bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the neighbouring effect of filling micro‐ and nanoscale cavities in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Yin Minqi , Sun Hongwen , Wang Haibin
Published: January 2019

Micro‐/nanoscale patterns are popular in many applications, and several techniques to transfer multiscale patterns have been developed. Ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography (UV‐NIL) is the most promising method to quickly produce complex structures, and there is a need to understand the resist‐flowing and cavity‐filling processes because partial cavity filling may cause defects. One crucial element of a stamp is the layout of the multiscale cavities. They can induce some difficulties during the filling process. Five different stamps with various micro‐/nanoscale features (one nano feature, one micro feature, one nano feature, and one micro feature, two nano features and one micro feature) were employed in this simulation study. The imprint results show that the neighbouring effect has major issues in the microscale cavity filling and minor issues in the nanoscale. The layout of complex cavities results in poor filling proportions, and longer imprint times and a symmetrical layout were needed to improve the imprint quality. The contact pressure between the stamp and the resist generally declined when the location approached the centre from both sides of the stamp. The overall physical performance of neighbouring micro‐/nanoscale cavities was obtained, and this is essential for further understanding and improvements in the UV‐NIL process.
Magnetic/pH dual‐responsive nanocomposites loading doxorubicin hydrochloride for cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhang Kun , Jiang Feng , Zhang Jianfeng , Song Xin , Zhao Jinshun
Published: January 2019

Development of stimuli‐responsive nanocomposites for the delivery anticancer drug has attracted considerable attention. A magnetic/pH dual‐responsive nanocomposite was synthesised by amide condensation reaction and developed for cancer therapy. The PEGylated citric‐coated Fe3O4 (PCI)–graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites was constructed by a three‐step process. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were firstly coated with citric acid, and then covalently linked to aminated polyethylene glycol (NH2–PEG–NH2); lastly, the PCI was covalently conjugated to graphite oxide to obtain PCI–GO nanocomposites. The PCI–GO nanocomposites were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared, ultraviolet–visible, and thermogravimetry. The magnetic of nanocomposites was confirmed by a vibrating sample magnetometer. Due to the hydrogen bond, π –π stacking and electrostatic interaction between the doxorubicin (DOX) hydrochloride and PCI–GO nanocomposites, the PCI–GO nanocomposites could load DOX effectively and with a high drug loading content (about 87.6%). The DOX‐loaded PCI–GO (DOX/PCI–GO) nanocomposites exhibited pH‐responsive release behaviour. The DOX/PCI–GO nanocomposites could effectively inhibit tumour growth in vitro, which was comparable to the antitumour effect of free DOX. The result indicates that the PCI–GO nanocomposites exhibit great potential for a magnetic targeted drug delivery system in multimodal and synergistic cancer therapy.
Robotik in der Pflege
Authors: Meißner Anne
Published: January 2019

Roboter haben den Vorteil, dass sie keine Ansprüche stellen, rund um die Uhr im
Einsatz sein können und im besten Fall auch noch niedlich aussehen. Aber können
sie zuverlässig in der Pflege eingesetzt werden und Pflegende entlasten oder gar
ersetzen? Unsere Autorin gibt Antworten.
Endoscopic grading of gastric intestinal metaplasia (EGGIM): a multicenter validation study
Authors: Esposito Gianluca , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro , Angeletti Stefano , Castro Rui , Libânio Diogo , Galli Gloria , Lahner Edith , Di Giulio Emilio , Annibale Bruno , Dinis-Ribeiro Mario
Published: January 2019

Background Random biopsies are recommended to identify individuals at risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. Cumulative evidence suggests that narrow-band imaging (NBI) can be used to grade gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). We aimed to externally validate a classification of endoscopic grading of gastric intestinal metaplasia (EGGIM).

Methods Consecutive patients in two centers were submitted to high resolution white-light gastroscopy followed by NBI to estimate EGGIM – a score (0 – 10) resulting from the sum of endoscopic assessments of GIM, scored as 0, 1, or 2 for no GIM, ≤ 30 %, or > 30 % of the mucosa, respectively, in five areas (lesser and greater curvature of both antrum and corpus, and incisura). If GIM was endoscopically suspected, targeted biopsies were performed; if GIM was not noticeable, random biopsies were performed according to the Sydney system to estimate the operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia (OLGIM; the gold standard).

Results 250 patients (62 % female; median age 55 years) were included. GIM was staged as OLGIM 0, I, II, III, IV in 136 (54 %), 15 (6 %), 52 (21 %), 34 (14 %), and 13 (5 %) patients, respectively. All patients with GIM except three were identifiable with targeted biopsies. For the diagnosis of OLGIM III/IV, the area under the ROC curve was 0.96 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.93 – 0.98) and by using the cutoff > 4, sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio were 89 %, 95 %, and 16.5, respectively; results were similar (91 %, 95 %, and 18.1) when excluding patients with foveolar hyperplasia.

