Development of a scale for the impact of emotion management on young athletes' training efficiency

In this study, we developed a scale to evaluate emotion management and its benefits for young athletes in China, and to analyze the impact of emotion management on their training efficiency. Following an extensive literature review, we used AMOS structural equation model software to develop a scale for evaluating the effects and benefits of emotion management on young athletes' training efficiency. Results showed that young athletes' emotion management training and its benefits can be divided into five dimensions: benefit evaluation, emotional cognition, emotion influence, emotion control, and emotion regulation. The internal consistency reliability of the formal scale was 0.895, and the internal consistency reliability of each subscale was between 0.734 and 0.901. The split-half reliability was 0.769, and the split-half reliability of each subscale was between 0.623 and 0.864. The KMO value was 0.904, P = 0.00 (p < 0.05), and the cumulative interpretation rate was 61.782 % of the total variance. The lowest factor load of a scale item was 0.436, and the highest factor load was 0.846. The common degree of all items was between 0.402 and 0.762, indicating that the scale has good validity. A SEM model verified that the scale has good construct validity. Significant correlational differences were observed among the levels. The results of the SEM structural equation model analysis showed that the model's NC = 2.660 (1 < NC < 3 indicates that the model has a simple fit), PGFI = 0.722, PNFI = 0.699, IFI = 0.851, PRA = 0.927, RMR = 0.006, and RMSEA = 0.07, thus, these indexes reached the standard of excellent model fitting. The strongest correlation was found between emotional cognition and benefit evaluation (R = 0.690), and the weakest correlation was found between emotion influence and benefit evaluation (R = 0.079). These findings provide a basis for measuring the effect of emotion management on training efficiency in the training process of young athletes and offer a theoretical reference for their emotional development while in training.

Identification of SLC25A46 interaction interfaces with mitochondrial membrane fusogens Mfn2 and Opa1

Mitochondrial fusion requires the sequential merger of four bilayers to two. The outer-membrane solute carrier protein SLC25A46 interacts with both the outer and inner-membrane dynamin family GTPases Mfn1/2 and Opa1. While SLC25A46 levels are known affect mitochondrial morphology, how SLC25A46 interacts with Mfn1/2 and Opa1 to regulate membrane fusion is not understood. In this study, we use crosslinking mass-spectrometry and AlphaFold 2 modeling to identify interfaces mediating a SLC25A46-Opa1-Mfn1/2 complex. We reveal that the bundle signaling element of Opa1 interacts with SLC25A46, and the helical repeat 1 region of Mfn2 interacts with the SLC25A46 N-terminus. We validate these newly identified interaction interfaces and show that they play a role in mitochondrial network maintenance.

An integrated method for studying the biodegradation of benzo[a]pyrene by Citrobacter sp. HJS-1 and interaction mechanism based on the structural model of the initial dioxygenase

A bacterial strain Citrobacter sp. HJS-1 was discovered from the sludge in a drainage canal of a coal mine. Firstly, its biodegradation capacity for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was detected under different concentrations. The results proved that the strain possessed excellent biodegradation capacity for BaP with high-efficiency degradation rates ranging from 78.9 to 86.8%. The highest degradation rate was observed in the low-concentration sample, and the high-concentration BaP had a slight influence on the biodegradation capacity due to the potential toxicity of BaP and its oxygen-containing derivatives. Meanwhile, the degradation test for the other five aromatic hydrocarbons (2- to 4-ring) proved that the strain had a comprehensive degradation potential. To clarify the biodegradation mechanism of BaP, a dioxygenase structure was constructed by homology modeling. Then, the interactions between dioxygenase and BaP were researched by molecular simulation. Combined with the identification of the vital BaP-cis-7,8-dihydrodiol intermediate and the interaction analysis, the initial oxidation mode and the binding site of BaP were revealed in the dioxygenase. Taken together, this study has offered a way to understand the biodegradation process of BaP and its interaction mechanism based on experimental and theoretical analysis.

A mixed-methods study of quality differences between applied documentation approaches in nursing homes

BACKGROUND

Several approaches to nursing documentation exist. Some address standardised terminology and daily monitoring, whereas the structural model approach focuses on open-ended text information and special incidents. This study aims to identify quality differences between available documentation approaches from the perspectives of nursing professionals in Germany.

METHODS

Between October 2018 and May 2019, a convenience sample of German nursing home practitioners was surveyed concerning the quality of their documentation techniques. The quality measurement was developed from the findings of a literature review on indicators that define successful nursing documentation. Selected indicators were structured according to Donabedian's quality dimensions of structure, process, and outcome. A mean score was calculated for each quality dimension. Non-parametric tests were employed to discover whether organisational and person-related conditions affect score values. The framework method was used to analyse textual data.

