bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Discrimination on Health among Adolescent Immigrant Minorities in Europe: The Role of Perceived Discrimination by Police and Security Personnel
Authors: Kauff Mathias , Wölfer Ralf , Hewstone Miles
Published: December 2017

Previous research has shown negative effects of discrimination on ethnic minority members’ health and well‐being. In this study, we examined cross‐sectional and longitudinal effects of discrimination by members of the police and security personnel over and above other types of discrimination and ethnic victimization on the health of immigrant minority students from three different European countries (N = 4,334 immigrant students from 580 ethnically mixed school classes in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden). Results indicate that perceptions of ethnic victimization in the school (measured via social network data) as well as three types of discrimination outside school (discrimination in clubs, public transportation as well as by the police and private security) are associated with current and future negative health outcomes (i.e., psychosomatic problems) in immigrant minority students. Among the different types of discrimination, discrimination by the police and private security personnel was most common and had the most negative effect on immigrant minority students’ health. Practical and political implications of our findings as well as differences in discrimination and violence by the police between the United States and Europe are discussed.
The Trauma Lens of Police Violence against Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Bryant‐Davis Thema , Adams Tyonna , Alejandre Adriana , Gray Anthea A.
Published: December 2017

Police violence against racial and ethnic minorities has been researched through the lens of multiple social science disciplines including psychology. Within psychology, the study of trauma lends itself to understanding the dynamics of unjustified violence perpetrated by some law enforcement agents. These acts of aggression are not only examples of interpersonal trauma but also the trauma of racism, which is examined through the lens of intergenerational trauma, racist‐incident–based trauma, and complex trauma. There is a history of violence against racial and ethnic minorities that contextualizes the traumatic experience of police violence. Additionally, the framework of trauma illuminates the causes and consequences of police brutality as a racist‐incident trauma. Finally, survivors of police violence targeting racial and ethnic minorities are often persons who have been exposed to multiple traumas resulting in a cumulative effect. Filling a current gap in the literature, we discuss the clinical implications of applying trauma theories to police violence, as well as diverse ways racially and ethnically marginalized persons have coped with and resisted these acts. There is attention given to the need to attend to the intersecting identities of persons who are targeted such as ethnic minority women. Finally, we describe the need for further study of this complex and devastating phenomenon.
Effect of a Pheromone on Stress‐Associated Reactivation of Feline Herpesvirus‐1 in Experimentally Inoculated Kittens
Authors: Contreras Elena T. , Hodgkins E. , Tynes V. , Beck A. , Olea‐Popelka F. , Lappin M.R.
Published: December 2017

Background

Stress contributes to reactivation of feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1). The usage of pheromones to decrease stress inFHV‐1 experimentally inoculated kittens has not previously been investigated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether a feline pheromone would lessen stress, resulting in decreased recurrence ofFHV‐1‐associated illness in kittens.

Animals

Twelve 5‐month‐old, purpose‐bred kittens.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Kittens previously infected with the same dose ofFHV‐1 were randomized into 2 separate but identical group rooms. After a 2‐week equilibration period, a diffuser containing either the pheromone or placebo was placed in each of the rooms, and the kittens acclimated for an additional 2 weeks. Every 2 weeks thereafter, for the 8‐week study period, housing was alternated between kennel‐ and group housing. Blinded observers applied a standardized clinical and behavioral scoring rubric daily. After each 2‐week period, serum cortisol concentrations and quantitativePCRforFHV‐1 and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) ratios were evaluated. Clinical, behavioral, and laboratory test results were compared between groups within individual and combined study periods.

Results

Sneezing occurred more frequently in the placebo group during individual (P = 0.006) and combined study periods (P = 0.001). Sleep at the end of observation periods occurred more frequently in the pheromone group during individual (P = 0.006) and combined study periods (P < 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The findings suggest that the pheromone decreased stress, and the decrease in stress response may have resulted in decreased sneezing associated withFHV‐1.
Characterization of auxin transporter PIN6 plasma membrane targeting reveals a function for PIN6 in plant bolting
Authors: Ditengou Franck Anicet , Gomes Dulceneia , Nziengui Hugues , Kochersperger Philip , Lasok Hanna , Medeiros Violante , Paponov Ivan A. , Nagy Szilvia Krisztina , Nádai Tímea Virág , Mészáros Tamás , Barnabás Beáta , Ditengou Beata Izabela , Rapp Katja , Qi Linlin , Li Xugang , Becker Claude , Li Chuanyou , Dóczi Róbert , Palme Klaus
Published: December 2017

Auxin gradients are sustained by series of influx and efflux carriers whose subcellular localization is sensitive to both exogenous and endogenous factors. Recently the localization of the Arabidopsis thaliana auxin efflux carrier PIN‐FORMED (PIN) 6 was reported to be tissue‐specific and regulated through unknown mechanisms.

Here, we used genetic, molecular and pharmacological approaches to characterize the molecular mechanism(s) controlling the subcellular localization of PIN6.