Conclusions For the first time, an endoscopic approach was externally validated to determine the risk of gastric cancer without the need for biopsies. This can be used to simplify and individualize the management of patients with gastric precancerous conditions.
Arthroscopic Hemitrapeziectomy and Suture Button Suspensionplasty in the Treatment of First Carpometacarpal Joint Eaton–Littler Stage 2–3 Arthrosis
Authors: Özçelik İsmail , Uğurlar Meriç , Sarı Abdulkadir
Published: January 2019

Background Degenerative arthritis of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common degenerative condition in the hand. Many different surgical procedures have been applied for years. However, in the studies there is no consensus about the superiority of one technique to another.

Questions/Purposes In this study, we evaluated the results of the patients with first CMC Eaton–Littler stage 2–3 arthrosis who were operated to prevent first metacarpal joint lateral subluxation and migration with arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty.

Patients and Methods Between 2011 and 2014, 21 patients (16 female, five male) were evaluated retrospectively. Mean age was 52.3 years. The preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed with visual analog scale (VAS) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score (DASH) scores. The Kapandji's thumb opposition score was used to assess thumb range of movement. The patients were assessed after arthroscopy according to Badia classification.

Results Mean follow-up period was 50.1 months. According to Badia classification, seven patients were found to be type 2 and 14 patients were type 3. The mean preoperative Kapandji's score was 7.6 and the mean postoperative Kapandji's score was 9.2. The mean VAS values were 8.2 preoperatively and 1.9 postoperatively. The mean preoperative DASH value was 23.4 and the mean postoperative DASH value was 5.5. The mean preoperative grip strength was 66.2 and the mean postoperative grip strength was 75.1. The mean preoperative pinch strength was 14.8 and the mean postoperative pinch strength was 20.2.

Conclusion Arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty is a minimal invasive technique and can be performed with low morbidity in the treatment of first CMC joint Eaton–Littler stage 2–3 arthrosis. By this technique, the patients' existing instability and pain problems can be solved. Complications, such as loosening of the suture button at the first metacarpal at the postoperative period due to direct trauma to the first CMC joint, could be avoided using a new suture button.

Type of Study/ Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV.
A versatile neuromorphic system based on simple neuron model
Authors: Zhang C. M. , Qiao G. C. , Hu S. G. , Wang J. J. , Liu Z. W. , Liu Y. A. , Yu Q. , Liu Y.
Published: January 2019

Brain-inspired neuromorphic computing has attracted much attention for its advanced computing concept. However, the massive hardware cost in fully-connected architectures makes it challenging to build a large-scale neuromorphic system. In this work, we report a compact, programmable, versatile, and scalable neuromorphic architecture. To demonstrate the concept of the neuromorphic architecture, a neuromorphic system consisting of four cores is implemented on an FPGA platform. On the one hand, the neuromorphic system is extremely compact and hardware-saving. The computing block based on a simple digital leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) model only costs 69 logic elements (LEs); only one physical neuron is implemented in each core, and it can be reused as hundreds of virtual neurons by time-division-multiplexing; only four 9-bit synaptic weights are assigned to each neuron, which effectively alleviates the hardware explosion in fully-connected architecture. On the other hand, the neuromorphic system is programmable and versatile, and can perform different neural network computing. The neuromorphic system mapped with a three-layer feedforward network successfully recognizes the MNIST handwritten digits with an accuracy of 96.26%, and it also effectively realizes different convolution operations which are basic computing operations in convolutional neural networks. Last but not least, each neuromorphic core has its own router module, making it convenient to scale up.
In-plane deformation mechanics of highly stretchable Archimedean interconnects
Authors: Alcheikh N. , Shaikh S. F. , Hussain M. M.
Published: January 2019

Stretchable inorganic electronics are very attractive for many applications, which require large deformation during stretching. Archimedean–inspired interconnect designs can offer and achieve high level of stretchability under extreme deformations. Here, we systematically investigate the relationship between stretchability and the geometrical parameters under in-plane deformation. The stretchable structures are made of amorphous silicon (a-Si), which cracked at very small strain 1.6%. Finite element method (FEM) was carried out to simulate the maximum strain/stress of interconnects. The results show that high stress appears at the base and the half-circle of the Archimedean interconnects. Experimental results agree well with the numerical modeling, both showing that the stretchability more than double when the straight line at the base is replaced by two lines in series. Our results demonstrate a stretchability up to 1020% and 605%, respectively for two types of Archimedean interconnect. The results indicate that the narrower width, the larger gap separated the straight lines (higher radius), and the longer straight lines will achieve lower stress and high stretchability. Further, a numerical study is conducted to explore the mechanical performance of Poly-crystalline silicon based structures where the maximum bending strain should be up to 1%.
A model study of 3-dimensional localization of breast tumors using piezoelectric fingers of different probe sizes
Authors: Xu Xin , Shih Wei-Heng , Shih Wan Y.
Published: January 2019

