bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A clinical and histopathological study of malformations observed in fetuses infected by the Zika virus
Authors: Beaufrère Aurélie , Bessières Bettina , Bonnière Maryse , Driessen Marine , Alfano Christian , Couderc Thérèse , Thiry Marc , Thelen Nicolas , Lecuit Marc , Attié‐Bitach Tania , Vekemans Michel , Ville Yves , Nguyen Laurent , Leruez‐Ville Marianne , Encha‐Razavi Férechté
Published: July 2018

Background

The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and the associated increased prevalence of microcephaly in Brazil underline the impact of viral infections on embryo fetal development. The aim of the present study is to provide a detailed clinical and histopathological study of the fetal disruption caused by the ZIKV, with a special focus on the associated neuropathological findings.

Methods

A detailed feto‐placental examination, as well as neuropathological and neurobiological studies were performed on three fetuses collected after pregnancy termination between 22 and 25 weeks of gestation (WG), because brain malformations associated with a maternal and fetal ZIKV infection was diagnosed.

Results

In all three cases, the maternal infection occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. A small head was observed on the ultrasound examination of the second trimester of pregnancy and led to the diagnosis of ZIKV fetopathy and pregnancy termination. The fetal histopathological examination was unremarkable on the viscera but showed on the testis an interstitial lymphocytic infiltrate. The placenta contained a Hofbauer cells hyperplasia with signs of inflammation. Neuropathological findings included a meningoencephalitis and an ex vacuo hydrocephalus. Immunohistochemical studies showed the presence of T lymphocytic and histiocytic meningitis associated with an abundant cerebral astroglial and macrophagic reaction. In situ hybridization demonstrated, abundant ZIKV particles within the cerebral parenchyma mainly in the ventricular/subventricular zone and in the cortical plate. In addition massive cells death and endoplasmic reticulum damage were present.

Conclusion

The present study reports on the clinical and histopathological findings observed in three fetuses infected by the ZIKV. It emphasizes the severity of brain damages and the minimal visceral and placental changes observed upon ZIKV infection. This confirms the selective neurotropism of ZIKV. Finally, it allows us to describe the cascade of multifactorial developmental defects leading to microcephaly.
Gene transcription in bursting: a unified mode for realizing accuracy and stochasticity
Authors: Wang Yaolai , Ni Tengfei , Wang Wei , Liu Feng
Published: July 2018

There is accumulating evidence that, from bacteria to mammalian cells, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are produced in intermittent bursts – a much ‘noisier’ process than traditionally thought. Based on quantitative measurements at individual promoters, diverse phenomenological models have been proposed for transcriptional bursting. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms and significance for cellular signalling remain elusive. Here, we review recent progress, address the above issues and illuminate our viewpoints with simulation results. Despite being widely used in modelling and in interpreting experimental data, the traditional two‐state model is far from adequate to describe or infer the molecular basis and stochastic principles of transcription. In bacteria, DNA supercoiling contributes to the bursting of those genes that express at high levels and are topologically constrained in short loops; moreover, low‐affinity cis‐regulatory elements and unstable protein complexes can play a key role in transcriptional regulation. Integrating data on the architecture, kinetics, and transcriptional input–output function is a promising approach to uncovering the underlying dynamic mechanism. For eukaryotes, distinct bursting features described by the multi‐scale and continuum models coincide with those predicted by four theoretically derived principles that govern how the transcription apparatus operates dynamically. This consistency suggests a unified framework for comprehending bursting dynamics at the level of the structural and kinetic basis of transcription. Moreover, the existing models can be unified by a generic model. Remarkably, transcriptional bursting enables regulatory information to be transmitted in a digital manner, with the burst frequency representing the strength of regulatory signals. Such a mode guarantees high fidelity for precise transcriptional regulation and also provides sufficient randomness for realizing cellular heterogeneity.
Floral antagonists counteract pollinator‐mediated selection on attractiveness traits in the hummingbird‐pollinatedCollaea cipoensis(Fabaceae)
Authors: Gélvez‐Zúñiga Irene , Teixido Alberto L. , Neves Ana C. O. , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson
Published: July 2018

