bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aurora B-INCENP localization at centromeres/inner kinetochores is essential for chromosome bi-orientation in budding yeast
Authors: Garcia-Rodriguez Luis J , Kasciukovic Taciana , Denninger Viola , Tanaka Tomoyuki U
Published: January 2019

To promote chromosome bi-orientation, Aurora B kinase weakens and disrupts aberrant kinetochore-MT interaction. It has long been debated how Aurora B halts this action when bi-orientation is established and tension is applied across sister kinetochores. Pertinent to this debate, it was shown that Bir1 (yeast Survivin), which recruits Ipl1-Sli15 (yeast Aurora B-INCENP) to centromeres, is dispensable for bi-orientation, raising the possibility that Aurora B localization at centromeres is not required for bi-orientation. Here, we show that the COMA inner kinetochore sub-complex physically interacts with Sli15, recruits Ipl1-Sli15 to the inner kinetochore and promotes chromosome bi-orientation, independently of Bir1, in budding yeast. Moreover, using an engineered recruitment of Ipl1-Sli15 to the inner kinetochore when both Bir1 and COMA are defective, we show that localization of Ipl1-Sli15 at centromeres/inner kinetochores is essential for bi-orientation, refuting the above possibility. Our results give important insight into how Aurora B disrupts kinetochore-MT interaction in a tension-dependent manner, to promote chromosome bi-orientation.
Nedd4 E3 ligase and beta-arrestins regulate ubiquitination, trafficking, and stability of the mGlu7 receptor
Authors: Lee Sanghyeon , Park Sunha , Lee Hyojin , Han Seulki , Song Jae-man , Han Dohyun , Suh Young Ho
Published: January 2019

The metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7) is a class C G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that modulates excitatory neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic active zone. Although post-translational modification of cellular proteins with ubiquitin is a key molecular mechanism governing protein degradation and function, mGlu7 ubiquitination and its functional consequences have not been elucidated yet. Here, we report that Nedd4 ubiquitin E3 ligase and β-arrestins regulate ubiquitination of mGlu7 in heterologous cells and neurons. Upon agonist-stimulation, β-arrestins recruit Nedd4 to mGlu7 and facilitate Nedd4-mediated ubiquitination of mGlu7. Nedd4 and β-arrestins regulate constitutive and agonist-induced endocytosis of mGlu7 and are required for mGlu7-dependent MAPK signaling in neurons. In addition, Nedd4-mediated ubiquitination results in the degradation of mGlu7 by both the lysosomal and proteasomal degradation pathways. These findings provide a model in which Nedd4 and β-arrestin act together as a complex to regulate mGlu7 surface expression and function at the presynaptic terminals.
Spatial Distribution of Breast Cancer in Sudan 2010-2016
Authors: Abdelbagi Elbasheer Marwa Maweya , Alkhidir Ayah Galal Abdelrahman , Awad Mohammed Siham Mohammed , Hassan Abbas Areej Abuelgasim , Mohamed Aisha Osman , Bereir Isra Mahgoub , Abdalazeez Hiba Reyad , Noma Mounkaila
Published: January 2019

Background

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among females worldwide including Sudan. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of breast cancer in Sudan.

Materials and methods

A facility based cross-sectional study was implemented in eighteen histopathology laboratories distributed in the three localities of Khartoum State on a sample of 4630 Breast Cancer cases diagnosed during the period 2010-2016. A master database was developed through Epi Info™ 7.1.5.2 for computerizing the data collected: the facility name, type (public or private), and its geo- location (latitude and longitude). Personal data on patients were extracted from their respective medical records (name, age, marital status, ethnic group, State, locality, administrative unit, permanent address and phone number, histopathology diagnosis). The data was summarized through SPSS to generate frequency tables for estimating prevalence and the geographical information system (ArcGIS 10.3) was used to generate the epidemiological distribution maps. ArcGIS 10.3 spatial analysis features were used to develop risk maps based on the kriging method.

Results

Breast cancer prevalence was 3.9 cases per 100,000 female populations. Of the 4423 cases of breast cancer, invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (NST) was the most frequent (79.5%, 3517/4423) histopathological diagnosis. The spatial analysis indicated as high risk areas for breast cancer in Sudan the States of Nile River, Northern, Red Sea, White Nile, Northern and Southern Kordofan.

Conclusions

The attempt to develop a predictive map of breast cancer in Sudan revealed three levels of risk areas (risk, intermediate and high risk areas); regardless the risk level, appropriate preventive and curative health interventions with full support from decision makers are urgently needed.
Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of hospitalization in chronic kidney disease outpatients
Authors: Jeong Hye Yun , Ahn Wooyeol , Kim Jun Chul , Choi Yu Bum , Kim Jinkwon , Jun Hak Hoon , Lee Soonchul , Yang Dong Ho , Oh Jisu , Bae Jinkun , Lee So-Young
Published: January 2019

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience much more marked and earlier muscle wasting than subjects who do not have chronic illnesses. However, a few studies that have examined sarcopenia have been reported in CKD patients. We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in predialysis and dialysis outpatients with CKD and explored its relationship with the clinical outcomes.