PIN6 localizes to endomembrane domains in tissues with low PIN6 expression levels such as roots, but localizes at the plasma membrane (PM) in tissues with increased PIN6 expression such as the inflorescence stem and nectary glands. We provide evidence that this dual localization is controlled by PIN6 phosphorylation and demonstrate that PIN6 is phosphorylated by mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) MPK4 and MPK6. The analysis of transgenic plants expressing PIN6 at PM or in endomembrane domains reveals that PIN6 subcellular localization is critical for Arabidopsis inflorescence stem elongation post‐flowering (bolting). In line with a role for PIN6 in plant bolting, inflorescence stems elongate faster in pin6 mutant plants than in wild‐type plants.

We propose that PIN6 subcellular localization is under the control of developmental signals acting on tissue‐specific determinants controlling PIN6‐expression levels and PIN6 phosphorylation.
Predicting plant immunity gene expression by identifying the decoding mechanism of calcium signatures
Authors: Lenzoni Gioia , Liu Junli , Knight Marc R.
Published: December 2017

Calcium plays a key role in determining the specificity of a vast array of signalling pathways in plants. Cellular calcium elevations with different characteristics (calcium signatures) carry information on the identity of the primary stimulus, ensuring appropriate downstream responses. However, the mechanism for decoding calcium signatures is unknown. To determine this, decoding of the salicylic acid (SA)‐mediated plant immunity signalling network controlling gene expression was examined.

A dynamic mathematical model of the SA‐mediated plant immunity network was developed. This model was used to predict responses to different calcium signatures; these were validated empirically using quantitative real‐time PCR to measure gene expression.

The mechanism for decoding calcium signatures to control expression of plant immunity genes enhanced disease susceptibility 1 (EDS1) and isochorismate synthase 1 (ICS1) was identified. Calcium, calmodulin, calmodulin‐binding transcription activators (CAMTA)3 and calmodulin binding protein 60g (CBP60g) together amplify each calcium signature into three active signals, simultaneously regulating expression. The time required for calcium to return to steady‐state level also quantitatively regulates gene expression.

Decoding of calcium signatures occurs via nonlinear interactions between these active signals, producing a unique response in each case. Key properties of the calcium signatures are not intuitive, exemplifying the importance of mathematical modelling approaches. This approach can be applied to identifying the decoding mechanisms of other plant calcium signalling pathways.
Mesophyll conductance in Zea mays responds transiently to CO2 availability: implications for transpiration efficiency in C4 crops
Authors: Kolbe Allison R. , Cousins Asaph B.
Published: December 2017

Mesophyll conductance (gm) describes the movement of CO2 from the intercellular air spaces below the stomata to the site of initial carboxylation in the mesophyll. In contrast with C3‐gm, little is currently known about the intraspecific variation in C4‐gm or its responsiveness to environmental stimuli.

To address these questions, gm was measured on five maize (Zea mays) lines in response to CO2, employing three different estimates of gm.

Each of the methods indicated a significant response of gm to CO2. Estimates of gm were similar between methods at ambient and higher CO2, but diverged significantly at low partial pressures of CO2. These differences are probably driven by incomplete chemical and isotopic equilibrium between CO2 and bicarbonate under these conditions. Carbonic anhydrase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in vitro activity varied significantly despite similar values of gm and leaf anatomical traits.

These results provide strong support for a CO2 response of gm in Z. mays, and indicate that gm in maize is probably driven by anatomical constraints rather than by biochemical limitations. The CO2 response of gm indicates a potential role for facilitated diffusion in C4‐gm. These results also suggest that water‐use efficiency could be enhanced in C4 species by targeting gm.
Teachers' Understandings of Realistic Contexts to Capitalize on Students' Prior Knowledge
Authors: González Gloriana
Published: December 2017

The theory of realistic mathematics education establishes that framing mathematics problems in realistic contexts can provide opportunities for guided reinvention. Using data from a study group, I examine geometry teachers' perspectives regarding realistic contexts during a lesson study cycle. I ask the following. (a) What are the participants' perspectives regarding realistic contexts that elicit students' prior knowledge? (b) How are the participants' perspectives of realistic contexts related to teachers' instructional obligations? (c) How do the participants draw upon these perspectives when designing a lesson? The participants identified five characteristics that are needed for realistic contexts: providing entry points to mathematics, using “catchy” and “youthful” contexts, selecting personal contexts for the students, using contexts that are not “too fake” or “forced,” and connecting to the lesson's mathematical content. These characteristics largely relate to the institutional, interpersonal, and individual obligations with some connections with the disciplinary obligation. The participants considered these characteristics when identifying a realistic context for a problem‐based lesson. The context promoted mathematical connections. In addition, the teachers varied the context to increase the relevance for their students. The study has implications for supporting teachers' implementation of problem‐based instruction by attending to teachers' perspectives regarding the obligations shaping their work.
Toxicity and mutagenicity assessment of a boron mine drainage water
Authors: Korkmaz Ferhan , Deniz Sönmez Görkem , Aytar Çelik Pınar , Mutlu Mehmet Burçin , Çabuk Ahmet
Published: December 2017

