bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(E)-1-(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)-2-(3-nitrobenzylidene)hydrazine: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Shikhaliyev Namiq Q. , Suleymanova Gulnar T. , Babayeva Gulnare V. , Gurbanova Nurana V. , Mammadova Gunay Z. , Mlowe Sixberth
Published: July 2020

The stabilized conformation of the title compound, C13H9Cl2N3O2, is similar to that of the isomeric compound (E)-1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2-nitrobenzylidene)hydrazine. The 2,6-dichlorophenyl ring and the nitro-substituted benzene ring form a dihedral angle of 26.25 (16)°. In the crystal, face-to-face π-π stacking interactions along the a-axis direction occur between the centroids of the 2,6-dichlorophenyl ring and the nitro-substituted benzene ring. The molecules are further linked by C—H...O contacts and N—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming pairs of hydrogen-bonded molecular layers parallel to (100). The Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (22.1%), Cl...H/H...Cl (20.5%), O...H/H...O (19.7%), C...C (11.1%) and C...H/H...C (8.3%) interactions.
1,1,2,2,2,3,3,3-Octacarbonyl-1,1,2,3-tetrakis(1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane-κP)-triangulo-triosmium(0)
Authors: Marolf David M. , Brehm Kristen L. , Lynch Vincent M. , Powell Gregory L.
Published: July 2020

The title compound, [Os3(C6H12N3P)4(CO)8], crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with Z = 8. The molecule consists of a triangular triosmium(0) core surrounded by eight carbonyl ligands and four 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane (or PTA) ligands. One Os atom is coordinated by two PTA ligands and two CO ligands, while the other two Os atoms are each bonded to a single PTA ligand and three CO ligands. There is a small disorder associated with the Os3 unit so that a minor orientation has an occupancy of 2.17 (4)%. The title compound represents the first structurally characterized triangular Os3 carbonyl cluster with four monodentate tertiary phosphane ligands.
Young consumers' views on humorous BELFcommunication
Authors: Vuorela Taina , Alatalo Sari , Oikarinen Eeva-Liisa , Poutiainen Anne
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain understanding of how young consumers with varying cultural and linguistic backgrounds experience and perceive humorous Business English lingua franca (BELF) mediated communication used in transit contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

For the collection of qualitative data, the present study relies on focus group discussions in three European countries. The data were analyzed by the authors by applying the phenomenographic approach as a method.

Findings

Young European consumers expressed a preference for humor and playfulness in BELF-mediated communication, yet they can be a challenging group to be informed and entertained with humorous BELF communication, as they differ in their taste of humor due to varying language- and culture-based identities. However, BELF as a communication tool was seen as functional and unproblematic by the informants. These informants perceive the role of resonant – wit type of humor in BELF – messages with noncultural references as fulfilling some of the aims of the messages. Yet, the role of comic – wit humor in BELF – messages with cultural references is more challenging to interpret.

Originality/value

The present results bring original viewpoints on the use of humor in cross-cultural corporate communication via a unique perspective of how young consumers' perceive and value humor in BELF-mediated communication.
The propaganda of universal fascism: peace, empire and international co-operation in British Union of Fascists' publicity from 1932 to 1939
Authors: Thompson Gareth
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article presents a historical investigation into the foreign policy messages of the British Union of Fascists' (BUF) publicity and propaganda from its foundation in 1932 until the outbreak of World War II in 1939, along with a discussion of the methods and institutional arrangements used to propagate its ideas of peace, empire and transnational co-operation.

Design/methodology/approach

The historical investigation is based upon scrutiny of original BUF documents relating to the period 1932–1939 from various archives. After cataloguing of the relevant publicity and propaganda materials in time sequence and thematically, analysis was organised using a historical institutionalism approach.

Findings

The article explains the different phases of the BUF's message development and how publications, meetings and media were used to project its ideas. It also discussed the impact of support from Viscount Rothermere's newspapers and financial support from Benito Mussolini. Consideration of publicity materials alongside files from BUF headquarters enabled identification and investigation into the communicative actors who did the publicity work, including Director of Publicity, John Beckett.

Social implications

The article reflects upon how the British Union of Fascists' publicity and propaganda relates to modern manifestations of the communication of authoritarian and nationalistic political propositions and the historical continuities that endure therein.

Originality/value

The project makes an original contribution to the history of British political propaganda and public relations through an inquiry based upon scrutiny of historical documents in UK archives relating to BUF publicity related to foreign policy.
Multi-scale, multi-physics challenges for future aircraft and hierarchical zonal modelling
Authors: Tucker Paul G.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the extensive multi-scale and multi-physics challenges when simulating future aircraft and offer strategies to help deal with some of these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

To help with the multi-scale challenges, in a hierarchical, zonal fashion both the handling of turbulence and geometry is considered.