Measurements

Sarcopenia was defined as reduced muscle strength accompanied by decreased adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), while those patients who exhibited only one of these characteristics were categorized as presarcopenic patients. ASM was measured by bioimpedence analysis, and muscle strength was evaluated by handgrips. ASM was adjusted by weight (ASM/wt). Patients were prospectively followed for up to 2 years.

Results

One hundred seventy-nine patients were recruited (114 male and 65 female patients who were classified into 103 predialysis patients and 76 dialysis patients, with 44.7% having diabetes). Their mean age was 60.6 ± 13.5 years old. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 9.5%, while 55.9% of the patients were categorized as presarcopenic. The ASM/wt index showed significant correlations with age, handgrip strength, HOMA-IR and frailty scores. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that the risk of hospitalization was significantly higher for patients with presarcopenia [hazard ratio (HR), 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.180–5.230], and the risk of hospitalization was much higher for patients with sarcopenia than for patients in the nonsarcopenic group (HR, 9.11; 95% CI, 2.295–25.182)

Conclusions

Sarcopenia and presarcopenia, which were defined using the ASM/wt index and handgrip strength, predicted a poorer, hospitalization-free survival in CKD patients
Understanding variation in maternal health service coverage and maternal health outcomes among districts in Rwanda
Authors: Sayinzoga Felix , Moses Tetui , van der Velden Koos , van Dillen Jeroen , Bijlmakers Leon
Published: January 2019

Objective

To identify factors that explain variations between districts in maternal health service coverage and maternal health outcomes.

Methods

Individual key informant interviews and focus group discussions using structured topic lists were conducted in May 2015 in four purposively selected districts.

Results

The solidarity support for poor people and the interconnectedness between local leaders and heads of health facilities were identified as enablers of health service utilization. Geographical factors, in particular location close to borders with mobile populations and migrants, and large populations with sparsely distributed health infrastructure, exacerbated by hilly topography and muddy roads were identified as barriers. Shortages of skilled health providers at the level of district hospitals were cited as contributing to poor maternal health outcomes.

Conclusion

There is a need to take into account disparities between districts when allocating staff and financial resources in order to achieve universal coverage for high-quality maternal health services and better outcomes. Local innovations such as the use of SMS and WhatsApp text messages by health workers and financial protection schemes for poor patients improve solidarity and are worth to be scaled up.
Depression and Anxiety in Healthcare Staffs in A Tertiary University Hospital in Luoyang, Henan Province: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Wang Hao , Qing Xiaochun , Li Li , Zhang Lijun , Ruan Jing , Niu Xiaohua , Liu Xiaotian , Wu Ruge , Li Jiangbo , Fan Keke , Chang Xuewei , Zhang Mingming , Li Lixia , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Shouyan
Published: January 2019

Abstract Objective

Mental health condition of medical professionals in China is under-recognized. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among healthcare professionals and explore the potential influence factors.

Method

The study employed a cross-sectional design. All employees were surveyed in the first week of September 2017. General information included gender, age, workload, workplace violence, sleep quality and so on. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively. SPSS 22.0 was used for data analysis. Logistic regression was conducted to explore risk factors contributed to metal health.

Results

A total of 1,950 questionnaires were delivered, and 1,864 were returned with a response rate of 95.6%. The prevalence of depression and anxiety were 24.1% and 28.9%. As for workload, the average number of beds in charge per month is 65.97±95.58 beds, among which internal medicine department and surgical department endure more workloads. Though workers in ER and ICU manage fewer beds, they bear the longest nonstop working length in the previous month (19.18±10.82 h). There were 78.0% had suffered WPV in the preceding year. Staffs in ER and ICU are at higher risk to physical violence, especially doctors. Regarding to sleep quality, only 9.2% participants reported that they sleep well. Logistic regression indicated that workplace violence and sleep quality were independent risk factors for both anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

The current study revealed the devastating conditions of mental disorders in medical workers and associated factors. Effective interventions are necessary to improve this situation.
Expanding the watch list for potential Ebola virus antibody escape mutations
Authors: Patel Jagdish Suresh , Quates Caleb J. , Johnson Erin L. , Ytreberg F. Marty
Published: January 2019

