bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Theoretical Analysis of the Photoemission from Quantum Confined Non-Linear Optical, Optoelectronic, and Related Materials
Authors: Bhattacharya S. , De D. , Chowdhury S. , Karmakar S. , Basu D. K. , Pahari S. , Ghatak K. P.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, an attempt is made to study the photo emission from quantum wells (QWs), quantum well wires (QWWs), and quantum dots (QDs) of non-linear optical materials on the basis of a newly formulated electron dispersion law considering the anisotropies of the effective electron
masses, the spin-orbit splitting constants and the presence of the crystal field splitting within the framework of k.p formalism. The results of quantum confined III–V optoelectronic compounds form the special cases of our generalized analysis. The photoemission has also
been studied for quantum confined optoelectronic II–VI and stressed materials respectively. It has been found taking quantum confined CdGaAs2, Hg1−xCdxTe, In1−xGaxAsyP1−y
lattice matched to InP, CdS, and stressed InSb as examples that the photo emission exhibits plateaus as function of incident photon energy, which is important from experimental point of view, analogous to the same type of plateaus which have been observed in quantum Hall effect in the variation
of the quantized Hall resistance with quantizing magnetic field. The photoemission also exhibits quantized variations with changing electron concentration and field thickness, respectively, for all types of quantum confinement. The photoemission is the greatest for QDs and the least for QWs.
In addition, the well-known results for bulk specimens of wide-gap materials have also been obtained as special cases from our generalized expressions under certain limiting conditions.
Tuning Optical Absorption and Emission of Sub-Nanometer Gold-Caged Metal Systems M@Au14 by Substitutional Doping
Authors: Xie John R. H. , Cheung Chiu Fung , Zhao Jijun
Published: November 2018

Gao, Bulusu and Zeng have recently reported a new series of isoelectronic, sub-nanometer gold-caged metal systems M@Au14 which have large energy gaps than icosahedral W@Au12 and Au32 and tetrahedral Au20. In this communication,
we propose a "tuning" scheme, substitutional-doping, to achieve the tunable optical excitation and emission of M@Au14 over a broad wavelength region. For example, the optical absorption gaps of isoelectronic M@Au14 could be tuned from the near infrared to
green by substituting the metal M with group IIIB, IVB, and VB constituents in the periodic table. Our results provide basic guidelines for further experimental studies on the spectral properties of M@Au14 as well as for the development of M@Au14-based tunable
optoelectronic devices.
‘It’s not getting them the support they need’: Exploratory research of police officers’ experiences of community mental health
Authors: Lamb Vicky , Tarpey Emma
Published: November 2018

Police officers are first responders in a role which not only encompasses crime, but also increasing welfare issues. Issues have been highlighted with officers ‘detaining’ those with mental health difficulties and the impact that this process can have upon all involved. However, there appears to be a shift towards a police-health nexus. An exploratory study interviewed ten UK police officers with a view to understanding officers’ experiences of working with people with mental health difficulties and the availability of training for this role. With increasing demands to support people with mental health concerns, alongside a reduction in officer numbers, thematic analysis highlighted three themes: Support, Impact on the Officer and Understanding Mental Health. Increasing demands, a lack of training and limited multi-agency working were experienced by officers. However, officer-to-officer support was strong. Recommendations are made to increase collaborative multi-agency working and review the role of police officers as first responders in mental health crises.
Race, Four Farms, and a City: Color Blindness and the Austin, TX, Urban Farm Debate
Authors: Harris Deborah A. , Romero Rachel
Published: November 2018

Austin, TX, was the site of a three-year debate between urban farmers and their supporters and local community activists about how to rewrite an outdated farm code. There was tremendous animosity between the two groups and, despite efforts at mediation, the two sides were unable to reach compromise. To understand more about how these two groups came into conflict, we interviewed 26 local stakeholders about their views and experiences during the farm code debate and found that issues of race and racial inequality were a key factor in the continuing mistrust. We found that farmers and their supporters attempted to frame the debate and its racial undertones by highlighting their racial–ethnic minority supporters, describing their businesses as reclaiming East Austin’s agricultural past, and arguing that the only issue that should matter in redrawing the farm ordinance should be how to best help farmers provide healthy food to the community. We argue that the farmers’ responses draw from a discourse of whiteness and color blindness that can be harmful to People of Color and link their views to larger critiques that the alternative food movement and individual alternative food projects can be exclusionary.
Frames as Boundaries: Rhetorical Framing Analysis and the Confines of Public Discourse in Online News Coverage of Vegan Parenting
Authors: Phillips Ryan J.
Published: November 2018

