bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase MARCH7 with Long Noncoding RNA MALAT1 and Autophagy-Related Protein ATG7 Promotes Autophagy and Invasion in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hu Jianguo , Zhang Luo , Mei Zhiqiang , Jiang Yuan , Yi Yuan , Liu Li , Meng Ying , Zhou Lili , Zeng Jianhua , Wu Huan , Jiang Xingwei
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Ubiquitin E3 ligase MARCH7 plays an important role in T cell proliferation and neuronal development. But its role in ovarian cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of Ubiquitin E3 ligase MARCH7 in ovarian cancer. Methods: Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis were performed to determine the expression of MARCH7, MALAT1 and ATG7 in ovarian cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. The role of MARCH7 in maintaining ovarian cancer malignant phenotype was examined by Wound healing assay, Matrigel invasion assays and Mouse orthotopic xenograft model. Luciferase reporter assay, western blot analysis and ChIP assay were used to determine whether MARCH7 activates TGF-β-smad2/3 pathway by interacting with TGFβR2. Results: MARCH7 interacted with MALAT1 by miR-200a (microRNA-200a). MARCH7 may function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate the expression of ATG7 by competing with miR-200a. MARCH7 regulated TGF-β-smad2/3 pathway by interacting with TGFβR2. Inhibition of TGF-β-smad2/3 pathway downregulated MARCH7, MALAT1 and ATG7. MiR-200a regulated TGF-β induced autophagy, invasion and metastasis of SKOV3 cells by targeting MARCH7. MARCH7 silencing inhibited autophagy invasion and metastasis of SKOV3 cells both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, MARCH7 overexpression promoted TGF-β induced autophagy, invasion and metastasis of A2780 cells in vitro by depending on MALAT1 and ATG7. We also found that TGF-β-smad2/3 pathway regulated MARCH7 and ATG7 through MALAT1. Conclusions: These findings suggested that TGFβR2-Smad2/3-MALAT1/MARCH7/ATG7 feedback loop mediated autophagy, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer.
MicroRNA-223 Suppresses Osteoblast Differentiation by Inhibiting DHRS3
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Liu Yi  , Zheng Zhong , Zeng Xuemin , Liu Dongxu , Wang Chunling , Ting Kang
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: In this study, we aimed to use bioinformatics tools to identify the specific miRNAs and mRNAs involved in osteogenic differentiation and to further explore the way in which miRNA regulates osteogenic differentiation. Methods: The microarray GSE80614, which includes data from 3 human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) and 3 hMSCs after 72 hours (hr) of osteogenic differentiation, was used to screen for differentially expressed mRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of these mRNAs were conducted using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Then, the miRanda website was employed to detect the binding sites of DHRS3. In vitro experiments, including RT-PCR and western blotting, were used to detect miR-233 and DHRS3 expression levels 7 and 14 days (d) after the induction of osteogenic differentiation using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). The target relationship between miR-223 and DHRS3 was confirmed by a dual luciferase assay. ALP (alkaline phosphatase) staining, ARS (Alizarin Red S) staining and western blotting (Runx2, OPN, OCN) were used to detect the level of osteogenic differentiation after transfection with miR-223 mimics and DHRS3 cDNA. Results: In this study, 127 mRNAs differentially expressed during osteogenic differentiation were identified in GSE80614. GO term and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses found that the retinol metabolism pathway was activated during osteogenic differentiation and that DHRS3, which is involved in the pathway, was upregulated. During osteogenic differentiation in hBMSCs, miR-223 was gradually downregulated, while DHRS3 was upregulated. After 14 days of osteogenic differentiation, ALP and ARS staining assay results showed strong ALP activity and extracellular matrix calcification with the inhibition of miR-223 or the overexpression of DHRS3. Furthermore, the expression levels of Runx2, OPN, and OCN were upregulated with the knockdown of miR-223 or the overexpression of DHRS3, while the simultaneous transfection of a miR-223 agomir and DHRS3 cDNA resulted in no significant difference from the negative control (NC) group. Conclusion: The inhibition of miR-223 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs via the upregulation of DHRS3.
Icariin Protects against Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Rats
Authors: Huang Zengfa , Cheng Cheng , Cao Beibei , Wang Jing , Wei Hui , Liu Xianzhe , Han Yu , Yang Shuhua , Wang Xiang
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Glucocorticoid (GC)-related osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common complication following administration of steroids to treat many diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that icariin (ICA) might have a beneficial effect on the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of patients with steroid-associated osteonecrosis. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of ICA associated with the potential enhancement of osteogenesis and anti-adipogenesis in GC-related ONFH. Methods: In vitro cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Alizarin red S and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were used to measure osteogenic differentiation, while adipogenic differentiation was revealed by oil red O staining and TG content assay. The expression level of osteogenesis-associated genes and PPARγ was evaluated by RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. A total of 30 female SD rats were randomly separated into three groups: a control group, a methylprednisolone (MPS) group and a MPS + ICA group. Serum ALP and TG (triglyceride), micro-CT scanning, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed in the animal model. Results: In the in vitro study, ICA promoted proliferation, improved osteogenic differentiation and suppressed adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs treated with MPS. The group treated with MPS and 10-6 M ICA expressed higher levels of Runx2, ALP, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2, and OC and lower expression of PPARγ than the MPS group. In the in vivo study, ICA prevented bone loss in a rat model of GC-related ONFH as shown by micro-CT scanning, histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Conclusions: ICA is an effective compound for promoting bone repair and preventing or delaying the progression of GC-associated ONFH in rats. This effect can be explained by its ability to improve the balance between adipogenesis and osteogenesis, indicating that ICA is an effective candidate for management of GC-associated ONFH.
How many AIDS epidemics can occur in São Paulo city?
Authors: Aguiar Breno Souza de , Buchalla Cassia Maria , Chiaravalloti Neto Francisco
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE: An ecological study describring the spatial characteristics of AIDS in São Paulo city between 2001 and 2010 according to the place of residence of reported cases in adults. METHODS: The AIDS reported cases (28,146), grouped by sex, were geocodified (25,969) and linked with a census tract database (18,953). Case and population at risk data supplied spatial cluster identification and relative risk estimate by the scan method, using the discrete Poisson model. Incidence rate and proportional distribution allowed comparing people living in the high-risk clusters areas to other locations by age, race/ethnicity, schooling and transmission category. RESULTS: The AIDS incidence rate decreased in both sexes except among young men and older people. The identification of spatial high-risk clusters showed that the decrease of AIDS did not occur in the same way in the city. Clusters located in the central area presented the highest AIDS incidence rates (245.7/100,000 men), especially among black women (RR = 7.9), men who have sex with men (66.2%) and injection drug users (10.7%) participation. In peripheral clusters, identified only in the female population, the epidemic can be related to the poverty of these women (22.5% low education level). Residents in the north and central-south areas of the city are generally black, with little schooling, and predominantly heterosexually infected. CONCLUSIONS: The study of spatial clusters using a census tract helps to determine epidemiological patterns inside the city and in specific populations. Spatial stratification and key population epidemiological patterns were identified in four regions in São Paulo city
JCAD
, a Gene at the 10p11 Coronary Artery Disease Locus, Regulates Hippo Signaling in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jones Peter D. , Kaiser Michael A. , Ghaderi Najafabadi Maryam , Koplev Simon , Zhao Yuqi , Douglas Gillian , Kyriakou Theodosios , Andrews Sarah , Rajmohan Rathinasabapathy , Watkins Hugh , Channon Keith M. , Ye Shu , Yang Xia , Björkegren Johan L.M. , Samani Nilesh J. , Webb Tom R.
Published: May 2018