RESULTS

Responses from 250 nursing care practitioners show significant differences between users of different documentation approaches in the outcome dimension. Nurses who worked with the structural model were slightly more satisfied with their documentation approach than users of other approaches. In addition, differences between subgroups were identified depending on the mode of the tools employed for nursing documentation, participation in training, and length of time spent using the present documentation tool. Qualitative data reveal that digitalisation, unequal task distribution, and appreciation and motivation are critical topics in nursing homes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that regular opportunities to reflect on challenges in documentation activities might increase nurses' perceptions of documentation as a valuable part of nursing care. Training might serve this purpose for users of non-structural model approaches. Regardless of the specific recording techniques employed, more investment in digital infrastructure is required.

Humanization of Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies

Humanization of therapeutic antibodies derived from animal immunizations is often required to minimize immunogenicity risks in humans, which can cause potentially harmful and serious side effects and reduce antibody efficacy. Humanization is typically applied to conventional monoclonal antibodies derived in rodents as well as single-domain antibodies isolated from camelids and sharks (VHHs and VNARs). A streamlined protocol is described here for sequence humanization of camelid VHHs, which represent a promising biotherapeutic format with many desirable attributes. From human framework selection and complementarity-determining region grafting strategies to empirical scoring for prioritization of back-mutations, step-by-step instructions, and templates are provided along with bioinformatics resources to assist each step of the humanization process. Alternative approaches, warnings, and caveats are also presented.

Structure, morphology and modelling studies of polyvinylalcohol nanocomposites reinforced with nickel oxide nanoparticles and graphene quantum dots

Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films were prepared using a solution casting technique. The physicochemical characteristics of PVA/NiO/GQDs (PNG) nanocomposite films were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The obtained PNG nanocomposite films showed good mechanical flexibility and improved tensile strength. The influence of nanofiller concentrations on PNG nanocomposite film. The obtained results demonstrate an increase in the activation energy (Ea) up to PNG3 upon increasing the GQDs concentration and thereafter, its decreases. The fundamental interactions of the constituents of PNG nanocomposite film were investigated using density functional theory (DFT). This study on electronic structure reveals that the PVA model indirectly interacts with GQDs through the NiO model. This configuration is favoured in terms of interaction energy (-78 kJ/mol) compared to the one in which PVA interacts directly with the GQDs model.

Preparation of the methyltriethoxysilane based aerogel monolith with an ultra-low density and excellent mechanical properties by ambient pressure drying

Methyltriethoxysilane based aerogel monoliths with excellent mechanical properties, an ultra-low density, and a highly efficient thermal insulating property were prepared by an improved simple and environmental-friendly ambient pressure drying process. The morphology, particle size, and nano-pore volume of aerogel monoliths were characterized by scanning electron microscope and nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption analyzer. The elastic modulus of particles in aerogel monoliths and the compressive stress-strain response of aerogel monoliths were estimated based upon experimental data obtained via atomic force microscope and materials testing machine. A structural model is proposed to estimate the critical compressive stress with a structural coefficient being introduced to manifest the microstructural integrity of aerogel monoliths. The mechanism for the low bulk density aerogel monoliths to exhibit a linear stress-strain response and a non-buckling failure mode under the uniaxial compression is discussed.

Human capital and child protection: A research framework in the CRC context

Since it was adopted November 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child has shaped the objectives for child protection systems around the world. Generally, those objectives fall along three dimensions: permanency, safety, and well-being. However, despite well-being receiving increasing attention in light of evidence that points to the importance of early childhood experiences on life course outcomes, child protection systems have so far struggled to find clear definition of well-being as a developmental construct. In this article, we propose a definition of child well-being that draws on the economic literature pertaining to skill formation and human capital. We argue that human capital, as a multidimensional concept that incorporates cognitive skills, non-cognitive skills, and health, should be added to the list of considerations policy makers contemplate when their attention turns to well-being provided there is research evidence for doing so. To that end, we discuss the several advantages the human capital framework offers within a child protection context. We then describe a theoretical framework and analytical approach to the study of skill formation. We are particularly interested in dynamic models wherein the skills one has influence the rate at which new skills are acquired, with specific emphasis on risk and protective factors across the life course of childhood. Overall, our discussion highlights how a dynamic model of human capital formation aligns with Convention on the Rights of the Child and notions that children in child protection systems have a right to develop the abilities they will need to be responsible adults.