This article examines the boundary work of frames and the methodological significance of understanding this work when conducting rhetorical framing analysis. While the boundary properties of frames have been theorized by scholars, there remains a lack of clear engagement with how to effectively address these discursive boundaries methodically. I argue that agenda-dismissal, which makes use of both prolepses and blind spots, ought to be addressed in addition to agenda-setting and agenda-extension when conducting rhetorical framing analysis. A case study is provided in which the rhetorical framing of vegan parenting in online news media is analyzed and critiqued for confining the issue within a dominant health-based frame. Strategies for dismantling discursive boundaries and reframing public issues are also considered within the context of the case study.
Occupational manganese exposure, reproductive hormones, and semen quality in male workers: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Haibo , Wang Jifeng , Yang Xinxin , Wu Fengdi , Qi Zhipeng , Xu Bin , Liu Wei , Deng Yu
Published: November 2018

It has been found that exposure to manganese (Mn) could induce reproductive dysfunction, but its occupational risk in male workers is unclear. This study aims to assess the association of occupational Mn exposure with reproductive hormones and semen quality in a cross-sectional study. Urinary Mn, semen quality, and reproductive hormones were explored in 84 male workers occupationally exposed to Mn and 92 referents. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship. Urinary Mn levels in Mn-exposed workers ranged from 0.56 to 34.25 µg/L, and the average level was 15.92 ± 8.49 µg/L. Compared with the control group, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels increased significantly and the levels of testosterone (TSTO) decreased significantly in the Mn-exposed group. There was a significant positive linear association between urinary Mn and GnRH and LH, while the linear association between urinary Mn and TSTO was negative. Sperm progressive motility and total motility decreased significantly in the Mn-exposed group. There was a significantly negative linear association between urinary Mn and sperm progressive motility and total motility. In conclusion, occupational Mn exposure was inversely associated with reproductive health of male workers, resulting in the abnormality of hormones secretion and decrease of sperm motility.
Activist, Entrepreneur, or Caretaker? Negotiating Varieties of Women in Development
Authors: Wilks Mary-Collier
Published: November 2018

Most studies examining gender and development programs in international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) consider how these organizations construct global policy agendas, or how such policies are implemented in local contexts. However, INGOs originate in specific countries. Drawing on the varieties of capitalism literature, this article analyzes the impact of “national gender imaginaries” on gender and development programs implemented by INGOs in Cambodia. Based on 43 in-depth interviews, I argue that INGOs from Scandinavia, the United States, and South Korea, informed by different gender imaginaries, pursue different ways of promoting women in development. Local Cambodian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), aware of this variation in national models among INGOs, employ distinct strategies to appeal to donors while adapting the models to the Cambodian context.
Gendered “Long Arm” of Parental Education? Life Course Influences on Later Life Functional Limitations in India
Authors: Bhatta Tirth R. , Albert Jeffrey M. , Kelley Jessica , Kahana Eva
Published: November 2018

Objective: We adopt a novel approach to mediation analysis to account for interrelated life course social processes that constitute later life health disparities. We examine gender-specific direct effect of parental education on functional limitations in later life. Method: Based on the first wave (2007-2010; n = 7,150) of the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), we estimate both (natural) direct and indirect effects of parental education on functional limitations in later life. Results: We observed a significant indirect and positive effect of parental education on functional health. Contrary to prior literature, we documented adverse direct effect of parental education on later life functional health. The direct effect is statistically significant only for father’s education, and is greater, though not statistically significantly so, for women than men. Discussion: The intersection of gender status and interrelated social stratification documented by this study highlights the need for gender-sensitive life course research. Such research can enhance our understanding of the ways patriarchal social systems produce heterogeneous effects of interrelated structural factors on later life health for men and women.
The Relationship Between Sleep Characteristics and Unmet Physical Activity Need in Older Women
Authors: Palmberg Lotta , Viljanen Anne , Rantanen Taina , Kaprio Jaakko , Rantakokko Merja
Published: November 2018

Objective: We examined among older women the association of sleep quality, daytime tiredness, and sleep duration with unmet physical activity need, that is, wishing to be more physically active but perceiving no opportunity for it. Method: Cross-sectional logistic regression analyses among women aged 74 to 86 years (Finnish Twin Study on Aging, third wave, n = 302). Results: Thirty-one participants reported unmet physical activity need. Short sleepers had fivefold and long sleepers threefold odds for unmet physical activity need compared with normative sleepers, while for daytime tiredness the odds were double. Presence of daytime tiredness and unmet physical activity coincided with higher prevalence of chronic diseases, depressive symptoms and walking difficulties, which partly explains the observed associations. Poor sleep quality was not associated with unmet physical activity need. Discussion: Older women with nonoptimal sleep characteristics who perceive unmet physical activity need may benefit from solutions that improve their perceived opportunities for physical activity.
Cohort by Education Interactions in Longitudinal Changes in Functional Abilities
Authors: Finkel Deborah , Ernsth Bravell Marie
Published: November 2018

