bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound heterozygousZP1mutations cause empty follicle syndrome in infertile sisters
Authors: Sun Ling , Fang Xiang , Chen Zhi-Heng , Zhang Han-Wang , Peng Xiao-Fang , Deng Yu , Xue Ting , Yin Min-Na , Zhu Qian-Ying , Liu Chun-Lin , Li Na
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a condition in which no oocyte is retrieved from mature follicles after proper ovarian stimulation in anin vitrofertilization (IVF) procedure. Genetic evidence accumulates for the etiology of recurrent EFS even with improved medical treatment which had avoided the pharmacological or iatrogenic problems. Here, this study investigated the genetic cause of recurrent EFS in a family with two infertile sisters.

Methods

In this work, we present two infertile sisters in a family with recurrent EFS after three cycles of standard ovarian stimulation with hCG and/or GnRHa therapy. We performed whole-exome sequencing and targeted sequencing in the core members of this family, and further bioinformatics analysis to identify pathogenesis of gene.

Results

We identified compound heterozygous variants, c.161_165del (p.54fs) and c.1166_1173del (p.389fs), on zona pellucida glycoprotein 1 (ZP1) gene, which were shared with two infertile sisters. Cosegregation tests on the affected and unaffected members of this family confirmed that the allelic mutants were transmitted from either parent.

Conclusions

This EFS phenotype was distinct from the previously reported disruption of zona pellucida due to homozygousZP1defects. We thus propose that the specific mutations inZP1gene may render a causality for the recurrent EFS.
Glucocerebrosidase rescues alpha-synuclein from amyloid formation
Authors: Barber M.S. , Muller H.M. , Gilbert R.G. , Baldwin A.J.
Published: July 2018

Aggregation of the proteinα-synuclein (αSyn) Into amyloid fibrils is associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a process accelerated by lipids. Recently, the lysosomal protein glucocerebrosidase (GCase) has been identified as a major risk factor in both genetic and sporadic PD. Here, we use solution state NMR to reveal that GCase directly inhibits lipid inducedαSyn amyloidogenesis. Structurally, we show that the mechanism for this requires competition between lipids and GCase forαSyn, binding the N and C termini respectively. The affinity of GCase for the C-terminus ofαSyn is such that not only does it inhibit lipid induced amyloid formation, but also it destabilizes matureαSyn amyloid fibrils. These results reveal a competitive molecular “tug-of-war” forαSyn termini by GCase and lipid, providing a mechanistic link between the clinically observed links between changes in GCase abundance and Parkinsons disease.
Learning cellular morphology with neural networks
Authors: Schubert Philipp J , Dorkenwald Sven , Januszewski Michał , Jain Viren , Kornfeld Joergen
Published: July 2018

Reconstruction and annotation of volume electron microscopy data sets of brain tissue is challenging, but can reveal invaluable information about neuronal circuits. Significant progress has recently been made in automated neuron reconstruction, as well as automated detection of synapses. However, methods for automating the morphological analysis of nanometer-resolution reconstructions are less established, despite their diverse application possibilities. Here, we introduce cellular morphology neural networks (CMNs), based on multi-view projections sampled from automatically reconstructed cellular fragments of arbitrary size and shape. Using unsupervised training we inferred morphology embeddings (“Neuron2vec”) of neuron reconstructions and trained CMNs to identify glia cells in a supervised classification paradigm which was then used to resolve neuron reconstruction errors. Finally, we demonstrate that CMNs can be used to identify subcellular compartments and the cell types of neuron reconstructions.
Soft Substrate Maintains Proliferative and Adipogenic Differentiation Potential of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Long Term Expansion by Delaying Senescence
Authors: Kureel Sanjay K. , Mogha Pankaj , Khadpekar Akshada , Kumar Vardhman , Joshi Rohit , Das Siddhartha , Bellare Jayesh , Majumder Abhijit
Published: July 2018

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), when cultured on tissue culture plate (TCP) for in vitro expansion, they spontaneously lose their proliferative capacity and multi-lineage differentiation potential. They also lose their distinct spindle morphology and become large and flat. After a certain number of population doubling, they enter into permanent cell cycle arrest, called senescence. This is a major roadblock for clinical use of hMSCs which demands large number of cells. A cell culture system is needed which can maintain the stemness of hMSCs over long term passages yet simple to use. In this study, we explore the role of substrate rigidity in maintaining stemness. hMSCs were serially passaged on TCP and 5 kPa poly-acrylamide gel for 20 population doubling. It was found that while on TCP, cell growth reached a plateau at cumulative population doubling (CPD) = 12.5, on 5 kPa gel, they continue to proliferate linearly till we monitored (CPD = 20). We also found that while on TCP, late passage MSCs lost their adipogenic potential, the same was maintained on soft gel. Cell surface markers related to MSCs were also unaltered. We demonstrated that this maintenance of stemness was correlated with delay in onset of senescence, which was confirmed by β-gal assay and by differential expression of vimentin, Lamin A and Lamin B. As preparation of poly-acrylamide gel is a simple, well established, and well standardized protocol, we believe that this system of cell expansion will be useful in therapeutic and research applications of hMSCs.

