosynthesis of DHA.
Hemodialysis efficiency management from the viewpoint of blood removal pressure
Authors: Kashima Yu , Ninomiya Shinji
Published: July 2020

Degradation of dialysis efficiency during hemodialysis, caused by incompatible indwelling needle size or increase in hematocrit, is a serious problem that can threaten a patient's life. This study aims to derive a quantitative index for determining the indwelling needle diameter that can maintain an appropriate blood flow rate, and presents an effective method to prevent a decrease in the actual blood flow rate. The relationships between the set flow rate and various parameters such as indwelling needle diameter, blood viscosity, and arterial line pressure are analyzed. A simple and reliable method for estimating the actual blood flow rate is derived from these relationships. A correlation between viscosity and actual blood flow rate is estimated adequately by regression analysis using a least‐squares method. The relationship between Reynolds number and the flow rate reduction ratio is also evaluated. A new parameter (simple estimation method for actual blood flow) is derived by measuring the blood removal pressure. A pump control approach that uses blood removal pressure is suggested, which can be a future research direction in the field of hemodialysis.
Detection of human papillomavirus distinguishes second primary tumors from lung metastases in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix
Authors: Lin Suxia , Zhang Xinke , Li Xiaoxuan , Qin Changfei , Zhang Lihong , Lu Jiabin , Chen Qunxi , Jin Jietian , Wang Taoli , Wang Fang , Zang Shengbing
Published: July 2020

Background

In patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (SCCC), a squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) in the lung represents either a second primary tumor or metastasis. This distinction between second primary tumors and lung metastases in patients with SCCC significantly influences patient prognosis and therapy. Here, we aimed to differentiate second primary tumors from lung metastases in patients with SCCC by exploring the HPV status in SqCCs involving the lung within a large cohort.

Methods

P16 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays including a total of 415 primary lung SqCCs and 21 lung SqCCs with prior SCCC. Following this, we performed HPV DNA typing and the sensitive RNAscope in situ method to screen all the cases for HPV E6/E7 expression, which is a more reliable indicator of transcriptively active HPV in tumor cells.

Results

The p16 positive expression rate was 13.7% (57/415) in primary lung SqCCs, but HPV DNA was not detected in any of the 57 primary lung SqCC cases that positively expressed p16. In contrast, HPV DNA was detected in all cases (21/21) with prior SCCC. Consistently, all 21 lung SqCCs with prior SCCC (21/21) showed extensive HPV16 E6/E7 expression. In striking contrast, none of the primary lung SqCCs (0/415) had a detectable RNAscope signal.

Conclusions

HPV does not seem to play a role in the development of primary lung SqCCs. HPV detection may be helpful in distinguishing second primary tumors from lung metastases in patients with SCCC.
Statistical model for Plum pox virus prediction in Prunus nursery blocks using vector and virus incidence data in four different European ecological areas
Authors: Vidal Eduardo , Zagrai Luminita Antonela , Malinowski Tadeusz , Soika Grażyna , Warabieda Wojciech , Tasheva‐Terzieva Elena , Milusheva Snezhana , Zagrai Ioan , Kamenova Ivanka , Bozhkova Valentina , Martínez Carmen , Cambra‐López María , Cambra Mariano
Published: July 2020

Plum pox virus (PPV) is the causal agent of sharka, the most devastating virus disease of Prunus species. PPV is transmitted by vegetative propagation, particularly by grafting, as well as by aphid species in a nonpersistent manner. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the prevalence and diversity of PPV‐vector aphid species in representative European areas of prunus cultivation. Four experimental nursery plots were established in Skierniewice (Poland), Liria (Spain), Plovdiv (Bulgaria) and Bistrita (Romania). Aphid population was weekly monitored using the sticky shoot method in spring and/or autumn in each nursery plot. Furthermore, we estimated the relative efficiency factor for the main PPV‐vector aphid species using bibliographic and reference data. Aphid diversity in each nursery plot was assessed using the Shannon index and the number of estimated aphid species was calculated by the rarefaction method. The highest diversity of aphid species population was reported in Plovdiv in spring while the lowest diversity was found in Liria in spring. A cluster analysis based on Morisita–Horn similarity index was performed to study the differences in species composition between the four nursery plots and seasons. Aphid population was clearly grouped by location and season. Results showed Aphis spiraecola and Hyalopterus pruni complex were typically spring aphid species, while Anoecia corni and Rhopalosiphum padi dominated autumn catch. Regarding PPV‐vector aphid species present in nursery plots, A. spiraecola was the most prevalent PPV‐vector aphid species in Liria and in Bistrita, showing a high relative efficiency factor of PPV transmission (0.91). Consequently, A. spiraecola should be considered a key actor in the spread of PPV in these regions. Hyalopterus pruni complex was the most prevalent PPV‐vector aphid species in Skierniewice and Plovdiv, showing a very low relative efficiency factor of PPV transmission (0.09). Therefore, the role of H. pruni complex in spread of PPV in these regions can be considered negligible. Furthermore, we statistically demonstrated that the presence of specific PPV‐vector aphid species is associated with the spread of the disease, whereas the biodiversity of aphid species population does not affect the spread of PPV. Finally, the advantages of the use of vector pressure index in the management of sharka disease are discussed.
Reduction in World Health Organization Risk Drinking Levels and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Knox Justin , Scodes Jennifer , Witkiewitz Katie , Kranzler Henry R. , Mann Karl , O’Malley Stephanie S. , Wall Melanie , Anton Raymond , Hasin Deborah S. ,   For the Alcohol Clinical Trials (ACTIVE) Workgroup
Published: July 2020