Findings

Such modelling of geometry is necessary to help deal with the increasingly coupled nature of many aerodynamic problems more economically and the drive towards considering ever increasing levels of geometrical complexity/scale.

Originality/value

The proposed unified framework could be exploited all the way, through initial fast preliminary design to final numerical test involving various bespoke combinations of hierarchical components.
VBK Fibreo Tech Pvt. Ltd: product mix dilemma
Authors: Dhaigude Amol Subhash , Vandavasi Manikandan , Kasera Apurva Rakesh
Published: July 2020

Subject area

Operations Research and Operation Management.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate/MBA/Postgraduate.

Learning outcomes

The case depicts an opportunity for students to be exposed to optimization techniques using linear programming (LP). This case intends to: generate the LP model (identification of objective function and constraints); apply MS-Excel solver to arrive at an optimal solution; analyse manufacturing scenarios; and plan decision dependencies.

Case overview/synopsis

VBK Fibreo Tech Industries was a manufacturer of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) products for industrial and domestic applications. Despite being a new entrant, it managed to exhibit great performance and attract a loyal base of customers. This case brings to light the problem that the company was facing that is demand exceeding capacity. The protagonist of the case Madhav, the Production Manager, was tasked to solve the problem of “product mix”. He was in a dilemma on how to fulfill customer orders while minimizing losses for his company. He knew that while losses were inevitable in the current scenario, they could be minimized with appropriate planning. Students are expected to use data and facts from the case and exhibit to formulate LP, by identifying the objective function and the constraints. They are also encouraged to use MS-Excel solver to find the optimal product mix and understand the decision dependencies.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used to teach LP in an undergraduate/postgraduate-level course on operations research. Students are exposed to the creation of a mathematical model for optimization and along with devising the implementation plan.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and logistics.
Top management teams characteristics and firms performance: literature review and avenues for future research
Authors: Aboramadan Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the empirical literature on the relationship between the characteristics of the top management teams (TMTs) and the performance of entrepreneurial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was carried out on 33 empirical studies related to TMTs and performance through analyzing and summarizing the quantitative studies conducted in this area.

Findings

The results of the literature review show that the relationship between TMTs (demographics and heterogeneity) and the performance of entrepreneurial firms is not straightforward and further investigation is still needed in this area.

Practical implications

The author maps the theoretical and empirical research of TMT demographics and heterogeneity in relation to firms’ performance and possible moderators and mediators, which govern the relationship between TMT composition and firms’ performance.

Originality/value

The author presents a detailed future research agenda for the purpose of advancing the theoretical and empirical knowledge on TMT-performance links. The review provides a comprehensive picture of TMT-firms’ performance literature and what should be done to enrich the literature.
Servant leadership and affective commitment: the role of psychological ownership and person–organization fit
Authors: Dahleez Khalid Abed , Aboramadan Mohammed , Bansal Anjali
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Building on social exchange theory, this study aims to propose a research model to examine the relationship between servant leadership (SL) and employee affective commitment (AC) where psychological ownership (PO) and person–organization fit are theorized to play a mediating role.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used quantitative research methods with a deductive approach to examine the proposed relationships and the underlying mechanisms. Data were collected from 346 employees working at higher education sector in Palestine. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal a significant mediating role of PO and person – organization (P-O) fit in explaining the relationship between SL and employee AC. Results indicate that the service orientation and humble attitude of servant leaders toward employees help employees develop a sense of ownership, leading to a better fit with organizational values and thus to a more committed workforce.

Practical implications

The results of this study may be useful for managers working in higher education in a non-Western context who are considering using SL behaviors to improve outcomes.

Originality/value

The study advances SL research currently in its early stages (Zhanget al., 2019). Moreover, it increases understanding of the mediating roles played by PO and P-O fit.
Branding dilemma: the case of branding Hyderabad city
Authors: Nukhu Rhulia , Singh Sapna
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Hyderabad City today is a blend of metro and heritage causing much dilemma to what it offers the visitors. A mixture of the “Nawabi – the good old days city” and “information technology hub – a new metropolitan city,” has changed the perception of the city. This has blurred the vision of positioning the city. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the existing city image and the execution of a clear brand message in the face of ambiguous essence of the place.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory case study was divided into two parts. In the first stage of the study, an in-depth interview was conducted on tour operators, hotels and hospitality managers, tourists and residents. In the second stage of the study, the review text was scrapped from TripAdvisor. Further text collocate, linked analysis and word trees were done on reviews of Hyderabad city using Voyant tools to find the core attributes of the city image.

Findings

The finding indicates that the city branding is diluted with a blended essence of heritage and metropolis, making the positioning of the city ambiguous. Moreover, the findings reveal that the blend of the two dichotomous characteristics of the city can study out through the implementation of the dual branding and story narration of the city.