This study was aimed to assess toxicity of boron mine drainage (BMD) water in Kırka borough of Turkey, which is one of the most important boron deposit sites in the world. Three complementary tests were done to assess the toxicity of BMD water. Root growth inhibition tests showed that EC50 value of BMD water sample was approximately 3.85% of concentration. Furthermore, mutagenicity was analysed utilising Ames Salmonella Mutagenicity Test and Muta‐ChromoPlate kit system (Environmental Biodetection Products Inc., Ontario, Canada). Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 strain for all concentrations and Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain for the highest concentrations of BMD water in the absence of metabolic activation significantly stimulated mutagenic activity and increased the numbers of revertant colonies for several concentrations compared to spontaneous revertant colonies. RAPD‐PCR result and the polymorphism percentage proved that the effect of boron contamination was seen on DNA level.
A reappraisal on biodegradation of fluoride compounds: role of microbes
Authors: Singh Aparna , Gothalwal Ragini
Published: December 2017

Fluorine is a highly reactive gas, rarely occurs in nature, in elemental form. Fluorosis is an excruciating and crippling disease caused by fluoride intake. Microbial degradation is cost‐effective and eco‐friendly method of removing fluoride compounds. The enzymes and genes involved in the fluoride‐degrading pathway have been identified and characterised. The in‐silico studies on degradative enzymes and their molecular interaction can be more advantageous in understanding fluoride toxicity and its degradative efficiency. Microbes exhibiting fluoride degradative potential or fluoride adsorption potential can be used for bioremediation of fluoride‐contaminated water. Large population is affected by fluorosis; both the welfare state and researchers are required to address the problem. The microbial degradation of fluoride provides sustainable, cost‐effective and ecofriendly technology. In the present review, an attempt has been made to compile all the available literature related to biodegradation of fluoride compounds.
Efficacy and Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of Evidence‐Based Nursing Interventions to Maintain Tissue Integrity to Prevent Pressure Ulcers and Incontinence‐Associated Dermatitis
Authors: Avşar Pınar , Karadağ Ayişe
Published: December 2017

Background

A reduction in tissue tolerance promotes the development of pressure ulcers (PUs) and incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD).

Aims

To determine the cost‐effectiveness and efficacy of evidence‐based (EB) nursing interventions on increasing tissue tolerance by maintaining tissue integrity.

Methods

The study involved 154 patients in two intensive care units (77 patients, control group; 77 patients, intervention group). Data were collected using the following: patient characteristics form, Braden PU risk assessment scale, tissue integrity monitoring form, PU identification form, IAD and severity scale, and a cost table of the interventions. Patients in the intervention group were cared for by nurses trained in the use of the data collection tools and in EB practices to improve tissue tolerance. Routine nursing care was given to the patients in the control group. The researcher observed all patients in terms of tissue integrity and recorded the care‐related costs.

Results

Deterioration of tissue integrity was observed in 18.2% patients in the intervention group compared to 54.5% in the control group (p < .05). The average cost to increase tissue tolerance prevention in the intervention and control groups was = $204.34 ± 41.07 and = $138.90 ± 1.70, respectively.

Linking Evidence to Action

It is recommended that EB policies and procedures are developed to improve tissue tolerance by maintaining tissue integrity.

Conclusions

Although the cost of EB preventive initiatives is relatively high compared to those that are not EB, the former provide a significant reduction in the prevalence of tissue integrity deterioration.
Potential exposure to Australian bat lyssavirus is unlikely to prevent future bat handling among adults in South East Queensland
Authors: Young M. K. , Banu S. , McCall B. J. , Vlack S. , Carroll H. , Bennett S. , Davison R. , Francis D.
Published: December 2017

Despite ongoing public health messages about the risks associated with bat contact, the number of potential exposures to Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) due to intentional handling by members of the general public in Queensland has remained high. We sought to better understand the reasons for intentional handling among these members of the public who reported their potential exposure to inform future public health messages. We interviewed adults who resided in a defined geographic area in South East Queensland and notified potential exposure to ABLV due to intentional handling of bats by telephone between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013. The participation rate was 54%. Adults who reported they had intentionally handled bats in South East Queensland indicated high levels of knowledge and perception of a moderately high risk associated with bats with overall low intentions to handle bats in the future. However, substantial proportions of people would attempt to handle bats again in some circumstances, particularly to protect their children or pets. Fifty‐two percent indicated that they would handle a bat if a child was about to pick up or touch a live bat, and 49% would intervene if a pet was interacting with a bat. Future public health communications should recognize the situations in which even people with highrisk perceptions of bats will attempt to handle them. Public health messages currently focus on avoidance of bats in all circumstances and recommend calling in a trained vaccinated handler, but messaging directed at adults for circumstances where children or pets may be potentially exposed should provide safe immediate management options.
Occurrence, Persistence, and Contamination Routes of Listeria monocytogenes Genotypes on Three Finnish Dairy Cattle Farms: a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Castro Hanna , Jaakkonen Anniina , Hakkinen Marjaana , Korkeala Hannu , Lindström Miia
Published: December 2017

