bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Satisfaction of Intimate Partners of Persons Living With Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Saiki Lori S. , Meize-Grochowski Robin
Published: April 2019

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of urinary incontinence (UI) on midlife women's relationships with their intimate partners, from the perspective of both women and their partners.

DESIGN:

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

Purposive, convenience/snowball sampling strategies and community-based recruitment strategies were used to enroll partnered, midlife women living with UI. Participants were 43 community-dwelling midlife couples residing in the southwestern United States; female participants had stress, urgency, or mixed UI by self-report. Data were also collected from their intimate partners.

METHODS:

Participants completed confidential mailed study packets comprising questionnaires on demographic information and lower urinary tract symptom profile, valid measures of the quality of the relationship, and open-ended questions to explore the effect of UI on the relationship in the participants' own words. The packet included several validated instruments: the Incontinence Severity Index, Couples Satisfaction Index, Sexual Quality of Life-Female/Male, Relational Ethics Scale, and Couples' Illness Communication Scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using tests of differences between groups and correlation analysis. Qualitative data were explored for themes and tested for significant differences in word choice by z-score analysis.

RESULTS:

We found no significant differences between women and their partners in measures of the relationship and no significant associations between UI symptom severity and relationship satisfaction. Distressed partners had significantly poorer scores on sexual quality of life (P < .001), relational ethics (P = .002), and communication about UI (P = .03). Distressed couples used significantly more words than did nondistressed couples who described the woman's withdrawal from shared activities (P = .005) and avoidance of physical intimacy (P = .003), which they attributed to UI.

CONCLUSIONS:

Distressed couples demonstrated the negative effects of UI on emotional and physical intimacy. Distress was attributed to how the woman coped with symptoms but not with the severity of UI symptoms.
Characterization ofRhodopseudomonas palustrispopulation dynamics on tobacco phyllosphere and induction of plant resistance toTobacco mosaic virusinfection
Authors: Su Pin , Zhang Deyong , Zhang Zhuo , Chen Ang , Hamid Muhammad Rizwan , Li Chenggang , Du Jiao , Cheng Ju’e , Tan Xinqiu , Zhen Limin , Zhai Zhongying , Tang Wen , Chen Jin , Zhou Xuguo , Liu Yong
Published: April 2019

Although many biocontrol bacteria can be used to improve plant tolerance to stresses and to promote plant growth, the hostile environmental conditions on plant phyllosphere and the limited knowledge on bacterial colonization on plant phyllosphere minimized the beneficial effects produced by the biocontrol bacteria.Rhodopseudomonas palustrisstrain GJ-22 is known as a phyllosphere biocontrol agent. In this paper we described detailed processes of strain GJ-22 colony establishment at various colonization stages. We have shown that the preferable location sites of bacterial aggregates on leaf phyllosphere are grooves between plant epidermal cells. In this study, we categorized bacterial colonies into four phases. Analyses of expressions of plant defense-related genes showed that, starting from Phase III, bacterial cells in the Type 3 and Type 4 colonies started produce unidentified signals to induce host defense againTobacco mosaic virusinfection. To our knowledge, this is the first report focused on the colonization process of a phyllosphere biocontrol agent.
RNA transcribed from heterochromatic simple-tandem repeats are required for male fertility and histone-protamine exchange in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mills Wilbur K , Lee Yuh Chwen G. , Kochendoerfer Antje M , Dunleavy Elaine M , Karpen Gary H.
Published: April 2019

Long arrays of simple, tandemly repeated DNA sequences (known as satellites) are enriched in centromeres1 and pericentromeric regions2, and contribute to chromosome segregation and other heterochromatin functions3,4. Surprisingly, satellite DNAs are expressed in many multicellular eukaryotes, and their aberrant transcription may contribute to carcinogenesis and cellular toxicity5-7. Satellite transcription and/or RNAs may also promote centromere and heterochromatin activities 8-12. However, we lack direct evidence that satellite DNA transcripts are required for normal cell or organismal functions. Here, we show that satellite RNAs derived from AAGAG tandem repeats are transcribed in many cell types throughout Drosophila melanogaster development, enriched in neuronal tissues and testes, localized within heterochromatic regions, and important for viability. Strikingly, we find that AAGAG transcripts are necessary for male fertility and are specifically required for normal histone-protamine exchange and sperm chromatin organization. Since AAGAG RNA-dependent events happen late in spermatogenesis when the transcripts are not detected, we speculate that AAGAG RNA functions in primary spermatocytes to ‘prime’ post-meiosis steps in sperm maturation. In addition to demonstrating specific essential functions for AAGAG RNAs, comparisons between closely related Drosophila species suggest that satellite repeats and their transcription evolve quickly to generate new functions.
Mass Cytometry Study on the Heterogeneity in Cellular Association and Cytotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles in Human Immune Cells
Authors: Ha My Kieu , Choi Jang-Sik , Gerelkhuu Zayakhuu , Kwon Sook Jin , Song Jaewoo , Lee Yangsoon , Kim Yeoung-Eun , Yoon Tae Hyun
Published: April 2019