Mammography is the only Food and Drug Administration approved breast cancer screening method. The drawback of the tumor image in a mammogram is the lack of tumor depth information as it is only a 2-dimensional projection of a 3-dimensional (3D) tumor. In this work, we investigated 3D tumor imaging by assessing tumor depth information using a set of piezoelectric fingers (PEFs) with different probe sizes which were known to be capable of eliciting tissue elastic responses to different depths and tested it on model tumor tissues consisted of gelatin with suspended clay inclusions. The locations of the top and bottom surfaces of an inclusion were resolved by solving a simple spring model using the elastic measurements of the PEFs of different probe sizes as the input. The lateral sizes of an inclusion were determined as the full width at half maximum of the Gaussian fit to the measured lateral tumor elastic modulus profile. The obtained lateral inclusion sizes were in close agreement with the actual values, and the deduced depth profiles of an inclusion also agreed with the actual depth profiles so long as the bottom surface of the inclusion was within the depth sensitivity of the PEF with the largest probe size. This work offers a simple non-invasive method to predict the extent of a tumor in all 3 dimensions. The method is also non-radioactive.
Touch position identification based on a flexible array-less supercapacitive tactile sensor
Authors: Liu Jixiao , Liu Na , Hashimoto Kazunobu , Meng Chuizhou , Guo Shijie
Published: January 2019

Flexible tactile sensors with simple structures, minimal peripheral electric connections and straightforward data processing will benefit the human-machine interactions in which the contact information is crucial. However, it is still hard to balance the easy fabrication, full flexibility, large measurement area and minimal electric connection in existed tactile sensing systems. This study introduces an innovative positioning method based on a flexible supercapacitive tactile sensor. A 100 mm×100 mm prototype sensor, which contains two layers of flexible electrodes and a layer of ionic gel membrane in the middle to construct electrostatic double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), is developed to study the underlying physical principles. Following the established method, minimized electric connections are needed to achieve the mm-scale touch position/movement trace identification. Under the touch pressure, the formation of supercapacitors around the touch area leads to re-distribution of electric potential within the sensor. The electrical voltage variation is gauged at four points, and the data are calculated to estimate the touch positions following a two-step protocol. The developed method demonstrates high accuracy of position identification (around 5% in the 100 mm×100 mm flexible sensor), superior anti-disturbance capability (more than ∼104 variation of capacitance) and fast response (∼ms level). At the same time, it has no dependency on complex fabrication, redundant electric circuit or sensing unit arrays. These promising characteristics can benefit various application fields, such as intelligent robotics, biomedical devices and wearable equipment.
Modeling phonon thermal conductivity in spatially confined GaN nanofilms under stress fields and phonon surface scattering
Authors: Zhu Linli , Tang Xiaoya , Wang Jiachuan , Hou Yang
Published: January 2019

Thermal performance of nanomaterials has always been a significant part of semiconductor research, which is the key problem in the development and design of various micro/nanoelectronic devices. In this work, we investigate the thermal properties of prestressed gallium nitride nanofilms based on phonon Boltzmann transport approach and acoustoelastic theory. The influence of surface/interface scattering and stress fields on phonon properties and thermal conductivity is taken into account to predict the thermal conductivity of gallium nitride nanofilms. Theoretical calculations show that the phonon surface scattering and prestress fields can modify phonon thermal conductivity of gallium nitride nanofilms significantly. The compressive stress increases thermal conductivity whilst the tensile stress decreases thermal conductivity, and phonon surface scattering decreases the conductivity of gallium nitride nanofilms. With the decrease of the structural size, the surface scattering effect is enhanced, making phonon thermal conductivity a few orders of magnitude smaller than bulk value. This work could be helpful in optimizing the phonon thermal conductivity of nanomaterials through the stress/strain engineering and the surface/interface engineering. It can also provide a piece of theoretical evidence for the design of high-performance nanodevices.
Modulation of tissue growth heterogeneity by responses to mechanical stress
Authors: Fruleux Antoine , Boudaoud Arezki
Published: January 2019

Significance

The two hands of most humans almost superimpose. Likewise, flowers of an individual plant have similar shapes and sizes. This is in striking contrast with growth and deformation of cells during organ morphogenesis, which feature considerable variations in space and in time, raising the question of how organs and organisms reach well-defined sizes and shapes. To link cell and organ scales, we built a theoretical model of growing tissue with fiber-like structural elements that may account for animal cytoskeleton or extracellular matrix, or for the plant cell wall. We show that the response of fibers to growth-induced mechanical stress may enhance or reduce cellular variability of growth, making it possible to modulate the robustness of morphogenesis.
Robust predictions of specialized metabolism genes through machine learning
Authors: Moore Bethany M. , Wang Peipei , Fan Pengxiang , Leong Bryan , Schenck Craig A. , Lloyd John P. , Lehti-Shiu Melissa D. , Last Robert L. , Pichersky Eran , Shiu Shin-Han
Published: January 2019