Objective: Investigations of cohort differences in relationships between education and health tend to focus on mortality or self-reported health. We report one of the first analyses of cohort differences in relationships between education and objective measures of functional abilities across the lifespan. Method: Up to 26 years of follow-up data were available from 859 adults from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging. The sample was divided into two cohorts by birth year: 1900-1924 and 1925-1948. Latent growth curve models (LGCM) were compared across cohort and educational levels. Results: LGCM indicated divergence between adults with lower and higher educational attainment in longitudinal trajectories of change with age in the Balance and Flexibility factors for the later born cohort only. Discussion: Results support the cumulative advantage theory and suggest that education–health disparities are increasing in recent cohorts, even in counties with national health care systems and strong support of education.
Evaluation of Choroidal Thickness, Choroidal Vascularity Index and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Patients with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ağın A. , Kadayıfçılar S. , Sönmez H.E. , Baytaroğlu A. , Demir S. , Sağ E. , Özen S. , Eldem B.
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed ophthalmological examination in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE), including choroidal thickness (ChT), choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Methods

The study included all jSLE patients ( n = 21) diagnosed according to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria between January 2017 and April 2017, and an age- and gender-matched control group ( n = 21). The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was used to assess disease activity. After routine eye examinations, ChT at five points (750 µ and 1500 µ from the center of the fovea both in the temporal and nasal quadrants and under the fovea), total subfoveal choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), CVI and RNFL thickness at the optic disc were evaluated.

Results

One patient had active ocular involvement in the form of episcleritis. Another patient had corticosteroid-induced cataract. The median age of the patients was 16 years (6-19 years). ChT at five points, TCA, LA and SA were found to be higher in patients with jSLE, whereas RNFL thickness and CVI were similar to those of the healthy control individuals. No correlation was determined between optical coherence tomography findings, SLEDAI and the immunological parameters (antinuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA, complements 3 and 4, extracted nuclear antigen antibody, antiphospholipid antibody). Intraretinal and subretinal fluid was not present in any of the patients.

Conclusion

The choroid was thicker in patients with jSLE than in the control group. The study results suggest that jSLE may affect the choroid. Ophthalmological evaluation is important in SLE patients, even in the absence of relevant complaints.
Refugee integration policy the Norwegian way – why good ideas fail and bad ideas prevail
Authors: Djuve Anne Britt , Kavli Hanne Cecilie
Published: November 2018

Integrating non-Western refugees into the highly specialised Scandinavian labour markets has proven difficult. This highly ideological policy field is an interesting case for the study of policy learning versus ideas as drivers for institutional change or continuity. Using the Norwegian Introductory Programme as a case study, we show that the application of core programme measures remains largely unaffected by evaluations that show that such measures tend to have very modest effects on the labour market integration of refugees. Concurrently, incremental changes in the disciplining elements of the programme have resulted in an increasingly controlling activation regime. Our interpretation is that a major driver behind the intensification of disciplinary elements has been the assumption that participants lack the motivation to integrate into the labour market. Moreover, we find that this assumption presents an obstacle to policy learning with regard to programme quality. Within activation, policy ideas seem to function simultaneously as path-reinforcing cognitive locks and as drivers for political change.
High-involvement management practices, job control, and employee well-being in the public and private sectors. Evidence from Finland
Authors: Peutere Laura , Saloniemi Antti , Aho Simo , Nätti Jouko , Nummi Tapio
Published: November 2018

The connection between high-involvement management (HIM), entailing heavy employee involvement, and employee well-being is a controversial and widely discussed topic. Clarifying how job satisfaction and stress are connected to HIM and job control (the control employees have over their work), this study is based on data from two Finnish sources: an employer survey investigating the extent of HIM within an organisation, and employee assessments of job control, stress and job satisfaction. Logistic regression models were used as the study method. In contrast to previous Finnish studies, our findings show that HIM seems hardly to benefit employee well-being. Especially in the public sector, the correlation between extensive HIM and employee well-being turned out to be negative. However, HIM in the private sector was positively related to job satisfaction. As expected, a high level of job control was regularly associated with greater well-being.
Connecting Child Maltreatment Risk With Crime and Neighborhood Disadvantage Across Time and Place: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis
Authors: Morris Matthew C. , Marco Miriam , Maguire-Jack Kathryn , Kouros Chrystyna D. , Bailey Brooklynn , Ruiz Ernesto , Im Wansoo
Published: November 2018