There have been many reports about the adverse effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on the environment and human health. Conventional toxicity assessments of NPs frequently assume uniform distribution of monodisperse NPs in homogeneous cell populations, and provide information on the relationships between the administered dose of NPs and cellular responses averaged for a large number of cells. They may have limitations in describing the wide heterogeneity of cell-NP interactions, caused by cell-to-cell and NP-to-NP variances. To achieve more detailed insight into the heterogeneity of cell-NP interactions, it is essential to understand the cellular association and adverse effects of NPs at single-cell level. In this study, we applied mass cytometry to investigate the interactions between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and primary human immune cells. High dimensionality of mass cytometry allowed us to identify various immune cell types and observe the cellular association and toxicity of AgNPs in each population. Our findings showed that AgNPs had higher affinity with phagocytic cells like monocytes and dendritic cells and caused more severe toxic effects than with T cells, B cells and NK cells. Multi-element detection capability of mass cytometry also enabled us to simultaneously monitor cellular AgNP dose and intracellular signaling of individual cells, and subsequently investigate the dose-response relationships of each immune population at single-cell level, which are often hidden in conventional toxicity assays at bulk-cell level. Our study will assist future development of single-cell dose-response models for various NPs and will provide key information for the safe use of nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Basement membrane regulates fibronectin organization using sliding focal adhesions driven by a contractile winch
Authors: Lu Jiaoyang , Doyle Andrew D. , Shinsato Yoshinari , Wang Shaohe , Bodendorfer Molly A. , Zheng Minhua , Yamada Kenneth M.
Published: April 2019

We have discovered that basement membrane and its major components can induce rapid, strikingly robust fibronectin organization. In this new matrix assembly mechanism, α5β1 integrin-based focal adhesions slide actively on the underlying matrix towards the ventral cell center through the dynamic shortening of myosin IIA-associated actin stress fibers to drive rapid fibronectin fibrillogenesis distal to the adhesion. This mechanism contrasts with classical fibronectin assembly based on stable/fixed-position focal adhesions containing αVβ3 integrins plus α5β1 integrin translocation into proximal fibrillar adhesions. On basement membrane components, these sliding focal adhesions contain standard focal adhesion constituents but completely lack classical αVβ3 integrins. Instead, peripheral α3β1 or α2β1 adhesions mediate initial cell attachment, but over time are switched to α5β1 integrin-based sliding focal adhesions to assemble fibronectin matrix. This basement membrane-triggered mechanism produces rapid fibronectin fibrillogenesis, providing a mechanistic explanation for the well-known widespread accumulation of fibronectin at many organ basement membranes.
EZHIP constrains Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 activity in germ cells
Authors: Ragazzini R , Pérez-Palacios R , Baymaz HI , Diop S , Ancelin K , Zielinski D , Michaud A , Givelet M , Borsos M , Aflaki S , Legoix P , Jansen PWTC , Servant N , Torres-Padilla ME , Bourc’his D , Fouchet P , Vermeulen M , Margueron R
Published: April 2019

The Polycomb machinery is required for the proper orchestration of gene expression by virtue of its critical role in maintaining transcriptional silencing. It is composed of several chromatin modifying complexes, including Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), which deposits H3K27me2/3. Here, we report the identification of a new cofactor of PRC2, EZHIP (EZH1/2 Inhibitory Protein), expressed predominantly in the gonads. EZHIP limits the enzymatic activity of PRC2 and lessens the interaction between the core complex and its accessory subunits, but does not interfere with PRC2 recruitment to chromatin. Deletion ofEzhipleads to a global increase in H3K27me2/3 deposition both during spermatogenesis and at late stages of oocyte maturation. This alteration of the epigenetic content of mature oocytes does not affect the initial number of follicles but is associated with a reduction of follicles in aging mice. We provide evidences that mature oocytesEzhip-/- are not fully functional and that fertility is strongly impaired inEzhip-/- females. Altogether, our study uncovers EZHIP as a novel functional player in the comprehensive chromatin remodeling that occurs in the gonads.
Patient safety culture in maternity units: a review
Authors: Al Nadabi Waleed , McIntosh Bryan , McClelland Tracy , Mohammed Mohammed
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize studies that have examined patient safety culture in maternity units and describe the different purposes, study designs and tools reported in these studies while highlighting gaps in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Peer-reviewed studies, published in English during 1961–2016 across eight electronic databases, were subjected to a narrative literature review.