Research limitations/implications

The study is no short of limitations, as it is a case-based, subjectivity is inevitable, the selection of the respondents for the interviews was on convenience-based. The number of interviewees for the study is limited thus cannot be generalized. In addition, another limitation of the study is that only few reviews on Hyderabad city were found on TripAdvisor not enough to sustain more elaborated results and, as the reviews were basically from tourists, further there may be some elimination of other important aspects of the city. Text analysis has its own limitation such as it cannot track sarcasm or identify the spelling errors or synonymous. Despite the limitations, the study attempts to shed some light on the city’s needs to rebranding.

Practical implications

One of the important contributions of the study is its implications, for tour operators and policymakers. For the former, the need to communicate and position the brand and develop a strategy that bridges the gap between heritage image and metropolis. In addition, for the later, for setting the national urban policies that conserve the heritage sites and improvise the management.

Social implications

To conserve the culture, tradition and heritage sites in the impetus of the city’s phenomenal urbanization and development.

Originality/value

City as a brand is complex, the present research brings out the complexity based on the essence of the city bridging the gap through an insightful approach. Expanding the body of knowledge, at the same time providing insightful implications for destination stakeholders such as managers, policymakers and destination management organizations.
AdaptPack Studio: an automated intelligent framework for offline factory programming
Authors: Castro André Luiz , Carvalho de Souza João Pedro , Rocha Luís F. , Silva Manuel F.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an automated framework for agile development and simulation of robotic palletizing cells. An automatic offline programming tool, for a variety of robot brands, is also introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework, named AdaptPack Studio, offers a custom-built library to assemble virtual models of palletizing cells, quick connect these models by drag and drop, and perform offline programming of robots and factory equipment in short steps.

Findings

Simulation and real tests performed showed an improvement in the design, development and operation of robotic palletizing systems. The AdaptPack Studio software was tested and evaluated in a pure simulation case and in a real-world scenario. Results have shown to be concise and accurate, with minor model displacement inaccuracies because of differences between the virtual and real models.

Research limitations/implications

An intuitive drag and drop layout modeling accelerates the design and setup of robotic palletizing cells and automatic offline generation of robot programs. Furthermore, A* based algorithms generate collision-free trajectories, discretized both in the robot joints space and in the Cartesian space. As a consequence, industrial solutions are available for production in record time, increasing the competitiveness of companies using this tool.

Originality/value

The AdaptPack Studio framework includes, on a single package, the possibility to program, simulate and generate the robot code for four different brands of robots. Furthermore, the application is tailored for palletizing applications and specifically includes the components (Building Blocks) of a particular company, which allows a very fast development of new solutions. Furthermore, with the inclusion of the Trajectory Planner, it is possible to automatically develop robot trajectories without collisions.
Thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) in patients with psoriasis: Increased serum TARC levels in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Kawasaki Yurika , Kamata Masahiro , Shimizu Teruo , Nagata Mayumi , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Ohnishi Takamitsu , Tada Yayoi
Published: July 2020

Thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) is designated as a T‐helper 2‐type chemokine and its expression is upregulated in patients with atopic dermatitis. Previous studies reported that serum TARC levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) were comparable with those in healthy controls. However, the association of clinical severity of psoriasis with serum TARC levels and serum TARC levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) have never been reported. We investigated the association of serum TARC level with psoriasis by the type of psoriasis, and examine correlations of serum TARC levels with clinical severity scores and other results of blood tests. Data on 75 patients (51 men and 24 women; PsV, 30 patients; PsA, 29 patients; GPP, 16 patients) were analyzed. The serum TARC level was significantly higher in patients with GPP than in patients with PsV and patients with PsA. There was a positive correlation between serum TARC level and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (r = 0.3499, P = 0.0030). The serum TARC levels decreased after treatment in GPP patients. Our study revealed that the serum TARC level can potentially be one of the biomarkers reflecting the severity or systemic inflammation caused by psoriasis in patients with psoriasis, although not as much as in patients with atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, serum TARC levels were high in patients with GPP. Those were decreased by treatment, suggesting that serum TARC levels could be utilized as an objective biomarker to evaluate a therapeutic effect in individual GPP patients. Further accumulation of cases and further research are needed to elucidate the role of TARC in psoriasis.
Detritus decorations as the extended phenotype deflect avian predator attack in an orb‐web spider
Authors: Ma Nina , Yu Long , Gong Deyong , Hua Zeyuan , Zeng Hua , Chen Luyao , Mao Aijia , Chen Zhizhao , Cai Ruxing , Ma Yubing , Zhang Zengtao , Li Daiqin , Luo Jing , Zhang Shichang
Published: July 2020

A number of strategies that divert attacks of visually guided predators, such as birds, have evolved multiple times in animals. Detritus web decorations built by certain orb‐web spider species are thought to deflect avian predator attacks away from spiders and towards their web decorations. Still, empirical evidence for this function and its adaptive significance is lacking. The orb‐web spider, Cyclosa monticola, adorns its web using a linear detritus decoration consisting of moults, egg sacs, prey remains and leaf litters.