Background

Reductions in World Health Organization (WHO) risk drinking levels have recently been shown to lower the risk of multiple adverse health outcomes, but prior work has not examined reductions in WHO risk drinking levels in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and of global mortality. This study examined associations between reductions in WHO risk drinking levels and subsequent risk for CVD.

Methods

In a US national survey, 1,058 very‐high‐risk and high‐risk drinkers participated in Wave 1 interviews (2001 to 2002) and Wave 2 follow‐ups (2004 to 2005). Self‐reported CVD history that was communicated to the participant by a doctor or other healthcare professionals included arteriosclerosis, hypertension, angina, tachycardia, or myocardial infarction. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) evaluating relationships between ≥2‐level reductions in WHO risk drinking levels from Wave 1 to Wave 2 and the risk of Wave 2 CVD, controlling for baseline characteristics.

Results

Reductions of ≥2 WHO risk drinking levels were associated with significantly lower odds of CVD in individuals who at Wave 1 were very‐high‐risk (aOR = 0.58 [0.41 to 0.80]) or high‐risk drinkers (aOR = 0.81 [0.70 to 0.94]). Interaction terms showed that this relationship varied by age. Among individuals >40 years old at Wave 1, reductions of ≥2 WHO risk drinking levels were associated with significantly lower odds of CVD among very‐high‐risk drinkers (aOR = 0.42 [0.28 to 0.63]) but not high‐risk drinkers (p = 0.50). Among individuals ≤40 years old at Wave 1, reductions of ≥2 WHO risk drinking levels were associated with significantly lower odds of CVD among high‐risk drinkers (aOR = 0.50 [0.37 to 0.69]) but not very‐high‐risk drinkers (p = 0.27).

Conclusions

These results show that reductions in WHO risk drinking levels are associated with reduced CVD risk among very‐high‐risk and high‐risk drinkers in the US general population, and provide further evidence that reducing high levels of drinking provides important benefit across multiple clinical domains.
Austral Opossum adjusts to life in second‐growth forests by nesting outside cavities
Authors: Vazquez M. Soledad , Ibarra José Tomás , Altamirano Tomás A.
Published: July 2020

The Austral Opossum is one of the most unique vertebrates in Patagonian forests. It is not only endemic to this habitat; it also plays a key role acting as a seed disperser, nest predator, and is prey to species of conservation concern. However, specific information about its nesting behaviour is scattered and rudimentary at best. Here, we: (i) use personal observations along with published data to group information about nest site choice and (ii) investigate how flexible this behaviour is, examining the relative frequency of both cavity (natural and artificial) and non‐cavity nests. We found that Opossums placed their nests inside cavities 50% of the time in old‐growth forests but only 25% of the time inside cavities in second‐growth forests. We suggest that our naturalist records, along with the previous published literature, might reflect a flexible response of the species to cavity availability. In forests suffering continuous degradation, such as Patagonian ecosystems, this flexible behaviour may increase the likelihood of population persistence in the future. This study leads to the following further questions: is Austral Opossum nesting behaviour phenotypic flexibility or plasticity? Are cavities a limiting resource for this species? Would it be more efficient for a conservation program to install nest boxes or to take actions to encourage the understory vegetation where they can nest?
Conditional survival after surgery for patients with penile cancer
Authors: Liu Wei , Luo Yongwen , Wang Gang , Li Nan , Wang Zhiping , Lei Junhao , Wang Xinghuan
Published: July 2020

Background

Penile cancer represents a rare pathology whose natural history of treatment is poorly understood.