One Sentence Summary

hMSCs retain their stemness when expanded in vitro on soft polyacrylamide gel coated with collagen by delaying senescence.

Significance Statement

For clinical applications, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are required in large numbers. As MSCs are available only in scarcity in vivo, to fulfill the need, extensive in vitro expansion is unavoidable. However, on expansion, they lose their replicative and multi-lineage differentiation potential and become senescent. A culture system that can maintain MSC stemness on long-term expansion, without compromising the stemness, is need of the hour. In this paper, we identified polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogel of optimum stiffness that can be used to maintain stemness of MSCs during in vitro long term culture. Large quantity of MSCs thus grown can be used in regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and in treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Crystal polymorphs of 6-[(phenylcarbamoyl)oxy]hexa-2,4-diyn-1-yl isonicotinate
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Minami Shoma , Okuno Tsunehisa
Published: July 2018

The title compound, C19H14N2O4, was found to have two crystal polymorphs, in which the molecular structures of the diacetylenic compound are broadly similar. The main structural difference between the polymorphs concerns the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding motifs adopted, namely a one-dimensional zigzag polymer linked by N—H...N(py) (py is pyridine) interactions in polymorph I and a centrosymmetric dimeric motif formed by N—H...O=C interactions in polymorph II. The diacetylene cores of the molecules stack along the a and b axes in polymorphs I and II, respectively. It was found that only the molecular arrangement in polymorph II satisfies Baughman's criterion to afford polydiacetylenes (PDAs) by thermal annealing or irradiation with light. This predicted polymerization activity was confirmed by experiment.
2-Oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl 4-methylbenzoate
Authors: Djandé Abdoulaye , Abou Akoun , Kini Félix , Kambo Konan René , Giorgi Michel
Published: July 2018

In the title compound, C17H12O4, the benzoate ring is oriented at an acute angle of 60.14 (13)° relative to the coumarin plane (r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 Å). This conformation is stabilized by an intramolecular C—H...O weak hydrogen bond, which forms a five-membered ring. Also present are π–π stacking interactions between neighbouring pyrone and benzene rings [centroid-to-centroid distances in the range 3.6286 (1)–3.6459 (1) Å] and C=O...π interactions [O...centroid distances in the range 3.2938 (1)–3.6132 (1) Å]. Hirshfeld surface analysis has been used to confirm and quantify the supramolecular interactions.
Computer-extended series solution for laminar flow between a fixed impermeable disk and a porous rotating disk
Authors: Awati Vishwanath B. , Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Jyoti Manjunath
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the laminar boundary layer flow between a stationary nonporous disk and a porous rotating disk, both being immersed in large amount of fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing nonlinear momentum equations in cylindrical polar coordinates together with relevant boundary conditions are reduced to a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NODEs) using similarity transformations. The resulting coupled NODEs are solved using computer-extended series solution and homotopy analysis method.

Findings

The analytical solutions are explicitly expressed in terms of recurrence relation for determining the universal coefficients. The nature and location of singularity which restricts the convergence of series is analyzed by using Domb–Sykes plot. Reversion of series is used for the improvement of series. The region of validity of series is extended for much larger values of Reynolds number (R), i.e. R = 6 to 15.

Originality/value

The resulting solutions are compared with earlier works in the literature and are found to be in good agreement.
Cooling enhancement by nanofluid mixed convection inside a horizontal vented cavity submitted to sinusoidal heating
Authors: Arroub Ismail , Bahlaoui Ahmed , Raji Abdelghani , Hasnaoui Mohammed , Naïmi Mohamed
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate numerically mixed convection of Al2O3-water nanofluids flowing through a horizontal ventilated cavity heated from below by a temperature varying sinusoidally along its lower wall. The simulations focus on the effects of different key parameters, such as Reynolds number (200 ≤ Re ≤ 5,000), nanoparticles’ concentration (0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.1) and phase shift of the heating temperature (0 ≤ γ ≤ π), on flow and thermal patterns and heat transfer performances.

Design/methodology/approach

The Navier–Stokes equations describing the nanofluid flow were discretized using a finite difference technique. The vorticity and energy equations were solved by the alternating direction implicit method. Values of the stream function were obtained by using the point successive over-relaxation method.