Child maltreatment is a major public health problem. Although maltreatment rates vary over time and are influenced by neighborhood characteristics, the unique effects of crime and disadvantage on risk are not well understood. This study utilized a Bayesian spatiotemporal approach to examine risk factors for substantiated child abuse and neglect over a 9-year period across zip codes in Davidson County, TN. Risk of child sexual and physical abuse decreased from 2008 to 2016. In contrast, risk of child neglect increased from 2011 to 2014, followed by a rapid decrease in risk. Whereas higher percentages of families living in poverty were associated with higher risk of all maltreatment subtypes, higher unemployment rates were uniquely associated with risk of child neglect. Crime rates were positively associated with risk of child physical and sexual abuse but not neglect. Results have implications for tailoring prevention strategies according to geographic area and maltreatment subtype.
Deaths of Despair in Florida: Assessing the Role of Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Zeglin Robert J. , Niemela Danielle R. M. , Baynard Christopher W.
Published: November 2018

Deaths of despair (DOD) is a new term appearing in public health literature to describe deaths attributable to suicide, liver disease, and drug overdose. In Florida, suicide and liver disease are the 8th and 10th leading causes of death, respectively. Additional mortality data show that the rate of drug overdose deaths in Florida is 12.5% higher than the suicide death rate. Some have hypothesized that economic social determinants of health (SDH) may be responsible for the recent increase in DOD. The current study, using secondary data, sought to identify what county-level SDH were significantly associated with county-level DOD. Using backward regression methodology, the results of the analysis indicate that 44% of the variance in county-level DOD is significantly associated with six county-level SDH: (a) Recent Medical Checkup, (b) Income, (c) Education Level, (d) Age, (e) Mental Health Professionals, and (f) the Income × Age interaction term. Higher than average income, age, and mental health professionals in a Florida county was associated with significantly higher rates of DOD. Higher than average levels of education and recent checkups in a Florida county were associated with a significant decrease in DOD. Possible explanations and implications are discussed.
Implementation of the KDamper concept using disc springs
Authors: Sapountzakis Ioannis E , Tranakidis Pavlos G , Antoniadis Ioannis A
Published: November 2018

The KDamper is a novel passive vibration isolation and damping concept, based essentially on the optimal combination of appropriate stiffness elements, which include a negative stiffness element. In this paper, after a short review of the optimal design and the selection of the parameters of the KDamper, the main concept focuses on the implementation of the negative stiffness elements with a set of Belleville (disc) springs. The major benefits of the proposed structure are the size and the robustness of the structure. The theory and the design process of the disc springs are presented thoroughly, as well as of the spiral springs with ground ends, along with an initial structural design. Simulation results from three different case scenarios are demonstrated; for an initial displacement, an initial velocity and an external excitation. The results obtained from the simulations show very satisfactory behavior.
Effects of general structural stress on vibrational power flow
Authors: Wang Hongdong , Yang Nian , Liang Xiaofeng , Yi Hong
Published: November 2018

Vibrational power flow contains two types of information, namely, vibration velocity and structural internal force, and is an important parameter for measuring vibration level and transmission. Structures are often under stress because of the working environment. This stress changes the vibration velocity and internal force of the structure. As a result, this stress affects the power flow. In practical engineering, structural stress often has a complex distribution. However, earlier studies mainly focused on the overall uniformly distributed stress, which cannot be applied to practical engineering vibration problems. The finite element method can handle this problem, but has several shortcomings, such as the lack of a clear explanation of the essential relationship between structural stress and vibration, the complicated process of applying specific stress, and the large number of calculations. This study considers the effect of general structural stress and determines the dynamic equation of a structure undergoing stress. By utilizing the orthogonality of specific order modes to decouple, we obtain the power flow analytical solution, which can be applied to structures with arbitrary distributed stress. Finally, we calculate and analyze the effect of structural stress on a welding plate. Results show that structural stress has a more significant effect on power flow than velocity and inner force and should be taken into account when considering vibration prediction and reduction in practical engineering.
Spiraling downward: The reciprocal relation between attitude toward political behavioral targeting and privacy concerns
Authors: Dobber Tom , Trilling Damian , Helberger Natali , de Vreese Claes
Published: November 2018

Tailored political messages are increasingly prevalent in election time, but we know little about how people perceive such data-driven and potentially privacy-infringing techniques. This article examines how demographics relate to privacy concerns and attitudes toward “political behavioral targeting” (PBT), how privacy concerns and attitudes toward PBT relate over time, and explore their relation with autonomy, electoral deliberation, and chilling effects. Using a three-wave panel study, administered in the Netherlands ( N = 879), we examine a potential reciprocal relation between attitude toward PBT and privacy concerns, which may form a negative reinforcing spiral dynamic over time. This dynamic could result in undesirable behavior of the voter from a democratic viewpoint (e.g. chilling effects). We find that demographics fall short in explaining privacy concerns. More importantly, we find evidence for a reinforcing spiral dynamic and, by doing so, contribute to the discussion about the threats and promises of PBT to society.
Competence and Satisfaction in Occupational Performance Among a Sample of University Students: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Keptner Karen M. , Rogers Rachel
Published: November 2018

