bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractExperiments 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.
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

RésuméLes 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

RésuméLes 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

BackgroundThe 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.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to establish the correlation among four serological assays using four seasonal influenza strains.MethodsThe HI, SRH, MN assays, and ELISA were performed on four seasonal influenza strains.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsThere 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

AbstractHeart 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

BackgroundThe 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.MethodsLongitudinal 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.ResultsBidirectional 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.ConclusionsThe 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

AbstractFavre–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

AbstractBackgroundSensitive 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.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a specific sensitive skin burden questionnaire called the BoSS (Burden of Sensitive Skin).MethodsA 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionBoSS is the first reliable tool to assess the burden of sensitive skin.
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.
Factors influencing food choices of Malawian consumers: A food choice questionnaire approach
Authors: Gama Aggrey Pemba , Adhikari Koushik , Hoisington David A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA 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 applicationsGiven 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.
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

Summary

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

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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractSupported 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

AbstractNonlocal 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.