The 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus (EBOV) in Western Africa is the largest recorded filovirus disease outbreak and lead to the death of over 11,000 people. This deadly virus still poses a grave epidemic threat as evidenced by the current (since May 2018) EBOV outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which has already claimed the lives of over 250 people. One important strategy for combating EBOV epidemics is to anticipate how the evolution of EBOV might undermine treatment since the development of vaccines and antibody therapies are typically based on a single strain (often the 1976 Mayinga) of the EBOV envelope glycoprotein (GP). In a previous study we initiated a watch list of potential antibody escape mutations of EBOV by modeling interactions between EBOV GP and the monoclonal antibody KZ52. This watch list was generated using molecular modeling to estimate the effect of every possible mutation of GP. The final watch list containing 34 mutations were predicted to disrupt GP-KZ52 binding but not to disrupt the ability of GP to fold and to form trimers. In this study, we expand our watch list by including three more monoclonal antibodies with distinct epitopes on GP, namely Antibody 100 (Ab100), Antibody 114 (Ab114) and 13F6-1-2. Our updated watch list contains 127 mutations, three of which have been seen in humans or are experimentally associated with reduced efficacy of antibody treatment. We believe mutations on this broad watch list require attention since they may be a signal of an evolutionary response from EBOV to treatment that could diminish the effectiveness of interventions.
Diverse stepping motions of cytoplasmic dynein revealed by kinetic modeling
Authors: Kubo Shintaroh , Shima Tomohiro , Takada Shoji
Published: January 2019

Cytoplasmic dynein is a two-headed molecular motor that moves to the minus end of microtubule (MT) using ATP hydrolysis free energy. By employing its two heads (motor domains), cytoplasmic dynein shows various bipedal stepping motions; the inchworm and hand-over-hand motions, as well as non-alternate steps of one head. However, the molecular basis to achieve such diverse stepping manners remains obscure. Here, we propose a kinetic model for bipedal motions of cytoplasmic dynein and performed Gillespie Monte Carlo simulations that reproduces most experimental data obtained to date. The model represents status of each motor domain as five states according to conformations, nucleotide- and MT-binding conditions of the domain. Also, the relative positions of the two domains were approximated by three discrete states. Accompanied by ATP hydrolysis cycles, the model dynein stochastically and processively moved forward in multiple steps via diverse pathways, including inchworm and hand-over-hand motions, same as experimental data. The model reproduced key experimental motility-related parameters including velocity and run-length as functions of ATP concentration and external force. Our model reveals that, in a typical inchworm motion, the leading domain moves via the ATP-dependent power-stroke of the linker coupled with a small change in the stalk angle, whereas the lagging domain moves via diffusion dragged by the leading domain. Moreover, the hand-over-hand motion in the model dynein clearly differs from that of kinesin by the usage of the power-stroke.

Author Summary

Cytoplasmic dynein is a two-headed molecular motor, which moves linearly and transports intra-cellar organelles along microtubules driven by ATP hydrolysis free energy. In contrast to other better-known molecular motors, such as kinesin, dynein is known to take various stepping motions including motions akin to human walking and inchworm-like motions. However, molecular mechanisms underpinning the diverse stepping motions are unclear. Here, based on recent high-resolution structure information and single-molecule motility assay data, we designed a kinetic model that explicitly include two heads, each of which makes ATP hydrolysis cycles and moves along the microtubules. Using the model, we performed Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation reproduced most of currently available experimental results. More importantly, the simulation suggested molecular mechanisms of various stepping motions. While stepping motions apparently resemble to those proposed before, once looking into details, we found the resulting mechanisms distinct from previously proposed ones in the usage of ATP and protein conformation changes coupled with stepping motions.
Ethics in social media marketing
Authors: Tsao Wen-Chin , Mau Tz-Chi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Consumer-generated online product reviews (OPRs) have become a crucial source of information for consumers; however, OPRs are increasingly being incentivized. The purpose of this paper is to find a method of sponsorship and disclosure that could be considered ethically sound.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quasi-experimental approach to clarifying how the method of sponsorship impacts reader perceptions of OPRs in terms of helpfulness, credibility and purchase intention. Two experiments were performed on an online platform using data from 480 participants. Hypotheses were tested using analysis of covariance.

Findings

Meaning under the premise that sponsorship information is disclosed and not withheld from the readers, Study 1 revealed that experiential sponsorship is the best sponsorship. Study 2 revealed that featuring reviewers with greater influence in the online community increases the positive influence of disclosing experiential sponsorship on OPR persuasiveness.

Originality/value

The findings in this study provide rational incentives for firms to disclose sponsorship information, i.e. demonstrate high ethical standards in marketing. This was shown to create a win-win-win situation for consumers, firms and reviewers. Managerial implications for online marketing managers are also discussed.
Linking workplace bullying and EVLN outcomes
Authors: Rai Arpana , Agarwal Upasna A.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between workplace bullying and EVLN outcomes with psychological contract violation as a mediator and workplace friendship as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 835 full-time Indian managerial employees working in different Indian organizations.

Findings

Results revealed that workplace bullying positively related to exit and neglect and negatively related to voice and loyalty. PCV mediated bullying–EVLN outcomes relationship and effects of workplace bullying on proposed outcomes were weaker in the presence of high workplace friendship.