Findings

The simulations were performed for two modes of imposed external flow (injection and suction). The main findings are that the dynamical and thermal fields are affected by the parameters Re, ϕ, γ and the applied ventilation mode; the addition of nanoparticles leads to an improvement of heat transfer rate and an increase of mean temperature inside the enclosure; the heat exchange performance and the better cooling are more pronounced in suction mode; the phase shift of the heating temperature may lead to periodic solutions for weaker values of Re and contributes to an increase or a decrease of heat transfer depending on the value of ϕ and the convection regime.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the problem of mixed convection of a nanofluid inside a vented cavity using the injection or suction technics and submitted to non-uniform heating conditions has not been treated so far.
Introducing Lean Six Sigma to a German municipality: an action research report
Authors: Kregel Ingo , Coners André
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to expand the knowledge about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation in the public sector. By analyzing an LSS improvement initiative in a German municipality, examples of success, barriers and challenges are discussed. A comparison with literature regarding the production and service sectors unfolds similarities and differences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the action research method. Especially for the broad field of project management, methods focusing on actual experience from practice have been recommended by many researchers.

Findings

Implementations of LSS in the public sector seem to be particularly challenging and lengthy. Change and communication management have proved to be the most important aspects to successful acceptance, cooperation and improvement sustainability. In the analyzed cases, the needed volume of data could often not be procured. The applied Six Sigma methodology primarily included the DMAIC project phases as well as selected standard instruments. In contrast, the lean elements of LSS achieved more results and were appreciated by project team members.

Originality/value

The LSS application in this paper provides insights into practical implementation experience in a municipality, as well as lessons learned. Until now, most research addressed the single application of lean, continuous improvement or Six Sigma. This paper represents the first academic report of a LSS program in a German municipality and underlines the need for scientific support of those initiatives in further municipalities worldwide.
Revealing research trends and themes in Lean Six Sigma: from 2000 to 2016
Authors: Raval Shruti J. , Kant Ravi , Shankar Ravi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and introduce comprehensive insights into the field of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) by reviewing the existing literature and identifying the research gap. The state of LSS research is assessed by critically examining the field, along with a number of dimensions, including time horizon, year, journal and publisher, university, country, author, geographic analysis, research design, research affairs, research methods, tools/techniques used, focus industries, major research area, benefits gained by LSS, critical success factors and barriers of LSS implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a systematic literature review of 190 articles containing the word LSS in their title, which are published in a well-known database, such as Elsevier ScienceDirect, Taylor and Francis, Emerald Full Text, Springer Link, Wiley InterScience and Inderscience from January 2000 to September 2016.

Findings

This analysis reveals 15 significant dimensions to identify the state of LSS research. Authors find a noticeable rise in the attention of LSS research in the available literature. Major findings show that, the empirical research holds greater credibility. Statistics prove that the case study method scores the highest among all the research methods used in the discipline. The largest number of studies have investigated research issues related to implementation and process of LSS. The LSS uses a wide range of tools/techniques/methodologies: the choice of tools is situation-specific. Manufacturing and health-care sectors have been the focus of LSS research, but LSS has also been adopted by other types of industries. The organizations following LSS have improved bottom-line results, improved company profitability and growth and enhanced customer satisfaction. In general the research is more interpretive in nature; there is still a lack of standard in the LSS implementation framework.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to reviewing those articles which contain the word LSS appeared in the title.

Originality/value

This study will help understand the current state of research on LSS, various trends in the field, its applicability and future prospects of investigation in the field.
Exploring the role of human factors in lean management
Authors: Gaiardelli Paolo , Resta Barbara , Dotti Stefano
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Although lean popularity is rapidly growing, its implementation is far from problem-free and companies may experience difficulties in sustaining long-term success. On this premises, the purpose of this paper is to understand to what extent human factors, affected by the implementation of both hard (defined as technical and analytical tools) and soft (concerning people and relations) lean practices, play a key role in achieving long-term superior performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of the relationships between lean practices implementation, human factors and operational performance is carried out in a single exploratory case study. A retrospective approach is adopted to trace the changes of human and operational performance before, during and after the introduction of lean management (LM) implementation. In particular, a mixed method concurrent design merging results of a qualitative analysis with data collected from a survey is selected to provide a more realistic benefit in the exploration of the proposed research questions.

Findings

The results show a short-term direct relationship between the implementation of lean practices (hard and soft) and physical work environment and job characteristics, directly connected to operational outcome. In the long term, operational performance is influenced by employee behaviour outcome and conditioned by physical work environment and job characteristics with the mediating effect of individual characteristics.

Practical implications

The proposed model supports the building of a roadmap for LM implementation, taking into account the role of the human factors to achieve superior operational performance. Moreover, it helps managers to implement a monitoring system to check how social and technical components of a LM system evolve over time. Finally, it supports the definition of specific training programs, tailored for specific workers’ types.