Model Setting and Interpretation of Results in Research Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Checklist with Guiding Questions for Reporting

PURPOSE

This study develops a checklist with guidelines for the methods and important factors to consider in research using structural equation modeling (SEM).

METHOD

The paper discusses the factors to consider in the process across the three stages of 1) model setting, 2) model evaluation and modification, and 3) interpretation and reporting of SEM-based studies.

RESULTS

The authors present a checklist for researchers during the stages of model setting, model evaluation and modification, result analysis, and reporting, along with examples of figures and tables with explanations.

CONCLUSION

A checklist will help to improve the reporting quality of SEM-based studies.

Applying the social cognitive model of well-being in the nursing clinical practicum: A structural equation modeling analysis with a Spanish student's sample

BACKGROUND

Clinical education, understanding as practicum, plays a key role in nursing education but has been identified as the most challenging and stressful experience for nursing students. Promoting student satisfaction and well-being during clinical practice has a significant effect on learning outcomes, retention and attrition.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the predictive power of a social cognitive model of wellbeing when applied to explain academic satisfaction in the clinical practicum and overall life satisfaction of Spanish nursing students.

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted at four Spanish nursing schools in a 586 student's sample.

METHODS

Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire that included measures of academic support, self-efficacy, goal progress, academic satisfaction, life satisfaction and trait positive affect. The research model was evaluated through structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

The proposed model fit well in the full sample and accounted for substantial portions of the variance in academic (50%) and life satisfaction (21%). Most of the hypotheses formulated were verified. The model was invariant across academic year.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated global support for the social cognitive model of academic satisfaction as a guide for developing interventions to facilitate the positive adjustment and wellbeing of nursing students in the practicum.

Circular bioeconomy and environmental benignness through microbial recycling of e-waste: A case study on copper and gold restoration

This study has attempted to ascertain the linkages between circular bio-economy (CirBioeco) and recycling of electronic (e-)waste by applying microbial activities instead of the smelter and chemical technologies. To build the research hypothesis, the advances on biotechnology-driven recycling processes for metals extraction from e-waste has been analyzed briefly. Thereafter, based on the potential of microbial techniques and research hypothesis, the structural model has been tested for a significance level of 99%, which is supported by the corresponding standardization co-efficient values. A prediction model applied to determine the recycling impact on CirBioeco indicates to re-circulate 51,833 tons of copper and 58 tons of gold by 2030 for the production of virgin metals/raw-materials, while recycling rate of the accumulated e-waste remains to be 20%. This restoration volume of copper and gold through the microbial activities corresponds to mitigate 174 million kg CO₂ emissions and 24 million m³ water consumption if compared with the primary production activities. The study potentially opens a new window for environmentally-friendly biotechnological recycling of e-waste under the umbrella concept of CirBioeco.

Investigations of EGFR configurations on tumor cell surface by high-resolution electron microscopy

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important target for tumor therapy in various tumors. The current understanding of EGFR conformations on the cell surface is based on X-ray structural data, molecular dynamic simulations, and fluorescence-localization imaging. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) with the resolution at sub-nanometers, we successfully recognized individual molecules of EGFRs and their assembly details on the surface of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) upon one-to-one labeling by Au nanoparticles. Based on our results, we have proposed the possible configurations, structural models, and conformational transitions of EGFR oligomers. Our study shows that the high-resolution electron imaging is an invaluable tool to provide direct evidence of EGFR configuration on tumor cell surfaces, and may play a pivotal role in further understanding of EGFR-associated signaling and tumor therapy.

Structural modeling, mutation analysis, and in vitro expression of usherin, a major protein in inherited retinal degeneration and hearing loss

Usherin is the most common causative protein associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Usher syndrome (USH), which are characterized by retinal degeneration alone and in combination with hearing loss, respectively. Usherin is essential for photoreceptor survival and hair cell bundle integrity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying usherin function in normal and disease conditions is unclear. In this study, we investigated structural models of usherin domains and localization of usherin pathogenic small in-frame mutations, mainly homozygous missense mutations. We found that usherin fibronectin III (FN3) domains and most laminin-related domains have a β-sandwich structure. Some FN3 domains are predicted to interact with each other and with laminin-related domains. The usherin protein may bend at some FN3 linker regions. RP- and USH-associated small in-frame mutations are differentially located in usherin domains. Most of them are located at the periphery of β-sandwiches, with some at the interface between interacting domains. The usherin laminin epidermal growth factor repeats adopt a rod-shaped structure, which is maintained by disulfide bonds. Most missense mutations and deletion of exon 13 in this region disrupt the disulfide bonds and may affect local protein folding. Despite low expression of the recombinant entire protein and protein fragments in mammalian cell culture, usherin FN3 fragments are more robustly expressed and secreted than its laminin-related fragments. Our findings provide new insights into the usherin structure and the disease mechanisms caused by pathogenic small in-frame mutations, which will help inform future experimental research on diagnosis, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches.