Pollinator‐mediated selection toward larger and abundant flowers is common in naturally pollen‐limited populations. However, floral antagonists may counteract this effect, maintaining smaller‐ and few‐flowered individuals within populations. We quantified pollinator and antagonist visit rates and determined a multiplicative female fitness component from attacked and non‐attacked flowers of the Brazilian hummingbird‐pollinated shrubCollaea cipoensisto determine the selective effects of pollinators and floral antagonists on flower size and number. We predicted that floral antagonists reduce the female fitness component and thus exert negative selective pressures on flower size and number, counteracting the positive effects of pollinators. Pollinators, mainly hummingbirds, comprised 4% of total floral visitation, whereas antagonist ants and bees accounted for 90% of visitation. Nectar‐robbers involved about 99% of floral antagonist visit rates, whereas florivores comprised the remaining 1%. Larger and abundant flowers increased both pollinator and antagonist visit rates and the female fitness component significantly decreased in flowers attacked by nectar‐robbers and florivores in comparison to non‐attacked flowers. We detected that pollinators favored larger‐ and many‐flowered individuals, whereas floral antagonists exerted negative selection on flower size and number. This study confirms that floral antagonists reduce female plant fitness and this pattern directly exerts negative selective pressures on flower size and number, counteracting pollinator‐mediated selection on floral attractiveness traits.
Creative ventures and the personalities that activate them in a post‐disaster setting
Authors: Cameron Trudi , Moore Kevin , Montgomery Roy , Stewart Emma J.
Published: July 2018

In the post‐earthquakes setting of Christchurch, New Zealand, the realization of value for the affected community occurred in a variety of ways. Data for this study were gathered from in‐depth interviews (n = 45) with people involved in a range of creative ventures pursued for commercial or social benefit during the five years following the earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2010 and 2011. Perhaps unexpectedly, the unstable setting delivered a multitude of opportunities for entrepreneurship and a reduced level of perceived risk. It was found that characteristics of those implementing creative projects contributed to the initial success of ventures. The characteristics, however, differ in important ways from those found in previous research about the typical psychological propensities associated with those who act on entrepreneurial opportunities. Importantly, the characteristics that led to the activation of ideas in the post‐disaster setting may have also led to their inability to prolong benefits.
Does allergy explain why some children have severe asthma?
Authors: Bonner Katie , Roberts Graham
Published: July 2018

Asthma is a common disease in childhood with a minority of affected children having severe therapy‐resistant asthma (STRA). Children with STRA can be differentiated from those with mild‐moderate disease by greater allergic sensitization, increased eosinophilic airway inflammation, increased airway remodelling and reduced corticosteroid responsiveness. The aetiology of STRA in children is multifactorial but allergy seems to play a key role. Many children with asthma have coexisting allergic disease, and severe rhinitis seems to be an important driver of STRA in children. Allergies to foods, moulds, pollen and pets have also been associated with severe asthma exacerbations. Identifying allergens that are driving asthma symptoms in children with STRA may provide additional strategies for improving their disease control. Avoidance strategies may be possible. Additional monoclonal antibody therapy with Omalizumab or Mepolizumab may be helpful in children with clinically important polysensitization.
Impact of donor coronary angiography on kidney transplantation outcomes
Authors: Lesouhaitier Mathieu , Legeai Camille , Savoye Emilie , Cantrelle Christelle , Pipien Isabelle , Macher Marie‐Alice , Vigneau Cécile , Dorent Richard
Published: July 2018

Coronary angiography (CA) is the gold standard evaluation of coronary artery disease in potential multi‐organ donors. This use of iodinated contrast media could lead to contrast‐induced acute kidney injury and consequently to delayed graft function (DGF). All patients in France who received a kidney from a 45‐70‐year‐old donor without medical contraindication for cardiac donation and with at least one cardiovascular risk factor were included. Recipients of preemptive kidney transplant or multi‐organ transplant, or who died within the first 8 days post‐transplantation were excluded. Data were obtained from CRISTAL database. From March 2012 to June 2014, 892 kidneys from 483 donors were transplanted. DGF was reported in 38.9% of the 375 kidney recipients grafted with a kidney from the 217 donors who had CA and in 45.5% of the 440 kidney recipients who received a kidney from the 257 donors without CA. Multivariate analysis showed that CA or repeated injection of iodinated contrast media did not influence the risk of DGF. CA did not increase the risk of primary non‐function, the duration of DGF or post‐transplantation hospital stay and did not affect the graft function at 1 year. Evaluation of potential multi‐organ donors with CA does not affect kidney graft outcomes.
The Role of Corporate Support for Employee Volunteering in Strengthening the Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices on Corporate Social Responsibility in the Egyptian Firms
Authors: Al Kerdawy Mostafa Mohamed Ahmed
Published: July 2018

Green human resource management (GHRM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have recently gained more attention in the business world. This study aims to investigate the role of corporate support for employee volunteering (CSEV) in strengthening the impact of GHRM on adopting CSR practices of the best 30 firms registered in EGX100 at the Egyptian stock exchange and engaged with CSR activities. Therefore, a conceptual framework was proposed to list theoretical concepts of GHRM, CSEV and CSR to form hypotheses. Data were collected from 326 respondents occupying the highest managerial positions in the studied firms. Using a structural equation model (SEM), the results indicate that both GHRM and CSEV influence positively on adopting CSR activities. Furthermore, CSEV plays a positive moderating role in strengthening the impact of GHRM on adopting CSR in the studied firms. These findings and their managerial implications were discussed in theory and practice.
Disfigurement, the body and dress: A review of the literature
Authors: Wilkinson Catherine , Carter Bernie , Shokrollahi Kayvan
Published: July 2018