Originality/value

This paper extends theory in LM, highlighting how hard and soft lean practices have to interact to enable a successful LM implementation.
Continually harvesting the crowds
Authors: Roedenbeck Marc R.H. , Lieb Manfred
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how a small business is able to continually use entrepreneurial financial sources (i.e. crowdfunding) within and after a successful transformation from an entrepreneur. It additionally investigates how a market incumbent is able to successfully join the market of entrepreneurial financial resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, a comparative case study using qualitative and quantitative data as well as triangulation technique is conducted within the international board game (or tabletop) market at the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The US company CMON, which has developed from an entrepreneur to a small business and beyond, is compared with the German incumbent Pegasus. Based on an analysis of a set of key performance indicators suggested in the literature, qualitative and quantitative variables are deductively derived to measure their impact on the financial goal achievement, thereby showing their impact on the goal achievement. During the analysis, additional variables are identified inductively.

Findings

As a result, several qualitative components are found to be crucial, including oral storytelling and computer animated videos/images, a perfect multilingual product language, prototyped components, an active community and a depth and regularity in campaign updates. In quantitative terms, important components include having more product images than longer project descriptions, more optional buys than different but fixed project rewards, a big social network (on Twitter and Facebook), and the number of updates.

Research limitations/implications

Based upon the data and findings, this study invites for more research, especially in conducting a larger scale quantitative analysis using the developed framework to compare more cases within a branch, cases across branches and cases with different background stories.

Practical implications

But to successfully run a crowdfunding campaign, entrepreneurs and incumbents can use the provided measures as a first design- and decision-roadmap, as well as copying the new business strategy of continually practicing crowdfunding for new products.

Originality/value

Despite its limits, this paper offers the first in-depth qualitative and quantitative crowdfunding case study showing on the one hand a new business strategy about crowdfunding as well as providing a structured measure to compare crowdfunding project performance.
Acquired, transferred and integrated knowledge: a study of M&A knowledge performance
Authors: Calipha Rachel , Brock David M. , Rosenfeld Ahron , Dvir Dov
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The acquisition of knowledge through mergers and acquisition (M&A) may not create value—usually because the knowledge may not be transferred, or transferred but not integrated. The purpose of this paper to develop and test a theoretical model of knowledge and performance in the M&A process.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory, model and case analysis.

Findings

The literature review led us to distinguish between three main categories of knowledge along the different stages of the M&A process: acquired knowledge in the pre-merger stage; and transferred knowledge and integrated knowledge in the post-merger stage. The application of the model is illustrated in a case study of technology M&A, which includes data collected from annual reports before and after the merger.

Research limitations/implications

The model recommends acknowledging the differences between the acquired knowledge, transferred knowledge and integrated knowledge when examining the relationship between knowledge and performance in M&As. In addition, the model suggests considering several factors that influence future knowledge integration in the pre-merger stage. Ignoring the three categories and the factors may be the reason for the reports of previous studied stating that the acquisition of knowledge-based resources is associated with negative announcement returns to the acquiring firm.

Originality/value

The paper presents new procedures to measure knowledge, collecting data on R&D employees by using annual reports. In addition, the paper suggests adding “in-process R&D” as an “Acquired Knowledge” measure.
Intercultural competence in higher education: academics’ perspectives
Authors: Pinto Susana
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to diagnose and understand Portuguese academics’ perspectives on the components of intercultural competence and on the importance of its development by higher education students.

Design/methodology/approach

Academics’ perspectives were identified during two discussion and reflection sessions included in the overall training program Intercultural Competence in Higher Education: building proposals with academics that took place at a Portuguese public university. Data were collected through audio recordings of the two sessions and observation notes and were subject to content analysis, drawing on Deardorff’s process model of intercultural competence (2006).

Findings

Academics recognize the multidimensionality of intercultural competence, acknowledging that it comprises attitudes (acceptance and respect; curiosity and openness), knowledge (others’ cultural contexts; self-knowledge and cultural self-awareness) and skills (observation and listening) that altogether will lead to individuals’ desired internal and external outcomes. The development of intercultural competence by higher education students, regarded in close relation to higher education internationalization, is considered crucial for changing prejudiced attitudes, preparing students to live in a global world and empowering them professionally.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on an issue that has been insufficiently addressed by research: academics’ perspectives on intercultural competence development, namely, in the Portuguese higher education context.
Soluble galectin 9 potently enhanced regulatory T‐cell formation, a pathway impaired in patients with intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Zhao Ming‐Guang , Liang Guo‐Biao , Zhang Hai‐Feng , Zhao Guo‐Feng , Luo Yun‐He
Published: July 2018