In the present study, we investigated whether detritus decorations constructed by C. monticola spiders divert attacks of avian predators away from spiders. We first employed colour modelling to compare spider bodies and detritus decoration colouration from the perspective of domestic chicks and blue tits. We then experimentally tested the deflection hypothesis in the laboratory using naïve chicks as predators. We put the chicks in a cage containing a web either with (S+) or without (S−) a spider and either with (D+) or without (D−) detritus decoration (a total of four types of webs: S+D+, S+D−, S−D+ and S−D−) under both natural habitat background and white background.

We found that the colour of C. monticola spiders is indistinguishable from that of their detritus decorations for both chicks and blue tits with both backgrounds. Laboratory predation experiments showed that with both backgrounds, chicks attacked the spiders much less frequently when their decorations were present on the webs (S+D+; natural habitat: 20%, white background: 30%) than when their decorations were absent (S+D−; natural habitat: 95%, white background: 85%), resulting in greater spider survival advantage.

We also found that the rate of attack of spiders and their decorations was not random; the decorations were more likely to be attacked than spiders, regardless of the ratio of surface area of decorations to spider bodies when both spiders and decorations were presented (S+D+). Therefore, our results support a deflection, rather than concealment hypothesis for web decorations.

In conclusion, our study provides evidence that the extended phenotypes beyond the animal bodies, can divert avian predator attacks, therefore, may improve the fitness of animals.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Future Expectations and Financial Satisfaction*
Authors: West Tracey , Cull Michelle
Published: July 2020

Advances in conceptualisation of financial well‐being include factoring future outlook into models, as consumers under financial stress can still expect to be better off in the future. This study applies a financial well‐being framework to Australian university students, defining financial well‐being to be made up of a set of personal attributes, current money management indicators and expectations about the financial future. We find that being least satisfied with financial situation is associated with higher likelihoods of using short‐term credit, not having a financial safety net, not being willing to take financial risks and having negative expectations of the future. The results of this study are useful for educators and policy‐makers in designing policies and programmes for university students.
Clinical characteristics and management of primary mediastinal cysts: A single‐center experience
Authors: Wang Xun , Li Yun , Chen Kezhong , Yang Fan , Wang Jun
Published: July 2020

Background

In this study we aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of performing video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to treat primary mediastinal cysts (PMCs) and investigate the clinical factors which increase the difficulties associated with VATS.

Methods

The medical records of all consecutive PMC patients, who underwent surgical resection from April 2001 to July 2016, were reviewed and 282 patients were included. Clinical characteristics, imaging features, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Follow‐up data were successfully obtained from 230 PMC patients by telephone or outpatient clinic annually. The latest follow‐up was July 2019.

Results

VATS was performed in 278 patients and four patients were converted into thoracotomy. The mean operation time and intraoperative bleeding were 102.4 ± 40.9 minutes (range 25–360 minutes) and 52.4 ± 75.1 mL (range 5–600 mL), respectively. The intra‐ and postoperative complication rates were 2.8 and 5.7%, respectively. Seven patients with bronchogenic cysts showed severe cyst adhesion to vital mediastinal structures and thus had incomplete resection. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that a maximal cyst diameter greater than 5 cm was significantly associated with increased risks of operation time extension (OR = 2.106; 95% CI: 1.147–3.865, P = 0.016) and intraoperative blood loss increase (OR = 4.428; 95% CI: 1.243–16.489, P = 0.022). A total of 230 patients had follow‐up data. The median follow‐up time was 70 months (range, 36–210 months). No local recurrence was observed.

Conclusions

Surgical resection by VATS may be recommended for PMC management as a primary therapeutic strategy. Cysts with a maximum diameter greater than 5 cm or cysts adjacent to vital mediastinal structures can increase the surgical difficulties.

Key points

• Significant findings of the study

A diameter >5 cm and adhesions significantly increased the risk of operation time extension together with increased blood loss.

• What this study adds

Cysts with a diameter >5 cm or those adjacent to vital mediastinal structures increased the potential for surgical difficulties.
Schrödinger's phenotypes: Herbarium specimens show two‐dimensional images are both good and (not so) bad sources of morphological data
Authors: Borges Leonardo M. , Reis Victor Candido , Izbicki Rafael
Published: July 2020

Museum specimens are the main source of information on organisms' morphological features. Although access to this information was commonly limited to researchers able to visit collections, it is now becoming freely available thanks to the digitization of museum specimens. With these images, we will be able to collectively build large‐scale morphological datasets, but these will only be useful if the limits to this approach are well‐known. To establish these limits, we used two‐dimensional images of plant specimens to test the precision and accuracy of image‐based data and analyses.