Research limitations/implications

A cross-sectional design and use of self-reported questionnaire data are few limitations of this study.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited literature examining EVLN typology in response to workplace bullying. This study is one of the rare attempts to examine bullying–outcomes relationships in the Indian context.
What strategy of human resource management to retain older workers?
Authors: Mansour Sari , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Based on the theory of conservation of resources (Hobfoll, 1989), the purpose of this paper is to propose job satisfaction as a mediator between the use of generativity and affective occupational commitment. The authors tested the mediating role of affective occupational commitment on the relationship between job satisfaction and retirement preparation.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential mediation model was tested by the method of indirect effects based on a bootstrap analysis (Preacher and Hayes, 2004) based on 3,000 replications with a 95% confidence interval. The statistical treatments were carried out with the AMOS software V.22. Data were collected for a sample of 340 older workers (bridge and retirees) in Québec, Canada.

Findings

Results indicate that generativity was related positively to affective occupational commitment via job satisfaction. Moreover, job satisfaction was also related positively to retirement preparation through affective occupational commitment.

Practical implications

The results can be helpful to guide organizational efforts at retaining older workers, and also recruiting and selecting those who want to return to work after retiring. They provide an insight on the effect of one of the main human resources practices or strategies, that is, programs aiming to attract and retain older workers to stay in the workplace and to encourage retirees to return to work in the form of bridge employment for example.

Originality/value

The study adds to the existing literature by examining a sequential mediation model to understand the relationship between organizational resources, job attitudes and retirement planning. It thus answers the call for more research and a theoretical framework on these critical variables for the retirement decision-making process. The findings can also contribute to the field of knowledge retention and fulfill some gaps in the literature on this topic. Indeed, examining the use of generativity in the study can help researchers and practitioners to better understand the reasons that encourage older workers to continue working and retirees to return to work.
Corporate governance quality and premature revenue recognition: evidence from the UK
Authors: Okaily Jihad Al , Dixon Rob , Salama Aly
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Since 2005, wide-ranging concerns have been raised about misleading revenue recognition practices, especially during and after the 2008–2009 global financial crisis. There is a lack of research into the relationship between corporate governance (CG) mechanisms and premature revenue recognition (PRR). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a generalised least squares regression analysis of a sample of 854 FTSE 350 firm–year observations. Stubben (2010) discretionary revenue (DR) model is used to measure PRR as it is considered less biased, better specified and more likely to reduce measurement error than accrual models.

Findings

The results suggest that the size of audit committees plays an effective role in constraining PRR. Moreover, PRR is more likely to be curbed in the presence of small boards comprising a higher proportion of non-executive directors. Additional tests reveal that the relationship between board size and PRR is non-linear.

Research limitations/implications

The findings address the concerns of corporate firms, capital providers, UK regulators and standard-setters regarding misleading revenue recognition practices and should be considered while setting new governance reform recommendations in response to changing economic conditions.

Originality/value

This is the first study that adopts the DR model of Stubben (2010) to capture PRR and examines its association with CG internal mechanisms. Moreover, the paper considers an important time period – from 2005 to 2013 – in which many significant developments took place.
Huperzine A ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation in kainic acid‐induced epileptic rats by antioxidant activity and NLRP3/caspase‐1 pathway inhibition
Authors: Mohseni‐Moghaddam Parvaneh , Sadr Seyed Shahabeddin , Roghani Mehrdad , Arabzadeh Somayeh , Khamse Safoura , Zamani Elham , Hosseini Marjan , Moradi Fatemeh
Published: January 2019

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most prevalent types of epilepsy in human. Huperzine A (Hup‐A) has been reported to possess antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties; however, its role in TLE induced by kainic acid has not been determined. The current study investigated the protective effects of Hup‐A (0.1 mg/kg) in kainic acid‐induced model of TLE in the rat. In the current study, it was found that Hup‐A significantly prevented the seizure intensity and learning and memory deterioration which was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition task (NOR). Additionally, Hup‐A inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation, and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE). In addition, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities increased after Hup‐A treatment, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels significantly reduced. Regarding inflammation, this drug decreased kainic acid‐induced NLRP3 expression in microglial cells and caspase‐1 activity in hippocampal tissue, possibly through diminishing oxidative stress. Taken together, our data showed that Hup‐A could be a potential protective substance to ameliorate seizure severity and some memory deficits related to epilepsy via attenuating neuroinflammation and protection of neurons.
Characteristics of fruits consumed by mammalian frugivores in Japanese temperate forest
Authors: Koike Shinsuke , Masaki Takashi
Published: January 2019

Understanding the interactions among fruits and frugivore assemblages provides fundamental information for the management of ecosystems. Asian temperate forests are inhabited by distinct frugivores, namely, large tree‐climbing mammals such as bears and macaques, suggesting that fruits and frugivore assemblages may vary from those of other temperate forests. Our aim here was to systematically analyze the characteristics of fruits consumed by four dominant frugivorous mammals in Japanese temperate forests and to clarify the fruit palatability or preference of each species by comparing the fruit consumption patterns of the frugivores. We collected fruit feeding records of Asian black bear, Japanese marten, raccoon dog and Japanese macaque, as well as detailed information on the characteristics of the fruits consumed. Among the 299 fruit species recorded, the size, color and type of fruits consumed by bears and macaques were similar, and the fruiting season and life form of plants bearing fruits consumed by bears, macaques and raccoon dogs were similar. However, the characteristics of fruits consumed by martens were different. The ability to climb trees, body weight and manual dexterity may influence these differences.
Agency and clientship in public encounters: co‐constructing ‘neediness’ and ‘worthiness’ in shelter placement meetings
Authors: Mik‐Meyer Nanna , Silverman David
Published: January 2019