Rate and age-dependent damage elasticity formulation for efficient hip fracture simulations

Prediction of bone failure is beneficial in a range of clinical situations from screening of osteoporotic patients with high fracture risk to assessment of protective equipment against trauma. Computational efficiency is an important feature to consider when developing failure models for iterative applications, such as patient-specific diagnosis or design of orthopaedic devices. The authors previously developed a methodology to generate efficient mesoscale structural full bone models. The aim of this study was to implement a damage elasticity formulation representative of an elasto-plastic material model with age and strain rate dependencies compatible with these structural models. This material model was assessed in the prediction of femoral fractures in longitudinal compression and side fall scenarios. The simulations predicted failure loads and fracture patterns in good agreement with reported results from experimental studies. The observed influence of strain rate on failure load was consistent with literature. The superiority of a simplified elasto-plastic formulation over an elasto-brittle bone material model was assessed. This computationally efficient damage elasticity formulation was capable of capturing fracture development after onset.

The Performance of Healthcare-associated Infection Control Guideline among Hospital Nurses: A Structural Equation Model

BACKGROUND

To improve efficient and systematic management and following of healthcare-associated infection guidelines, the relationship among various factors must be understood. Efforts should be made to strengthen or reduce relevant factors. We developed a structural equation model for following HAI-control guidelines.

METHODS

Overall, 388 Korean registered nurses participated in this study and data collection was conducted Jul 21-Aug 31, 2014 using a self-reported questionnaire, and 392 of 400 copies were collected (98% recovery rate). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability, and Pearson's coefficient. Model identification evaluation was conducted by goodness-of-fit index and impact analysis.

RESULTS

Results of goodness-of-fit of modified model were as follows: χ²=120.57 (df=16, P<.001), GFI (Goodness of Fit Index)=.95, RMSEA (Root-Mean-Square Error of Approximation)=.10, SRMR (Standardizes Root-Mean-Square residual)=.06, NFI (Normal Fir Index)=.90, CFI (Comparative Fit Index)=.90. Factors with a statistically significant direct impact on behavioral intention are as follows; perceived behavior control (β=.35, P=.008), subjective norm (β=.27, P=.002), and job demands (β=-.08, P=.083). Organizational factors directly influenced following guidelines. Explanatory power of organizational factors on guideline compliance was greatest (C.R. [Critical Ratio] =5.67, P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Supportive leadership and a positive organizational culture development strategy are essential. The hospital leader group should provide adequate resources to facilitate compliance with guidelines as well as create an atmosphere of on-site support that ensures guidelines will be followed, and engage in continuous monitoring and feedback regarding following of guidelines.

The Structural Model of Spirituality and Psychological Well-Being for Pregnancy-Specific Stress

Women experience different types of stress in their lifetime. The present study was conducted to examine the structural model of spirituality and psychological well-being for pregnancy-specific stress. The present descriptive correlational study was conducted on 450 pregnant Iranian women (150 women from each trimester) in Dehdasht city in 2015. Data were collected using the personal-social questionnaire, the pregnancy-specific stress questionnaire, the spirituality questionnaire and the psychological well-being questionnaire and were then analyzed in SPSS-16 and Lisrel-8.8 for carrying out a path analysis. The fit indices of the model indicate the good fit and high compatibility of the model and rational relationships between the variables (GFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.85, CFI = 0.94 and RMSEA = 0.048). Of the variables that affected pregnancy-specific stress through both paths, spirituality had a positive effect (B = 0.11) and the personal-social variable a negative effect (B = -0.37). Psychological well-being affected pregnancy-specific stress negatively and directly and through one path only (B = -0.59). The results obtained through the model confirm the effect of spirituality and psychological well-being in reducing pregnancy-specific stress. Given that handling stress has a major role in the quality of daily life in pregnant women, stress management skills are recommended to be promoted among pregnant women so as to mitigate stress and its negative consequences.