Objective—

A large number of genetic loci have been associated with risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) through genome-wide association studies, however, for most loci the underlying biological mechanism is unknown. Determining the molecular pathways and cellular processes affected by these loci will provide new insights into CAD pathophysiology and may lead to new therapies. The CAD-associated variants at 10p11.23 fall in
JCAD
, which encodes an endothelial junction protein, however, its molecular function in endothelial cells is not known. In this study, we characterize the molecular role of JCAD (junctional cadherin 5 associated) in endothelial cells.

Approach and Results—

We show that
JCAD
knockdown in endothelial cells affects key phenotypes related to atherosclerosis including proliferation, migration, apoptosis, tube formation, and monocyte binding. We demonstrate that JCAD interacts with LATS2 (large tumor suppressor kinase 2) and negatively regulates Hippo signaling leading to increased activity of YAP (yes-associated protein), the transcriptional effector of the pathway. We also show by double siRNA knockdown that the phenotypes caused by
JCAD
knockdown require LATS2 and that JCAD is involved in transmission of RhoA-mediated signals into the Hippo pathway. In human tissues, we find that the CAD-associated lead variant, rs2487928, is associated with expression of
JCAD
in arteries, including atherosclerotic arteries. Gene co-expression analyses across disease-relevant tissues corroborate our phenotypic findings and support the link between JCAD and Hippo signaling.