Patients with intracranial aneurysm (IA) present a dysregulated immune system with lower frequency of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Here, we examined whether galectin 9 (Gal‐9), the natural ligand of Tim‐3, could promote Treg cells in IA patients. We first discovered that the intracellular and extracellular Gal‐9 was primarily expressed by CD4+CD25− T conventional (Tconv) cells, and also by monocytes at lower levels, but rarely by CD4+CD25+ Treg cells. In IA patients, the Gal‐9 expression was significantly lower than in healthy controls. CD4+CD25− Tconv cells could be induced into Foxp3‐expressing induced Treg (iTreg) cells using a TGF‐β‐containing milieu. We found that soluble Gal‐9 significantly enhanced this process by potently upregulating the expression of Foxp3, IL‐10 and TGF‐β in a concentration‐dependent manner. In addition, in the absence of additional Gal‐9, the level of Foxp3 upregulation was directly correlated with the level of intrinsic Gal‐9 expression. Notably, the strength of external Gal‐9‐mediated effects was significantly lower in IA patients than in healthy controls. Using a Tim‐3 blocking antibody, we found that the promotion of iTreg development by soluble Gal‐9 was dependent on the Tim‐3 signalling pathway. Overall, our investigations demonstrated that Gal‐9 presented a critical role in the development of iTreg cells. However, this mechanism was impaired in IA patients due to lower expression of both Gal‐9 and Tim‐3.
Recurrence of pre‐eclampsia and the risk of future hypertension and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Brouwers L , van der Meiden‐van Roest AJ , Savelkoul C , Vogelvang TE , Lely AT , Franx A , van Rijn BB
Published: July 2018

Background

Women with a history of hypertensive disorders, including pre‐eclampsia, during pregnancy have a two‐ to‐five‐fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 15% of women, pre‐eclampsia recurs in the following pregnancy.

Objectives

To evaluate all evidence on the future risk of developing hypertension and CVD after multiple pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia compared with pre‐eclampsia in a single pregnancy followed by normal subsequent pregnancy.

Search strategy

Embase and Medline were searched until June 2017.

Selection criteria

All relevant studies on the risk of developing hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), thromboembolism, heart failure or overall hospitalisation and mortality due to CVD after having had recurrent pre‐eclampsia.

Data collection and analysis

Twenty‐two studies were included in the review. When possible, we calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI through random‐effect analysis.

Main results

Recurrent pre‐eclampsia was consistently associated with an increased pooled risk ratio of hypertension (RR 2.3; 95% CI 1.9–2.9), ischaemic heart disease (RR 2.4; 95% CI 2.2–2.7), heart failure (RR 2.9; 95% CI 2.3–3.7), CVA (RR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.6) and hospitalisation due to CVD (RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–1.9) when compared with women with subsequent uncomplicated pregnancies. Other studies on thromboembolism, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality found a positive effect, but data could not be pooled.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta‐analysis support consistent higher risk for future development of hypertension and CVD in women with recurring pre‐eclampsia as opposed to women with a single episode of pre‐eclampsia.

Tweetable abstract

The risk of future cardiovascular disease increases when women have recurrence of pre‐eclampsia compared with a single episode.
Medical Group Characteristics and the Cost and Quality of Care for Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Casalino Lawrence P. , Ramsay Patricia , Baker Laurence C. , Pesko Michael F. , Shortell Stephen M.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To estimate the relationship between outcomes of care and medical practices’ structure and use of organized care improvement processes.

Data Sources/Study Setting

We linked Medicare claims data to our national survey of physician practices (2012–2013). Fifty percent response rate; 1,040 responding practices; 31,888 physicians; 868,213 attributed Medicare beneficiaries.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional observational analysis of the relationship between practice characteristics and total spending, readmissions, and ambulatory care–sensitive admissions (ACSAs), for all beneficiaries and five categories of beneficiary defined by predicted need for care.

Principal Findings

Practices with 100+ physicians and 50–99 physicians had, respectively, annual spending per high‐need beneficiary that was $1,870 (12.5 percent) and $1,824 higher than practices with 1–2 physicians, and readmission rates 1.64 and 1.71 higher. ACSA rates did not vary significantly by practice size. Outcomes did not vary significantly by ownership or by practices’ use of organized processes to improve care.

Conclusions

Large practices had higher spending and readmission rates than the smallest practices, especially for high‐need beneficiaries. There were no significant performance differences between physician‐owned and hospital‐owned practices. Policy makers should consider the effects of specific policies on provider organization, pending further research to learn which types of practice provide better care.
Associations between dietary behaviours and perceived physical and mental health status among Korean adolescents
Authors: Park Subin , Rim Soo J. , Lee Junghyun H.
Published: July 2018

Aim

To investigate the associations between a wide range of dietary behaviours and self‐reported physical and mental health status in a representative sample of Korean adolescents.

Methods

Data from the 2016 Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web‐based Survey were used. Participants were middle‐ and high‐school students (n = 65 528) in grades 7–12. Participants’ dietary behaviours were assessed using questionnaires on three encouraged dietary behaviours (consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk) and three discouraged behaviours (skipping breakfast and consumption of fast food and soft drinks). Participants were also asked to rate their perceived general and oral health, happiness, sleep satisfaction, stress, depressed mood, and suicidal ideation.