Significance

Specialized metabolites are critical for plant–environment interactions, e.g., attracting pollinators or defending against herbivores, and are important sources of plant-based pharmaceuticals. However, it is unclear what proportion of enzyme-encoding genes play a role in specialized metabolism (SM) as opposed to general metabolism (GM) in any plant species. This is because of the diversity of specialized metabolites and the considerable number of incompletely characterized pathways responsible for their production. In addition, SM gene ancestors frequently played roles in GM. We evaluate features distinguishing SM and GM genes and build a computational model that accurately predicts SM genes. Our predictions provide candidates for experimental studies, and our modeling approach can be applied to other species that produce medicinally or industrially useful compounds.
The Association between Medical Comorbidity and Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Measures of Treatment Initiation and Engagement for Alcohol and other Drug use Disorders
Authors: Binswanger Ingrid A. , Carroll Nikki M. , Ahmedani Brian K. , Campbell Cynthia I. , Haller Irina V. , Hechter Rulin C. , McNeely Jennifer , Yarborough Bobbi Jo H. , Kline-Simon Andrea H. , Satre Derek D. , Weisner Constance , Lapham Gwen T.
Published: January 2019

Background

Medical comorbidity may influence treatment initiation and engagement for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders. We examined the association between medical comorbidity and Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) treatment initiation and engagement measures.

Methods

We used electronic health record and insurance claims data from 7 US health care systems to identify patients with AOD use disorders between October 1, 2014, and August 15, 2015 ( N = 86,565). Among patients identified with AOD use disorders in outpatient and emergency department (ED) settings, we examined how Charlson/Deyo comorbidity index scores and medical complications of AOD use were associated with treatment initiation. Among those who initiated treatment in inpatient and outpatient/ED settings, we also examined how comorbidity and AOD use–related medical complications were associated with treatment engagement. Analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equation logistic regression modeling.

Results

Among patients identified as having an AOD diagnosis in outpatient and ED settings ( n = 69,965), Charlson/Deyo comorbidity index scores of 2 or more were independently associated with reduced likelihood of initiation (risk ratio [RR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74, 0.86; reference score = 0), whereas prior-year diagnoses of cirrhosis (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.35) and pancreatic disease (RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.56) were associated with greater likelihood of initiation. Among those who were identified in outpatient/ED settings and initiated, higher comorbidity scores were associated with lower likelihood of engagement (score 1: RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.94; score 2+: RR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.53, 0.71).

Conclusion

Medical comorbidity was associated with lower likelihood of initiating or engaging in AOD treatment, but cirrhosis and pancreatic disease were associated with greater likelihood of initiation. Interventions to improve AOD treatment initiation and engagement for patients with comorbidities are needed, such as integrating medical and AOD treatment.
Factors Associated with Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Alcohol and other Drug Measure Performance in 2014–2015
Authors: Weisner Constance , Campbell Cynthia I. , Altschuler Andrea , Yarborough Bobbi Jo H. , Lapham Gwen T. , Binswanger Ingrid A. , Hechter Rulin C. , Ahmedani Brian K. , Haller Irina V. , Sterling Stacy A. , McCarty Dennis , Satre Derek D. , Kline-Simon Andrea H.
Published: January 2019

Background

Only 10% of patients with alcohol and other drug (AOD) disorders receive treatment. The AOD Initiation and Engagement in Treatment (AOD-IET) measure was added to the national Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) to improve access to care. This study identifies factors related to improving AOD-IET rates.

Methods

We include data from 7 health systems with differing geographic, patient demographic, and organizational characteristics; all used a common Virtual Data Warehouse containing electronic health records and insurance claims data. Multilevel logistic regression models examined AOD-IET among adults (18+).

Results

A total of 86,565 patients had an AOD diagnosis qualifying for the HEDIS denominator. The overall initiation rate was 27.9% with wide variation; the overall engagement rate was 11.5% and varied from 4.5% to 17.9%. Women versus men (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76–0.86); Hispanics (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.79–0.91), black/African Americans (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.75–0.90), and Asian Americans (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.72–0.95) versus whites; and patients aged 65+ versus 18–29 (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.74–0.90) had lower odds of initiation. Patients aged 30–49 versus 18–29 (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.04–1.19) and those with prior psychiatric (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.18–1.35) and medical conditions (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.10–1.26) had higher odds of initiation. Identification in primary care versus other departments was related to lower odds of initiation (emergency department [ED]: OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.45–1.66; psychiatry/AOD treatment: OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 3.33–3.84; other outpatient: OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.06–1.32). Patients aged 30–49 versus 18–29 had higher odds of engagement (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.10–1.43). Patients aged 65+ versus 18–29 (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.43–0.62) and black/African Americans versus whites (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.53–0.77) had lower odds. Those initiating treatment in psychiatry/AOD treatment versus primary care (OR = 7.02, 95% CI = 5.93–8.31) had higher odds of engagement; those in inpatient (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.32–0.50) or other outpatient (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59–0.91) settings had lower odds.