The molecular epidemiology of
Listeria monocytogenes
was investigated in a longitudinal study of three Finnish dairy farms during 2013 to 2016. A total of 186 bulk tank milk (BTM), 224 milk filter sock (MFS), and 1,702 barn environment samples were analyzed, and isolates of
L. monocytogenes
were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
L. monocytogenes
occurred throughout the year in all sample types, and the prevalence in MFS increased significantly during the indoor season.
L. monocytogenes
was more prevalent in MFS (29%) than in BTM (13%) samples. However, the prevalence of
L. monocytogenes
varied more between farms in samples of MFS (13 to 48%) than in BTM (10 to 16%). For each farm, the
L. monocytogenes
genotypes detected were classified by persistence (defined as persistent if isolated from ≥3 samples during ≥6 months) and predominance (defined as predominant if >5% prevalence on at least one farm visit). The prevalence of sporadic genotypes was 4 to 5% on all three farms. In contrast, the prevalence of persistent predominant genotypes varied between farms by 4% to 16%. The highest prevalence of persistent predominant genotypes was observed on the farm with the poorest production hygiene. Persistent predominant genotypes were most prevalent on feeding surfaces, water troughs, and floors. Genotypes isolated from the milking system or from cow udders had a greater relative risk of occurring in BTM and MFS than genotypes that only occurred elsewhere in the farm, supporting the hypothesis that
L. monocytogene
s is transmitted to milk from contamination on the udder surface or in the milking equipment.

IMPORTANCE
Listeria monocytogenes
is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium and the causative agent of a serious foodborne illness, listeriosis. Dairy products are common vehicles of listeriosis, and dairy cattle farms harbor
L. monocytogenes
genotypes associated with human listeriosis outbreaks. Indeed, dairy cattle farms act as a reservoir of
L. monocytogenes
, and the organism is frequently detected in bulk tank milk (BTM) and in the feces of clinically healthy cows. The ecology of
L. monocytogenes
in the farm environment is complex and poorly understood. Isolates of the same
L. monocytogenes
genotype can occur in the farm for years, but the factors contributing to the persistence of genotypes on dairy farms are unknown. Knowledge of the persistence patterns and contamination routes of
L. monocytogenes
on dairy farms can improve management of the contamination pressure in the farm environment and aid in the development of focused control strategies to reduce BTM contamination.
A Novel Nonantibiotic,
lgt
-Based Selection System for Stable Maintenance of Expression Vectors in Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Terrinoni Manuela , Nordqvist Stefan L. , Källgård Susanne , Holmgren Jan , Lebens Michael
Published: December 2017

Antibiotic selection for the maintenance of expression plasmids is discouraged in the production of recombinant proteins for pharmaceutical or other human uses due to the risks of antibiotic residue contamination of the final products and the release of DNA encoding antibiotic resistance into the environment. We describe the construction of expression plasmids that are instead maintained by complementation of the
lgt
gene encoding a (pro)lipoprotein glyceryl transferase essential for the biosynthesis of bacterial lipoprotein. Mutations in
lgt
are lethal in
Escherichia coli
and other Gram-negative organisms. The
lgt
gene was deleted from
E. coli
and complemented by the
Vibrio cholerae
-derived gene provided in
trans
on a temperature-sensitive plasmid, allowing cells to grow at 30°C but not at 37°C. A temperature-insensitive expression vector carrying the
V. cholerae
-derived
lgt
gene was constructed, whereby transformants were selected by growth at 39°C. The vector was successfully used to express two recombinant proteins, one soluble and one forming insoluble inclusion bodies. Reciprocal construction was done by deleting the
lgt
gene from
V. cholerae
and complementing the lesion with the corresponding gene from
E. coli
. The resulting strain was used to produce the secreted recombinant cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) protein, a component of licensed as well as newly developed oral cholera vaccines. Overall, the
lgt
system described here confers extreme stability on expression plasmids, and this strategy can be easily transferred to other Gram-negative species using the
E. coli
-derived
lgt
gene for complementation.

IMPORTANCE
Many recombinant proteins are produced in bacteria from genes carried on autonomously replicating DNA elements called plasmids. These plasmids are usually inherently unstable and rapidly lost. This can be prevented by using genes encoding antibiotic resistance. Plasmids are thus maintained by allowing only plasmid-containing cells to survive when the bacteria are grown in medium supplemented with antibiotics. In the described antibiotic-free system for the production of recombinant proteins, an essential gene is deleted from the bacterial chromosome and instead provided on a plasmid. The loss of the plasmid becomes lethal for the bacteria. Such plasmids can be used for the expression of recombinant proteins. This broadly applicable system removes the need for antibiotics in recombinant protein production, thereby contributing to reducing the spread of genes encoding antibiotic resistance, reducing the release of antibiotics into the environment, and freeing the final products (often used in pharmaceuticals) from contamination with potentially harmful antibiotic residues.
Effect of Start-Up Strategies and Electrode Materials on Carbon Dioxide Reduction on Biocathodes
Authors: Saheb-Alam Soroush , Singh Abhijeet , Hermansson Malte , Persson Frank , Schnürer Anna , Wilén Britt-Marie , Modin Oskar
Published: December 2017