Conclusions—

Our results show that JCAD negatively regulates Hippo signaling in endothelial cells and we suggest that JCAD contributes to atherosclerosis by mediating YAP activity and contributing to endothelial dysfunction.
Steroid Hormone Vitamin D
Authors: Demer Linda L. , Hsu Jeffrey J. , Tintut Yin
Published: May 2018

Understanding of vitamin D physiology is important because about half of the population is being diagnosed with deficiency and treated with supplements. Clinical guidelines were developed based on observational studies showing an association between low serum levels and increased cardiovascular risk. However, new randomized controlled trials have failed to confirm any cardiovascular benefit from supplementation in the general population. A major concern is that excess vitamin D is known to cause calcific vasculopathy and valvulopathy in animal models. For decades, administration of vitamin D has been used in rodents as a reliable experimental model of vascular calcification. Technically, vitamin D is a misnomer. It is not a true vitamin because it can be synthesized endogenously through ultraviolet exposure of the skin. It is a steroid hormone that comes in 3 forms that are sequential metabolites produced by hydroxylases. As a fat-soluble hormone, the vitamin D-hormone metabolites must have special mechanisms for delivery in the aqueous bloodstream. Importantly, endogenously synthesized forms are carried by a binding protein, whereas dietary forms are carried within lipoprotein particles. This may result in distinct biodistributions for sunlight-derived versus supplement-derived vitamin D hormones. Because the cardiovascular effects of vitamin D hormones are not straightforward, both toxic and beneficial effects may result from current recommendations.
Role of Resident Stem Cells in Vessel Formation and Arteriosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Li , Issa Bhaloo Shirin , Chen Ting , Zhou Bin , Xu Qingbo
Published: May 2018

Vascular, resident stem cells are present in all 3 layers of the vessel wall; they play a role in vascular formation under physiological conditions and in remodeling in pathological situations. Throughout development and adult early life, resident stem cells participate in vessel formation through vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. In adults, the vascular stem cells are mostly quiescent in their niches but can be activated in response to injury and participate in endothelial repair and smooth muscle cell accumulation to form neointima. However, delineation of the characteristics and of the migration and differentiation behaviors of these stem cells is an area of ongoing investigation. A set of genetic mouse models for cell lineage tracing has been developed to specifically address the nature of these cells and both migration and differentiation processes during physiological angiogenesis and in vascular diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on resident stem cells, which has become more defined and refined in vascular biology research, thus contributing to the development of new potential therapeutic strategies to promote endothelial regeneration and ameliorate vascular disease development.
Deronectes taron sp. n. from the eastern Anatolian region of Turkey (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae)
Authors: AYKUT MEDENİ , TAŞAR GANİ ERHAN , FERY HANS
Published: May 2018

Deronectes taron sp. n. from the Muş province in the eastern Anatolian region of Turkey is described and illustrated in detail. The species belongs to the D. longipes subgroup of the D. parvicollis species group and resembles in particular D. syriacus Wewalka, 1971. It can be differentiated from this and the other species of the group by the shape of the median lobe which is strongly bent in lateral view. A part of the key to species of the subgroup is updated. Together with the new species the number of the known species of the genus Deronectes Sharp, 1882 is now 59 and that of the longipes-subgroup is 13.
Fast screening of N-glycosylation disorders by sialotransferrin profiling with capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Kingma HA , van der Sluijs FH , Heiner-Fokkema MR
Published: May 2018

Background

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a growing group of rare genetic disorders. The most frequently used screening method is sialotransferrin profiling using isoelectric focusing (IEF). Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) may be a simple and fast alternative. We investigated the Capillarys™ CDT assay (Sebia, France) to screen for N-glycosylation disorders, using IEF as gold standard.

Methods

Intra- and inter-assay precision were established, and analyses in heparin-anticoagulated plasma and serum were compared. Accuracy was assessed by comparing IEF and CZE profiles of 153 samples, including 49 normal, 53 CDG type I, 2 CDG type II, 1 combined CDG type I and type II and 48 samples with a Tf-polymorphism. Neuraminidase-treated plasma was analysed to discriminate CDG and Tf-polymorphisms using samples of 52 subjects (25 had a confirmed Tf-polymorphism). Age-dependent reference values were established using profiles of 312 samples.

Results

Heparin-plasma is as suitable as serum for CDG screening with the Capillarys™ CDT assay. The precision of the method is high, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.5%. All profiles, including CDG and Tf-polymorphisms, were correctly identified with CZE. Forty-nine of 52 neuraminidase-treated samples correctly identified the presence/absence of a Tf-polymorphism. Interferences in 3/52 samples hampered interpretation. Sialo-Tf profiles were dependent of age, in particular in the first three months of age.

Conclusions

CZE analysis with the Capillarys™ CDT kit (Sebia) is a fast and reliable method for screening of N-glycosylation defects. Tf-polymorphisms could be excluded after overnight incubation with neuraminidase.
A novel high-throughput assay for the measurement of salivary progesterone by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Schiffer Lina , Adaway Joanne E , Baranowski Elizabeth S , Arlt Wiebke , Keevil Brian G
Published: May 2018

Background

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) enables specific and sensitive quantification of steroids with a high throughput. Saliva sampling is advantageous for multisample profiling over longer periods of time, as it is non-invasive, cheap, can be carried out at home and does not require the attendance of clinical personnel. We developed a rapid LC-MS/MS for the measurement of salivary progesterone, frequently assessed as ovulation marker in patients desiring fertility.