This article reviews literature on disfigurement, the body and dress in order to better understand the relationship between dress—including mainstream clothing (“fashion”), clinical clothing (such as pressure garments, prescribed glasses, and prescribed footwear), and accessories—and its social and symbolic status for individuals living with a visible difference. We assess the state of the field through an interdisciplinary lens, collating literature from disciplines including but not limited to Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and Health. We review literature pertaining to living with a disfigurement and managing stigma, with an emphasis on dress and the disfigured body. In bringing this scholarship together, we speak to the geographies of the body and literature on the body and dress, considering the dressed body as both subject in, and object of, dress practice. We suggest that a new substantive focus on disfigurement could help to broaden and invigorate existing fields of inquiry at the intersection of social, health, and cultural geographies. In concluding, we highlight thematic directions for future study, including exploring the spaces and places in which decisions relating to disfigurement and dress are made, and the complex processes of negotiating marginalisation by those with a disfigurement.
Enhancement of α‐tocopherol by ensiling in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Sato Setsuro , Uegaki Ryuichi , Kawamura Jun‐ya , Kimura Toshiyuki
Published: July 2018

Experiments were conducted to document the enhancement of tocopherol (Toc), the main source of vitamin E in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants, by ensiling. The Toc content of four genotypes of barley and wheat was significantly enhanced by ensiling in plastic bags, and enhancement rates were 109–337% in barley and 331–503% in wheat. The overall enhancement was driven by the α‐form isomer. A significant interaction of ensiling treatment by genotype was not found in the Toc content in either species, indicating that the enhancement of Toc by ensiling was consistent irrespective of genotypes in both crops. Significant Toc enhancement by ensiling was exclusively found in leaves. The enhancement of Toc was also confirmed in round bale silages in both crops, which is prevalent as preservation methods of forages in many countries worldwide. Tocopherol enhancement was speculated to be likely because of the free phytol derived from chlorophyll breakdown, which was released from chlorophyll in leaves during ensiling to be used in the biosynthesis of Toc.
Immigrants’ support for social spending, self‐interest and the role of the group: A comparative study of immigrants in The Netherlands
Authors: Renema Jeanette A. J. , Lubbers Marcel
Published: July 2018

This study examined immigrants’ support for social spending. We tested the dominant self‐interest hypothesis for a number of immigrant groups in the Netherlands with highly varying socio‐economic positions. We additionally examined the effect of immigrants’ group interest by testing the relevance of in‐group immigrant benefit participation rates and their effect on support for social spending. In this article, we discuss how immigrants’ sense of belonging to a group affects the association between immigrants’ self‐ and group interests in welfare and their support for social spending. We found that self‐interest has explanatory relevance, but that this is strongly correlated with level of income. Results showed weak support for the effect of group interest. Instead of the expected moderation effects of sense of belonging on the self‐ and group‐interest explanations of support for social spending, the results showed a direct effect of sense of belonging on support for social spending.
Élaboration et validation d'un questionnaire sur le travail décent
Authors: FERRARO Tânia , PAIS Leonor , REBELO DOS SANTOS Nuno , MOREIRA João Manuel
Published: July 2018

Les auteurs cherchent à élaborer un outil de mesure du travail décent reposant sur un questionnaire inédit axé sur les perceptions des travailleurs. Les items proposés se fondent sur les «éléments fondamentaux» du travail décent selon l'OIT. Une première version de soixante‐douze items est administrée sur deux grands échantillons au Portugal et au Brésil. Les analyses factorielles exploratoire et confirmatoire menées sur cette base permettent d'isoler sept facteurs spécifiques et un facteur global du travail décent. Avec de bons coefficients de fiabilité et une bonne validité convergente et discriminante, le questionnaire proposé ouvre la voie à de nouvelles études empiriques dans le domaine.
Les conditions de travail dans le secteur tourné vers l'exportation du nord du Maroc: du cadre juridique à l'expérience vécue
Authors: TRINIDAD REQUEÑA Antonio , SORIANO MIRAS Rosa M. , BARROS RODRÍGUEZ Francisco
Published: July 2018

Les entreprises exportatrices de produits manufacturés et de services implantées dans le nord du Maroc se caractérisent par une grande flexibilité, une main‐d'œuvre sous pression, étroitement encadrée, et la remise en question de certains droits au travail. Les auteurs examinent cette situation à partir du modèle théorique de l'«économie mondiale localisée», en tenant compte du type de l'entreprise, de la branche d'activité et de la catégorie professionnelle. Ils montrent que la réforme du marché du travail de 2004, qui visait à rendre la réglementation marocaine conforme aux conventions internationales, a eu pour effet de renforcer encore la position des sociétés transnationales.
Comparison of hemagglutination inhibition, single radial hemolysis, virus neutralization assays, and ELISA to detect antibody levels against seasonal influenza viruses
Authors: Trombetta Claudia Maria , Remarque Edmond J. , Mortier Daniella , Montomoli Emanuele
Published: July 2018

Background

The immunological response to influenza vaccine and/or natural infection is evaluated by serological techniques, the most common being hemagglutination inhibition (HI), single radial hemolysis (SRH), and virus neutralization assays, which is commonly used in a micro‐neutralization (MN) format. ELISA is not officially required; however, this assay is able to measure different class‐specific antibodies. The four assays identify different sets or subsets of antibodies.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish the correlation among four serological assays using four seasonal influenza strains.