The enrichment of CO
2
-reducing microbial biocathodes is challenging. Previous research has shown that a promising approach could be to first enrich bioanodes and then lower the potential so the electrodes are converted into biocathodes. However, the effect of such a transition on the microbial community on the electrode has not been studied. The goal of this study was thus to compare the start-up of biocathodes from preenriched anodes with direct start-up from bare electrodes and to investigate changes in microbial community composition. The effect of three electrode materials on the long-term performance of the biocathodes was also investigated. In this study, preenrichment of acetate-oxidizing bioanodes did not facilitate the start-up of biocathodes. It took about 170 days for the preenriched electrodes to generate substantial cathodic current, compared to 83 days for the bare electrodes. Graphite foil and carbon felt cathodes produced higher current at the beginning of the experiment than did graphite rods. However, all electrodes produced similar current densities at the end of the over 1-year-long study (2.5 A/m
2
). Methane was the only product detected during operation of the biocathodes. Acetate was the only product detected after inhibition of the methanogens. Microbial community analysis showed that
Geobacter
sp. dominated the bioanodes. On the biocathodes, the
Geobacter
sp. was succeeded by
Methanobacterium
spp., which made up more than 80% of the population. After inhibition of the methanogens,
Acetobacterium
sp. became dominant on the electrodes (40% relative abundance). The results suggested that bioelectrochemically generated H
2
acted as an electron donor for CO
2
reduction.

IMPORTANCE
In microbial electrochemical systems, living microorganisms function as catalysts for reactions on the anode and/or the cathode. There is a variety of potential applications, ranging from wastewater treatment and biogas generation to production of chemicals. Systems with biocathodes could be used to reduce CO
2
to methane, acetate, or other high-value chemicals. The technique can be used to convert solar energy to chemicals. However, enriching biocathodes that are capable of CO
2
reduction is more difficult and less studied than enriching bioanodes. The effect of different start-up strategies and electrode materials on the microbial communities that are enriched on biocathodes has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate two different start-up strategies and three different electrode materials for start-up and long-term operation of biocathodes capable of reducing CO
2
to valuable biochemicals.
Draft Genome Sequence of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterium Bacillus subtilis SR1, Which Has Plant Growth-Promoting Attributes
Authors: Kotoky Rhitu , Singha L. Paikhomba , Pandey Piyush
Published: December 2017

Bacillus subtilis
SR1 is a heavy metal-resistant, polyaromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from rhizospheric soil of contaminated sites. It has the ability to promote plant growth and utilize benzo[
a
]pyrene as a carbon source. This study reports the characteristics of the genome of
B. subtilis
SR1, which contains one circular chromosome (4,093,698 bp).
Mutations in the PA Protein of Avian H5N1 Influenza Viruses Affect Polymerase Activity and Mouse Virulence
Authors: Zhong Gongxun , Le Mai Quynh , Lopes Tiago J. S. , Halfmann Peter , Hatta Masato , Fan Shufang , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: December 2017

To study the influenza virus determinants of pathogenicity, we characterized two highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses isolated in Vietnam in 2012 (A/duck/Vietnam/QT1480/2012 [QT1480]) and 2013 (A/duck/Vietnam/QT1728/2013 [QT1728]) and found that the activity of their polymerase complexes differed significantly, even though both viruses were highly pathogenic in mice. Further studies revealed that the PA-S343A/E347D (PA with the S-to-A change at position 343 and the E-to-D change at position 347) mutations reduced viral polymerase activity and mouse virulence when tested in the genetic background of QT1728 virus. In contrast, the PA-343S/347E mutations increased the polymerase activity of QT1480 and the virulence of a low-pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus. The PA-343S residue (which alone increased viral polymerase activity and mouse virulence significantly relative to viral replication complexes encoding PA-343A) is frequently found in H5N1 influenza viruses of several subclades; infection with a virus possessing this amino acid may pose an increased risk to humans.

IMPORTANCE
H5N1 influenza viruses cause severe infections in humans with a case fatality rate that exceeds 50%. The factors that determine the high virulence of these viruses in humans are not fully understood. Here, we identified two amino acid changes in the viral polymerase PA protein that affect the activity of the viral polymerase complex and virulence in mice. Infection with viruses possessing these amino acid changes may pose an increased risk to humans.
Type and Frequency of Side Effects during Pc6 Acupuncture: Observations from Therapists and Patients Participating in Clinical Efficacy Trials of Acupuncture
Authors: Enblom Anna , Johnsson Anna
Published: December 2017

Background

Many therapists practise PC6 acupuncture for emesis (nausea and vomiting) during pregnancy, different cancer therapies, palliative care, after surgery, or to induce relaxing effects in general. Knowledge of side effects is central to shared decision-making.

Aim

To describe the type and frequency of side effects and the level of needle-induced pain during PC6 acupuncture.