To test measurement precision and accuracy, we compared leaf measurements taken from specimens and images of the same specimens. Then, we used legacy morphometric datasets to establish differences in the quality of datasets and multivariate analyses between specimens and images. To do so, we compared the multivariate space based on original legacy data to spaces built with datasets simulating image‐based data.

We found that trait measurements made from images are as precise as those obtained directly from specimens, but as traits diminish in size, the accuracy drops as well. This decrease in accuracy, however, has a very low impact on dataset and analysis quality. The main problem with image‐based datasets comes from missing observations due to image resolution or organ overlapping. Missing data lowers the accuracy of datasets and multivariate analyses. Although the effect is not strong, this decrease in accuracy suggests caution is needed when designing morphological research that will rely on digitized specimens.

As highlighted by images of plant specimens, 2D images are reliable measurement sources, even though resolution issues lower accuracy for small traits. At the same time, the impossibility of observing particular traits affects the quality of image‐based datasets and, thus, of derived analyses. Despite these issues, gathering phenotypic data from two‐dimensional images is valid and may support large‐scale studies on the morphology and evolution of a wide diversity of organisms.
The effectiveness of an indicated prevention programme for substance use in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning: results of a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Schijven Esmée P. , Hulsmans Daan H. G. , VanDerNagel Joanneke E. L. , Lammers Jeroen , Otten Roy , Poelen Evelien A. P.
Published: July 2020

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of Take it personal!, a prevention programme for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning (MID‐BIF) and substance use (SU). The prevention programme aims to reduce SU (alcohol, cannabis and illicit drugs) among experimental to problematic substance users.

Design

A quasi‐experimental design with two arms and a 3‐month follow‐up.

Setting

Adolescents were recruited from 14 treatment centres in the Netherlands specialized in offering intra‐ and extramural care for people with MID‐BIF and behavioural problems.

Participants

Data were collected from 66 individuals with MID‐BIF assigned either to the intervention condition (n = 34) or to the control condition (n = 32).

Interventions

Take it personal! was designed to target four personality traits: sensation‐seeking, impulsive behaviour, anxiety sensitivity and negative thinking. For each of these profiles, interventions were developed that were structurally the same but contained different personality‐specific materials, games and exercises. The control group received care as usual.

Measurements

Primary outcomes at 3‐month follow‐up were frequency of SU, severity of SU and binge drinking.

Results

Results showed intervention effects for SU frequency (F(1, 50.43) = 9.27, P = 0.004) and binge drinking (F(1, 48.02) = 8.63, P = 0.005), but not for severity of SU (F(1, 42.09) = 2.20, P = 0.145).

Conclusions

A prevention programme to reduce substance use among experimental to problematic users with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning helped participants to decrease substance use frequency and binge drinking.
SARS‐CoV2 and pregnancy: An invisible enemy?
Authors: Verma Sonam , Carter Ebony B. , Mysorekar Indira U.
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID‐19 is an emerging viral disease caused by a member of the betacoronavirus family, SARS‐CoV‐2. Since its' emergence in December 2019, it has rapidly caused close to half a million fatalities globally. Data regarding the impact of COVID‐19 on pregnancy are limited. Here, we review pathological findings in placentas from women who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as information on pregnancy outcomes associated with related and highly pathogenic coronaviruses (ie, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS‐COV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome, MERS). We present immune‐inflammatory correlates of COVID‐19 in pregnancy and review the role of the Renin Angiotensin System in the pathogenesis of COVID‐19 in pregnancy. Greater understanding of the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the placenta will yield important insight into potential therapeutic interventions for pregnant women with COVID‐19.
Effectiveness of psychological interventions for smoking cessation in adults with mental health problems: A systematic review
Authors: Lightfoot Katie , Panagiotaki Georgia , Nobes Gavin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

People with long‐term mental health problems are heavier smokers than the general population, and suffer greater smoking‐related morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the effectiveness of psychological smoking cessation interventions for this group. This review evaluates evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of psychological interventions, used alone or with pharmacotherapy, in reducing smoking in adults with mental health problems.

Methods

We searched relevant articles between January 1999 and March 2019 and identified 6,200 papers. Two reviewers screened 81 full‐text articles. Outcome measures included number of cigarettes smoked per day, 7‐day point prevalence abstinence, and continuous abstinence from smoking.