Success at university may be influenced by concerns with occupation and occupational performance. To understand occupations of concern and occupational performance among a sample ( N = 144) of university students in the Midwest United States, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was administered. Socially related ( n = 103), academic-related ( n = 75), and work-related ( n = 64) occupations were the three most frequently reported occupational concerns. Time management ( n = 79) was the most frequent person-level concern. Mean self-perceived competence in occupations was 29.83 ( SD = 7.18) out of 50 and mean performance satisfaction was 26.80 ( SD = 8.01) out of 50. There were no differences in occupational performance across gender, race/ethnicity, class standing, living environment, or work status. However, within participants, there was a significant and clinically relevant difference between performance satisfaction and self-perceived competence in occupation, t(143) = 7.052, p < .0005, d = 0.58. Students have varied occupations that they find important, and future research should explore how occupational performance and performance satisfaction influence university success.
Pilot study of the ability to probabilistically link clinical trial patients to administrative data and determine long-term outcomes
Authors: Hay Annette E , Pater Joseph L , Corn Elyse , Han Lei , Camacho Ximena , O’Callaghan Chris , Chong Nelson , Bell Erin N , Tu Dongsheng , Earle Craig C
Published: November 2018

Background

Clinical trials are important but extremely costly. Utilization of routinely collected administrative data may simplify and enhance clinical trial data collection.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of use of administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, for long-term clinical trial follow-up, specifically (a) to determine whether limited patient identifiers held by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group can be used to probabilistically link with individuals in the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences databases and if so, (b) the level of concordance between the two data sets.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted through collaboration of established health service (Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences) and clinical trial (Canadian Cancer Trials Group) research groups in the province of Ontario, Canada, where healthcare is predominantly funded by the government. Adults with pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer previously enrolled in the Canadian Cancer Trials Group CO.17 and CO.20 randomized phase III trials were included, limited to those in Ontario. The main outcomes were rate of successful probabilistic linkage and concordance of survival data, stated a priori.

Results

Probabilistic linkage was successful in 266/293 (90.8%) participants. In those patients for whom linkage was successful, the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (trial) and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (administrative) data sets were concordant with regard to the occurrence of death during the period of clinical trial follow-up in 206/209 (98.6%). Death was recorded in the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, but not the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, for 57 cases, where the event occurred after the clinical trial cut-off dates. The recorded date of death matched closely between both databases. During the period of clinical trial conduct, administrative databases contained details of hospitalizations and emergency room visits not captured in the clinical trial electronic database.

Conclusion

Prospective use of administrative data could enhance clinical trial data collection, both for long-term follow-up and resource utilization for economic analyses and do so less expensively than current primary data collection. Recording a unique identifier (e.g. health insurance number) in trial databases would allow deterministic linkage for all participants.
Prognostic factors for return to work and resumption of other daily activities after traumatic hand injury
Authors: Neutel Niels , Houpt Peter , Schuurman Arnold Herman
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate prognostic factors for the time off work, the time to resumption of activities of daily living and hobbies, and duration of complaints in patients with a traumatic hand or wrist injury. In a 10-month longitudinal prospective cohort study, 383 patients were included and interviewed in person every 2 to 3 months. Several sociodemographic, psychological and work-related prognostic factors were investigated. For the time off work, job type, diagnosis, complication, blaming someone else for the trauma and gender were all found to be individual prognostic factors in Cox regression. For the time to resumption of activities of daily living and hobbies, and duration of complaints, gender, diagnosis, treatment and complications were found to be prognostic factors in univariate analysis. Age was solely correlated with resumption of activities of daily living and the duration of complaints. Considering these prognostic factors can help predict a patient’s recovery more accurately.

Level of evidence: II
Insulin Pumping Patches: Emerging Insulin Delivery Systems
Authors: Thompson Bithika , Cook Curtiss B.
Published: November 2018

In this special section of JDST, patch-pump delivery systems (“patch pumps”) are discussed. Patch pumps are novel insulin delivery systems that have emerged on the market; offering flexible insulin delivery options. These systems offer several advantages over conventional insulin pump delivery systems and are gaining popularity. Patch pumps are free of tubing, small, and lightweight. In this special section, the authors discuss both the simple and complex patch pumps currently available on the US market as well as those that are currently under development. Current technologies used to operate these pumps are discussed in detail, and potential promising technologies are presented. Available data on patient preferences, clinical trial data, and the future of patch pumps are discussed.
Activity of enisamium, an isonicotinic acid derivative, against influenza viruses in differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Boltz David , Peng Xinjian , Muzzio Miguel , Dash Pradyot , Thomas Paul G , Margitich Victor
Published: November 2018

Aims

New therapeutics for the control of influenza virus infections are needed to alleviate the burden caused by seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics, and to overcome the potential risk of drug-resistance emergence. Enisamium iodide (Amizon®, Farmak) is currently approved for clinical use for the treatment of influenza in 11 countries which includes Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. However, experimental evidence of the antiviral activity of enisamium has not been reported.