Effects of attitudes and demography on public support for endangered species conservation

It is critical for managers to understand how attitudes and demography affect public's preferences for species protection for designing successful conservation projects. 1080 adults in Greece were asked to rate pictures of 12 endangered species on aesthetic and negativistic attitudes, and intention to support their conservation. Factor analysis identified a group of animals for which respondents indicated high levels of support for their conservation (red deer, loggerhead sea turtle, brown bear, common pheasant, European ground squirrel, glossy ibis) and a group of animals for which respondents indicated low levels of support (black vulture, great white shark, fire-bellied toad, western barbastelle, Cretan tube web spider, Milos viper). The species that received the highest support were also rated as the most attractive and safest, excluding the fearsome brown bear. Structural models revealed that aesthetic, moralistic and negativistic attitudes were the stronger predictors of support. Aesthetic and moralistic attitudes were positively, and negativistic attitudes negatively, correlated with support for conservation in both groups. Consumptive users scored lower in aesthetics and were less supportive of protection in the high support group, while nonconsumptive users showed the opposite trend. Respondents residing in urban areas deemed animals of high support more attractive and less fearsome and were more supportive of conservation than rural residents in both groups. Females of higher education viewed animals of low support as fearsome, however they supported their conservation. Our study identified popular species that can be used as flagship species to facilitate the implementation of conservation projects. The results of this study could also be used to design a communication and outreach campaign to raise awareness about the ecosystem value of less attractive species.

Instrumental variable estimation of causal odds ratios using structural nested mean models

We consider estimating causal odds ratios using an instrumental variable under a logistic structural nested mean model (LSNMM). Current methods for LSNMMs either rely heavily on possible "uncongenial" modeling assumptions or involve intricate numerical challenges, which have impeded their use. In this article, we present an alternative method that ensures a congenial parametrization, circumvents computational complexity of existing methods, and is easy to implement. We illustrate the proposed method to (1) estimate the causal effect of years of education on earnings using data from the NLSYM and (2) assess the impact of moving families from high to low-poverty neighborhoods had on lifetime major depressive disorder among adolescents in the "Moving to Opportunity (MTO) for Fair Housing Demonstration Project" from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Evolution, structure and membrane association of NDUFAF6, an assembly factor for NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I)

The NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is the largest member of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Its FMN cofactor accepts two electrons from NADH and transfers them to ubiquinone via a chain of iron-sulphur centers. A central core of 14 highly conserved subunits can couple electron transfer to proton translocation. The mammalian enzyme has an additional ~30 accessory subunits. Complex I has important bioenergetic and metabolic functions and is a known source of reactive oxygen species; these functions link it to a number of hereditary and degenerative diseases. For many complex I deficiencies, the primary defect is not in a subunit-encoding gene, but rather in an assembly factor or chaperone that participates in the biogenesis of newly synthesized complex I from individual subunits and cofactors. NDUFAF6 encodes a complex I assembly factor and mutations result in complex I deficiency, Leigh syndrome or Acadian variant Fanconi syndrome. Human NDUFAF6 is a mitochondria-targeted 333-amino acid protein belonging to the family of squalene and phytoene synthases. Sequence and structural information suggests that NDUFAF6 likely has enzymatic activity, but one that has evolved considerable differences from canonical squalene and phytoene synthases. Most but not all metazoans have an NDUFAF6 ortholog, indicating that in some organisms, complex I biogenesis does not require this protein. NDUFAF6 is a peripheral membrane protein and predictions identify a conserved C-terminal attachment site that have implications for substrate access.

A functionally graded material model for the transmural stress distribution of the aortic valve leaflet

Heterogeneities in structure and stress within heart valve leaflets are of significant concern to their functional physiology, as they affect how the tissue constituents remodel in response to pathological and non-pathological (e.g. exercise, pregnancy) alterations in cardiac function. Indeed, valve interstitial cells (VICs) are known to synthesize and degrade leaflet extracellular matrix (ECM) components in a manner specific to their local micromechanical environment. Quantifying local variations in ECM structure and stress is thus necessary to understand homeostatic valve maintenance as well as to develop predictive models of disease progression and post-surgical outcomes. In the aortic valve (AV), transmural variations in stress have previously been investigated by modeling the leaflet as a composite of contiguous but mechanically distinct layers. Based on previous findings about the bonded nature of these layers (Buchanan and Sacks, BMMB, 2014), we developed a more generalized structural constitutive model by treating the leaflet as a functionally graded material (FGM), whose properties vary continuously over the thickness. We informed the FGM model using high-resolution morphological measurements, which demonstrated that the composition and fiber structure change gradually over the thickness of the AV leaflet. For validation, we fit the model against an extensive database of whole-leaflet and individual-layer mechanical responses. The FGM model predicted large stress variations both between and within the leaflet layers at end-diastole, with low-collagen regions bearing significant radial stress. These novel results suggest that the continually varying structure of the AV leaflet has an important purpose with regard to valve function and tissue homeostasis.