Discussion

Rates of initiation and engagement varied but were low. Findings identified age, race/ethnicity, co-occurring conditions, and department of identification as key factors associated with AOD-IET. Focusing on these could help programs develop interventions that facilitate AOD-IET for those less likely to receive care.
MicroRNA-506-3p initiates mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and suppresses autophagy in osteosarcoma cells by directly targeting SPHK1
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Bao Fuqin , Teng Yugang , Li Qiang , Li Jianjun
Published: January 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor. In cancer cells, autophagy is related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although microRNA (miR)-506-3p has been demonstrated to act as a tumor suppressor in OS, its role in regulating the EMT process and autophagy remains unknown. The results showed that miR-506-3p directly inhibited the expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) in 143B and SaOS-2 cells. The invasive capability of OS cells was reduced following miR-506-3p mimics transfection, and restored when SPHK1 was overexpressed simultaneously. Further, miR-506-3p mimics initiated mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) – E-cadherin expression was upregulated, whilst vimentin and fibronectin were downregulated. The basal autophagy flux (LC3II/I) was suppressed by miR-506-3p mimics. The alterations induced by miR-506-3p mimics were partly reversed by SPHK1 overexpression or treatment of rapamycin. Meanwhile, treatment of SPHK1-transfected cells with 3-methyladenine inhibited EMT. The data suggest that miR-506-3p initiates MET and suppresses autophagy in OS cells by targeting SPHK1.
Expression and characterization of recombinant human lactoferrin in edible alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Pang Xiaonan , Tong Yuxi , Xue Wenzhi , Yang Yi-feng , Chen Xiwen , Liu Jia , Chen Defu
Published: January 2019

Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally occurring iron-binding glycoprotein with a variety of biological functions. It has increasing demand every year and huge market potential. In this study, we explored the feasibility of expressing human LF (hLF) in edible algae C. reinhardtii. A codon-optimized hLF gene was synthesized, inserted into pCAMBIA-1301C and transformed into C. reinhardtii SP strain. In total, 7 hLF-expressing clones were selected with clone 121 exhibiting the highest expression level. The hLF-containing algal extract significantly inhibited the growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella variicola. During acute toxicity experiment no acute toxicity was detected, especially on changes of the body weight and histopathology of organs. The recombinant hLF possessed a similar or modestly reduced stability compared to commercial hLF standard. Our data indicated that expression of hLF in C. reinhardtii is feasible and paved a way to commercial production of lactoferrin using edible Chlamydomonas expression system.

Abbreviations: atrazine chlorohydrolase gene (atzA); bovine serum albumin (BSA); human LF (hLF); lactoferrin (LF); Luria-Bertani (LB); quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) ; SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE); Tris-acetate phosphate (TAP); western blotting (WB)
‘Photo‐words’: promoting language skills using photographs
Authors: Walter Ofra , Gil-Glazer Ya'ara , Eilam Billie
Published: January 2019

This study, using a mixed methods design, examined the use of a photograph‐based model to improve students’ language and writing skills. Classes were assigned to receive the photograph‐based intervention (experimental) or to receive the regular language‐based curriculum (control). Both second and fifth grade students in the experimental group significantly improved their language and writing skills compared to the control group. Second grade students improved significantly more than fifth grade students. The findings also enabled the research team to identify deficiencies that required specific modifications in language curriculum design.
The material nature of spirituality in the small business workplace: from transcendent ethical values to immanent ethical actions
Authors: Driscoll Cathy , McIsaac Elizabeth M. , Wiebe Elden
Published: January 2019

We interviewed leaders of small businesses who have integrated spirituality from diverse spiritual traditions into their workplaces. We contribute to a better understanding of the motives and deeply held values behind the integration of spirituality in the small business workplace,
of how spiritual values and meaning are manifest in small business, and of how spirituality can be integrated into small business processes and behaviors. We build upon previous theoretical development of an authentically and spirituality informed management theory by focusing on the concepts
of immanence and involvement, and integration and interconnectedness, as they relate to ethical and socially responsible behavior in workplaces. Our findings contrast some ways that workplace spirituality has been reported to be institutionalized in the management, spirituality, and religion
literature.
Barriers to Receiving Support among Young Arab Women in Israel Who Have Been Abused in Childhood
Authors: Elias Haneen , Alnabilsy Raghda , Pagorek-Eshel Shira
Published: January 2019

Young Arab women (YAW) in Israel who have been abused in childhood may experience barriers to both formal and informal support as an ethnic minority and a gender exposed to exclusion, discrimination and oppression. However, only scant reference has been made to this problem in the literature. Here, in a qualitative study of twenty YAW in Israel who had experienced abuse in childhood, we explored their perception of barriers to support following the abuse. Theoretical understandings were developed using a grounded theory approach. The ecological theory and the intersection of the marginal positions theory further developed emergent theoretical understandings during analysis. The main findings of the study are based on three major meta-categories: sociopolitical barriers, sociocultural barriers and intra-interpersonal barriers. These meta-categories, which create a mechanism of silencing the abuse, reflect a cumulative effect of the barriers ranging from macro-levels to micro-levels. The article discusses the implications of the findings on social policy and social work training in order to enhance culturally- and gender-adapted treatment programmes.
A Double Dissociation in Sensitivity to Verb and Noun Semantics Across Cortical Networks
Authors: Elli Giulia V , Lane Connor , Bedny Marina
Published: January 2019