Methods

Antiviral activity of enisamium was assessed by virus yield reduction assays using differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Permeability of enisamium into differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells and its cytotoxicity were also assessed, and comparisons with other cell lines were made.

Results

Enisamium inhibited replication of multiple subtypes of influenza A viruses, including seasonal H1N1, 2009 pandemic H1N1, seasonal H3N2, the zoonotic H5N1 and H7N9, neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant variant carrying the H275Y NA substitution (N1 numbering), and influenza B virus at doses 23- to 64-fold lower than cytotoxic concentrations. The permeability of enisamium in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells (where no antiviral activity was found) was less than 0.08%, while higher permeability was observed in differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells (1.9%). The kinetics of enisamium intracellular uptake in differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells was concentration dependent. In time-of-addition experiments in differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells, enisamium treatment within 4 h after A(H1N1) virus inoculation resulted in 100-fold or greater reductions in virus titers, suggesting that it affects an early stage of the virus life cycle.

Conclusions

Enisamium exhibits antiviral activity against influenza viruses in vitro, supporting the reported clinical efficacy against influenza virus infections.
Correlations between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and venous thromboembolism: A meta-analysis of 99 genetic association studies
Authors: Zeng Juan , Zeng Qinghua
Published: November 2018

We performed this meta-analysis to better assess the relationship between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene ( MTHFR) polymorphisms and the risk of venous thromboembolism. Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess associations of MTHFR polymorphisms with venous thromboembolism. A total of 99 genetic association studies were enrolled for analyses. Although no positive results were detected in overall analyses for the rs1801131 polymorphism. Further subgroup analyses according to ethnicity of participants and type of disease revealed that the rs1801131 polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of pulmonary embolism. For the rs1801133 polymorphism, significant association with the risk of venous thromboembolism was found in the dominant, recessive, and allele models. Further subgroup analyses according to ethnicity of participants revealed that the rs1801133 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of venous thromboembolism in Caucasians, East Asians, and West Asians. When we stratified available data according to type of disease, we found that the rs1801133 polymorphism was also significantly correlated with the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism may serve as a potential biological marker for venous thromboembolism in Caucasians, East Asians, and West Asians. Moreover, the MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism may be implicated in the development of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, while the MTHFR rs1801131 polymorphism may contribute to the development of pulmonary embolism.
Genome-scale analysis of syngas fermenting acetogenic bacteria reveals the translational regulation for its autotrophic growth
Authors: Song Yoseb , Shin Jongoh , Jin Sangrak , Lee Jung-Kul , Kim Dong Rip , Kim Sun Chang , Cho Suhyung , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: November 2018

Background

Acetogenic bacteria constitute promising biocatalysts for the conversion of CO2/H2 or synthesis gas (H2/CO/CO2) into biofuels and value-added biochemicals. These microorganisms are naturally capable of autotrophic growth via unique acetogenesis metabolism. Despite their biosynthetic potential for commercial applications, a systemic understanding of the transcriptional and translational regulation of the acetogenesis metabolism remains unclear.

Results

By integrating genome-scale transcriptomic and translatomic data, we explored the regulatory logic of the acetogenesis to convert CO2 into biomass and metabolites in Eubacterium limosum. The results indicate that majority of genes associated with autotrophic growth including the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, the reduction of electron carriers, the energy conservation system, and gluconeogenesis were transcriptionally upregulated. The translation efficiency of genes in cellular respiration and electron bifurcation was also highly enhanced. In contrast, the transcriptionally abundant genes involved in the carbonyl branch of the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, as well as the ion-translocating complex and ATP synthase complex in the energy conservation system, showed decreased translation efficiency. The translation efficiencies of genes were regulated by 5′UTR secondary structure under the autotrophic growth condition.

Conclusions

The results illustrated that the acetogenic bacteria reallocate protein synthesis, focusing more on the translation of genes for the generation of reduced electron carriers via electron bifurcation, rather than on those for carbon metabolism under autotrophic growth.
EIF4A3-induced circular RNA MMP9 (circMMP9) acts as a sponge of miR-124 and promotes glioblastoma multiforme cell tumorigenesis
Authors: Wang Renjie , Zhang Sai , Chen Xuyi , Li Nan , Li Jianwei , Jia Ruichao , Pan Yuanqing , Liang Haiqian
Published: November 2018

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to play critical roles in the development and progression of various cancers. However, little is known about the effects of the circular RNA network on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Methods

A microarray was used to screen circRNA expression in GBM. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of circMMP9. GBM cells were transfected with a circMMP9 overexpression vector or siRNA, and cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as tumorigenesis in nude mice, were assessed to examine the effect of circMMP9 in GBM. Biotin-coupled miRNA capture, fluorescence in situ hybridization and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm the relationship between circMMP9 and miR-124.