Results

Thirteen RCTs, involving 1,497 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Psychological interventions included cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), counselling, and telephone smoking cessation support. Three trials resulted in significant reductions in smoking for patients receiving psychological interventions compared with controls. Two trials showed higher 7‐day point prevalence in intervention plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) versus standard care groups. Four trials showed that participants who combined pharmacotherapy (bupropion or varenicline) with CBT were more likely to reduce their smoking by 50% than those receiving CBT only. Four out of five trials that compared different psychological interventions (with or without NRT) had positive outcomes regardless of intervention type.

Conclusions

This study contributes to our understanding in a number of ways: The available evidence is consistent with a range of psychological interventions being independently effective in reducing smoking by people with mental health problems; however, too few well‐designed studies have been conducted for us to be confident about, for example, which interventions work best for whom, and how they should be implemented. Evidence is clearer for a range of psychological interventions – including CBT, MI, and behavioural or supportive counselling – being effective when used with NRT or pharmacotherapy. Telephone‐based and relatively brief interventions appear to be as effective as more intense and longer‐term ones. There is also good evidence for a strong dose‐response relationship – increased attendance predicts improved outcomes – and for interventions having more positive than negative effects on psychiatric symptoms.
Review on druggable targets of key age‐associated properties regulated by therapeutic agents
Authors: Unni P Ambili , Sudhakaran Sajitha Lulu , Pillai Girinath G.
Published: July 2020

Aging is a biological process which accounts for the deterioration of effective physiological functions. The malfunctioning of vital organ systems leads to the onset of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and immunomodulatory diseases in the elder population. Age‐dependent mitochondrial dysfunctions trigger the production of reactive oxygen species, which serve as a major contributing factor for the onset of age‐associated diseases. The increasing burden of age‐related pathologies explicates the relevance of identifying novel therapeutic agents with enhanced potency and bioavailability. Key information on the biological mechanisms of significant age‐related diseases aids in understanding relevant druggable targets essential for the initiation and progression of the disease. This review provides detailed insights into the druggable targets of key anti‐aging properties of therapeutic agents such as anti‐oxidant, immunomodulation, cardioprotection, anti‐melanogenic, and anti‐elastase properties. This information aids in the development of novel therapeutic agents/ supplements with enhanced efficacy.
Titanium salts tested in reconstructed human skin with integrated MUTZ‐3‐derived Langerhans cells show an irritant rather than a sensitizing potential
Authors: Rodrigues Neves Charlotte T. , Spiekstra Sander W. , de Graaf Niels P. J. , Rustemeyer Thomas , Feilzer Albert J. , Kleverlaan Cees J. , Gibbs Susan
Published: July 2020

Background

The nature of clinically related adverse reactions to titanium is still unknown.

Objective

To determine whether titanium salts have irritant or sensitizing potential in a reconstructed human skin (RHS) model with integrated Langerhans cells (LCs).

Methods

RHS‐LCs (ie, reconstructed epidermis) containing primary differentiated keratinocytes and CFSE+CD1a+‐LCs generated from the MUTZ‐3 cell line on a primary fibroblast‐populated collagen hydrogel (dermis) were topically exposed to titanium(IV) bis(ammonium lactato)dihydroxide (TiALH). LC migration and plasticity were determined.

Results

TiALH resulted in CFSE+CD1a+‐LC migration out of the epidermis. Neutralizing antibodies to CCL5 and CXCL12 showed that LC migration was CCL5 and not CXCL12 mediated. LCs accumulating within the dermis after TiALH exposure were CFSE+Lang+CD68+ which is characteristic of a phenotypic switch of MUTZ‐LC to a macrophage‐like cell. Furthermore, TiALH did not result in increased interleukin (IL)‐1β or CCR7 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the dermis, but did result in increased IL‐10 mRNA. In addition, monocultures of MUTZ‐LCs failed to increase LC maturation biomarkers CD83, CD86, and CXCL‐8 when exposed to noncytotoxic concentrations of four different titanium salts.

Conclusion

These results classify titanium salts as irritants rather than sensitizers and indicate that titanium implant‐related complaints could be due to localized irritant‐mediated inflammation arising from leachable agents rather than a titanium metal allergy.
In the Eye of the Storm: Echocardiographic Particle Image Velocimetry Analysis in a Patient with Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Cimino Sara , Arcari Luca , Filomena Domenico , Agati Luciano
Published: July 2020

Echo particle imaging velocimetry (Echo PIV) is a contrast‐echo–based technique, used to evaluate the instantaneous vortical blood motion into the left ventricle (LV). Here, we report, for the first time, echo‐PIV findings in a patient with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Vortex behavior suggested that TTS might present with peculiar PIV characteristics, including relatively preserved intra‐ventricular pressure gradient and energy dissipation. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether the preservation of a more physiological vortex behavior could be related to the structural and functional recovery observed in TTS.
Differential movement and activity patterns of sexes in a biparental beetle during the reproductive season
Authors: Kiss Johanna , Németh Zoltán , Kosztolányi András , Barta Zoltán
Published: July 2020

1. Biparental care is stabilised if parents perform different tasks during care. Specialised parental roles may require different time and energy budgets that in turn are expected to influence the activity and space use of sexes.