What is the neural organization of the mental lexicon? Previous research suggests that partially distinct cortical networks are active during verb and noun processing, but what information do these networks represent? We used multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to investigate whether these networks are sensitive to lexicosemantic distinctions among verbs and among nouns and, if so, whether they are more sensitive to distinctions among words in their preferred grammatical class. Participants heard 4 types of verbs (light emission, sound emission, hand-related actions, mouth-related actions) and 4 types of nouns (birds, mammals, manmade places, natural places). As previously shown, the left posterior middle temporal gyrus (LMTG+), and inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) responded more to verbs, whereas the inferior parietal lobule (LIP), precuneus (LPC), and inferior temporal (LIT) cortex responded more to nouns. MVPA revealed a double-dissociation in lexicosemantic sensitivity: classification was more accurate among verbs than nouns in the LMTG+, and among nouns than verbs in the LIP, LPC, and LIT. However, classification was similar for verbs and nouns in the LIFG, and above chance for the nonpreferred category in all regions. These results suggest that the lexicosemantic information about verbs and nouns is represented in partially nonoverlapping networks.
The PFAD-HEC Model: Impacts of News Attributes and Use Motivations on Selective News Exposure
Authors: Mothes Cornelia , Knobloch-Westerwick Silvia , Pearson George D H
Published: January 2019

This study examined effects of four common news attributes—personalization, fragmentation, authority–disorder bias, and dramatization (PFAD)—on news exposure and the moderating impacts of hedonic, epistemic, and civic news use motivations. In a lab experiment, participants browsed online news while selective exposure was unobtrusively logged. Findings yielded longer exposure to personalized and dramatized articles and news with low authority–disorder bias. Fragmentation had no significant impact. However, selective exposure to fragmented news was influenced by participants’ political understanding (epistemic motivation), exposure to personalization by news enjoyment (hedonic motivation), and exposure to authority–disorder bias by civic duty to keep informed (civic motivation). Results suggest that news styles may need to become more diversified to better address the informational needs of today’s fragmented audiences.
An elastic harmonic inclusion near a rigid harmonic inclusion loaded by a couple
Authors: Wang Xu , Chen Liang , Schiavone Peter
Published: January 2019

We use conformal mapping techniques to solve the inverse problem concerned with an elastic non-elliptical harmonic inclusion in the vicinity of a rigid non-elliptical harmonic inclusion loaded by a couple when the surrounding matrix is subjected to remote uniform stresses. Both a size-independent complex loading parameter and a size-dependent real loading parameter are introduced as part of the solution procedure. The stress field inside the elastic inclusion is uniform and hydrostatic; the interfacial normal and tangential stresses as well as the hoop stress on the matrix side are uniform along each one of the two inclusion–matrix interfaces. The tangential stress along the interface of the elastic inclusion (free of external loading) vanishes, whereas that along the interface of the rigid inclusion (loaded by the couple) does not. A novel method is proposed to determine the area of the rigid inclusion.
Diet May Drive Influenza A Virus Exposure in African Mammals
Authors: Soilemetzidou Eirini-Sanatana , De Bruin Erwin , Franz Mathias , Aschenborn Ortwin H K , Rimmelzwaan Guus F , van Beek Ruud , Koopmans Marion , Greenwood Alex D , Czirják Gábor Á
Published: January 2019

Background

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) represent repeatedly emerging pathogens with near worldwide distribution and an unclear nonavian-host spectrum. While the natural hosts for IAV are among waterfowl species, certain mammals can be productively infected. Southern Africa is home to diverse avian and mammalian fauna for which almost no information exists on IAV dynamics.

Methods

We evaluated 111 serum samples from 14 mammalian species from Namibia for the presence of IAV-specific antibodies and tested whether host phylogeny, sociality, or diet influence viral prevalence and diversity.

Results

Free-ranging African mammals are exposed to diverse IAV subtypes. Herbivores developed antibodies against 3 different hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes, at low prevalence, while carnivores showed a higher prevalence and diversity of HA-specific antibody responses against 11 different subtypes. Host phylogeny and sociality were not significantly associated with HA antibody prevalence or subtype diversity. Both seroprevalence and HA diversity were significantly increased in carnivores regularly feeding on birds.