[Structural equation model for caregiving experience of families providing care for family members with mental disorders]

PURPOSE

This study was done to develop and test a structural model for caregiving experience including caregiving satisfaction and caregiving strain in families providing care for family members with a mental disorder.

METHODS

The Stress-appraisal-coping model was used as the conceptual framework and the structural equation model to confirm the path that explains what and how variables affect caregiving experience in these families. In this hypothesis model, exogenous variables were optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty. The endogenous variables were self efficacy, social support, caregiving satisfaction and caregiving strain. Data were collected using structured questionnaires.

RESULTS

Optimism and caregiving self-efficacy had significant direct and indirect effects on caregiving satisfaction. Optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty had significant direct and indirect effects on caregiving strain. The modified path model explained effects of optimism on caregiving self-efficacy with social support in the path structure as a mediator. Also, there were direct and indirect effects of optimism and uncertainty on caregiving satisfaction with social support and caregiving self-efficacy in the path structure as a mediators.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest the need to improve caregiving self-efficacy of these families, establish support systems such as a mental health professional support programs for caregiving self-efficacy. Optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty perceived by families need to be considered in the development of support programs in order to increase their effectiveness.

Determinants of antihypertensive adherence among patients in Beijing: Application of the health belief model

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to determine the factors associated with antihypertensive adherence based on the Health Belief Model (HBM).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of China in 2014. The questionnaire included information about demographics, a scale based on the HBM, and the four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale.

RESULTS

745 hypertensive patients participated in the study (345 men, 400 women). Patients' mean age was 56.4±10.8years. The prevalence of adherence was 43.5%. Structural equation modeling showed that men, older participants, and those with greater knowledge of hypertension showed better medication adherence than did other participants. Based on the HBM, higher levels of self-efficacy and perceived severity and a lower level of perceived barriers were associated with better antihypertensive adherence. Self-efficacy was one of the most important mediating variables affecting antihypertensive adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Antihypertensive adherence was not optimal among patients in Beijing. Given that many factors are associated with medication adherence, individualized intervention strategies should be carried out in Beijing, China, especially in community settings.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Medication adherence can be improved by enhancing patients' self-efficacy because it was the most important influence and mediating variable.

Performance on a computerized neurocognitive battery in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A comparison between US and Israeli cohorts

Increasingly, the effects of copy number variation (CNV) in the genome on brain function and behaviors are recognized as means to elucidate pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Such studies require large samples and we characterized the neurocognitive profile of two cohorts of individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), the most common CNV associated with schizophrenia, in an effort to harmonize phenotyping in multi-site global collaborations. The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PCNB) was administered to individuals with 22q11DS in Philadelphia (PHL; n=155, aged 12-40) and Tel Aviv (TLV; n=59, aged 12-36). We examined effect sizes of performance differences between the cohorts and confirmed the factor structure of PCNB performance efficiency in the combined sample based on data from a large comparison community sample. The cohorts performed comparably with notable deficits in executive function, episodic memory and social cognition domains that were previously associated with abnormal neuroimaging findings in 22q11DS. In mixed model analysis, while there was a main effect for site for accuracy (number of correct response) and speed (time to correct response) independently, there were no main site effects for standardized efficiency (average of accuracy and speed). The fit of a structural model was excellent indicating that PCNB tests were related to the targeted cognitive domains. Thus, our results provide preliminary support for the use of the PCNB as an efficient tool for neurocognitive assessment in international 22q11DS collaborations.

Methodological development for selection of significant predictors explaining fatal road accidents

Identification of the most relevant factors for explaining road accident occurrence is an important issue in road safety research, particularly for future decision-making processes in transport policy. However model selection for this particular purpose is still an ongoing research. In this paper we propose a methodological development for model selection which addresses both explanatory variable and adequate model selection issues. A variable selection procedure, TIM (two-input model) method is carried out by combining neural network design and statistical approaches. The error structure of the fitted model is assumed to follow an autoregressive process. All models are estimated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo method where the model parameters are assigned non-informative prior distributions. The final model is built using the results of the variable selection. For the application of the proposed methodology the number of fatal accidents in Spain during 2000-2011 was used. This indicator has experienced the maximum reduction internationally during the indicated years thus making it an interesting time series from a road safety policy perspective. Hence the identification of the variables that have affected this reduction is of particular interest for future decision making. The results of the variable selection process show that the selected variables are main subjects of road safety policy measures.