Methods

Samples (300 μL) were prepared by supported liquid extraction using dichloromethane and were reconstituted in 40% methanol. Chromatography was performed using a C8 column with a water/methanol gradient containing 0.1% formic acid and 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate. Quantification was performed with a Waters TQ-S mass spectrometer.

Results

Total run time was 5.5 min. The lower limit of quantification was 20 pmol/L (1.2 fmol on column). Inter- and intra-assay comparison showed coefficients of variation and bias between measured and nominal concentrations of less than 11%. Mean recovery was 91%. Interference with a large set of natural and synthetic steroids was excluded. The assay was successfully applied to measure progesterone variation during the menstrual cycle ( n = 9) and diurnal variations during luteal phase ( n = 7) in regularly cycling women.

Discussion

We present a novel LC-MS/MS assay for the determination of salivary progesterone with high-throughput potential. The applicability of the assay for progesterone profiling during the menstrual cycle is demonstrated.
Investigating Measurement Invariance by Means of Parameter Instability Tests for 2PL and 3PL Models
Authors: Debelak Rudolf , Strobl Carolin
Published: May 2018

M-fluctuation tests are a recently proposed method for detecting differential item functioning in Rasch models. This article discusses a generalization of this method to two additional item response theory models: the two-parametric logistic model and the three-parametric logistic model with a common guessing parameter. The Type I error rate and the power of this method were evaluated by a variety of simulation studies. The results suggest that the new method allows the detection of various forms of differential item functioning in these models, which also includes differential discrimination and differential guessing effects. It is also robust against moderate violations of several assumptions made in the item parameter estimation.
Improved dimensionless nomograms approach in the electric drives and power electronics courses
Authors: Averbukh M
Published: May 2018

Parameter estimation of the nonlinear electronic schemes, including inductances, capacitances, resistances, and switches represents a nontrivial problem in the “power electronics” and “electrical drives” courses. Difficulties could be observed during solutions of electrical circuits, which describe the behavior of electric motors in drives, and various electronic appliances are being used in power electronics. This situation is a result of complicated analytical approaches aiming to solve nonlinear ordinary differential equations describing the occurring processes. A typical student has a significant problem in attaining the analytical results. Various methods of linearization nonlinear elements permitting to obtain roughly analytical solutions and simplified solution were applied over the past. Nowadays, coarsely obtained results are not acceptable as a rule. As a result, smart simulation based on PSIM, MATLAB Simulink, and WOLFRAM Mathematica giving excellent opportunity for accurate answers are recommended. All software programs represent undoubtedly important and extremely accurate approaches. However, only numerical results are provided and are not capable of solution’s generalization. It seems that in the Power Electronics and Electrical Drives courses, a wide submission could obtain methods of numerical nomograms with dimensionless representation of input–output parameters. Dimensionless approach allows significant diminishing of a number of decisive parameters and simplifies calculation, whereas keeping acceptable precision of results, as well as a possibility of outcome’s generalization and representation variables trends in a wide range of input parameters. The likely objects of analysis may be, for example, output characteristics of DC motors fed by controllable and uncontrollable n-phase rectifiers, resistive rectifier losses and motor’s efficiency, average and root mean square currents or voltages in electronic circuits, total harmonic distortion, and others. Long-time practice of these approaches approved their usefulness, productivity, and helpfulness.
Distributed tracking control of multiple nonholonomic mobile agents with input delay
Authors: Jenabzadeh Ahmadreza , Safarinejadian Behrouz , Binazadeh Tahereh
Published: May 2018

This paper considers the distributed control problem of nonholonomic mobile agents with input delay to track a target. In contrast to the existing works in which some controllers have been designed for ideal conditions, the destructive factor of input delay is considered in the dynamics of the agents in this work. At first, a distributed controller is suggested for each agent to track the target in the absence of input delay. In this case, each nonholonomic mobile agent is divided into two subsystems and two terminal sliding mode controllers are designed for the two subsystems. Based on the proposed controllers, a switching control strategy is obtained to guarantee the finite time tracking control of nonholonomic mobile agents. Then, this controller is extended based on a future state estimator for tracking control in the presence of input delay. The stability analysis of distributed controllers and estimator is also provided. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested algorithms.
Who is the modern ‘traitor’? ‘Fifth column’ accusations in US and UK politics and media
Authors: Chernobrov Dmitry
Published: May 2018

Accusations of treason and disloyalty have been increasingly visible in both western and international politics in recent years, from Russia and Turkey, to Brexit and the 2016 US presidential election. This article explores ‘traitor’ accusations in modern politics, with evidence from British and American newspapers for 2011–2016. Besides British and American politics, results reveal reported ‘fifth column’ accusations in over 40 countries. I identify three dominant patterns: authoritarian states describing opposition movements as a ‘fifth column’; suspicion of western Muslim populations as potential terrorists; and the use of traitor language to denote party dissent in western politics. Employed across the political spectrum, and not only by right-wing or populist movements, accusations of treason and betrayal point at a deeper breakdown of social trust and communicate collective securitizing responses to perceived threats.
Perceived social support, received social support, and depression among clergy
Authors: Eagle David E. , Hybels Celia F. , Proeschold-Bell Rae Jean
Published: May 2018