Conclusions

The risk of infection and transmission may be driven by diet and ecological factors that increase contact with migratory and resident waterfowl. Consequently, wild mammals, particularly those that specialize on hunting and scavenging birds, could play an important but overlooked role in influenza epizootics.
Ecophysiology of constitutive and facultative CAM photosynthesis
Authors: Winter Klaus
Published: January 2019

This review discusses the current status of research on phenotypic diversity and plasticity of CO2 assimilation in plants with crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis.
Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in plants: which comes first?
Authors: Corpas Francisco J , González-Gordo Salvador , Cañas Amanda , Palma José M
Published: January 2019

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signal molecule regarded as being involved in myriad functions in plants under physiological, pathogenic, and adverse environmental conditions. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has also recently been recognized as a new gasotransmitter with a diverse range of functions similar to those of NO. Depending on their respective concentrations, both these molecules act synergistically or antagonistically as signals or damage promoters in plants. Nevertheless, available evidence shows that the complex biological connections between NO and H2S involve multiple pathways and depend on the plant organ and species, as well as on experimental conditions. Cysteine-based redox switches are prone to reversible modification; proteomic and biochemical analyses have demonstrated that certain target proteins undergo post-translational modifications such as S-nitrosation, caused by NO, and persulfidation, caused by H2S, both of which affect functionality. This review provides a comprehensive update on NO and H2S in physiological processes (seed germination, root development, stomatal movement, leaf senescence, and fruit ripening) and under adverse environmental conditions. Existing data suggest that H2S acts upstream or downstream of the NO signaling cascade, depending on processes such as stomatal closure or in response to abiotic stress, respectively.
The My Body Knows When Program Increased Intuitive Eating Characteristics in a Military Population
Authors: Cole Renee E , Meyer Stephanie A , Newman Taylor J , Kieffer Adam J , Wax Sarah G , Stote Kim , Madanat Hala
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of the revised My Body Knows When (MBKW) program to promote intuitive eating behaviors within a sample of a military population through an online or in-person delivery mode.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-six overweight or obese adults (70% female); military service members (20%), retirees (38%) and family (42%) participated in the 10-week MBKW program at two military installations from 2012 to 2014. Body Mass Index, Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2; 23-item) and Motivation for Eating scale (MFES; 43-item) were collected at baseline and 10-weeks. Data were stratified by sex. Descriptive data were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD), frequency, or percentage. A paired t-test was conducted with data at baseline and 10 weeks (α = 0.05, 80% power).

Results

Participants were predominantly female (70%); mean age of 51 ± 13 years; and BMI of 34.1 ± 5.5 kg/m2. There were no demographic, MFES, or IES-2 baseline differences between groups (in-person vs. online) or location. All subjects were collapsed into one group for a pre-post MBKW implementation assessment due to small sample size despite the original intent to stratify by online and in-person grouping. At 10 weeks, the remaining 26 participants exhibited a significant improvement (mean ± SD) in BMI (−0.4 ± 0.6 kg/m2; p = 0.012), environmental/social eating score (2.7 ± 0.4 points [pts]; −0.5 pt change; p < 0.001), emotional eating score (2.2 ± 0.5 pts; −0.6 pt change; p = 0.001), unconditional permission to eat score (3.4 ± 0.4 pts; +0.3 pt change; p = 0.017), eating for physical rather than emotional eating score (3.7 ± 0.8 pts; +1.0 pt change; p < 0.001), and reliance on hunger and satiety cues score (3.6 ± 0.5 pts; +0.8 pt change; p = 0.001). High attrition rates at the 10-week follow-up assessment precluded accurate assessment of long-term intervention effects.

Conclusions

The MBKW program was associated with improved intuitive eating behaviors and with less external eating influence on behavior; however, a larger sample is required to assess the effectiveness of MBKW delivery mode. Modest weight loss was attained but testing the efficacy of the MBKW program in a large diverse sample with alternate scenarios may be worthwhile (e.g., primary prevention against weight gain, or during weight maintenance to prevent weight regain).
Dietary protein intake and kidney function decline after myocardial infarction: the Alpha Omega Cohort
Authors: Esmeijer Kevin , Geleijnse Johanna M , de Fijter Johan W , Kromhout Daan , Hoogeveen Ellen K
Published: January 2019

Background

Post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients have a doubled rate of kidney function decline compared with the general population. We investigated the extent to which high intake of total, animal and plant protein are risk factors for accelerated kidney function decline in older stable post-MI patients.

Methods

We analysed 2255 post-MI patients (aged 60–80 years, 80% men) of the Alpha Omega Cohort. Dietary data were collected with a biomarker-validated 203-item food frequency questionnaire. At baseline and 41 months, we estimated glomerular filtration rate based on the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations for serum cystatin C [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcysC)] alone and both creatinine and cystatin C (eGFRcr–cysC).

Results

Mean [standard deviation (SD)] baseline eGFRcysC and eGFRcr–cysC were 82 (20) and 79 (19) mL/min/1.73 m2. Of all patients, 16% were current smokers and 19% had diabetes. Mean (SD) total protein intake was 71 (19) g/day, of which two-thirds was animal and one-third plant protein. After multivariable adjustment, including age, sex, total energy intake, smoking, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, renin–angiotensin system blocking drugs and fat intake, each incremental total daily protein intake of 0.1 g/kg ideal body weight was associated with an additional annual eGFRcysC decline of −0.12 (95% confidence interval −0.19 to −0.04) mL/min/1.73 m2, and was similar for animal and plant protein. Patients with a daily total protein intake of ≥1.20 compared with <0.80 g/kg ideal body weight had a 2-fold faster annual eGFRcysC decline of −1.60 versus −0.84 mL/min/1.73 m2. Taking eGFRcr–cysC as outcome showed similar results. Strong linear associations were confirmed by restricted cubic spline analyses.