The N-terminal domain of the GluN3A subunit determines the efficacy of glycine-activated NMDA receptors

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors composed of glycine-binding GluN1 and GluN3 subunits function as excitatory glycine receptors that respond to agonist application only with a very low efficacy. Binding of glycine to the high-affinity GluN3 subunits triggers channel opening, whereas glycine binding to the low-affinity GluN1 subunits causes an auto-inhibition of the maximal glycine-inducible receptor current (Imax). Hence, competitive antagonists of the GluN1 subunit strongly potentiate glycine responses of wild type (wt) GluN1/GluN3 receptors. Here, we show that co-expression of N-terminal domain (NTD) deleted GluN1 (GluN1(ΔNTD)) and GluN3 (GluN3(ΔNTD)) subunits in Xenopus oocytes generates GluN1/GluN3 receptors with a large increase in the glycine-inducible Imax accompanied by a strongly impaired GluN1 antagonist-mediated potentiation. Affinity purification after metabolic or surface labeling revealed no differences in subunit stoichiometry and surface expression between wt GluN1/GluN3A and mutant GluN1(ΔNTD)/GluN3A(ΔNTD) receptors, indicating a specific effect of NTD deletions on the efficacy of receptor opening. Notably, GluN1/GluN3A(ΔNTD) receptors showed a similar increase in Imax and a greatly reduced GluN1 antagonist-mediated current potentiation as GluN1(ΔNTD)/GluN3A(ΔNTD) receptors, whereas the glycine-induced currents of GluN1(ΔNTD)/GluN3A receptors resembled those of wt GluN1/GluN3A receptors. Furthermore, oxidative crosslinking of the homophilic GluN3A NTD intersubunit interface in mutant GluN1/GluN3A(R319C) receptors caused both a decrease in the glycine-induced Imax concomitantly with a marked increase in GluN1 antagonist-mediated current potentiation, whilst mutations within the intrasubunit region linking the GluN3A NTD to the ligand binding domain had opposite effects. Together these results show that the GluN3A NTD constitutes a crucial regulatory determinant of GluN1/GluN3A receptor function.

[A structural equation modeling on premenstrual syndrome in adolescent girls]

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to construct a hypothetical structural model which explains the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in adolescent girls and to test the fitness with collected data.

METHODS

The participants were 1,087 adolescent girls from 3 high schools and 5 middle schools in B city. Data were collected from July 3 to October 15, 2012 using self-reported questionnaires and were analyzed using PASW 18.0 and AMOS 16.0 programs.

RESULTS

The overall fitness indices of hypothetical model were good (χ² =1555, p<.001), χ²/df=4.40, SRMR=.04, GFI=.91, RMSEA=.05, NFI=.90, TLI=.91, CFI=.92, AIC=1717). Out of 16 paths, 12 were statistically significant. Daily hassles had the greatest impact on PMS in the adolescent girls in this model. In addition, PMS in adolescent girls was directly affected by menarche age, Body Mass Index (BMI), amount of menstruation, test anxiety, social support, menstrual attitude and femininity but not by academic stress. This model explained 27% of the variance in PMS in adolescent girls.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study suggest that nursing interventions to reduce PMS in adolescent girls should address their daily hassles, test anxiety, menstrual attitude and BMI. Also, social support from their parents, friends, and teachers needs to be increased.

Combined molecular dynamics, STD-NMR, and CORCEMA protocol yields structural model for a UDP-galactopyranose mutase-inhibitor complex

UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM) is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall, and is essential for the growth and survival of the organism. A micromolar inhibitor developed by tetrafluorination of the UGM substrate has been previously studied by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy. To elucidate the bioactive conformation of the inhibitor bound to UGM, we employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to construct a structural model. The MD model is subsequently validated by a good fit between experimental and theoretical STD effects, the latter calculated by a complete relaxation and conformational exchange matrix (CORCEMA) analysis. This structural model is used to explain the relative binding affinities of the inhibitor and the parent substrate.

A structural model for FOXRED1, an FAD-dependent oxidoreductase necessary for NADH: Ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) assembly

The biogenesis of mitochondrial respiratory chain components is complex. Mammalian complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) contains 44 different subunits, an FMN and seven iron-sulfur centers. Its assembly involves at least twelve additional proteins, called assembly factors. One of these is FOXRED1, a 486-amino acid FAD-dependent oxidoreductase. FOXRED1 is a member of the d-amino acid oxidase (DAO) family. A structural model of FOXRED1 reveals a large substrate-binding cavity and a putative oxygen-binding site. These features strongly suggest that FOXRED1 is catalytically active as an oxidoreductase. A metabolic role for FOXRED1 in the biogenesis of complex I should be considered.