We argue that perceived support is best conceptualized more as a measure of how an individual appraises his/her situation rather than a true reflection of how much support he/she receives. To test this theory, we used survey data from the Clergy Health Initiative Panel Survey to examine the relationship between perceived and received social support and their association with depressive symptoms in clergy ( N = 1,288). Overall, analyses revealed perceived support had a weak association with received support. Greater perceived support had a significant relationship with lower depressive symptoms. In contrast, greater received support had only a small relationship with lower depressive symptoms, which was fully mediated by perceived support. Our results raise questions about the effectiveness of many clergy social support interventions, which often aim to boost the quality and/or quantity of received social support. We suggest it may be more advantageous to boost perceptions of social support, possibly through cognitive reframing or positive mental health interventions.
Lung cancer screening with MRI: characterization of nodules with different non-enhanced MRI sequences
Authors: Meier-Schroers Michael , Homsi Rami , Schild Hans Heinz , Thomas Daniel
Published: May 2018

Background

There is increased interest in pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a radiation-free alternative to computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening.

Purpose

To analyze MRI characteristics of pulmonary nodules with different non-enhanced sequences.

Material and Methods

Eighty-two participants of a lung cancer screening were included. MRI datasets of 32 individuals with 46 different nodules ≥ 6 mm were prospectively evaluated together with 50 controls by two readers. Acquired sequences were T2- short tau inversion recovery (STIR), T2, balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP), 3D-T1, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Each sequence was randomly and separately viewed blinded to low-dose CT (LDCT). Size, shape, and contrast of nodules were evaluated on each sequence and then correlated with LDCT and histopathology.

Results

All eight carcinomas were detected by T2-STIR, T2, and bSSFP, and 7/8 by 3D-T1. Contrast was significantly higher for malignant nodules on all sequences. The highest contrast ratio between malignant and benign nodules was provided by T2-STIR. Of eight carcinomas, seven showed restricted diffusion. Size measurement correlated significantly between MRI and LDCT. Sensitivity/specificity for nodules ≥ 6 mm was 85–89%/92–94% for T2-STIR, 80–87%/93–96% for T2, 65–70%/96–98% for bSSFP, and 63–67%/96–100% for 3D-T1. Seven of eight subsolid nodules were visible on T2-sequences with significantly lower lesion contrast compared to solid nodules. Two of eight subsolid nodules were detected by bSFFP, none by 3D-T1. All three calcified nodules were detected by 3D-T1, one by bSSFP, and none by T2-sequences.

Conclusion

Malignant as well as calcified and subsolid nodules seem to have distinctive characteristics on different MRI sequences. T2-imaging was most suitable for the detection of nodules ≥ 6 mm.
Exploring Intimate Partner Violence Before, During, and After Pregnancy in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Jahirul , Broidy Lisa , Mazerolle Paul , Baird Kathleen , Mazumder Nurunnahar
Published: May 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against pregnant or postpartum women is known to have multiple detrimental effects on women and their children. Although results from past research suggest much continuity in trajectories of IPV, it is unclear whether pregnancy interrupts or augments these patterns. Little is known about how physical, sexual, and psychological IPV change and overlap throughout a woman’s transition to parenthood. Relying on population-based data, this study examines the prevalence, co-occurring nature, and the changing patterns of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV before, during, and after pregnancy in Bangladesh. Cross-sectional survey data were collected between October 2015 and January 2016 in the Chandpur District of Bangladesh from 426 new mothers, aged 15 to 49 years, who were in the first 6 months postpartum. IPV was assessed with a validated set of survey items. The frequencies of different types of IPV victimization according to the period of occurrence were calculated separately and in a cumulative, co-occurring manner. The prevalence of physical IPV before, during, and after pregnancy was 52.8%, 35.2%, and 32.2%, respectively. The comparative figures for psychological IPV were 67.4%, 65%, and 60.8%, and for sexual IPV were 21.1%, 18.5%, and 15.5%, respectively. The results demonstrate a notable continuity in IPV victimization before, during, and after pregnancy. Psychological IPV is the only type to exhibit a significant reduction during and after pregnancy, compared with before pregnancy, but it commonly overlaps with physical IPV, which shows a significant change during pregnancy and little change in the postpartum period. At the same time, pregnancy and childbirth offer little protection against IPV for women in relationships characterized by psychological or sexual victimization, both of which commonly overlap with physical IPV. Results reinforce the need to conduct routine screening during pregnancy to identify women with a history of IPV and to offer necessary help and support.
Polish Intelligentsia Totems in Elites’ Struggles for Legitimization: The Case of Jerzy Giedroyc and Poland’s Eastern Policy
Authors: Turkowski Andrzej
Published: May 2018

Jerzy Giedroyc—the founder and editor of the journal Kultura—has played an important symbolic role in Polish public debates, especially as an architect of post-communist Poland’s policy toward its Eastern neighbors. At the same time, scholars and experts differ substantially in their assessments as to both the shape and influence of “Giedroyc’s line.” This article argues that in order to solve this puzzle, Giedroyc should be seen as an “intelligentsia totem”—an instrument for the reproduction of Polish intelligentsia hegemony, and a source of legitimization for which various factions within the elite compete.