Methods

We included 1298 PC6 acupuncture treatments, delivered to 221 participants (77% women, mean age 52.5, range 18–91 years). The subjects had received genuine PC6 acupuncture, in one of two previous randomised controlled trials, aimed at inducing antiemetic (n=100, with 100 providing data on side effects and 94 on needle-induced pain, respectively) or relaxing (n=121, with 120 providing data) effects. Side effects during and after the acupuncture treatments were registered in structured treatment protocols and study diaries.

Results

No serious complications occurred. Side effects during the acupuncture sessions included minor bleeding in 5.0%, tiredness in 4.9%, numbness in 4.5% and dizziness in 1.4% of the 1298 treatments. After treatment, the mean proportions of participants reporting side effects each week were: tiredness 25.8%; feeling cold 17.8%; dizziness 9.7%; sweating 9.3%; haematoma 8.8%; and soreness at the needling sites 4.3%. Participants perceived the needling to be not painful (47.4% of participants), or mildly (39.1%), moderately (11.6%) or very painful (1.4%).

Conclusions

Few side effects occurred and those that did were mild. Nearly 90% found PC6 acupuncture to be not painful or only mildly painful. Healthcare professionals may consider the observed levels of side effects when informing patients about side effects of PC6 acupuncture.
Impact of Ramadan fasting on glucose levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus treated with diet alone or diet plus metformin: a continuous glucose monitoring study
Authors: Afandi Bachar O , Hassanein Mohamed M , Majd Lina M , Nagelkerke Nico J D
Published: December 2017

Objective

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are categorized as at high risk for adverse events during Ramadan fasting. However, this is largely based on clinical opinion. In this study, we shed some light on what happens to glucose levels during Ramadan fasting.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study. A total of 32 patients with GDM were recruited; 10 patients, treated with diet only (group 1), to observe their glucose levels before fasting and 22 patients who insisted on fasting the month of Ramadan, 13 treated with diet only (group 2) and nine treated with diet plus metformin 500 mg twice daily (group 3), to evaluate their glucose levels during fasting. Interstitial glucose was monitored in all by using the iPro2 Professional continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

Results

Mean glucose level was 116±21 mg/dL (6.16±1.16 mmol/L), 106±9 mg/dL (5.88±0.49 mmol/L) and 99±7 mg/dL (5.49±0.34 mmol/L) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Patients in group 1 had the lowest rate of hypoglycemia (50%), followed by patients in group 2 (60%), whereas patients in group 3 had the highest rate of hypoglycemia (78%).

Conclusions

CGM data indicates that Ramadan fasting in women with GDM treated with diet alone or with diet plus metformin was associated with lower mean glucose levels and higher rates of hypoglycemia when compared with non-fasting glucose levels. Women with GDM should be advised against fasting during Ramadan until further data is available.
Effects of a culturally tailored parenting support programme in Somali-born parents’ mental health and sense of competence in parenting: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Osman Fatumo , Salari Raziye , Klingberg-Allvin Marie , Schön Ulla-Karin , Flacking Renée
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored parenting support programme on Somali-born parents’ mental health and sense of competence in parenting.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A city in the middle of Sweden.

Participants

Somali-born parents (n=120) with children aged 11–16 years and self-perceived stress in their parenting were randomised to an intervention group (n=60) or a waiting-list control group (n=60).

Intervention

Parents in the intervention group received culturally tailored societal information combined with the Connect parenting programme during 12 weeks for 1–2 hours per week. The intervention consisted of a standardised training programme delivered by nine group leaders of Somali background.

Outcome

The General Health Questionnaire 12 was used to measure parents’ mental health and the Parenting Sense of Competence scale to measure parent satisfaction and efficacy in the parent role. Analysis was conducted using intention-to-treat principles.

Results

The results indicated that parents in the intervention group showed significant improvement in mental health compared with the parents in the control group at a 2-month follow-up: B=3.62, 95% CI 2.01 to 5.18, p<0.001. Further, significant improvement was found for efficacy (B=−6.72, 95% CI −8.15 to −5.28, p<0.001) and satisfaction (B=−4.48, 95% CI −6.27 to −2.69, p<0.001) for parents in the intervention group. Parents’ satisfaction mediated the intervention effect on parental mental health (β=−0.88, 95% CI −1.84 to −0.16, p=0.047).

Conclusion

The culturally tailored parenting support programme led to improved mental health of Somali-born parents and their sense of competence in parenting 2 months after the intervention. The study underlines the importance of acknowledging immigrant parents’ need for societal information in parent support programmes and the importance of delivering these programmes in a culturally sensitive manner.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02114593.
Do patients who die from an alcohol-related condition ‘drift’ into areas of greater deprivation? Alcohol-related mortality and health selection theory in Scotland
Authors: Pulford Andrew , Gordon Ruth , Graham Lesley , Lewsey James , McCartney Gerry , Robinson Mark
Published: December 2017

Background

Health selection has been proposed to explain the patterning of alcohol-related mortality by area deprivation. This study investigated whether persons who die from alcohol-related conditions are more likely to experience social drift than those who die from other causes.