Findings

Among 100 articles considered, 28 met the inclusion criteria. The main purposes for studying PSC were: assessing intervention effects on PSC (n=17), and assessing PSC level (n=7). Patient safety culture was mostly assessed quantitatively using validated questionnaires (n=23). The Safety Attitude Questionnaire was the most commonly used questionnaire (n=17). Interventions varied from a single action lasting five weeks to a more comprehensive four year package. The time between baseline and follow-up assessment varied from 6 to 24 months. No study reported measurement or intervention costs, and none incorporated the patient’s voice in assessing PSC.

Practical implications

Assessing PSC in maternity units is feasible using validated questionnaires. Interventions to enhance PSC have not been rigorously evaluated. Future studies should report PSC measurement costs, adopt more rigorous evaluation designs and find ways to incorporate the patient’s voice.

Originality/value

This review summarized studies examining PSC in a highly important area and highlighted main limitations that future studies should consider.
mHealth apps design using quality function deployment
Authors: Barutçu Süleyman
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to draw health managers’, clinicians’, entrepreneurs’ and mobile apps designers’ attention toward new mobile health applications (mHealth apps); second, to define mHealth apps design characteristics intended for doctors; and third, to highlight how mHealth apps can be designed using quality function deployment/house of quality (QFD/HOQ) techniques from doctors’ perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey and in-depth interviews with doctors to understand their needs and attitudes toward mHealth apps. Analytic hierarchy process, QFD and HOQ methods were used to analyze data.

Findings

Doctors agreed that mHealth apps provide them with the tools to improve their service and to become more efficient. Once the 12 doctors’ wants were collected, they were prioritized according to their significance and used for mHealth apps development. Eight technical characteristics that cater to doctors’ expectations were sorted. The authors suggest that mHealth app designers need to provide design requirements recommended by health personnel for a higher satisfaction level.

Originality/value

Healthcare managers are focusing on increasing their efficiency, patient satisfaction and care quality, and decreasing costs. For these purposes, mHealth revolution and mHealth apps have high potential for improving doctor effectiveness and healthcare quality. This study is among the first to: define Turkish doctors’ wants from mHealth apps; elaborate the app’s technical characteristics; and increase design quality, which is implied in improving app design. This research makes a significant contribution to define doctors’ wants from mHealth apps, to elaborate their technical characteristics and to increase mHealth apps design quality using QFD.
Brexit and the EU–UK free trade agreement: dos and don’ts when drafting rules of origin
Authors: Soprano Roberto
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the pros and cons of different models of the European Union (EU)-style Rules of Origin (RoO) that could be chosen by negotiators for a future UK–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It will also underline the impact that any choice would have on economic operators and certain criteria that should be evaluated before taking any decisions on the adoption of RoO.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will describe three different RoO models that could be chosen by negotiators. For each of them, it analyses the pros and cons and the impact on economic operators.

Findings

The choice of a RoO would have an impact on future EU–UK trade relations. It will affect the utilization rate of the FTA as well as investment (and divestment) corporate strategies in the UK and EU.

Originality/value

The paper introduces different criteria to evaluate the impact of RoO that should be taken into consideration by negotiators. It emphasizes that RoO should be simple, predictable, coherent, IT compatible and easily adaptable.
“Underground banking” and Myanmar’s changing hundi system
Authors: Thompson Rhys
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Myanmar’s “hundi” system, an informal value transfer system used widely by local Myanmar citizens and offshore migrant workers to remit money domestically and internationally. Due to historically stringent banking and foreign exchange controls and a lack of domestic and internationally linked financial services, the system grew to become the dominant medium for remittances in Myanmar. It also remains unregulated despite authorities acknowledging its use in criminal and terrorist activity. However, with an expanding and modernising financial sector, there is now increasing competition and challenges facing Myanmar’s hundi system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on available literature and open source reporting, as well as interviews with former Myanmar Police Force officials.

Findings

This study provides a unique insight into Myanmar’s hundi system, its history and the challenges it faces. The once dominant system remains a known anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) risk and is having to compete with an expanding and modernising formal banking sector and the introduction of fintech and mobile money services. In the short term, these are unlikely to eliminate the hundi system completely, but may instead push hundi operators towards adopting these networks and technologies in their own operations.