This article seeks to develop our understanding of the agency of vulnerable groups who at first sight may not seem to have much agency in their lives. It explores the co‐constructed nature of agency in three Danish homeless shelters. Unlike earlier interview‐based studies, our research is based on naturalistic data drawn from 23 video‐recorded placement meetings. Using concepts from Goffman, we examine how versions of the neediness and worthiness of homeless people are negotiated verbally and bodily between staff and clients. We find that homeless people have to juggle two partly contradictory roles when they are given or take the roles of either a (active) citizen or a (passive) client. Clientship is actively negotiated by both parties and demonstrates the agency of homeless people: they can collaborate with (as clients) or challenge (as citizens) the staff’s attempts to formulate solutions to their troubles. We further examine how the professional ideology of client centredness affects the meeting between the two parties. However, we show that, like any discourse, client centredness has no intrinsic meaning and is played out by actors in very different ways. In work with the homeless, the discourse of client centredness is related to discourses of ‘neediness’, ‘worthiness’ and ‘value for money’ that define agency in different ways and make three different client positions available: the resolute client, the acquiescent client and the passive client.
Psychological individuation and spiritual enlightenment: some comparisons and points of contact
Authors: Stein Murray
Published: January 2019

In his writings on individuation Jung often references Eastern religions and philosophies such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. This essay discusses differences and similarities between analytical psychology's concept of individuation, especially in its advanced stages, and enlightenment as expressed in such texts as Zen (Chan) Buddhism's Ten Ox‐Herding Pictures. I advance the argument that important common features can be found while cultural differences must also be respected. There is here a convergence between West and East that can foster dialogue and mutuality.
State Pension Accounting Estimates and Strong Public Unions
Authors: Bonsall Samuel B. , Comprix Joseph , Muller Karl A.
Published: January 2019

Concerns are commonly raised that strong public unions extract generous pension benefits from state governments and are the cause of states' burdensome pension obligations. Prior research (Anzia and Moe 2015) finds evidence supporting such concerns. Consistent with incentives to minimize such perceptions, our findings suggest that state pension plans with stronger public unions select higher discount rates to improve reported funding levels. While riskier asset allocations are used to support the higher discount rates (which equal the expected return on the plan assets), most of the higher rates appear opportunistic. In addition, consistent with a desire to avoid drawing attention to persistent plan underfunding, our evidence indicates that stronger union plans are less likely to select longer amortization periods to recognize pension deficits when underfunding is larger. We do not, however, find evidence for asset smoothing periods being used to delay the recognition of investment losses on plan assets. Together, our findings suggest that stronger union plans take steps to make their pension obligations look less burdensome to the public.
Expanding the role of social science in conservation through an engagement with philosophy, methodology, and methods
Authors: Moon Katie , Blackman Deborah A. , Adams Vanessa M. , Colvin Rebecca M. , Davila Federico , Evans Megan C. , Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie R. , Bennett Nathan J. , Dickinson Helen , Sandbrook Chris , Sherren Kate , St. John Freya A. V. , van Kerkhoff Lorrae , Wyborn Carina
Published: January 2019

The Special Feature led by Sutherland, Dicks, Everard, and Geneletti (Methods Ecology and Evolution, 9, 7–9, 2018) sought to highlight the importance of “qualitative methods” for conservation. The intention is welcome, and the collection makes many important contributions. Yet, the articles presented a limited perspective on the field, with a focus on objectivist and instrumental methods, omitting discussion of some broader philosophical and methodological considerations crucial to social science research. Consequently, the Special Feature risks narrowing the scope of social science research and, potentially, reducing its quality and usefulness. In this article, we seek to build on the strengths of the articles of the Special Feature by drawing in a discussion on social science research philosophy, methodology, and methods.

We start with a brief discussion on the value of thinking about data as being qualitative (i.e., text, image, or numeric) or quantitative (i.e., numeric), not methods or research. Thinking about methods as qualitative can obscure many important aspects of research design by implying that “qualitative methods” somehow embody a particular set of assumptions or principles. Researchers can bring similar, or very different, sets of assumptions to their research design, irrespective of whether they collect qualitative or quantitative data.

We clarify broad concepts, including philosophy, methodology, and methods, explaining their role in social science research design. Doing so provides us with an opportunity to examine some of the terms used across the articles of the Special Feature (e.g., bias), revealing that they are used in ways that could be interpreted as being inconsistent with their use in a number of applications of social science.

We provide worked examples of how social science research can be designed to collect qualitative data that not only understands decision‐making processes, but also the unique social–ecological contexts in which it takes place. These examples demonstrate the importance of coherence between philosophy, methodology, and methods in research design, and the importance of reflexivity throughout the research process.