2. Here we investigate movement patterns of the biparental Lethrus apterus beetle using a grid of pitfall traps in their natural habitat.

3. Sexes of the burrow building L. apterus perform different roles during caregiving, as females collect most of the leaves, which serve as food for the offspring while paired males stay mostly in the burrow. We hypothesised that sex differences in mate search and parental activities are reflected in movement patterns.

4. We found that females frequently travelled short distances, whereas males were detected less often but when detected, they travelled significantly longer distances than females.

5. Our results are consistent with the notion that efficient parental food provisioning requires more localised movement and activity patterns. Furthermore, the long distance movements of some males may indicate active mate searching behaviour.
Patterns of smell recovery in 751 patients affected by the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Chiesa‐Estomba C. M. , Lechien J. R. , Radulesco T. , Michel J. , Sowerby L. J , Hopkins C. , Saussez S.
Published: July 2020

Background and purpose

Post‐viral olfactory dysfunction is well established and has been shown to be a key symptom of COVID‐19 with more than 66% of European and US patients reporting some degree of loss of smell. Persistent olfactory dysfunction appears to be commonplace and will drive the demand for general practitioner, otolaryngology or neurology consultation in the next few months – evidence regarding recovery will be essential in counselling our patients.

Methods

This was a prospective survey‐based data collection and telemedicine follow‐up.

Results

In total, 751 patients completed the study, of whom 477 were females and 274 males. The mean age of the patients was 41 ± 13 years (range 18–60). There were 621 patients (83%) who subjectively reported a total loss of smell and 130 (17%) a partial loss. After a mean follow‐up of 47 ± 7 days (range 30–71) from the first consultation, 277 (37%) patients still reported a persistent subjective loss of smell, 107 (14%) reported partial recovery and 367 (49%) reported complete recovery. The mean duration of the olfactory dysfunction was 10 ± 6 days (range 3–31) in those patients who completely recovered and 12 ± 8 days (range 7–35) in those patients who partially recovered.

Conclusions

According to our results, at this relatively early point in the pandemic, subjective patterns of recovery of olfactory dysfunction in COVID‐19 patients are valuable for our patients, for hypothesis generation and for treatment development.
Aberrant frontostriatal connectivity in Alzheimer's disease with positive palmomental reflex
Authors: Gramespacher H. , Richter N. , Edwin Thanarajah S. , Jacobs H. I. L. , Dillen K. N. H. , Nellessen N. , von Reutern B. , Dronse J. , Kukolja J. , Fink G. R. , Onur O. A.
Published: July 2020

Background and purpose

Primitive reflexes may reoccur in various neurodegenerative diseases. However, little is known about their structural and functional correlates in the human brain. Notably, the neural mechanisms underlying a positive palmomental reflex (PMR) are poorly understood. As recent studies link Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐related primitive reflexes to a dysfunction of the corticostriatal motor circuit (CMC), we conducted the present study to investigate functional and structural correlates of a positive PMR. We hypothesized an involvement of frontostriatal structures and an impairment of the CMC.

Methods

Using whole‐brain resting‐state functional connectivity (FC), hypothesis and FC result‐based probabilistic tractography, and voxel‐based morphometry analyses, we compared two groups of AD patients with either positive (n = 12) or negative PMR (n = 12).

Results

No significant differences in grey matter volume or structural connectivity (SC) could be observed between the PMR‐positive and PMR‐negative groups. In contrast, the PMR‐positive group showed a decreased seed‐to‐voxel FC between the bilateral supplementary motor area and parts of the right‐hemispherical caudate nucleus and thalamus and a decreased region of interest (ROI)‐to‐ROI FC between the left putamen and the left superior frontal gyrus.