Results

After adjusting for sex, school grade, residential area, socioeconomic status, and other dietary behaviours, a high intake of fast food and soft drink and frequent skipping of breakfast were all associated with worse physical and mental health status. Moreover, a high intake of fruits, vegetables, and milk were associated with better perceived general health, oral health, happiness, and sleep satisfaction.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that existing encouraged dietary habits mostly have beneficial effects on perceived physical and mental health in Korean adolescents. However, the cross‐sectional study design prevents our ability to assess causal relationships.
Improving the Antimicrobial Power of Low‐Effective Antimicrobial Molecules Through Nanotechnology
Authors: Ruiz‐Rico María , Pérez‐Esteve Édgar , de la Torre Cristina , Jiménez‐Belenguer Ana I. , Quiles Amparo , Marcos María D. , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Barat José M.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this work was on the one hand to assess the antibacterial activity of amines anchored to the external surface of mesoporous silica particles against Listeria monocytogenes in comparison with the same dose of free amines as well. It was also our aim to elucidate the mechanism of action of the new antimicrobial device. The suitability of silica nanoparticles to anchor, concentrate and improve the antimicrobial power of polyamines against L. monocytogenes has been demonstrated in a saline solution and in a food matrix. Moreover, through microscope observations it has been possible to determine that the attractive binding forces between the positive amine corona on the surface of nanoparticles and the negatively charged bacteria membrane provoke a disruption of the cell membrane. The surface concentration of amines on the surface of the nanoparticles is so effective that immobilized‐amines were 100 times more effective in killing L. monocytogenes bacteria than the same amount of free polyamines. This novel approach for the creation of antimicrobial nanodevices opens the possibility to put in value the antimicrobial power of natural molecules that have been discarded because of its low antimicrobial power.

Practical Application

Consumers demand for high‐quality products, free from chemical preservatives, with an extended shelf‐life. In this study, a really powerful antimicrobial agent based on a nanomaterial functionalized with a non‐antimicrobial organic molecule was developed as a proof of concept. Following this approach it could be possible to develop a new generation of natural and removable antimicrobials based on their anchoring to functional surfaces for food, agricultural or medical purposes.
Information flow around stock market collapse
Authors: Bossomaier Terry , Barnett Lionel , Steen Adam , Harré Mike , d'Alessandro Steve , Duncan Rod
Published: July 2018

Strong correlations among share prices appear during a market transitions. Numerous measures have been proposed to predict crash events, but they all show a trend which peaks at the transition itself. Information flow among share prices peaks before a transition, whereas correlation‐based indices peak at the transition itself. The classic spin model used in physics describes one type of tipping point where there is a peak in information flow located away from the transition point itself and is thus predictive. Information theoretic metrics of this kind have not been applied to prediction in real‐world systems, such as stock markets.
New Norms and Forms of Participation in Rural South African Science Classrooms
Authors: Seiler Gale
Published: July 2018

New forms of classroom participation, envisioned as contributing to democracy, are advocated by the South African national curriculum. This paper investigates what form participatory science teaching can and should take in South Africa where the legacy of colonialism and apartheid remains and considers this question through the efforts of two pre‐service teachers who created new norms and forms of classroom participation. Findings demonstrate that extant and resonant cultural practices hold promise in promoting classroom engagement.
Mom, Dad, and the Research Object: The Ethics of Conducting Research Based on Your Own Children's Everyday Life
Authors: Matthiesen Noomi , Szulevicz Thomas
Published: July 2018

Doing research into the everyday lives of one's own children allows for a unique in‐depth insight into the complexities of educational life. This article discusses the ethical dilemmas of this kind of research including issues of power, consent, emotional involvement, objectivity, and researcher positioning, arguing that research is always a risk‐filled endeavor requiring vigilant ethical astuteness and moment‐to‐moment judgments, which are particularly radicalized when doing research with intimate others such as one's children.
Linkage disequilibrium pattern and genome‐wide association mapping for meat traits in multiple porcine F2crosses
Authors: Stratz P. , Schmid M. , Wellmann R. , Preuß S. , Blaj I. , Tetens J. , Thaller G. , Bennewitz J.
Published: July 2018