Taking into account this distinctive role allows for a new assessment of the influence of Giedroyc’s line on Poland’s eastern policy. By integrating the totemic interpretation with an analysis of the changing shape of the Polish field of power and changing interpretations of what Giedroyc’s line entailed, I argue that only some postulates of Giedroyc were implemented after 1989. Despite this, because of Giedroyc’s legitimizing function as Kultura’s editor, his role as an “architect” of the eastern policy was seldom questioned. Only when the reconfiguration of the Polish field of power brought an end to consensus in the foreign policy realm did new diverging interpretations of Giedroyc’s line emerge, legitimizing competing visions for Polish foreign policy. This article delivers a more nuanced view of the role Giedroyc played in post-communist Poland, thus explaining his criticism toward its foreign policy. It also sheds light on the legitimization mechanisms at work within the Polish elite.
“Learning to Be Myself”: Paths 2 the Future Career Development Curriculum for Young Women With Disabilities
Authors: Lindstrom Lauren , Hirano Kara A. , Ingram Angela , DeGarmo David S. , Post Cindy
Published: May 2018

Young women with disabilities often experience limited career options and opportunities. This study provides an overview and preliminary results from the “Paths 2 the Future” (P2F) curriculum designed to meet the unique career development needs of young women with disabilities. P2F includes 75 lessons covering topics of self-awareness, disability knowledge, gender identity, and career and college readiness. Survey data were collected from young women with learning, health, intellectual, and emotional disabilities who participated in the curriculum in four high schools ( N = 49). Paired sample t tests documented significant improvements from pretest to posttest scores for disability and gender awareness, vocational skills self-efficacy, self-realization, and an overall career development construct. Focus groups were conducted to gather feedback on participant experiences. Young women in the focus groups noted the unique benefits of a “girls only” class and described increases in self-awareness and personal empowerment.
A design of CNC architecture based on cloud computing
Authors: Hui Enming , Feng Bingyan , Lee Chenhan , Yang Jianzhong , Chen Jihong
Published: May 2018

Performance, functionality, and cost determine the competitiveness of CNC systems. These factors often conflict with each other. Cloud computing provides an enabling technology to meet the multidimensional challenges, potentially leading to CNC systems with both better performance and functionality, and lower cost. This article presents the architecture of a cloud-computing-based CNC system. This system locates its frontend in a cloud virtual machine and provides the frontend as a service. The frontend in cloud, otherwise known as a cloud-enabled frontend, remotely displays the interactive interface at a client device. The application program for interaction on the client is lightweight compared with the traditional CNC human machine interface and can be easily integrated into mobile devices, such as laptops. The cloud-enabled frontend communicates with an NC device (also known as the backend) on the shop floor via the Internet or an intranet. Only real-time tasks run on the backend, while other tasks (semi-real-time or non-real-time) are executed on the cloud-enabled frontend. Thus, the computing ability and intelligence of CNC systems can be improved by a switch to the cloud architecture. In the proposed solution, users can also launch third-party software (e.g. CAD, CAM, and CAE) on the cloud-enabled frontend, making it more versatile due to a rich application environment.
Experiential or Material Purchases? Social Class Determines Purchase Happiness
Authors: Lee Jacob C. , Hall Deborah L. , Wood Wendy
Published: May 2018

Which should people buy to make themselves happy: experiences or material goods? The answer depends in part on the level of resources already available in their lives. Across multiple studies using a range of methodologies, we found that individuals of higher social class, whose abundant resources make it possible to focus on self-development and self-expression, were made happier by experiential over material purchases. No such experiential advantage emerged for individuals of lower social class, whose lesser resources engender concern with resource management and wise use of limited finances. Instead, lower-class individuals were made happier from material purchases or were equally happy from experiential and material purchases.
When the Good Looks Bad: An Experimental Exploration of the Repulsion Effect
Authors: Spektor Mikhail S. , Kellen David , Hotaling Jared M.
Published: May 2018