Methods

The HI, SRH, MN assays, and ELISA were performed on four seasonal influenza strains.

Results

A strong positive correlation was found between HI and MN and between SRH and MN assays for influenza A strains. The B strains also showed good correlations among the three assays. A positive correlation was also found between ELISA and the “classical” assays for all strains. Concerning the correlates of protection, as defined by HI ≥ 40 and SRH ≥ 25 mm2, good agreement was observed for the influenza A strains. By contrast, the agreement for the B strains was very low.

Conclusions

There is a positive strong correlation among the four serological assays for both A and B strains, especially for the HI and MN assays. There is good agreement on correlates of protection between HI and SRH assays for the A strains, but very low agreement for the B strains, suggesting higher sensitivity of SRH than HI assay in detecting antibodies against the influenza B viruses.
Integrative analysis of competing endogenous RNA networks reveals the functional lncRNAs in heart failure
Authors: Fan Zhimin , Gao Shanshan , Chen Yequn , Xu Bayi , Yu Chengzhi , Yue Minghui , Tan Xuerui
Published: July 2018

Heart failure has become one of the top causes of death worldwide. It is increasing evidence that lncRNAs play important roles in the pathology processes of multiple cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, lncRNAs can function as ceRNAs by sponging miRNAs to affect the expression level of mRNAs, implicating in numerous biological processes. However, the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in heart failure are still unclear. In our study, we constructed a heart failure‐related lncRNA‐mRNA network by integrating probe re‐annotation pipeline and miRNA‐target interactions. Firstly, some lncRNAs that had the central topological features were found in the heart failure‐related lncRNA‐mRNA network. Then, the lncRNA‐associated functional modules were identified from the network, using bidirectional hierarchical clustering. Some lncRNAs that involved in modules were demonstrated to be enriched in many heart failure‐related pathways. To investigate the role of lncRNA‐associated ceRNA crosstalks in certain disease or physiological status, we further identified the lncRNA‐associated dysregulated ceRNA interactions. And we also performed a random walk algorithm to identify more heart failure‐related lncRNAs. All these lncRNAs were verified to show a strong diagnosis power for heart failure. These results will help us to understand the mechanism of lncRNAs in heart failure and provide novel lncRNAs as candidate diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.
Bi‐directional longitudinal associations between different types of bullying victimization, suicide ideation/attempts, and depression among a large sample of European adolescents
Authors: Brunstein Klomek Anat , Barzilay Shira , Apter Alan , Carli Vladimir , Hoven Christina W. , Sarchiapone Marco , Hadlaczky Gergö , Balazs Judit , Kereszteny Agnes , Brunner Romuald , Kaess Michael , Bobes Julio , Saiz Pilar A. , Cosman Doina , Haring Christian , Banzer Raphaela , McMahon Elaine , Keeley Helen , Kahn Jean‐Pierre , Postuvan Vita , Podlogar Tina , Sisask Merike , Varnik Airi , Wasserman Danuta
Published: July 2018

Background

The association between bullying victimization and depression, suicide ideation and suicide attempts has been studied mainly in cross‐sectional studies. This study aims to test the bidirectional effect and the chronicity versus sporadic effect of physical, verbal, and relational bullying victimization on suicidal ideation/attempts and depression.

Methods

Longitudinal assessments with an interval of 3‐ and 12‐months were performed within a sample of 2,933 adolescents (56.1% females; mean age 14.78, SD = .89) from 10 European countries, participating in the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) school‐based multicenter control sample. Multilevel Structural Equation Models were used, controlling for sociodemographic variables. Victimization was considered chronic when a student was victimized in the first two time points and sporadic when it was reported only at one point but not in another.

Results

Bidirectional prospective association between all types of victimization and depression were found. Among participants, who reported victimization once (but not twice), physical victimization, but not verbal and relational, was associated with later suicidal ideation and attempts. Chronic victimization of any type increased likelihood for later depression compared with sporadic and no‐victimization. Chronic relational victimization increased the likelihood of later suicidal ideation, and chronic physical victimization increased the likelihood for suicidal attempts.