We conclude with encouragement for conservation social scientists to explore a wider range of qualitative research approaches, providing guidance for the selection and application of social science methods for ecology and conservation.
The association of tobacco use with prescription of muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and opioid analgesics for non‐cancer pain
Authors: Takaki Hiroko , Ieiri Ichiro , Shibuta Hidetoshi , Onozuka Daisuke , Hagihara Akihito
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

Tobacco use and co‐prescription of sedative hypnotics are risk factors for misuse of prescribed opioids among patients with non‐cancer pain. However, the association between tobacco use and these co‐prescriptions has not been clarified. We aimed to assess differences in the prescription and co‐prescription rates of opioid analgesics with muscle relaxants and/or benzodiazepines between tobacco users and non‐users.

Methods

Visit data were obtained from the 2006 to 2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, an annual cross‐sectional survey of visits to office‐based physicians in outpatient settings in the United States. Our sample patients were aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with non‐cancer back and neck pain. The χ2 test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to assess bivariate and multivariate associations between prescription or co‐prescription rates and tobacco use status.

Results

We analyzed a total of 114,199,536 weighted visits (unweighted number: 3,521). Significant odds ratios (ORs) of tobacco users (vs non‐users) for medical prescriptions were as follows: opioid analgesics, OR 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64–2.80; muscle relaxants and opioid analgesics, OR 2.57, 95%CI 1.76–3.74; benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics, OR 3.66, 95%CI 2.11–6.35, and muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and opioid analgesics, OR 7.02, 95%CI 2.98–16.57.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Tobacco users were more likely to receive prescriptions for opioid analgesics with muscle relaxants and/or benzodiazepines than non‐users. Healthcare professionals need to limit co‐prescription of opioid analgesics with muscle relaxants and/or benzodiazepines among tobacco users and provide a comprehensive approach to pain management. (Am J Addict 2019;XX:1–8)
Myricetin inhibits panel of kinases implicated in tumorigenesis
Authors: Stoll Stefani , Bitencourt Shanna , Laufer Stefan , Inês Goettert Márcia
Published: January 2019

Myricetin is a flavonoid with several biological properties, including antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory features. Its protective effect in chronic diseases may occur through the inhibition of protein kinases that trigger inflammation and carcinogenesis pathways. Considering the influence of kinases on such pathological disorders, it is crucial to study compounds that inhibit these proteins. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory potential of 14 flavonoids on TNF‐α release in human whole blood as well as the inhibitory potential of myricetin towards kinases involved in tumorigenesis. Our results showed that, out of all flavonoids, myricetin had the highest inhibitory effect on TNF‐α level. In addition, myricetin showed potential as a multi‐anti‐kinase compound, reducing the activity of 7 kinases by >70% and of 9 kinases by >90%. Together these data demonstrate the great inhibitory activity of myricetin on tumorigenic kinases and potential for the development of new therapeutics.
Sometimes more is better: Agent gestures, procedural knowledge and the foreign language learner
Authors: Davis Robert O. , Vincent Joseph
Published: January 2019

Pedagogical agents in multimedia learning environments have frequently been designed to produce pointing gestures (deictic) to direct spatial awareness. Although this might be beneficial for native English‐speaking students who possess high levels of comprehension, only using pointing gestures with foreign language students learning English is problematic because these students need more assistance with language comprehension than just directing spatial awareness. The purpose of this study was to explore how gesture type and gesture frequency help foreign language students perceive the agent’s persona and the ability to recall procedural information. The results found one significant interaction between average gestures and no gesture in terms of facilitation, but all other conditions and persona subscales were not significant. For learning outcomes, the enhanced gesture condition significantly recalled more information than the no gesture condition (p = 0.017), and was approaching significance with the conversational gesture condition (p = 0.059). The findings suggest that when the learning population consists of foreign language students, pedagogical agents should use representational and beat gestures to help students comprehend more of the language, and the gesture frequency needs to be increased to account for the lack of verbal listening skills with this population.
Adapting the Friends of the Children programme for child welfare system‐involved families
Authors: Salazar Amy M. , Haggerty Kevin P. , Walsh Susan , Noell Bailey , Kelley‐Siel Erinn
Published: January 2019

Research has shown the importance of long‐term, caring adults for children in foster care. This paper reviews the Friends of the Children (FOTC) long‐term mentoring programme and how it was adapted to serve children and families with child welfare system involvement. This study's two research questions are (1) How do Friends (FOTC's paid professional mentors) currently work with, and in turn, have an impact on, child welfare‐involved families? and (2) How can Friends better support child welfare system‐involved caregivers and families to promote family stability, permanence, and child well‐being? Data were collected from 21 caregivers (foster and biological), 24 FOTC Friends, five child welfare workers, and five teachers. Qualitative analyses of focus group, interview, and open‐ended survey data revealed a wide variety of ways Friends currently support children and families. In addition, several recommendations were made for strengthening programming. These findings provide valuable insights into providing long‐term mentoring to child welfare system‐involved children and families.
Bone mineral density and osteoporosis in heart transplanted patients: A single‐center retrospective study at Skåne University Hospital in Lund 1988‐2016
Authors: Löfdahl Eveline , Söderlund Carl , Rådegran Göran
Published: January 2019

Bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, the incidence of osteoporosis, and survival up to 10 years after heart transplantation (HT) were investigated in 169 patients who underwent HT at Skåne University Hospital in Lund, Sweden, 1988‐2016. Within the first year post‐transplantation, mean (SD) BMD decreased by 3.9% (10.1) (P < 0.001) and 9.0% (10.5) (P < 0.001) in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively. The cumulative incidence of osteoporosis in the lumbar spine and femoral neck increased rapidly within the first year after HT and was detected in 17% and 13% of the patients, respectively. A higher T score before HT was a negative predictor of osteoporosis up to 10 years post‐HT in the lumbar spine (HR 0.13; 95% CI 0.063‐0.26; P < 0.001) and femoral neck (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.34‐0.85; P < 0.001). Moreover, only 13%, 14%, and 6% of the HT patients received calcium, vitamin D, and/or bisphosphonates before HT. In conclusion, BMD drops significantly during the first postoperative year. Optimization of BMD early among HT candidates, potentially through usage of osteoporosis preventive treatment, may be a future means to prevent osteoporosis late postoperatively.
Biologika und Immunglobuline für die Therapie des Pyoderma gangraenosum – Analyse von 52 Patienten
Authors: Herberger Katharina , Dissemond Joachim , Brüggestrat Sarah , Sorbe Christina , Augustin Matthias
Published: January 2019

Hintergrund und Ziele

Vor dem Hintergrund häufiger Nebenwirkungen und Therapieversager unter Glukokortikosteroiden (GCS) und Ciclosporin (CSA) bei Pyoderma gangraenosum (PG), war das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit eine Analyse der Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von Biologika und intravenösen Immunglobulinen (IVIG).

Patienten und Methodik

Retrospektive, bizentrische Analyse der Therapieverläufe von Patienten mit PG unter Biologika und IVIG.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 52 Patienten mit 75 Wundepisoden, einem mittleren Alter von 58,4 Jahren und einer mittleren Wundgröße von 53,2 cm² eingeschlossen. Insgesamt 92,3 % (48/52) erhielten zunächst GCS, 51,9 % (27/52) CSA. Bei 275 Therapieversuchen zeigten sich Abheilungen oder Besserungen bei 63,6 % (21/33) mit Infliximab (INF), bei 57,1 % (16/28) mit Adalimumab (ADA), bei 71,4 % (5/7) mit Etanercept, bei 66,6 % (6/9) mit Ustekinumab (UST) und bei 66,7 % (10/15) mit IVIG, hingegen bei 48,8 % (38/78) mit GCS und bei 20,0 % (7/35) mit CSA. Die Rate unerwünschter Ereignisse pro Therapieversuch lag bei den Biologika bei 18,5 % (15/81), für IVIG bei 20 % (3/15), bei CSA bei 40 % (14/35) und bei GCS bei 10,4 % (5/48).

Schlussfolgerungen

Die vorliegende retrospektive Analyse gibt Hinweise auf eine gute Verträglichkeit und Sicherheit der Biologika, insbesondere der TNFα‐Antagonisten und IVIG bei PG. Weitere Erkenntnisse aus prospektiven Vergleichsstudien wären von großem Nutzen.
Nonlinear model for the carotid artery disease 10‐year risk prediction by fusing conventional cardiovascular factors to carotid ultrasound image phenotypes: A Japanese diabetes cohort study
Authors: Khanna Narendra N. , Jamthikar Ankush D. , Araki Tadashi , Gupta Deep , Piga Matteo , Saba Luca , Carcassi Carlo , Nicolaides Andrew , Laird John R. , Suri Harman S. , Gupta Ajay , Mavrogeni Sophie , Kitas George D. , Suri Jasjit S.
Published: January 2019

Motivation

This study presents a novel nonlinear model which can predict 10‐year carotid ultrasound image‐based phenotypes by fusing nine traditional cardiovascular risk factors (ethnicity, gender, age, artery type, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, hypertension, low‐density lipoprotein, and smoking) with five types of carotid automated image phenotypes (three types of carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), wall variability, and total plaque area).

Methodology

Two‐step process was adapted: First, five baseline carotid image‐based phenotypes were automatically measured using AtheroEdge™ (AtheroPoint™, CA, USA) system by two operators (novice and experienced) and an expert. Second, based on the annual progression rates of cIMT due to nine traditional cardiovascular risk factors, a novel nonlinear model was adapted for 10‐year predictions of carotid phenotypes.