Methods

Deaths recorded in Scotland (2013,>21 years) were coded as ‘alcohol-related’ or ‘other’ and by deprivation decile of residence at death. Acute hospital admissions data from 1996 to 2012 were used to provide premortality deprivation data. χ² tests estimated the difference between observed and expected alcohol-related deaths by first Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) decile and type of death. Logistic regression models were fitted using type of death as the outcome of interest and change in SIMD decile as the exposure of interest.

Results

Of 47 012 deaths, 1458 were alcohol-related. Upward and downward mobility was observed for both types of death. An estimated 31 more deaths than expected were classified ‘alcohol-related’ among cases whose deprivation score decreased, while 204 more deaths than expected were classified ‘alcohol-related’ among cases whose initial deprivation ranking was in the four most deprived deciles. Becoming more deprived and first deprivation category were both associated with increased odds of type of death being alcohol-related after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

This study suggests that health selection appears to contribute less to the deprivation gradient in alcohol-related mortality in Scotland than an individual’s initial area deprivation category.
Student experiences and perceptions of compulsory research projects: a veterinary perspective
Authors: Cardwell Jacqueline M , Magnier Kirsty , Kinnison Tierney , Silva‐Fletcher Ayona
Published: December 2017

Background

Although research underpins clinical work, many students training to be clinicians are not inherently interested in developing research skills.

Aim

To characterise and understand veterinary student experiences and perceptions of compulsory research projects.

Methods

This was an explanatory sequential mixed‐methods study, with a questionnaire survey of an entire cohort informing purposive selection for focus group discussions. Student views were triangulated with staff questionnaire data.

Results

About a third of the cohort felt that the project had not been worthwhile or had not fostered useful skills. Focus group data analysis identified fragility of motivation and lack of clear schemata for the research process as key themes. Students were easily demotivated by typical research challenges and lack of schemata contributed to a poor understanding of the rationale for the project, encouraging highly extrinsic forms of motivation. Triangulation with staff questionnaire data indicated that staff understood students’ challenges, but were more likely than students to consider it to be a valuable learning experience.

Conclusions

Findings support ongoing curriculum development and emphasise that, to optimise motivation, engagement and learning, students training to be clinicians need a clear rationale for research, based on development of critical inquiry skills as a core clinical competency.
Applications of worm-like chain model in polymer physics
Authors: Xu Xin , Jiang Ying
Published: December 2017

Saito, Takahashi and Yunoki developed the continuous version of worm-like chain (WLC) model that is very suitable for description of the polymer conformational properties affected by chain rigidity. By adjusting persistence length directly, the WLC model can depict the extensive range of chain conformations from flexible chains to rigid chains. It is widely accepted that more physical properties of real polymer can be obtained by utilizing coarse-grained model than Gaussian chain (GSC). This paper reviews the applications of the WLC model in the framework based on self-consistent field theory, which is an efficient method of theoretical exploration of phase separation in polymer system. It is noticed that the development of numerical schemes is in favor of solving modified diffusion equation that adjusts the probability distribution of polymers. In addition, we conclude the recent applications of the self-consistent field theory based on the WLC model as the following three points: phase transitions of liquid crystal polymer; the influences of surface curvature on polymer system that involves the chain orientation effects; self-assembly of worm-like block copolymer. These researches have been out of the range of the self-consistent field theory based on GSC model that has been used in a large number of theoretical studies. Finally, we present ideas of theoretical development in field theory simulations based on the WLC model in the future. It is universally acknowledged that chain rigidity is a key factor that influences the properties of structural stabilities in the meso-scale in articles. Theoretical researches determine the key physical mechanisms that play crucial roles in many experimental systems with attractively promising applications in practice, for systems such as liquid crystalline polymers and organic solar cell based on the conjugated polymers.
Investigating the reaction pathways of chemical functionalization of C20 fullerene by nitrile oxide and azide; A computational study
Authors: Asghari Sakineh , Gouran Ali Asghar , Farmanzadeh Davood , Abdollahi Tahereh
Published: December 2017