Objective

To illustrate the dynamic survival profiles in surgically treated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP) using the conditional survival (CS) estimates.

Materials and methods

Patients with non‐metastatic SCCP were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Conditional 3‐yr overall survival (OS) rate and 3‐yr cancer‐specific survival (CSS) rate represented the primary outcomes of interest and were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The multivariable Cox regression model was employed to calculate proportional hazard ratios for the prediction of mortality.

Results

A total of 1887 SCCP patients who had undergone surgeries were identified. Given a 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐yr survivorship, the 3‐yr OS rates were, respectively, improved by + 9.8 (72.6%), +18.2 (78.1%), +23.4 (81.6%), +27.8 (84.5%), and + 26.6% (83.7%) from those calculated at baseline (time zero). As compared with the baseline calculations, patients who had survived 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 yr after surgery could, respectively, harvest a + 7.8 (84.7%), +14.8 (90.2%), +19.5 (93.9%), +22.1 (96.0%), and + 22.4% (96.2%) improvement in 3‐yr CSS. Patients with the most aggressive disease at baseline ultimately benefited the most from event‐free survivorship. Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that the impact of adverse pathological parameters (G2‐3, ≥ pT2, pN+) on OS and CSS mostly showed a decreasing trend over time and some could disappear after a minimum of 1‐yr survivorship.

Discussion and conclusion

The survival probability of SCCP patients increases with post‐operative survival. Patients with aggressive disease at baseline ultimately benefit the most from event‐free survivorship and may expect a better prognosis once they survive the critical few years after surgery. The recorded observations have crucial implications regarding patient counseling and follow‐up.
State Stigmatisation in Urban Turkey: Managing the “Insurgent” Squatter Dwellers in Dikmen Valley
Authors: Yardımcı Öznur
Published: July 2020

This paper contributes to the accounts of territorial stigmatisation by examining the state role in it in the case of Turkey, a country that suffers from growing state power. The existing debates are mainly restricted to its function as an economic strategy paving the way for capital accumulation through devaluing working‐class people and places. Drawing on textual analysis of political speeches, local newsletters and mainstream national newspapers and fieldwork material that include interviews and observations in Dikmen Valley where some squatter communities mobilised against the state‐imposed urban transformation project, I demonstrate that state conceptualisation of “problem people” targets the “insurgent” rather than the “unprofitable” groups. Stigma in urban settings functions in inciting the desire to meet the patterns deemed appropriate by the state, rather than the market. Moving from that, I argue that stigma is used as a state‐led political strategy, which is integral to the growing authoritarianism in Turkey.
Optimization of in vitro embryo production and zygote vitrification for the indigenous Vietnamese Ban pig: The effects of different in vitro oocyte maturation systems
Authors: Nguyen Nhung Thi , Bui Nguyen Xuan , Nguyen Viet Linh , Nguyen Van Khanh , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Nguyen Hiep Thi , Nguyen Hong Thi , Nguyen Hoang Thinh , Dong Quyen Van , Chu Hoang Ha , Cuc Ngo Thi Kim , Somfai Tamas
Published: July 2020

The Vietnamese Ban pig is a precious genetic resource that needs to be preserved. In vitro embryo production from in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes is an important tool for the utilization of cryopreserved porcine sperm. The aim of this study was to compare two media for the IVM of Ban pig oocytes. Immature oocytes were subjected to IVM either in a non‐defined (TCM‐199 + pig follicular fluid) or in a defined base medium (POM + epidermal growth factor). At the end of IVM, the oocytes were in vitro fertilized (IVF) with frozen Ban sperm. Ten hours after IVF, the oocytes were either subjected to orcein staining to check fertilization and maturation status or cultured in vitro for 7 days. There was no difference between the two IVM media in terms of percentages of oocyte maturation and blastocyst production. However, the percentage of male pronuclear formation after IVF and the total cell numbers in blastocysts were higher with the defined system. Zygotes obtained by the two IVM systems survived vitrification at similar rates. In conclusion, the two IVM systems were both effective for the production of Ban pig embryos; however, better embryo quality was achieved with the defined one.
Under the Surface of Individual and Differentiated Pay in Sweden: A Zero‐Sum Game of Performance‐Based Pay?
Authors: Ulfsdotter Eriksson Ylva , Larsson Bengt , Adolfsson Petra
Published: July 2020