Originality/value

Myanmar remains a very under-researched area and there has been a limited focus on its informal hundi remittance system and related AML/CFT issues. This paper will be a useful source for academics, development professionals, policymakers, law enforcement agencies and private sector actors seeking to understand Myanmar’s informal remittance system.
Potential negative effects of a cashless society
Authors: Rivera Joseph Wilfrido
Published: April 2019

Purpose

In the past few years, several countries have begun to drastically change their economies to be entirely cash free. The point of this policy change is to hopefully prevent the amount of crime that results from the proliferation of cash. However, there are potential negative consequences to this policy change that receive little to no attention and there are several misconceptions regarding the opportunistic nature and resourcefulness of organized crime. As such, this paper aims to attempt to study these potentially negative consequences to provide some warning to countries adopting a cashless economic policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper relying upon an understanding of the literature in the fields of sociology, anthropology, psychology and criminology as applied to the topic of money and economic policy.

Findings

This paper discusses numerous negative effects to adopting a cashless economic policy, to include the proliferation of underground financing through the hawala system and organized criminal channels, the increased use of Bitcoin, the more difficult task of tracking currency through bank reporting requirements, and the potential effect of increasing other crimes, which are harder to track.

Research limitations/implications

This is an entirely conceptual paper. As such, it is not able to state definitively whether the outcomes discussed will occur or to what extent it may occur.

Practical implications

This paper could help to serve as a warning for governments wishing to adopt a cashless economic policy, and it may encourage those countries to hopefully develop safeguards to prevent some of the potentially negative effects that might result.

Social implications

This paper expands upon the understanding of money and the various ways that individuals may adapt or react culturally, psychologically or violently to changes in monetary policy or the form of currency itself.

Originality/value

There have been few if any paper discussing the consequences of cashless economic policies and its implications toward organized crime. This paper is unique in both the subject matter being discussed and the conceptual arguments it puts forth.
Financing of terrorism through the banking system
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that it remains feasible for terrorists to use the banking system to transfer funds to finance their activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon a qualitative content analysis of 15 informal interviews with financiers of terrorism and 15 formal interviews with compliance experts and law enforcement officers, concrete methods of financing terrorism through the banking system can be described.

Findings

Even though banks have implemented strict control mechanisms, they often do not give the same attention to terrorism financing as they do to money laundering. Recently, refugees and “tourists” may have been involved in terrorism financing. When it comes to transferring larger amounts of money, terrorists do not necessarily act in their own name, but rather hire “straw men”. Some terrorists have proceeded to set up real companies in Turkey. Terrorists can explain why funds need to be transferred from Europe to Turkey through “charitable contributions”. Transfers of large amounts of money can also be facilitated by lawsuits.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on semi-standardized interviews limited to the perspectives of the 30 interviewees.

Practical implications

The identification of gaps in current terrorism-financing prevention mechanisms provides both compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights.

Originality/value

Whilst the existing literature focuses on understanding the channels terrorists can use to finance their activities and on developing prevention mechanisms, this paper emphasizes that terrorists can still use the banking system to accomplish their goals. This paper illustrates ways terrorists can transfer funds through banks.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts on combating money laundering and terrorist financing
Authors: Naheem Mohammed Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study Saudi Arabia’s approach to combat money laundering and terrorist financing through legislation, regulation and implementation. Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the global economy and energy market. Saudi Arabia is also an important nexus for incoming foreign investment in the region. The country has, for many years, confronted negative exposure on challenging money laundering and terrorist financing. This paper analyses Saudi Arabia’s efforts to maintain international standards of AML/CTF and distinguishes regulatory practice from the existing comments and conjecture on the country’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative study of Saudi Arabia’s approach to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The approach is spread across three stages of AML/CTF policy – namely, legislative, regulatory and implementation. Further, the paper also uses independent evaluation to understand Saudi Arabia’s performance in comparison to the international standards of good AML/CTF practice.

Findings

The paper finds Saudi Arabia in compliance with international standards of AML/CTF practice. The paper also traces strengthening of AML/CTF-related legislation and regulation in Saudi Arabia over the past two decades. The paper also finds significant evidence that suggests a biased representation of Saudi Arabia’s AML/CTF practices. The factual analysis of Saudi Arabia and its AML/CTF practice is in contradiction of the established discourse on the country’s money laundering and terrorist financing risk profile.

Practical implications

The paper presents a legislative and regulatory analysis of Saudi Arabia’s AML/CTF practice. It is important to understand the implications of injudicious conjecture on Saudi Arabia’s financial strategy to diversify the country’s economy (Mouawad, 2005). Commentators and observers must consider the evidence presented in this paper and reassess the discourse regarding Saudi Arabia’s adherence to international standards of AML/CTF.