Conclusions

The results support the bidirectional effect of victimization and depression and indicate that there are complex longitudinal associations between victimization and suicidal ideation/attempts. Physical victimization may especially carry effect on suicidal risk over time. Interventions should focus on victimization as a cause of distress but also aim to prevent vulnerable adolescents from becoming targets of victimization.
Favre–Racouchot disease: systematic review and possible therapeutic strategies
Authors: Paganelli A. , Mandel V.D. , Kaleci S. , Pellacani G. , Rossi E.
Published: July 2018

Favre–Racouchot disease (FRD) is a relatively common dermatosis induced by chronic sun exposure. FRD is clinically and histologically characterized by the presence of both comedones and cysts in the context of an elastotic degeneration of the dermis. Those lesions are mainly located in the face, especially in the malar and periorbital areas. Smoking and radiotherapy seem to play a role in the pathogenesis together with UV exposure. The disease affects predominantly the aged population and seems to be a problem of mainly aesthetic concern. No official guidelines are available for the treatment of FRD; most common therapeutic strategies are represented by topical retinoids and laser treatments. The goal of our review was to identify the principal clinical and epidemiological characteristics of FRD and to analyse all the therapeutic strategies available. We also focused our attention on the follow‐up of this particular dermatosis. Our aim was therefore to suggest alternative possible strategies for both the treatment and the follow‐up of these patients. Our data support the efficacy of carbon dioxide laser and topical retinoids in the setting of FRD, but we also suggest considering alternative treatments, such as plasma exeresis. We also recommend planning both a short‐term and a long‐term follow‐up visit, as the majority of relapses is observed after 10–12 months.
Development and validation of a new tool to assess the Burden of Sensitive Skin (BoSS)
Authors: Misery L. , Jourdan E. , Abadie S. , Ezzedine K. , Brenaut E. , Huet F. , Sayag M. , Taieb C.
Published: July 2018

Background

Sensitive skin usually manifests itself as unpleasant sensations and sometimes erythema. There are various triggering factors for this condition. Although sensitive skin may alter quality of life, its burden has not yet been explored.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a specific sensitive skin burden questionnaire called the BoSS (Burden of Sensitive Skin).

Methods

A conceptual phase was developed, followed by a development phase, external validation, psychometric analysis, test–retest analysis and, finally, a translation, cross‐cultural adaptation and cognitive debriefing.

Results

A total of 6471 individuals participated in the study (4614 people in the validation study). The dimensionality of items was evaluated using factor analyses, suggesting three dimensions (self‐care, daily life and appearance). Unidimensionality was confirmed by higher order factor analysis. The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was high, and intradimensional coherences all demonstrated good reliability. The final instrument consisted of 14 items. The test–retest reliability demonstrated very good reproducibility. The intraclass correlation of each dimension was high. External validity was confirmed by the correlation coefficients of the BoSS vs. those of the SF‐12 and the DLQI assessment tools.

Conclusion

BoSS is the first reliable tool to assess the burden of sensitive skin.
Transnational Networked Constitutionalism
Authors: Perez Oren , Stegmann Ofir
Published: July 2018

The emergence and increasing importance of private transnational legal structures in global governance presents a puzzle for legal theory. These new forms of transnational law (TL) can be found in diverse areas, ranging from trade‐related issues, to corporate responsibility, human and labour rights, and environmental protection. Transnational constitutionalists have argued that this phenomenon has a constitutional quality. The challenge of transnational constitutionalism lies in developing an institutional model that explains how constitutionally embedded legal authority can arise independently of the institutional structures of state‐based public law. We propose a new theoretical framework for thinking about non‐statist legal authority, which we term ‘networked constitutionalism'. We conceptualize transnational legal authority as an emergent, network‐based phenomenon and elaborate the institutional conditions that undergird its emergence. We illustrate our thesis through a network analysis of a large sample of corporate social responsibility codes.
Constitutional Imaginaries and Legitimation: On Potentia, Potestas, and Auctoritas in Societal Constitutionalism
Authors: Přibáň Jiří
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on the presence of non‐political power in societal constitutions and their imaginaries. The theory of societal constitutions recontextualizes constitutionalism beyond public law, statehood, and polity. However, it also raises the question of legitimation and the authority of these non‐polity‐based constitutional regimes operating independently of public reasoning. Societal constitutions enhance power through specific knowledge regimes and imaginaries transform them into generally shared systems of rules and norms. This constitutionalization of the systemic facts of power as legitimizing values of the system can be identified in political as much as societal constitutions. The theory of societal constitutions, therefore, needs to use Foucault's analytics of power and Teubner's democratic proceduralization of dissent as well as Luhmann's ironies of autopoietic social systems to formulate a genealogy of legal normativity and its societal legitimation.
Proactive personality and proactive behaviour: Perspectives on person–situation interactions
Authors: McCormick Brian W. , Guay Russell P. , Colbert Amy E. , Stewart Greg L.
Published: July 2018

We conducted a field survey of leaders and their followers to examine factors that moderate the relationship between employee proactive personality and proactive behaviour. As hypothesized, random coefficient modelling analysis showed that two situational factors – transformational leadership and a climate of innovation and flexibility – moderated the relationship between employee proactive personality and proactive behaviour. Conceptually, we draw from situational strength theory to predict the pattern of these interactions. Our findings indicated that organizations desiring proactive employee behaviour would be well advised to take one of three courses of action: select employees with proactive personality who will generally behave proactively regardless of the situation; develop transformational leaders who will motivate, inspire, and support proactive employee behaviour; or cultivate a climate of innovation and flexibility which will create a strong situation that fosters proactivity regardless of employee individual differences.