In the present study, data from four F2 crosses were analysed and used to study the linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure within and across the crosses. Genome‐wide association analyses (GWASes) for conductivity and dressing out meat traits were conducted using single‐marker and Bayesian multi‐marker models using the pooled data from all F2 crosses. Porcine F2 crosses generated from the distantly related founder breeds Wild Boar, Piétrain and Meishan, as well as from a porcine F2 cross from the closely related founder breed Piétrain and an F1 Large White × Landrace cross were pooled. A total of 2572 F2 animals were genotyped using a 62KSNPchip. The positions of theSNPs were based on genome assembly Sscrofa11.1. After post‐alignment and genotype filtering, approximately 50KSNPs were usable forLDstudies andGWASes. The main findings of the present study are that the breakdown ofLDwas faster in crosses from closely related founder breeds compared to crosses from distantly related founders. The fastest breakdown ofLDwas observed by pooling the data. Based on the single‐marker results andLDstructure, clusters and windows were built for 1‐Mb intervals. For conductivity and dressing out, 183 and 191 nominal significant associations respectively and six and five clusters respectively were found. Dominance was important for conductivity, and considering dominance inGWASes improved the mapping signals. Most clear signals were found for conductivity onSSC6, 8 and 15 and for dressing out onSSC2 and 7. Considering dominance might contribute to the accuracy of genomic selection and serve as a guide for choosing mating pairs with good combining abilities. However, further research is needed to investigate if dominance is also important in crossbreed pig breeding schemes.
Association between urinary incontinence and physical frailty in Korea
Authors: Kang Jiyoung , Kim Cheolhwan
Published: July 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between urinary incontinence (UI) and physical frailty (PF).

Methods

The study participants (n = 404) who visited the geriatric clinic were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of UI based on questionnaire results. We analysed the relationship between each factor associated with PF and the risk of UI according to the number of factors associated with PF.

Results

Urinary incontinence was associated with grip strength and history of falls (P = 0.01, 0.02, respectively). The risk of UI increased as the patients’ number of PF‐related factors increased (P for trend = 0.04).

Conclusions

The risk of UI increased as the severity of PF increased. Strength and the experiences of falls were associated with UI.
Effects of plantar sensitivity on balance and mobility in community‐dwelling older adults: A Turkish study
Authors: Ünver Banu , Akbaş Eda
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of regional plantar tactile sensitivity with balance and mobility in community‐dwelling older people.

Methods

Fifty‐five older adults (39 women and 16 men) mean age 73.5 ± 6.5 years participated in the study. Plantar tactile sensitivity was assessed at nine regions of the foot using Semmes‐Weinstein monofilaments. Balance and mobility of the subjects were evaluated with Berg Balance Scale and Rivermead Mobility Index, respectively.

Results

Plantar tactile sensitivity was not significantly correlated with balance and mobility scores. No significant differences were obtained when balance and mobility scores were compared between subjects with and without plantar sensitivity.

Conclusions

This study revealed that plantar tactile sensory was not associated with balance and mobility functions in older adults. This result may be related to the protection of other sensory systems supporting the maintenance of balance and mobility functions in physically active community‐dwelling older people.
Exploring the role of moral disengagement in the link between perceived narcissistic supervision and employees' organizational deviance: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Li Si , Liu Wenxing , Han Yi , Muhammad Naseer Akhtar
Published: July 2018

Current research on leader narcissism has been predominantly centered on the intrapersonal perspective and discusses leader narcissism and associated behavioral outcomes. Few have adopted the interpersonal approach to explore the possible effects that leader narcissism can exert on their followers. Drawing on the social cognitive theory of moral disengagement, the present study aims to examine leader narcissism and followers' outcomes from the interpersonal perspective. We propose that perceived narcissistic supervision will lead to employees' organizational deviance via moral disengagement and that employees' moral identity will moderate the link between perceived narcissistic supervision and employees' moral disengagement; Moreover, there also exists a moderated mediation effect of employees' moral identity. Study 1, a three‐wave study conducted in 10 companies distributed among eight cities in China within 2 months, with a final sample containing 61 supervisors and 228 subordinates, preliminarily supported the main effect and the moderating effect of moral identity. In addition, we conducted a supplementary study on the basis of another three‐wave investigation with a sample of 195 employees, which replicated our research results in Study 1 and also verified the moderated mediation effect. Implications of the model are described, and future research directions are suggested.
Epsilon waves: Milestones in the discovery and progress
Authors: Li Guo-Liang , Saguner Ardan M. , Fontaine Guy Hugues , Frank Robert
Published: July 2018

The Epsilon wave was first identified in 1977. Four decades of progress help people to better understand its pathological electrogenesis and diagnostic value. Currently, the Epsilon wave is on the list of the 2010 Task Force recommendations for the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). In this review, we provide the history of the first recording of the Epsilon wave in coronary artery disease and Uhl's anomaly, subsequently leading to the signal averaging technique to record late potentials. Based on our experience, we discuss some existing controversies. When we look back at the decades of progress of the Epsilon wave, we conclude that the Epsilon wave is only the tip of the iceberg of ECG abnormalities in ARVD.
Obstetric emergencies as antecedents to neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, does parity matter?
Authors: Liljestrom Lena , Wikstrom Anna‐Karin , Jonsson Maria
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Our aim was to investigate the risk of moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by obstetric emergencies, with focus on the distribution of obstetric emergencies by parity, taking the history of a previous cesarean into account.

Material and methods

Population‐based cohort study of 692 428 live births at ≥ 36 weeks of gestation in Sweden, 2009‐2015. Data were retrieved by linking the Swedish Medical Birth Register with the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register. Therapeutic hypothermia served as surrogate for moderate to severe HIE. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate associations between HIE and placental abruption, eclampsia, cord prolapse, uterine rupture, and shoulder dystocia, presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CI.