Originality/value

Understanding Saudi Arabia’s approach to combat money laundering and terrorist financing is essential to the factors that maintain stability in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has participated in the region with government forces to maintain stability. The paper examines the overall risk as per international standards, which can be attributed to Saudi Arabia’s AML/CTF profile.
Does gang membership pay? Illegal and legal earnings through emerging adulthood*
Authors: Augustyn Megan Bears , McGloin Jean Marie , Pyrooz David C.
Published: April 2019

Gang membership is believed to impede success in the legitimate economic market while simultaneously supporting success in the illegal market. We extend the study of the economic effects of gang membership by using a within‐ and between‐individual analytic design, decomposing gang membership into multiple statuses (i.e., entering a gang, continuously in a gang, leaving a gang, and inactive gang membership), examining legal and illegal earnings simultaneously, and accounting for factors endogenous to gang membership that may contribute to economic achievement. By using panel data from 1,213 individuals who participated in the Pathways to Desistance Study to conduct a multilevel path analysis, we find that active gang membership status is unrelated to legal earnings. Alternatively, entering a gang is associated with increased illegal earnings, attributable to changes in delinquent peers and drug use, whereas leaving a gang has a direct relationship with decreased illegal earnings. Our results indicate that the positive economic effect of gang membership (i.e., illegal earnings and total earnings) is short‐lived and that, on balance, the sum of the gang membership experience does not “pay” in terms of overall earnings.
Inferring multispecies distributional aggregation level from limited line transect‐derived biodiversity data
Authors: Chen Youhua , Shen Tsung‐Jen , Van Chung Hoang , Shi Shengchao , Jiang Jianping , Condit Richard , Hubbell Stephen P.
Published: April 2019

Ecologists have generally concluded that species distributions are not random (e.g. aggregate), based on single‐species studies that applied single‐species–based statistical methods, like the negative binomial model. Although it is common knowledge that some specific species in an ecological community present aggregate distributions, this does not necessarily imply that the entire community presents an aggregate distribution. Studying community‐level distributional aggregation patterns requires different statistical methods.

Herein, by utilizing a novel conspecific‐encounter index derived from a multiple species Markov transition model that accounts for the non‐independent sampling of consecutive individuals along line transects, we were able to show that tree assemblages in tropical forest ecosystems can present a strong signal of extensive distributional interspersion.

This interesting result is not unexpected, given the fact that neighbouring tree individuals in highly diverse tropical forests are usually of different species, resulting in strong niche packing or interspersed patterns. In contrast, for the amphibian assemblages surveyed from southwestern China and central‐south Vietnam, the conspecific‐encounter index was found to be consistently high, implying that amphibian communities tend to be highly aggregate in space.

Conclusively, using the conspecific‐encounter index derived from the Markov non‐independent sampling model, we provide a legible definition of community‐level distributional aggregation as an interspersed or cluster‐like distribution of different species. This definition is not idiosyncratic, as it is coincident with the definition of the contagion index used in landscape ecology. To this end, the model used in this paper establishes a framework explicitly linking community ecology and landscape ecology from a multi‐object perspective.
Profiling of epididymal small non‐protein‐coding RNAs
Authors: Nixon B. , De Iuliis G. N. , Dun M. D. , Zhou W. , Trigg N. A. , Eamens A. L.
Published: April 2019

Background

Our understanding of epididymal physiology and function has been transformed over the three decades in which the International Meeting Series on the Epididymis has been hosted. This transformation has occurred along many fronts, but among the most significant advances has been the unexpected discovery of the diversity of small non‐protein‐coding RNAs (sRNAs) expressed in the epididymal epithelium and differentially accumulated in the luminal population of spermatozoa.

Objectives

Here we survey recent literature pertaining to profiling the sRNA landscape of the mammalian epididymis with the goal of demonstrating the contribution that these key regulatory elements, and their associated pathways, make to epididymal physiology and sperm maturation.

Results and discussion

High throughput sequencing strategies have fueled an unprecedented advance in our understanding of RNA biology. In the last decade, such high throughput profiling tools have been increasingly applied to study the mammalian epididymis, presaging the discovery of diverse classes of sRNA expressed along the length of the tract. Among the best studied sRNA classes are the microRNAs (miRNA), a sRNA species shown to act in concert with endocrine signals to fine‐tune the segmental patterning of epididymal gene expression. In addition to performing this homeostatic role, epithelial cell‐derived sRNAs also selectively accumulate into the epididymosomes and spermatozoa that occupy the duct lumen. This exciting discovery alludes to a novel form of intracellular communication that contributes to the establishment of the sperm epigenome and its modification under conditions of paternal stress.