Wage formation in Sweden has been decentralized, and the introduction of individual performance‐based pay has increased employer discretion. This article explores practices of local‐level wage determination and argues that existing analyses still have too much focus on the formal (regulatory) institutions to explain what that is going on under the surface. Drawing on interviews with HR, managers, employees and union representatives from both public and private sector organizations, the study concludes that individual and differentiated wage‐setting is delimited locally by small budgets and the actors’ cultural–cognitive and normative expectations. Even though there have been radical changes in collective agreements and policies, we find strong elements of path dependency in local wage determination practices.
Impact of DPYD, DPYS, and UPB1 gene variations on severe drug‐related toxicity in patients with cancer
Authors: Yokoi Katsuyuki , Nakajima Yoko , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Shinkai Yasuko , Ishihara Takuma , Maeda Yasuhiro , Kato Takema , Katsuno Hidetoshi , Masumori Koji , Kawada Kenji , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Ito Tetsuya , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: July 2020

Cancer treatment with a fluoropyrimidine (FP) is often accompanied by severe toxicity that may be dependent on the activity of catalytic enzymes encoded by the DPYD, DPYS, and UPB1 genes. Genotype‐guided dose individualization of FP therapy has been proposed in western countries, but our knowledge of the relevant genetic variants in East Asian populations is presently limited. To investigate the association between these genetic variations and FP‐related high toxicity in a Japanese population, we obtained blood samples from 301 patients who received this chemotherapy and sequenced the coding exons and flanking intron regions of their DPYD, DPYS, and UPB1 genes. In total, 24 single nucleotide variants (15 in DPYD, 7 in DPYS and 2 in UPB1) were identified including 3 novel variants in DPYD and 1 novel variant in DPYS. We did not find a significant association between FP‐related high toxicity and each of these individual variants, although a certain trend toward significance was observed for p.Arg181Trp and p.Gln334Arg in DPYS (P = .0813 and .087). When we focused on 7 DPYD rare variants (p.Ser199Asn, p.IIe245Phe, p.Thr305Lys, p.Glu386Ter, p.Ser556Arg, p.Ala571Asp, p.Trp621Cys) which have an allele frequency of less than 0.01% in the Japanese population and are predicted to be loss‐of‐function mutations by in silico analysis, the group of patients who were heterozygous carriers of at least one these rare variants showed a strong association with FP‐related high toxicity (P = .003). Although the availability of screening of these rare loss‐of‐function variants is still unknown, our data provide useful information that may help to alleviate FP‐related toxicity in Japanese patients with cancer.
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome broadens the clinical spectrum of the TTC26 ciliopathy
Authors: David Odeya , Eskin‐Schwartz Marina , Ling Galina , Dolgin Vadim , Kristal Eyal , Benkowitz Ela , Osyntsov Lidia , Gradstein Libe , Birk Ohad S. , Loewenthal Neta , Yerushalmi Baruch
Published: July 2020

Ciliopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders, related to abnormal ciliary function. Severe biliary ciliopathy, caused by bi‐allelic mutations in TTC26, has been recently described in the context of a syndrome of polydactyly and severe neonatal cholestasis, with brain, kidney and heart involvement. Pituitary involvement has not been previously reported for patients with this condition. Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a congenital anomaly of the pituitary gland, diagnosed by characteristic MRI findings. We now describe four patients with TTC26 ciliopathy due to a homozygous c.695A>G p.Asn232Ser mutation and delineate PSIS as a novel clinical feature of this disorder, highlighting an important role of TTC26 in pituitary development.
Making Sense of the Hands and Mouth: The Role of “Secondary” Cues to Meaning in British Sign Language and English
Authors: Perniss Pamela , Vinson David , Vigliocco Gabriella
Published: July 2020

Successful face‐to‐face communication involves multiple channels, notably hand gestures in addition to speech for spoken language, and mouth patterns in addition to manual signs for sign language. In four experiments, we assess the extent to which comprehenders of British Sign Language (BSL) and English rely, respectively, on cues from the hands and the mouth in accessing meaning. We created congruent and incongruent combinations of BSL manual signs and mouthings and English speech and gesture by video manipulation and asked participants to carry out a picture‐matching task. When participants were instructed to pay attention only to the primary channel, incongruent “secondary” cues still affected performance, showing that these are reliably used for comprehension. When both cues were relevant, the languages diverged: Hand gestures continued to be used in English, but mouth movements did not in BSL. Moreover, non‐fluent speakers and signers varied in the use of these cues: Gestures were found to be more important for non‐native than native speakers; mouth movements were found to be less important for non‐fluent signers. We discuss the results in terms of the information provided by different communicative channels, which combine to provide meaningful information.
Differential ultrastructural alterations in the Vglut2 glutamatergic input to the substantia nigra pars compacta/pars reticulata following nigrostriatal dopamine loss in a progressive mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Moore Cynthia , Xu Mo , Bohlen Jerry K. , Meshul Charles K.
Published: July 2020

Loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) in Parkinson's disease results in over‐activation/bursting of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). The STN projects to the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta (SNpc) and pars reticulata (SNpr). The vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) is localized within at least STN terminals synapsing within the SN, but it is not known if there are differential changes in the Vglut2+ input to the SNpc versus SNpr following DA loss. The goal/rationale of this current study was to determine whether there were differential changes in the density/levels of glutamate immuno‐gold labeling within Vglut2+ nerve terminals synapsing in the SNpc/SNpr and in the proportion of Vglut2+ terminals contacting tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positively(+) or negatively(−) labeled dendrites following DA loss. Within the SNpc, there was a significant increase (51.3%) in the density of nerve terminal glutamate immuno‐gold labeling within Vglut2+ terminals synapsing on TH(−) dendrites following MPTP versus the vehicle (VEH) group. There was a significant decrease (16%) in the percentage of Vglut2+ terminals contacting TH(+) labeled dendrites in the MPTP‐ versus VEH‐treated group within the SNpc. Within the SNpr, there was a significant decrease in the density of glutamate immuno‐gold labeling in Vglut2+ terminals contacting TH(+) (71.5%) and TH(−) (55.5%) labeled dendrites, suggesting an increase in glutamate release. There was no change in the percentage of Vglut2+ terminals contacting TH(+) or TH(−) dendrites in the SNpr. We conclude that there is a differential effect following DA loss on the glutamate input from Vglut2+ terminals synapsing within the SNpr versus SNpc.
Does individual personality predict male mating preference for female body size in the Trinidadian guppy?
Authors: Kniel Nina , Godin Jean‐Guy J.
Published: July 2020

Within populations, individual animals vary considerably in their behaviour, including mate choice and personality. There is mounting interest in the potential covariation between these two behaviours within individuals, such that personality would influence mate choice. We experimentally tested this proposition under controlled laboratory conditions using male Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) as a model study system. We assayed repeatedly the mating preference of individual males for females based on their body size. Additionally, we assayed repeatedly two ecologically relevant personality traits in males, namely exploration of a novel environment and boldness under a simulated predation threat. Finally, we analysed whether male mating preference and personality traits were repeatable, and tested whether the personality of individual males was correlated (covaried) with their mating preference scores. Although all but one of the measures of exploration and boldness behaviour were repeatable over time, male mating preference scores were not repeatable. Measures of male exploration and boldness were not inter‐correlated among individuals, suggesting the absence of a behavioural syndrome between exploration and boldness. Unexpectedly, males did not exhibit on average a significant mating preference for larger females over smaller ones; they chose randomly between the paired stimulus females. Overall, we found no compelling evidence for a relationship between individual personality traits and mating preference in male guppies, suggesting that personality does not predict mate choice, at least in our study population and under our experimental conditions. We discuss potential factors, other than male personality and body length, that might maintain inter‐individual variation in male mating preferences in the guppy in the wild.
Engineering caspase 7 as an affinity reagent to capture proteolytic products
Authors: Razai Amir S. , Snipas Scott J. , Poreba Marcin , Fasci Domenico , Salvesen Guy S.
Published: July 2020

Many proteases recognize their substrates with high specificities, with this in mind, it should theoretically be possible to utilize the substrate binding cleft of a protease as a scaffold to engineer an affinity reagent. In this study, we sought to develop reagents that would differentiate between substrates and products of proteolysis, based on a caspase 7 scaffold. Firstly, we engineered a form of caspase 7 that can undergo conversion to a substrate binding conformation without catalysis. Seeking to generate a product‐only trap, we further engineered this construct by incorporating mutations that compensate for the generation of a negative charge in the neo C terminus of a newly generated product. This was accomplished with only three substitutions within the substrate binding cleft. Moreover, the affinity of the product trap for peptides was comparable to the affinity of caspase 7 to parental substrates. Finally, generation of a hybrid fluorescent protein with the product trap provided a reagent that specifically recognized apoptotic cells and highlights the versatility of such an approach in developing affinity and imaging agents for a variety of cysteine and serine proteases.