Practitioner points

The modern workplace often demands that employees behave proactively, and our research shows that there are multiple strategies organizations can implement to facilitate employee proactive behaviour.

In particular, our study reveals three ways for organizations to facilitate proactive employee behaviour: (1) recruit and select employees who are high in proactive personality, who will be more apt to naturally engage in proactive behaviour; (2) hire or train leaders to be transformational since transformational leaders will bring about proactive employee behaviour; or (3) create a climate that rewards innovation and flexibility as such a climate will encourage proactive employee behaviour.
Loneliness and Adolescents’ Neural Processing of Self, Friends, and Teachers: Consequences for the School Self‐Concept
Authors: Golde Sabrina , Romund Lydia , Lorenz Robert C. , Pelz Patricia , Gleich Tobias , Beck Anne , Raufelder Diana
Published: July 2018

The present interdisciplinary study explored whether perceived loneliness is associated with ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) activation during self‐ and social judgments (friends and teachers) in adolescents. Moreover, we examined how vMPFC activity is related to the academic self‐concept (ASC). Results of manifest path analysis indicated that high perceived loneliness was related to lower neural response to self‐judgments. In turn, high neural response to self‐judgments was positively associated with the ASC, whereas there was a trendwise negative association between high neural response to teacher‐related judgments and ASC. This study reveals associations between perceived loneliness and neural processing of the self, underlining the idea that feeling isolated from others may hinder self‐insight and, by extension, the formation of a stable academic self‐concept.
Factors influencing food choices of Malawian consumers: A food choice questionnaire approach
Authors: Gama Aggrey Pemba , Adhikari Koushik , Hoisington David A.
Published: July 2018

A consumer survey was conducted to identify the factors that influence food choices in Malawi. Consumer segments were also identified and characterized based on the determined food choice motives and the consumers' demographic and socioeconomic data. Using a Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) it was determined that mood, health, price and preparation convenience, sensory appeal, and familiarity were the main factors influencing food choices of Malawian consumers. However, other factors are also influencing food choices in Malawi that were not revealed by the FCQ. Unlike in most affluent societies, the sensory appeal of food was not the most dominant food choice motive in Malawi. In general, the factor structure and factor ranking were different from those found in developing countries as hypothesized. Four consumer clusters emerged, comprising 33%, 30%, 24%, and 13% of the sample and the consumers' demographic and socioeconomic profiles had a significant effect (p < .05) on the cluster composition.

Practical applications

Given the importance of identifying food choice determinants when developing new food products and designing nutrition interventions programs, among others, this study is useful in many ways. A consideration of the different consumer segments and their characteristics will be helpful in designing effective nutrition interventions, health nudges, food marketing strategies, and new food products, among others. Furthermore, the study provides useful insights on how to modify the FCQ for developing nations like Malawi.
Imagining real world utopias
Authors: Davies William
Published: July 2018

When the lines between economics and science fiction blur, a space opens up for political imagination to take over
Genetic structure in parasitic Rhinanthus angustifolius is determined by geographical distance rather than habitat – implications for taxonomy and conservation
Authors: Jonstrup Anneli , Andersson Stefan , Hedrén Mikael
Published: July 2018

Analyses of intraspecific genetic structure can promote the conservation of genetic diversity of rare or declining plant species by enabling identification of proper management units. Here we investigate the genetic structure of the annual hemiparasitic herb Rhinanthus angustifolius to evaluate the genetic distinctness of two currently described subspecies and three habitat‐related groups of populations inferred from recent common‐garden data. Data from 11 nuclear microsatellite loci, obtained from 17 southern Swedish populations of R. angustifolius, were analyzed with a variety of population genetic techniques to examine how intraspecific genetic structure relates to taxonomy, habitat and geography. Neither the two subspecies nor the three recently identified population groups formed genetically coherent lineages. Rather, there was a clear isolation‐by‐distance pattern, pointing to a major role of geographically restricted gene flow in structuring the diversity at the putatively neutral microsatellite loci. Although uncertainties remain regarding the influence of homoplasy and possible introgression from the closely related R. minor, our microsatellite data argue against the recognition of previously identified subspecies or population groups as management units for conservation purposes. As currently described entities do not contain much unique genetic variation, we recommend conserving populations from a large geographical range, rather than populations from specific habitats, to preserve the long‐term evolutionary potential of the species.
Reproductive phasiRNAs in grasses are compositionally distinct from other classes of small RNAs
Authors: Patel Parth , Mathioni Sandra , Kakrana Atul , Shatkay Hagit , Meyers Blake C.
Published: July 2018

Little is known about the characteristics and function of reproductive phased, secondary, small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) in the Poaceae, despite the availability of significant genomic resources, experimental data, and a growing number of computational tools. We utilized machine‐learning methods to identify sequence‐based and positional features that distinguish phasiRNAs in rice and maize from other small RNAs (sRNAs).