Conclusion

Compelling literature has identified sRNAs as a crucial regulatory tier that allows the epididymis to fulfill its combined roles of sperm transport, maturation, and storage. Continued research in this emerging field will contribute to our growing understanding of the etiology of male factor infertility and potentially allow for the future design of rational therapeutic options for these individuals.
Penalized Local Polynomial Regression for Spatial Data
Authors: Wang Wu , Sun Ying
Published: April 2019

When performing spatial regression analysis in environmental data applications, spatial heterogeneity in the regression coefficients is often observed. Spatially varying coefficient models, including geographically weighted regression and spline models, are standard tools for quantifying such heterogeneity. In this paper, we propose a spatially varying coefficient model that represents the spatially varying parameters as a mixture of local polynomials at selected locations. The local polynomial parameters have attractive interpretations, indicating various types of spatial heterogeneity. Instead of estimating the spatially varying regression coefficients directly, we develop a penalized least squares regression procedure for the local polynomial parameter estimation, which both shrinks the parameter estimation and penalizes the differences among parameters that are associated with neighboring locations. We develop confidence intervals for the varying regression coefficients and prediction intervals for the response. We apply the proposed method to characterize the spatially varying association between particulate matter concentrations () and pollutant gases related to the secondary aerosol formulation in China. The identified regression coefficients show distinct spatial patterns for nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide during different seasons.
Fungal evolution: major ecological adaptations and evolutionary transitions
Authors: Naranjo‐Ortiz Miguel A. , Gabaldón Toni
Published: April 2019

Fungi are a highly diverse group of heterotrophic eukaryotes characterized by the absence of phagotrophy and the presence of a chitinous cell wall. While unicellular fungi are far from rare, part of the evolutionary success of the group resides in their ability to grow indefinitely as a cylindrical multinucleated cell (hypha). Armed with these morphological traits and with an extremely high metabolical diversity, fungi have conquered numerous ecological niches and have shaped a whole world of interactions with other living organisms. Herein we survey the main evolutionary and ecological processes that have guided fungal diversity. We will first review the ecology and evolution of the zoosporic lineages and the process of terrestrialization, as one of the major evolutionary transitions in this kingdom. Several plausible scenarios have been proposed for fungal terrestralization and we here propose a new scenario, which considers icy environments as a transitory niche between water and emerged land. We then focus on exploring the main ecological relationships of Fungi with other organisms (other fungi, protozoans, animals and plants), as well as the origin of adaptations to certain specialized ecological niches within the group (lichens, black fungi and yeasts). Throughout this review we use an evolutionary and comparative‐genomics perspective to understand fungal ecological diversity. Finally, we highlight the importance of genome‐enabled inferences to envision plausible narratives and scenarios for important transitions.
Lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4 autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis: Where are we and where are we going?
Authors: Nakane Shunya , Higuchi Osamu , Takamatsu Koutaro , Mukaino Akihiro , Maeda Yasuhiro , Matsuo Hidenori , Ando Yukio
Published: April 2019

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction that leads to fatigue of skeletal muscles and fluctuating weakness. The pathogenesis of MG is sufficiently diverse to include autoimmune mechanisms. In most patients with MG, autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor can be detected. In a smaller proportion of patients without anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibodies, autoantibodies to muscle‐specific kinase and low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4 (LRP4) are present. LRP4 is critical for neuromuscular junction formation and maintenance. A multimolecular complex is formed among agrin, LRP4 and muscle‐specific kinase that is critical for agrin signaling. The presence of anti‐LRP4 antibodies is associated with mild symptoms of MG, while thymomas are rarely observed in association with MG and LRP4 antibodies. We review recent findings on the pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of LRP4 MG.
Influence of abutment height and implant depth position on interproximal peri‐implant bone in sites with thin mucosa: A 1‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pico Alexandre , Martín‐Lancharro Pablo , Caneiro Leticia , Nóvoa Lourdes , Batalla Pilar , Blanco Juan
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The aim of this RCT was to assess radiographically the effect of abutment height and depth of placement of platform‐switched implants on interproximal peri‐implant bone loss (IPBL) in patients with thin peri‐implant mucosa.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐three patients received one prosthesis supported by two implants replacing at least two adjacent missing teeth (66 implants). Patients were randomly allocated and implant insertion depth adapted to abutment height groups (3 mm height group the implants were placed 2 mm subcrestally; 1 mm height group, equicrestally). Clinical and radiological measurements were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Interproximal bone‐level changes were compared between treatment groups using repeated measures mixed ANOVA. The association between IPBL and categorical variables was also analyzed.