Results

Institute review board (IRB) approved 204 Japanese patients’ left/right common carotid artery (407 ultrasound scans) was collected with a mean age of 69 ± 11 years. Age and hemoglobin were reported to have a high influence on the 10‐year carotid phenotypes. Mean correlation coefficient (CC) between 10‐year carotid image‐based phenotype and age was improved by 39.35% in males and 25.38% in females. The area under the curves for the 10‐year measurements of five phenotypes IMTave10yr, IMTmax10yr, IMTmin10yr, IMTV10yr, and TPA10yr were 0.96, 0.94, 0.90, 1.0, and 1.0. Inter‐operator variability between two operators showed significant CC (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A nonlinear model was developed and validated by fusing nine conventional CV risk factors with current carotid image‐based phenotypes for predicting the 10‐year carotid ultrasound image‐based phenotypes which may be used risk assessment.
Alternative surgical treatment for synovial ganglion cyst of the digital tendon sheath in one horse
Authors: Lipreri G. , Kelly P. G.
Published: January 2019

A 6‐year‐old Highland pony gelding was presented with severe left fore (LF) limb lameness of acute onset. The lameness occurred concomitantly with mild digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) effusion and focal painful swelling on the lateral aspect of the LF fetlock region. Clinical examination and diagnostic analgesia localised the lameness to the fetlock region and on ultrasound, a cyst‐like structure filled with anaechoic fluid was detected just proximal to the lateral sesamoid bone, at the proximo‐lateral aspect of the DFTS and adjacent to the lateral neurovascular bundle. Communication between the cyst‐like structure and the DFTS was suspected ultrasonographically and then confirmed with contrast tenography. Tenoscopic examination of the LF DFTS was performed and the communication between the fluid‐filled structure and the synovial cavity was detected. The defect in the DFTS wall was enlarged tenoscopically and the lining of the cyst‐like structure was debrided. The horse recovered well post‐operatively and was back in work with no evident lameness 8 months after surgery. This alternative minimally invasive surgical treatment had an excellent outcome and has the advantage of reducing the risk associated with en bloc resection.
Salivary alpha‐amylase activity and concentration in horses with acute abdominal disease: Association with outcome
Authors: Contreras‐Aguilar M. D. , Martínez‐Subiela S. , Cerón J. J. , Martín‐Cuervo M. , Tecles F. , Escribano D.
Published: January 2019

Background

Salivary biomarkers could be useful to objectively evaluate critical illness and prognosis for survival in horses with acute abdominal disease.

Objectives

To compare salivary alpha‐amylase (sAA) activity and concentration in healthy horses and horses with acute abdominal disease, and evaluate the association between sAA activity and concentration with disease severity and outcome.

Study design

A prospective cohort.

Methods

sAA activity, measured using a colorimetric commercial kit, and concentration, measured using a Time‐resolved immunofluorometric assay, in 25 healthy horses and in 33 horses with acute abdominal disease was compared using an ANOVA. Associations between survival to discharge and sAA activity and concentration and other clinical parameters were examined using univariable logistic regression and Spearman correlation.

Results

sAA activity and concentration were different between healthy (median = 4.3 [2.6–11.2] IU/L and 58.4 [53.4–80.6] ng/mL, respectively) and diseased (median = 29.8 [14.2–168.9] IU/L and 388.3 [189.1–675.8] ng/mL, respectively) (P<0.001). The sAA activity was higher in non‐survivors (median = 479.0 [78.7–2064.0] IU/L, n = 8) compared to survivors (median = 19.3 [12.1–103.7] IU/L, n = 25, P<0.001) and sAA activity and concentration correlated (P<0.001) moderately with HR (r = 0.66 and r = 0.61, respectively). sAA activity correlated weakly with salivary cortisol (r = 0.45, P<0.001) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome score (r = 0.43, P<0.05), while activity and concentration correlated (P<0.001) moderately with plasma lactate concentration (r = 0.57 and r = 0.60, respectively). The sAA activity was significantly (P = 0.01) associated with increased risk of nonsurvival.

Main limitations

Pain scores were not recorded. The sample population was small.

Conclusions

The sAA activity, but not concentration, shows potential as a biomarker of prognosis for survival in horses with acute abdominal disease.

The summary is available in Spanish – see Supporting Information
An integrated approach for aircraft turbofan engine fault detection based on data mining techniques
Authors: Gharoun Hassan , Keramati Abbas , Nasiri Mohammad Mahdi , Azadeh Ali
Published: January 2019

The present study proposes an algorithm for fault detection in terms of condition‐based maintenance with data mining techniques. The proposed algorithm is applied on an aircraft turbofan engine using flight data and consists of two main sections. In the first section, the relationship between engine exhaust gas temperature (EGT) as the main engine health monitoring criterion and other operational and environmental parameters of the engine was modelled using the data‐driven models. In the second section, a data set including EGT residuals, that is, the difference between the actual EGT of the system and the EGT estimated by the developed model in the health conditions of the engine, was created. Finally, faults occurring in each flight were detected based on the identification of abnormal events by a one‐class support vector machine trained by the health condition EGT residual data set. The results indicated that the proposed algorithm was an effective approach for inspecting aircraft engine conditions and detecting faults, with no need for technical knowledge on the interior characteristics of the aircraft engine.