When people are choosing among different options, context seems to play a vital role. For instance, adding a third option can increase the probability of choosing a similar dominating option. This attraction effect is one of the most widely studied phenomena in decision-making research. Its prevalence, however, has been challenged recently by the tainting hypothesis, according to which the inferior option contaminates the attribute space in which it is located, leading to a repulsion effect. In an attempt to test the tainting hypothesis and explore the conditions under which dominated options make dominating options look bad, we conducted four preregistered perceptual decision-making studies with a total of 301 participants. We identified two factors influencing individuals’ behavior: stimulus display and stimulus design. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature showing how presentation format influences behavior in preferential and perceptual decision-making tasks.
Piezoelectric resonant shunt enhancement by negative capacitances: Optimisation, performance and resonance cancellation
Authors: Berardengo Marta , Manzoni Stefano , Thomas Olivier , Vanali Marcello
Published: May 2018

This article addresses piezoelectric shunt damping through a resonant shunt associated with negative capacitances. The main objective of this article is to provide guidelines for choosing the best electrical circuit layout in terms of control performance and possible stability issues. This article proposes general analytical formulations for the tuning/optimisation of the electrical shunt impedance and for the prediction of the attenuation performance. These formulations are demonstrated to be valid for all the possible configurations of the negative capacitances. It is demonstrated that the behaviour of the different shunt circuits can indeed be described by a common mathematical treatment. Moreover, the use of two negative capacitances together is shown to provide benefits compared to traditional layouts based on a single negative capacitance. The mentioned advantages relate to both stability and attenuation performance. The use of a resonant shunt with the addition of negative capacitances is finally proven to provide enough attenuation to even cancel eigenfrequency peaks in some cases. This article also analyses the main issues arising from the practical implementation of the negative capacitances. Finally, the theoretical results are validated through experiments conducted on a cantilever beam coupled to two piezoelectric patches.
User acceptance of an app-based adherence intervention: Perspectives from patients taking oral anticancer medications
Authors: Ali Eskinder Eshetu , Chan Sharlene Si Ling , Leow Jo Lene , Chew Lita , Yap Kevin Yi-Lwern
Published: May 2018

Background

Widespread adoption by patients is imperative for the success of app-based interventions for enhancing adherence to oral anticancer medications. Patients' attitudes and beliefs should be evaluated to understand determinants of their acceptance and adoption of such interventions.

Objective

To identify factors that influence cancer patients' intention to adopt an app-based system for enhancing oral anticancer medication adherence.

Methods

This study was conducted as part of the usability evaluation of an app-based system for enhancing adherence. We followed the grounded theory approach employing audio-recorded face-to-face interviews for data collection from patients taking oral anticancer medications (n = 15) and caregivers of such patients (n = 3). Data analysis involved verbatim transcription of all interviews, coding of the transcripts and field notes, detailed memo writing, and constant comparative evaluation of emergent categories.

Results

A conceptual framework of facilitating and hindering factors for users' adoption intention for an oral anticancer medication adherence app was developed. Findings suggest that facing difficulties in maintaining adherence and patients' perceived superiority of the app over their current methods facilitate adoption intention. In contrast, having to pay, lack of language options and users' perception of low competence in using an app were the hindrance factors.

Conclusion

This study showed that adoption of adherence apps could be explained by technology acceptance constructs, such as performance expectancy. Adoption intention was also facilitated by patients perceived vulnerabilities in maintaining adherence to their medications, which was a health behaviour construct. Implementation of app-based programs should address patients' perceived vulnerabilities and relative advantage of the app over their current methods. Clinicians and app developers should also consider the financial, technological and language barriers for end users.
Integrating childhood obesity resources into the patient-centered medical home: Provider perspectives in the United States
Authors: Hill Samareh G , Phan Thao-Ly T , Datto George A , Hossain Jobayer , Werk Lloyd N , Abatemarco Diane
Published: May 2018

Pediatric primary care providers play a critical role in managing obesity yet often lack the resources and support systems to provide effective care to children with obesity. The objective of this study was to identify system-level barriers to managing obesity and resources desired to better managing obesity from the perspective of pediatric primary care providers. A 64-item survey was electronically administered to 159 primary care providers from 26 practices within a large pediatric primary care network. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare survey responses based on provider and practice characteristics. Also factor analysis was conducted to determine key constructs that effect pediatric interventions for obesity. Survey response rate was 69% ( n = 109), with the majority of respondents being female (77%), physicians (67%), and without prior training in obesity management (74%). Time constraints during well visits (86%) and lack of ancillary staff (82%) were the most frequently reported barriers to obesity management. Information on community resources (99%), an on-site dietitian (96%), and patient educational materials (94%) were most frequently identified as potentially helpful for management of obesity in the primary care setting. Providers who desired more ancillary staff were significantly more likely to practice in clinics with a higher percentage of obese, Medicaid, and Hispanic patients. Integrating ancillary lifestyle expert support into primary care practices and connecting primary care practices to community organizations may be a successful strategy for assisting primary care providers with managing childhood obesity, especially among vulnerable populations.
Exploring the distinctive ontological attitude of ethnomethodology via suicide, death, and money
Authors: Hammersley Martyn
Published: May 2018