Results

The mean IPBL in 1 mm abutment group was 0.76 ± 0.79 mm at 3 months, 0.92 ± 0.88 mm at 6 months, and 0.95 ± 0.88 mm at 12 months, while in the 3 mm abutment group was 0.06 ± 0.21, 0.07 ± 0.22 mm, and 0.12 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. Significant differences between both groups were observed at every time point. When the influence of patient characteristics and clinical variables was analyzed, no statistically significant differences were also observed.

Conclusions

The use of long abutments, in combination with subcrestal implant position in sites with thin mucosa, led to lower IPBL in comparison with the use of short abutments.
Straight From the Girls: The Importance of Incorporating the EDGE Design Attributes at Exhibits
Authors: Garcia‐Luis Veronica , Dancstep Toni
Published: April 2019

This paper describes a follow‐up focus group study for the larger Exhibit Designs for Girls’ Engagement (EDGE) project. Grounded in Culturally Responsive Pedagogical theory (CRP), the project aimed to understand the relationship between female responsive designs and girls’ engagement at STEM exhibits. After developing a Female‐Responsive Design (FRD) Framework and conducting a large‐scale study to determine the most important design attributes for engaging girls at exhibits, the final step involved a qualitative investigation into those design attributes. Four focus groups with 22 girls aged 8–13 explored their exhibit experiences and discourse. Participants were videotaped while using four exhibits, half of which incorporated the EDGE Design Attributes. Focus group results replicate the previous quantitative study: participants had a largely positive response to the EDGE Design Attributes and evinced greater engagement when the attributes were present at exhibits. As expected, girls’ responsiveness to the design attributes varied— aligning with the CRP approach and highlighting the important fact that not all attributes will work for all girls. To share girls’ voices more broadly with practitioners we provide direct quotes for each design attribute. Finally, of the kinds of learning expressed, girls more often practiced scientific skills by repeating or varying activities at the EDGE exhibits. The results of this study, and the larger project, provide evidence that CRP works well when designing for females and serves as a valuable theory for creating museums that are truly inclusive.
Fire and life history affect the distribution of plant species in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Magadzire Nyasha , de Klerk Helen M. , Esler Karen J. , Slingsby Jasper A.
Published: April 2019

Aim

Species distribution models (SDMs) provide valuable insights into species–environment relationships and potential climate change impacts on diversity. Most SDMs do not account for the role of natural disturbance regimes such as fire in determining current and future species distributions, or how species traits mediate their response to these stressors. Here, we investigate the importance of fire in determining the distributions of species in fire‐prone fynbos vegetation, and how this varies in relation to different life history traits (growth form and fire‐response strategy).

Location

Cape Floristic Region, South Africa.

Methods

We modelled the distribution of 104 plant species with different life history traits, using Maxent. The model included five climatic variables, one edaphic and one fire variable. Post hoc analyses of model output and permutation procedures were conducted to assess variable importance across different life history traits. We accounted for phylogenetic autocorrelation using sister species comparisons.

Results

Permutation importance scores identified fire return interval as a major determinant of fynbos species’ distributions. Linear mixed effect analyses revealed that seeder species were significantly more sensitive to fire than resprouters. Coefficients from the (linear) response curves of the different predictors indicated that the occurrence of species across all life histories was negatively associated with longer fire return intervals.

Main conclusions

Fire and life history traits governing species’ response to fire are key factors determining species distributions in our study system. SDMs that ignore the role of fire in driving species distributions, and how this varies across different life history types, compromise our ability to understand species–environment relationships in fire‐prone ecosystems. There is great need for better spatial data describing historical, current and future fire regimes and for models that can incorporate different responses based on species life histories, to improve vulnerability assessments for fire‐prone ecosystems.
TIMING IS MONEY: DOES LUMP‐SUM PAYMENT OF THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT AFFECT SAVINGS AND DEBT?
Authors: Jones Lauren E. , Michelmore Katherine
Published: April 2019

Earned income tax credit (EITC) benefit income is paid out in a lump‐sum around tax time. We investigate whether savings and debt among EITC‐eligible families reflect the timing of payments. Using nationally representative, individual‐level data on self‐reported debt and savings outcomes, we search for differences in monthly behavior between EITC‐eligible and ‐ineligible households. We find evidence that credit card and unsecured debt holding among EITC‐eligible families reflects the timing of the EITC, with low debt levels at tax time relative to other months. Debt holding among ineligible families with children does not exhibit a similar pattern. We find limited evidence of intrayear patterns in savings behavior among EITC‐eligible families. (JEL D14, I38, H23)
Transnational remittances and state protection of human rights: A case for caution
Authors: Bang James T. , Mandal Arindam , Mitra Aniruddha
Published: April 2019