Conclusion

Data suggest that dysfunction of the CMC reflected by decreased FC underlies a positive PMR in patients with AD. The lack of significant grey matter or SC differences might reflect that changes in FC appear before changes in SC in the structures of the CMC and brain atrophy.
Distributive Justice in Family Relations
Authors: Sabbagh Clara , Golden Deborah
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to highlight the important contribution of the lens of distributive justice to an understanding of family relations. Existent justice research in the family tends to focus on specific family relations: spouses, parents and young children, elderly parents and adult children, with most research addressing the division of labor between spouses. We seek to go beyond the specific family relations in order to highlight justice‐related themes that are common across family relations. We elaborate upon three claims. First, we show that while the ideal of equality underpins justice in contemporary Western societies, actual distribution practices across family relations are characterized by persistent inequality. Second, although the gap between the ideal of equality and unequal distribution practices may create a sense of injustice among family members, we show why this is not necessarily the case. Third, we elaborate upon the positive and negative consequences that result from feelings of justice or injustice across family relations. We conclude by discussing the interweaving of love and justice in the family.
COVID‐19 Pandemic: Applying a Multisystemic Lens
Authors: Rolland John S.
Published: July 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has a pervasive effect on all aspects of family life. We can distinguish the collective societal and community effects of the global pandemic and the risk and disease impact for individuals and families. This paper draws on Rolland’s Family Systems‐Illness (FSI) model to describe some of the unique challenges through a multisystemic lens. Highlighting the pattern of psychosocial issues of COVID‐19 over time, discussion emphasizes the evolving interplay of larger systems public health pandemic challenges and mitigation strategies with individual and family processes. The paper addresses issues of coping with myriad Covid‐19 uncertainties in the initial crisis wave and evolving phases of the pandemic in the context of individual and family development, pre‐existing illness or disability, and racial and socio‐economic disparities. The discussion offers recommendations for timely family oriented consultation and psychoeducation, and for healthcare clinician self‐care.
Novel conformation‐selective monoclonal antibodies against apoA‐I amyloid fibrils
Authors: Ohgita Takashi , Furutani Yuki , Nakano Miyu , Hattori Megumi , Suzuki Ayane , Nakagawa Miho , Naniwa Sera , Morita Izumi , Oyama Hiroyuki , Nishitsuji Kazuchika , Kobayashi Norihiro , Saito Hiroyuki
Published: July 2020

The Iowa (G26R) mutation in human apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I), the major protein of plasma high‐density lipoprotein, is associated with systemic amyloidosis, and the N‐terminal 1–83 fragment of apoA‐I carrying this mutation has a strong propensity to form amyloid fibrils. Here, we generated and characterized novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that display selective reactivity to apoA‐I amyloid fibrils. By immunizing BALB/c and A/J mice with apoA‐I 1‒83/G26R fibrils conjugated with hemocyanin and the hybridoma production, four IgM class mAbs were obtained. The generated mAbs exhibited strong reactivity to amyloid fibrils formed by the 1–83 fragment of apoA‐I, but not to the monomeric 1–83 fragment or full‐length apoA‐I. The apparent dissociation constant of the mAbs to apoA‐I fibrils was determined to be within the nM range. A time‐dependent aggregation assay demonstrated that the mAbs preferentially react with mature fibrils over non‐fibrillar aggregates formed by apoA‐I 1–83/G26R. In addition, dot blotting and ELISA using deletion or proline substituted variants of apoA‐I 1‒83/G26R suggest that the generated mAbs react to common structural features in apoA‐I amyloid fibrils. Indeed, the mAbs also recognized amyloid fibrils formed by α‐synuclein that has no sequence identity to apoA‐I. Thus, our newly generated anti‐apoA‐I fibril mAbs may be utilized for not only diagnosis of apoA‐I‐related amyloidosis but also structural analysis of amyloid fibrils as novel conformation‐selective antibodies.
Clinical outcomes of direct‐acting antiviral treatments for patients with hepatitis C after hepatocellular carcinoma are equivalent to interferon treatment
Authors: Tahata Yuki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Urabe Ayako , Yamada Ryoko , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Hiramatsu Naoki , Hagiwara Hideki , Oshita Masahide , Imai Yasuharu , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: July 2020

Aim

It remains unclear how direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatments influence hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and survival in comparison with interferon (IFN).

Methods

In total, 338 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and previous HCC treatments who initiated IFN (N = 88, IFN group) or DAA treatment (N = 250, DAA group) from January 2005 to November 2017 at 23 hospitals and achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) were analyzed. Cumulative HCC recurrence and survival rates were compared between the two groups using propensity score (PS) matching.

Results

After PS matching, 63 patients were selected for each group. The cumulative HCC recurrence rates at 1 and 3 years were 20.6% and 34.6% in the IFN group and 19.2% and 43.0% in the DAA group, respectively; the difference in cumulative HCC recurrence rates between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.332). No significant differences in HCC recurrence patterns were observed between the two groups. Overall survival rates at 1 and 3 years were 100% and 96.6% in the IFN group and 100% and 96.4% in the DAA group, respectively; the difference in overall survival rates between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.132). No significant differences in HCC recurrence and overall survival rates were observed between the two groups in subgroup analyses of patients receiving curative treatment (liver resection or radiofrequency ablation) for the most recent HCC before HCV treatment.

Conclusions

The recurrence rates and patterns of HCC and overall survival rates do not differ between SVR patients receiving IFN and DAA treatments.