In this study, the interactions between nitrile oxide (fulminic acid) and azide (hydrazoic acid) with the C[Formula: see text] fullerene were investigated and their priority in reacting and functionalizing surface of this fullerene were compared with each other. The results show that the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between fulminic acid and C[Formula: see text] fullerene could occur faster than this reaction by hydrazoic acid. Therefore, nitrile oxide group as a dipole is much preferred compared to the azide functional group in reacting with the surface of C[Formula: see text] fullerene. In addition, the calculated adsorption energy and electronic density of state, DOS plots for the related species confirmed that the C[Formula: see text] fullerene can be used as sensors for sensing the hydrazoic acid and fulminic acid molecules.
The Meshfree Interface Finite Element Method for Numerical Simulation of Dendritic Solidification with Fluid Flow
Authors: Ghoneim Adam Yehudi
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we use the newly proposed meshfree interface finite element method (MIFEM) for numerical simulation of dendritic solidification with fluid flow. In the MIFEM, meshfree points without connectivity are imposed directly at the zero-isocontour of an implicit function defining the interface which is allowed to arbitrarily intersect the finite elements. The MIFEM utilizes the constructed interface points for meshfree solution of a variational level set equation based on the Ginzburg–Landau energy functional minimization such that the reinitialization procedure is completely eliminated. To account for inter-element discontinuities, field variables at interface-embedded elements are computed by extending the approximation using the meshfree interface points as additional degrees of freedom directly corresponding to the interface. This is achieved by meshfree interpolation at the interface region via radial basis functions which inherently satisfies the Kronecker-delta and the partition of unity conditions allowing for precise and easy imposition of Dirichlet boundary conditions at the interface. We use the MIFEM for solving the interfacial evolution equation and the set of mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations describing the dendritic solidification process with fluid flow. Mathematical formulation and implementation to multiple case studies will be presented and discussed.
A Lattice Boltzmann-Immersed Boundary-Finite Element Method for Nonlinear Fluid–Solid Interaction Simulation with Moving Objects
Authors: Gong Chunlin , Fang Zhe , Chen Gang
Published: December 2017

A nonlinear finite element method (FEM) was introduced into the immersed boundary (IB) — lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) framework to simulate the nonlinear fluid–solid interactions for moving deformable objects in incompressible fluid flow. The fluid motion is obtained by solving the discrete lattice Boltzmann equation, the moving boundaries of the solids are handled by the IB method, and the nonlinear dynamics of the deforming/moving objects are calculated by nonlinear FEM solvers in which the structural nodes are also set as Lagrangian markers to track the moving boundaries of the structures in IB method. The simulation results indicate that the proposed IB-LBM-FEM simulation framework not only satisfies the nonslip boundary condition well at the boundary points, but also has better accuracy for capturing nonlinearity because of its mature nonlinear FEM solver.
MAKE-OR-BUY DECISIONS ON TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE PRODUCTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE CONSUMER GOODS INDUSTRY
Authors: BREM ALEXANDER , ELSNER ROBERT
Published: December 2017

Make-or-buy decisions on technology-intensive components represent a key task in the management of technologies. Against this background, this paper presents an analysis of a technology company which gave key insights into their make-or-buy decisions on the strategic and operative level. The results show two kinds of make-or-buy decisions, called type 1 and type 2. In contrast to type 1 make-or-buy decisions whose scope is mostly limited to the production and quality function, type 2 decisions are strongly linked to engineering and R&D activities. Moreover, two new decision matrices are introduced: a ‘product/subsystem aggregation’ scheme and a ‘make-or-buy controlling’ matrix. In an environment in which companies move towards greater use of outsourcing, the framework ensures that company strategy and core competencies are followed in the long run despite short-range deviations of make-or-buy analysis results. These findings might be helpful and suitable to other manufacturing companies that deal with technology-intensive components on a strategic and operative level.
Nonlinear Forced Vibration Analysis of FG-CNTRC Cylindrical Shells Under Thermal Loading Using a Numerical Strategy
Authors: Hasrati Emad , Ansari Reza , Torabi Jalal
Published: December 2017

Employing an efficient numerical strategy, the nonlinear forced vibration analysis of composite cylindrical shells reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is carried out. It is assumed that the distribution of CNTs along the thickness direction of the shell is uniform or functionally graded and the temperature dependency of the material properties is accounted. The governing equations are presented based on the first-order shear deformation theory along with von-Karman nonlinear strain-displacement relations. The vectorized form of energy functional is derived and directly discretized using numerical differential and integral operators. By the use of variational differential quadrature (VDQ) method, discretized nonlinear governing equations are obtained. Then, the time periodic differential operators are applied to perform the discretization procedure in time domain. Finally, the pseudo-arc length continuation method is employed to solve the nonlinear governing equations and trace the frequency response curve of the nanocomposite cylindrical shell. A comparison study is first presented to verify the efficiency and validity of the proposed numerical method. Comprehensive numerical results are then given to investigate the effects of the involved factors on the nonlinear forced vibration characteristics of the structure. The results show that the changes of fundamental vibrational mode shape have considerable effects on the frequency response curves of composite cylindrical shells reinforced with CNTs.
Elastic-Plastic Analysis of Functionally Graded Spherical Pressure Vessels Using Strain Gradient Plasticity
Authors: Shokrollahi Hassan
Published: December 2017

In this paper, formulation of elastic-plastic analysis of functionally graded (FG) spherical pressure vessels under internal pressure based on strain gradient plasticity is presented. The material properties are assumed to vary in a power law manner in the radial direction. A linear hardening rule for the material behavior in the plastic region is assumed. After deriving the governing differential equations, a closed form solution is obtained. At the first step, the obtained results were validated against other available results in the literature. Then the effects of changing the inner radius from a few micro-meters to one meter, FG power index and strain gradient coefficient on stress and plastic region size are studied based on classical and strain gradient theories. Also, the effect of internal pressure on the size of plastic region is studied.