This paper explores the impact of transnational remittance receipts on state respect for human rights, identifying the latter with the CIRI Index of Physical Integrity Rights which aggregates information on disappearances, extrajudicial killings, political imprisonment, and torture. Based on sample of 106 developing economies considered over the period 1981–2011, we find that remittances have a strong negative impact on state respect for physical integrity rights, the results being robust to alternate specifications and estimation methods. Our results underline the need for caution in evaluating the developmental consequences of remittance inflows, especially on institutional quality.
High‐Performance Work Practices and Job Satisfaction: Gender's Moderating Role
Authors: Brinck Karla , Otten Sina , Hauff Sven
Published: April 2019

To get a more nuanced picture of the effects of high‐performance work practices (HPWPs), this paper analyzes how gender moderates the relationships between HPWPs and job satisfaction. HPWPs are theoretically linked to gender concepts, followed by an empirical analysis of whether these HPWPs have different effects on job satisfaction for men and women. The results of the theoretical analysis highlight that HPWPs are primarily oriented to the male gender concept. The empirical analysis is based on data from the European Working Condition Survey for Germany (N = 1,044). The results show that gender partially acts as a moderator in the relationships between HPWPs and job satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature by providing deeper and differentiated insights into the relationships between HPWPs and job satisfaction by providing a comprehensive theoretical framework for how HPWPs can affect men and women differently and by empirically analyzing the extents of these relationships.
Extensive validation study of the Parkinson's Disease Composite Scale
Authors: Martinez‐Martin P. , Radicati F. G. , Rodriguez Blazquez C. , Wetmore J. , Kovacs N. , Ray Chaudhuri K. , Stocchi F. ,   the PDCS European Study Group
Published: April 2019

Background and purpose

A composite instrument able to rapidly and reliably assess the most relevant motor and non‐motor afflictions suffered by Parkinson's disease (PD) patients in a real world clinic setting is an unmet need. The recently validated PD Composite Scale (PDCS) was designed to fulfil this gap as a quick, comprehensive PD assessment. The objective of this study was extensive evaluation of the PDCS's clinimetric properties using a large international sample.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study in which the PDCS, the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and the Clinical Impression of Severity Index for PD were applied. Basic clinimetric attributes of the PDCS were analysed.

Results

In total, 776 PD patients were included. The PDCS total score showed negligible floor and ceiling effects. Three factors (54.5% of the variance) were identified: factor 1 included motor impairment, fluctuations and disability; factor 2, non‐motor symptoms; and factor 3, tremor and complications of therapy. Cronbach's alpha was from 0.66 to 0.79. Inter‐rater reliability showed weighted kappa values from 0.79 to 0.98 for items and intraclass correlation coefficient values from 0.95 (Disability) to 0.99 (Motor and total score). The Bland–Altmann method, however, showed irregular concordance. PDCS standard error of measurement and convergent validity with equivalent constructs of other measures were satisfactory (≥0.70). PDCS scores significantly differed by Hoehn and Yahr stage.

Conclusion

Overall, in line with previous findings, the PDCS is a feasible, acceptable, valid, reliable and precise instrument for quickly and comprehensively assessing PD patients.
Can cognitive leisure activity prevent cognitive decline in older adults? A systematic review of intervention studies
Authors: Iizuka Ai , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ogawa Susumu , Kobayashi‐Cuya Kimi Estela , Kobayashi Momoko , Takebayashi Toru , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: April 2019

The aims of this systematic review were to investigate what kind of cognitive leisure activities have been used in intervention studies targeting older adults, and whether these activities improve cognitive function or inhibit cognitive decline. Based on the PRISMA declaration, we searched keywords using three electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES. Intervention studies involving cognitive leisure activities with cognitive assessments set as outcomes were included. We regarded cognitive leisure activities as activities for enjoyment or well‐being that cause intellectual stimulation (e.g. reading, playing board games). To investigate the influence of each activity on cognitive domains, multicomponent programs (e.g. combined music and art) were excluded. In total, 20 studies were included in the evaluation. Consequently, intervention studies related to arts, writing, board games, reading, handicrafts, a crossword puzzle and learning computer skills were identified. Of the 20 studies, 13 showed improvement in some cognitive domain. In 12 of these 13 studies, the intervention effects were not observed in a specific cognitive domain; rather, the intervention effects were observed across multiple cognitive domains and on working memory. The results of the present review suggest that cognitive function in older adults can be improved through cognitive leisure activity interventions. Activities related to learning new skills, that cause strong intellectual stimulation and that include communication elements were considered particularly effective tools. However, as the number of studies is small, more high‐quality research needs to be accumulated. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 469–482.