Conclusion

A higher protein intake was significantly associated with a more rapid kidney function decline in post-MI patients.
The Incidence and Predisposing Factors of John Cunningham Virus-Induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Southern Finland: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Kartau Marge , Verkkoniemi-Ahola Auli , Paetau Anders , Palomäki Maarit , Janes Rita , Ristola Matti , Lappalainen Maija , Anttila Veli-Jukka
Published: January 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, incidence rate (IR), predisposing factors, survival rate, and diagnostic delay of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) across medical specialties. Another objective was to survey how PML diagnosis was made in the studied cases.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional retrospective observational study of PML cases across different medical specialties during 2004–2016 in the Finnish Capital Region and Southern Finland. Data were obtained from clinical records, clinical microbiology, pathology and radiology department records, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) quality register medical records.

Results

A total of 31 patients were diagnosed with PML. The prevalence of PML was 1.56 per 100 000 people and the IR was 0.12 per 100 000 individuals per year during 2004–2016. Hematologic malignancies (n = 19) and HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (n = 5) were the most common underlying diseases, and all patients who had malignant diseases had received cancer treatment. Before PML diagnosis, 21 (67.7%) patients were treated with chemotherapy, 14 (45.2%) patients with rituximab, and 1 patient (3.2%) with natalizumab. Two patients (6.5%) had no obvious immunocompromising disease or treatment. Neither gender, age, first symptoms, previous medication, nor underlying disease influenced the survival of PML patients significantly. The 5-year survival rate was poor, at less than 10%.

Conclusions

The majority of PML patients in our study had a predisposing disease or had immunosuppressive or monoclonal antibody therapy. In the future, broader use of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory medications may increase incidence of PML among patients with diseases unassociated with PML. Safety screening protocols for John Cunningham virus and PML are important to prevent new PML cases.
Examination of sleep health dimensions and their associations with perceived stress and health in a UK sample
Authors: Allen Sarah F , Akram Umair , Ellis Jason G
Published: January 2019

Background

Sleep health is a relatively new multidimensional concept, however, there is no consensus on its underlying dimensions. A previous study examined potential indicators of sleep health using an aggregated sleep health measure. However, the psychometric properties are yet to be determined. The primary aim was to assess the factor structure, reliability and validity of this measure. A secondary aim was to explore the relationships with perceived stress, and physical and mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 257 adults from the UK aged 18–65 (78.4% female, mean age = 29.39 [SD = 11.37]). Participants completed 13 Sleep health items, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, Insomnia Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Perceived Stress Scale and SF-12 Health Survey.

Results

The measure exhibited good internal consistency (α = 0.785) and construct validity as determined by associations with existing measures. Principle components analysis produced four factors e; sleep quality (α = 0.818), sleep adaptability (α = 0.917), sleep wellness (α = 0.621) and daytime functioning (α = 0.582). Adaptability (β = −241) was strongest predictor of perceived stress, and daytime functioning was strongest predictor of physical (β = 0.322) and mental health (β = 0.312).

Conclusions

Sleep health is a multidimensional construct comprising four distinct but related dimensions. The importance of sleep health in terms of perceived stress and mental and physical health is highlighted.
Engineering a Decoy Substrate in Soybean to Enable Recognition of the Soybean Mosaic Virus NIa Protease
Authors: Helm Matthew , Qi Mingsheng , Sarkar Shayan , Yu Haiyue , Whitham Steven A. , Innes Roger W.
Published: January 2019

In Arabidopsis, recognition of the AvrPphB effector protease from Pseudomonas syringae is mediated by the disease resistance (R) protein RPS5, which is activated by AvrPphB-induced cleavage of the Arabidopsis protein kinase PBS1. The recognition specificity of RPS5 can be altered by substituting the AvrPphB cleavage site within PBS1 with cleavage sequences for other proteases, including proteases from viruses. AvrPphB also activates defense responses in soybean (Glycine max), suggesting that soybean may contain an R protein analogous to RPS5. It was unknown, however, whether this response is mediated by cleavage of a soybean PBS1-like protein. Here, we show that soybean contains three PBS1 orthologs and that their products are cleaved by AvrPphB. Further, transient expression of soybean PBS1 derivatives containing a five-alanine insertion at their AvrPphB cleavage sites activated cell death in soybean protoplasts, demonstrating that soybean likely contains an AvrPphB-specific resistance protein that is activated by a conformational change in soybean PBS1 proteins. Significantly, we show that a soybean PBS1 decoy protein modified to contain a cleavage site for the soybean mosaic virus (SMV) NIa protease triggers cell death in soybean protoplasts when cleaved by this protease, indicating that the PBS1 decoy approach will work in soybean, using endogenous PBS1 genes. Lastly, we show that activation of the AvrPphB-dependent cell death response effectively inhibits systemic spread of SMV in soybean. These data also indicate that decoy engineering may be feasible in other crop plant species that recognize AvrPphB protease activity.