Results

In this study, we screened differentially expressed circRNAs and identified circMMP9 in GBM. We found that circMMP9 acted as an oncogene, was upregulated in GBM and promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of GBM cells. Next, we verified that circMMP9 served as a sponge that directly targeted miR-124; circMMP9 accelerated GBM cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting miR-124. Furthermore, we found that cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and aurora kinase A (AURKA) were involved in circMMP9/miR-124 axis-induced GBM tumorigenesis. Finally, we found that eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (eIF4A3), which binds to the MMP9 mRNA transcript, induced circMMP9 cyclization and increased circMMP9 expression in GBM.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that eIF4A3-induced circMMP9 is an important underlying mechanism in GBM cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis through modulation of the miR-124 signaling pathway, which could provide pivotal potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of GBM.

Graphical abstract
Economic evaluation of mindfulness group therapy for patients with depression, anxiety, stress and adjustment disorders compared with treatment as usual
Authors: Saha Sanjib , Jarl Johan , Gerdtham Ulf-G , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan
Published: November 2018

Background

A randomised controlled trial found that a structured mindfulness group therapy (MGT) programme was as effective as treatment as usual (mostly cognitive–behavioural therapy) for patients with a diagnosis of depression, anxiety or stress and adjustment disorders in Sweden (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01476371).

Aims

To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of MGT compared with treatment as usual from both a healthcare and a societal perspective for the trial duration (8 weeks).

Method

The costs from a healthcare perspective included treatment as usual, medication and costs for providing MGT. The societal perspective included costs from the healthcare perspective plus savings from productivity gains for the trial duration. The effectiveness was measured as quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and the UK value set. Uncertainty surrounding the incremental costs and effects were estimated using non-parametric bootstrapping with 5000 replications and presented with 95% confidence intervals and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.

Results

The MGT group had significantly lower healthcare and societal costs (mean differences –€115 (95% CI −193 to −36) and –€112 (95% CI −207 to −17), respectively) compared with the control group. In terms of effectiveness, there was no significant difference in QALY gain (mean difference −0.003, 95% CI −0.0076 to 0.0012) between the two groups.

Conclusions

MGT is a cost-saving alternative to treatment as usual over the trial duration from both a healthcare and a societal perspective for patients with a diagnosis of depression, anxiety or stress and adjustment disorders in Sweden.
Impact of Route of Estrogen Administration on Bone Turnover Markers in Oligoamenorrheic Athletes and Its Mediators
Authors: Singhal Vibha , Ackerman Kathryn E , Bose Amita , Flores Landy Paola Torre , Lee Hang , Misra Madhusmita
Published: November 2018

Objective

Transdermal, but not oral, estrogen replacement improves bone mineral density (BMD) in athletes with oligoamenorrhea (OA). Our objective was to determine mechanisms that may explain the impact of route of estrogen administration on bone outcomes.

Methods

Seventy-three participants with OA between 14 and 25 years old received (i) a 17β-estradiol transdermal patch continuously with cyclic oral micronized progesterone (PATCH), (ii) a combined ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel pill (PILL), or (iii) no estrogen/progesterone (NONE) for 12 months. We evaluated morning fasting levels of a marker of bone formation [N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP)], a marker of bone resorption (N-telopeptide), IGF-1, insulinlike growth factor binding protein 3, total testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, sclerostin, preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), calcium, 25(OH) vitamin D, and PTH levels at baseline and 12 months.

Results

Groups did not differ for age, weight, exercise activity, or markers of bone formation at baseline. Over 12 months, P1NP decreased the most in the PILL group (P = 0.03) associated with a decrease in IGF-1 levels (r = 0.37; P = 0.003). Sclerostin, Pref-1, and BDNF decreased in the PATCH group over 12 months. PATCH had the greatest increases in estradiol (P ≤ 0.0001), and estradiol increases were associated with increases in bone density.