The focus of this article is the character of ethnomethodology and its relation to mainstream sociology, specifically as regards assumptions about the nature of social phenomena and the attitude that ought to be adopted towards these. This issue is explored mainly through the example of suicide, which has been used by some ethnomethodologists to highlight the distinctiveness of their position. The viability of three interpretations of ethnomethodology is assessed: as being agnostic regarding the ontological status of suicide and other social phenomena, as insisting that such phenomena are entirely constituted in and through processes of social interaction on particular occasions, and as itself constituting the world as one in which social phenomena are occasioned products. It is argued that none of these is sustainable, but that the plausibility of the second varies somewhat across different types of phenomena, with money being even more evidently constituted through ongoing social interaction than is suicide or death.
Pilot testing on safety performance among healthcare professionals
Authors: Au Yong HN , Usmonov K , Ramendran SPR Charles , Yeoh GG , Surienty L
Published: May 2018

Background

The study focused on the perception of healthcare professionals on safety performance in the sector.

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess the safety performance among healthcare professionals. This study examines the factors affecting safety performance in Malaysia. The results are expected to provide insights into the provision of a safety management programme for high level of safety performance.

Design

The study uses a quantitative instrument to explore perceptions regarding the healthcare system and health service based on pilot tests conducted. Respondents: The pilot test respondents were from various departments of two Malaysian private hospitals in Penang and Perak. These medical professionals with representatives from Quality, Pharmacy, Nursing, Rehabilitation, Imaging, Nursing Education, Security, Pharmacy, Nursing, Facility, Dental, and Educational Nursing departments participated across two focus group discussions carried out between July and September 2017.

Results

The most important factors impacting the safety performance were perceived motivation, safety management & process improvement, and safety practices, representing the three dimensions within the safety climate.

Conclusions

This study shows opinion of professionals working in the healthcare sector. Safety performance level in the Malaysian healthcare could be improved by alleviating occupational safety and health programme of the healthcare sector in Malaysia.
Systematic spatial patterns of the sense of familiarity: Hierarchical modelling based on eye-tracking experiments
Authors: Miyoshi Kiyofumi , Ashida Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

Using different types of stimuli, such as pictures, horizontally written Japanese words, and vertically written Japanese words, this study investigated the spatial patterns of the sense of familiarity within the visual field. The perceptual asymmetry theory predicted that stimuli in the lower visual field would be processed more fluently and would therefore be perceived as more familiar. The working memory theory, originally proposed in space–number research, envisaged type-specific spatial patterns for different stimuli. Participants made old/new recognition memory judgements for stimuli, presented at random positions, while their eye movements were recorded. The observed spatial patterns changed according to the stimulus type (e.g., “more left = older” for horizontally written words and “upper = older” for vertically written words), and this flexibility is encapsulated by the working memory theory as follows: (a) stimulus-type-specific spatial configurations are encoded in long-term memory on the basis of one’s experience (e.g., vertically written words are empirically associated with the “upper = older” spatial configuration), (b) the presentation of a stimulus automatically cues the temporal activation of the associated spatial configuration in working memory, and (c) the referential process between the stimulus and configuration unconsciously affects the viewer’s sense of familiarity.
Listeria monocytogenes infection enhances the interaction between rat non-classical MHC-Ib molecule and Ly49 receptors
Authors: Shegarfi Hamid , Kane Kevin P , Nestvold Janne
Published: May 2018

Murine NK cell Ly49 receptors, functionally analogous to KIRs in humans recognize MHC class I molecules and play a key role in controlling NK cell function. We have previously shown that the paired activating Ly49s4 and inhibitory Ly49i4 receptors recognize undefined non-classical MHC-Ib ligands from the RT1-CE region in rats. Here, the RT1-CE16 gene of the RT1d haplotype was stably transfected into the mouse RAW macrophage cell line, termed RAW-CE16d cells. Combining RAW-CE16d cells with Ly49 expressing reporter cells demonstrated Ly49i4 and Ly49s4 specificity for CE16d. The Ly49s4/i4:CE16d interaction was confirmed by specific MHC-I blocking monoclonal Abs. Further, we used our in vitro model to study the effect of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) on CE16d after infection. LM infection and IFN-γ stimulation both led to enhanced CE16d expression on the surface of transfected RAW-CE16d cells. Interestingly, the reporter cells displayed increased response to LM-infected RAW-CE16d cells compared with IFN-γ-treated RAW-CE16d cells, suggesting a fundamental difference between these stimuli in supporting enhanced Ly49 recognition of CE16d. Collectively, our data show that Ly49s4 and Ly49i4 recognize the non-classical RT1-CE16d molecule, which in turn is up-regulated during LM infection and thereby may contribute to NK-mediated responses against infected cells.