We developed Random Forest classifiers that can distinguish reproductive phasiRNAs from other sRNAs in complex sets of sequencing data, utilizing sequence‐based (k‐mers) and features describing position‐specific sequence biases.

The classification performance attained is > 80% in accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predicted value. Feature selection identified important features in both ends of phasiRNAs. We demonstrated that phasiRNAs have strand specificity and position‐specific nucleotide biases potentially influencing AGO sorting; we also predicted targets to infer functions of phasiRNAs, and computationally assessed their sequence characteristics relative to other sRNAs.

Our results demonstrate that machine‐learning methods effectively identify phasiRNAs despite the lack of characteristic features typically present in precursor loci of other small RNAs, such as sequence conservation or structural motifs. The 5′‐end features we identified provide insights into AGO–phasiRNA interactions. We describe a hypothetical model of competition for AGO loading between phasiRNAs of different nucleotide compositions.
Evaluation of Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ‐BM22 in Patients with Bone Metastases after Treatment with Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Chen Zheng‐qi , Wang Chong‐ren , Ma Xiao‐jun , Sun Wei , Shen Jia‐kang , Sun Meng‐xiong , Fu Ze‐ze , Hua Ying‐qi , Cai Zheng‐dong
Published: July 2018

Objective

To reveal the alterations in quality of life (QOL) in bone metastases patients after magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 26 patients diagnosed with bone metastases. Patients had various primary malignant tumors and tumor lesions in different locations. All patients received MRgFUS for bone metastasis. Each focal spot sonication pulse that was applied to create energy deposition lasted 20 s and was performed at a frequency of 1.05 MHz. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain level and the EORTC QLQ‐BM22 was applied to evaluate QOL for 12 months. The lower the QLQ‐BM22 score, the better the QOL of patients.

Results

The painful site subscale of the EORTC QLQ‐BM22 was observed without significant change. Significant reductions in the functional subscales were observed after therapy compared with the baseline. The functional interference was reduced significantly during the first 12 months. From the 2‐month time point onwards, the pain characteristics subscale also decreased significantly. VAS scores had decreased by 40.8% 1 month after the operation and had decreased 10.9% compared with VAS scores preoperation. Scores for pain characteristics decreased by 28.8% after the operation and the scores were still down by 10.8% 1 year after the treatment. VAS scores indicated a significant reduction in pain over the course of the research until the 12‐month time point follow‐up compared with the baseline.

Conclusion

MRgFUS therapy improved the QOL of patients with bone metastasis by relieving bone pain.
Entrapment of “PV‐Tracker” guidewire in the pulmonary veins during atrial fibrillation ablation with PVAC Gold
Authors: Fontenla Adolfo , López‐Gil María , Montilla Isabel , Arribas Fernando
Published: July 2018

We report the entrapment of Pulmonary Vein Ablation Catheter (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) and its guidewire within the right pulmonary veins in two patients. The catheters could be retrieved without complications but they were disabled in both cases. This nondescribed incident should be recognized by PVAC users since it may be a source of potential severe complications during pulmonary vein isolation procedures.
Ag Nanoparticles Connected to the Surface of TiO2 Electrostatically for Antibacterial Photoinactivation Studies
Authors: Deshmukh Shamkumar P. , Mullani Sajid B. , Koli Valmiki B. , Patil Satish M. , Kasabe Pramod J. , Dandge Padma B. , Pawar Sachin A. , Delekar Sagar D.
Published: July 2018

Supported silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared by chemical reduction method with a sol‐gel method. The structure, morphology, and interconnectivity of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites (NCs) were analyzed using different instrumental techniques. Transmission electron microscopy reveals the Ag NPs have uniformly distributed and anchored on the surface of TiO2. The reduction in electron‐hole recombination was measured by Photoluminescence measurements lead, to an increased photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria. Increase in the amount of Ag NPs on TiO2 resulted in a slight decrease in optical band gap energy of TiO2. The effect of Ag NPs content on the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 for inhibition of bacteria in visible light irradiation was studied. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of Ag/TiO2 NCs in the presence of UVA light was studied against gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative Escherichia coli bacterial strain by plate count method. Lower values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the catalysts were observed and used to determine the tolerance factor which is shown bactericidal nature of the NCs. Subsequently, time‐killing assay of Ag/TiO2 NCs was shown dynamics of antimicrobial activity. These multifold antibacterial studies exhibited potent antibacterial nature of the NCs and employed in the wider range of biomedical fields.
Reverse Space‐Time Nonlocal Sine‐Gordon/Sinh‐Gordon Equations with Nonzero Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ablowitz Mark J. , Feng Bao‐Feng , Luo Xu‐Dan , Musslimani Ziad H.
Published: July 2018