Conclusion

Transdermal 17β-estradiol given over 12 months does not cause the decrease in IGF-1 observed with oral ethinyl estradiol. It also leads to decreases in sclerostin, Pref-1, and BDNF, which may mediate the beneficial effects of estrogen.
Conserved regulatory state expression controlled by divergent developmental gene regulatory networks in echinoids
Authors: Erkenbrack Eric M. , Davidson Eric H. , Peter Isabelle S.
Published: November 2018

Evolution of the animal body plan is driven by changes in developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs), but how networks change to control novel developmental phenotypes remains, in most cases, unresolved. Here, we address GRN evolution by comparing the endomesoderm GRN in two echinoid sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Eucidaris tribuloides, with at least 268 million years of independent evolution. We first analyzed the expression of twelve transcription factors and signaling molecules of the S. purpuratus GRN in E. tribuloides embryos, showing that orthologous regulatory genes are expressed in corresponding endomesodermal cell fates in the two species. However, perturbation of regulatory genes revealed that important regulatory circuits of the S. purpuratus GRN are significantly different in E. tribuloides. For example, mesodermal Delta/Notch signaling controls exclusion of alternative cell fates in E. tribuloides but controls mesoderm induction and activation of a positive feedback circuit in S. purpuratus. These results indicate that the architecture of the sea urchin endomesoderm GRN evolved by extensive gain and loss of regulatory interactions between a conserved set of regulatory factors that control endomesodermal cell fate specification.
Transcriptome analysis of osteoblasts in an ovariectomized mouse model in response to physical exercise
Authors: Hsu W-B. , Hsu W-H. , Hung J-S. , Shen W-J. , Hsu R. W-W.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease resulting in progressive loss of bone mass as measured by bone mineral density (BMD). Physical exercise has a positive effect on increasing or maintaining BMD in postmenopausal women. The contribution of exercise to the regulation of osteogenesis in osteoblasts remains unclear. We therefore investigated the effect of exercise on osteoblasts in ovariectomized mice.

Methods

We compared the activity of differentially expressed genes of osteoblasts in ovariectomized mice that undertook exercise (OVX+T) with those that did not (OVX), using microarray and bioinformatics.

Results

Many inflammatory pathways were significantly downregulated in the osteoblasts after exercise. Meanwhile, IBSP and SLc13A5 gene expressions were upregulated in the OVX+T group. Furthermore, in in vitro assay, IBSP and SLc13A5 mRNAs were also upregulated during the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 and 7F2 cells.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that exercise may not only reduce the inflammatory environment in ovariectomized mice, indirectly suppressing the overactivated osteoclasts, but may also directly activate osteogenesis-related genes in osteoblasts. Exercise may thus prevent the bone loss caused by oestrogen deficiency through mediating the imbalance between the bone resorptive activity of osteoclasts and the bone formation activity of osteoblasts. Cite this article: W-B. Hsu, W-H. Hsu, J-S. Hung, W-J. Shen, R. W-W. Hsu. Transcriptome analysis of osteoblasts in an ovariectomized mouse model in response to physical exercise. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:601–608. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.711.BJR-2018-0075.R2.
A mother’s work is never done: migrant mothers’ struggles and sacrifices in a Swedish context
Authors: Bennet Petra Roll
Published: November 2018

Migrant mothers’ kin work is an important and growing research field. This article takes migrant women’s experiences of bringing up their children as a departure point to describe the strategies utilised by mothers to care for their children. With findings drawn from eight interviews with migrant mothers in Sweden whose children are now teenagers, the analysis focuses on the mothers’ supporting strategies in caring for their children in present and future lives. Identified supporting measures involving kin work included being attentive to their children’s schooling, taking care of their families and giving their children time and intimacy. An additional theme concerning mothers’ own ‘life projects’ and the ‘sacrifice’ of their own education and opportunities is discussed.
Role of transient receptor potential channels in regulating spermatozoa functions: A mini-review
Authors: Kumar Akshay , Mishra Abhishek Kumar , Swain Dilip Kumar , Singh Vijay , Yadav Sarvajeet , Saxena Atul
Published: November 2018

Flagellar navigation along the genital tract of male and female in spermatozoa is accomplished through a number of biological, physiological, biochemical, and electrophysiological alterations in spermatozoa. These alterations are highly precise, dynamic, and regulated through a number of ion channels along with their associated pathways. Beating of flagella along with intracellular metabolism of spermatozoa is associated with fluxing of Ca++ as well as release of Ca++ from different sources. Calcium fluxing through the spermatozoa is mediated through sperm-specific calcium channel and also through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels which are diversified multifamily of ion channels which are activated through a number of extracellular agents such as pH, temperature, chemicals, and pathogens. Research has shown the dynamic role of TRP channels in regulating sperm functions such as sperm chemotaxis, rheotaxis, thermotaxis, and eventually fertilization. Diversified forms of TRP and their involvement in regulation of sperm function opens new horizons of understanding of the sperm function and, in specific, issues related to infertility. This mini-review is an attempt to draw some insights into the action of TRP channels in regulating sperm fertility competence through both calcium-dependent and calcium-independent mechanisms.