Results

An obstetric emergency occurred in 133/464 (29%) of all HIE cases, more commonly in the parous (overall 37%; 48% with and 31% without a previous cesarean) than in the nulliparous (21%). Among nulliparas, shoulder dystocia was the most common obstetric emergency with the strongest association with HIE (aOR 48.2; 95% CI 28.2‐82.6). In parous women without a previous cesarean, shoulder dystocia was most common, but placental abruption had the strongest association with HIE. Among parous women with a previous cesarean, uterine rupture was the most prevalent obstetric emergency with the strongest association with HIE (aOR 45.6; 95% CI 24.5‐84.6).

Conclusions

Obstetric emergencies are common among cases of moderate to severe HIE. The strong association with shoulder dystocia in nullipara, and with uterine rupture in women with previous cesarean deliveries, implies an opportunity for reducing the incidence of HIE.
Educated and Happy: A Four‐Year Study Explaining the Links Between Education, Job Fit, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Ilies Remus , Yao Jingxian , Curseu Petru L. , Liang Alyssa X.
Published: July 2018

Drawing on a bottom‐up theoretical perspective on life satisfaction, we developed and tested a model that specifies distinct paths from education to life satisfaction through three domain satisfactions (i.e., job, financial, and health satisfactions). Furthermore, we proposed explanatory mechanisms for each of these three paths (i.e., job fit, financial literacy, and proactive healthy behaviours). To test our hypotheses, we used a large probability sample comprising 3,011–9,669 individuals, from the Netherlands, who provided survey responses over four consecutive years. The results supported the hypothesised mediating mechanisms explaining the indirect relationship between education and job, financial, and health satisfactions. Findings also showed that each of these domain satisfactions independently predicts general life satisfaction. Overall, the study shows the importance of education for life satisfaction and highlights the importance of work (i.e., job fit and job satisfaction) for individuals' general subjective well‐being.
The moral self and moral identity: Developmental questions and conceptual challenges
Authors: Kingsford Jess M. , Hawes David J. , de Rosnay Marc
Published: July 2018

Research into moral identity has provided much support for its role in mature moral functioning, yet the developmental course of this construct remains poorly understood. In this review, we examine the dominant developmental model of moral identity, which emphasizes its key relation with the moral self of early childhood. In reviewing evidence for the model, the assumption of correspondence between the moral self of early childhood and moral identity in adolescence is challenged, in terms of both the moral component and the sense‐of‐self entailed in both constructs. We argue that progress in mapping the developmental course of moral identity stands to be informed by a focus on middle childhood, which to date has been largely neglected in this literature, despite evidence implicating this period from related fields of inquiry. A number of specific directions for future developmental research into moral identity are outlined based on this perspective.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Moral identity is central to adolescent moral functioning.

Early childhood ‘moral self’ becomes adolescent moral identity.

What does this study add?

The current dominant developmental model is examined.

The model is found to have questionable validity.

Middle childhood may be of unique importance to the emergence of moral identity.
Paediatric patients with acute leukaemia and KMT2A (MLL) rearrangement show a distinctive expression pattern of histone deacetylases
Authors: Vega‐García Nerea , Malatesta Roberta , Estella Camino , Pérez‐Jaume Sara , Esperanza‐Cebollada Elena , Torrebadell Montserrat , Català Albert , Gassiot Susanna , Berrueco Rubén , Ruiz‐Llobet Anna , Alonso‐Saladrigues Anna , Mesegué Montserrat , Pont‐Martí Sandra , Rives Susana , Camós Mireia
Published: July 2018

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) had emerged as promising drugs in leukaemia, but their toxicity due to lack of specificity limited their use. Therefore, there is a need to elucidate the role of HDACs in specific settings. The study of HDAC expression in childhood leukaemia could help to choose more specific HDACi for selected candidates in a personalized approach. We analysed HDAC1‐11, SIRT1, SIRT7, MEF2C and MEF2D mRNA expression in 211 paediatric patients diagnosed with acute leukaemia. There was a global overexpression of HDACs, while specific HDACs correlated with clinical and biological features, and some even predicted outcome. Thus, some HDAC and MEF2C profiles probably reflected the lineage and the maturation of the blasts and some profiles identified specific oncogenic pathways active in the leukaemic cells. Specifically, we identified a distinctive signature for patients with KMT2A (MLL) rearrangement, with high HDAC9 and MEF2D expression, regardless of age, KMT2A partner and lineage. Moreover, we observed an adverse prognostic value of HDAC9 overexpression, regardless of KMT2A rearrangement. Our results provide useful knowledge on the complex picture of HDAC expression in childhood leukaemia and support the directed use of specific HDACi to selected paediatric patients with acute leukaemia.