Nonlocal reverse space‐time Sine/Sinh‐Gordon type equations were recently introduced. They arise from a remarkably simple nonlocal reduction of the well‐known AKNS scattering problem, hence, they constitute an integrable evolution equations. Furthermore, the inverse scattering transform (IST) for rapidly decaying data was also constructed. In this paper, the IST for these novel nonlocal equations corresponding to nonzero boundary conditions (NZBCs) at infinity is presented. The NZBC problem is more complex due to the intricate branching structure of the associated linear eigenfunctions. Two cases are analyzed, which correspond to two different values of the phase at infinity. Special soliton solutions are discussed and explicit 1‐soliton and 2‐soliton solutions are found. Both spatially independent and spatially dependent boundary conditions are considered.
Oral health in end‐of‐life patients: A rapid review
Authors: Fitzgerald Richard , Gallagher Jennifer
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Maintaining oral health is vital for every individual's quality of life. Little consideration, however, has been given to the oral health of patients approaching end‐of‐life, perhaps due to sensitivities over research ethics. The aim of this rapid review is to synthesize existing evidence on oral health in this population.

Methods and results

A rapid review of the literature was conducted using the key words: “Oral/Dental Health” in “End‐of‐life” or “Palliative care” patients. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria: five retrospective cohort studies, ten cross sectional studies, two experimental studies, one systematic review, and one audit. Quality was medium to low.

The prevalence of oral/dental conditions was high in the end‐of‐life population, as were self‐reported symptoms, and poor OHRQOL. Staff placed value on oral health but identified several barriers to providing both routine daily and professional dental care. Professional oral care was beneficial in relieving palliative specific conditions and providing guidance/training for daily care.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of high quality research in relation to oral health at end‐of‐life. The existing literature suggests that oral health and oral health related quality of life are poor and professional support and care for this population is needed.
Maternal enhancing responses to adolescents’ positive affect: Associations with adolescents’ positive affect regulation and depression
Authors: Fredrick Joseph W. , Mancini Kathryn J. , Luebbe Aaron M.
Published: July 2018

Mounting evidence indicates that deficits in positive affect (PA) regulation are implicated in youth depression. Although parental responses to youths’ PA expressions have been linked to youth regulation of negative affect, no study has directly examined whether parental responses are linked with youth PA regulation strategies. The present study utilized a novel observational measure to test whether maternal active‐constructive responses to youths’ PA were uniquely associated with youth effective PA regulation strategies and, subsequently, depressive symptoms. Ninety‐two adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 (Mage = 14.22, Girls = 62%) and their primary female caregivers (Mage = 41.40, 88% biological mothers) completed a series of questionnaires and engaged in a Plan a Day Trip interaction task. Results revealed that observed maternal active‐constructive responses to adolescents’ PA were uniquely associated with adolescents’ effective PA regulation strategies which, in turn, were related to lower depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of parental responses to PA when sharing positive experiences for specifically targeting adolescents’ responses that generate and sustain PA.
Experience based co-design in acute healthcare services: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kynoch Kathryn , Ramis Mary-Anne
Published: July 2018

Review objective/question:

The objective of this scoping review is to examine, map and analyze qualitative and quantitative literature on experience-based co-design (EBCD) within acute care health settings. Specifically, the review questions are:
The Influence of Coughing on Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in an In Vitro Syringomyelia Model With Spinal Canal Stenosis
Authors: Martin Bryn A. , Loth Francis
Published: July 2018

Five in vitro models were constructed which were representative of various pathologies of the spinal canal (SC) associated with syringomyelia (SM). The models were subjected to a cough type flow impulse while monitoring the pressure environment in the syrinx and subarachnoid space (SAS) regions of the model. The results indicated that conditions can arise during a cough which would provide pressure forces to encourage cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) movement into the syrinx cavity. The flow obstruction (stenosis) acted as an inflection point for transmural pressure (TP) in which the far region of the syrinx was expanded and the near region was compressed. In the case when a stenosis was present, but no syrinx had formed, the longitudinal pressure gradient and pulse pressures were highest on the SC. However, when a syrinx was present, the pressures were reduced, but still pathological. The primary point of pressure gradients in all of the experiments was the stenosis which caused large pressure dissociation in the system which could aid in SC ripping or tearing of the tissue. The presence of a syrinx appeared to decrease some of these forces, but without removal of the flow obstruction, a pathological biomechanical environment persists.