Right ear advantage for vocal communication in frogs results from both structural asymmetry and attention modulation

Right-ear/left-hemisphere advantage (REA) in processing species-specific vocalizations has been demonstrated in mammals including humans. Two models for REA are typically proposed, a structural model and an attentional model. These hypotheses were tested in an anuran species, the Emei music frog (Babina daunchina) in which females strongly prefer male calls produced from inside mud-retuse burrows (high sexual attractiveness or HSA calls) to those produced in open fields (low sexual attractiveness or LSA calls). Isochronic playbacks were used to control for attention to stimuli presented to either the left or right sides of female subjects while electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were recorded from the left and right midbrain and telencephalon. The results show that relative EEG power in the delta band declined while those of the alpha and beta bands increased with time in the left but not the right midbrain. Since the anuran midbrain receives auditory information derived primarily from the contralateral auditory nerve, these results support the idea that REA occurs in frogs because communication sounds are processed preferentially in the left midbrain. Furthermore, though differences in the dynamic changes of the delta, alpha and beta bands in the left midbrain between acoustic stimuli were not statistically significant, these changes were stronger during the playback of HSA calls toward which females tend to allocate greater attentional resources. These results imply that REA in frogs results from the combined effects of structural asymmetry and attention modulation.

Relationship between psychiatric disorders and sexually transmitted diseases in a nationally representative sample

OBJECTIVE

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant public health concern. Numerous internalizing and externalizing psychiatric disorders have been found to be related to STD risk. However, to date, no studies have examined several psychiatric disorders simultaneously to account for STD risk. Given that psychiatric disorders often co-occur and can be explained by a limited number of latent dimensions of psychopathology, it is important to examine whether the relationship between STDs and psychiatric disorders is best explained by broad dimensions of psychopathology.

METHODS

The current study examined the associations between a range of Axis I and II psychiatric disorders at baseline and rates of STDs at a three-year follow-up in a large, nationally representative sample of adults in the United States (n=34,434). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to fit three factors, two internalizing and one externalizing. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the relationships between and among the factors and STD status and to test for mediation.

RESULTS

In bivariate analyses, most Axis I and Axis II disorders were associated with STD diagnosis at Wave 2, whereas the results of the structural model showed that only the externalizing factor was significantly associated with STD diagnosis at Wave 2. Further, the externalizing factor mediated the relationship between one of the internalizing factors and STD diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest the unique contribution of externalizing psychopathology to STD risk and the importance of examining latent dimensions of disorders when understanding this relationship between psychiatric disorders and STDs.

Simulation of planar soft tissues using a structural constitutive model: Finite element implementation and validation

Computational implementation of physical and physiologically realistic constitutive models is critical for numerical simulation of soft biological tissues in a variety of biomedical applications. It is well established that the highly nonlinear and anisotropic mechanical behaviors of soft tissues are an emergent behavior of the underlying tissue microstructure. In the present study, we have implemented a structural constitutive model into a finite element framework specialized for membrane tissues. We noted that starting with a single element subjected to uniaxial tension, the non-fibrous tissue matrix must be present to prevent unrealistic tissue deformations. Flexural simulations were used to set the non-fibrous matrix modulus because fibers have little effects on tissue deformation under three-point bending. Multiple deformation modes were simulated, including strip biaxial, planar biaxial with two attachment methods, and membrane inflation. Detailed comparisons with experimental data were undertaken to insure faithful simulations of both the macro-level stress-strain insights into adaptations of the fiber architecture under stress, such as fiber reorientation and fiber recruitment. Results indicated a high degree of fidelity and demonstrated interesting microstructural adaptions to stress and the important role of the underlying tissue matrix. Moreover, we apparently resolve a discrepancy in our 1997 study (Billiar and Sacks, 1997. J. Biomech. 30 (7), 753-756) where we observed that under strip biaxial stretch the simulated fiber splay responses were not in good agreement with the experimental results, suggesting non-affine deformations may have occurred. However, by correctly accounting for the isotropic phase of the measured fiber splay, good agreement was obtained. While not the final word, these simulations suggest that affine fiber kinematics for planar collagenous tissues is a reasonable assumption at the macro level. Simulation tools such as these are imperative in the design and simulation of native and engineered tissues.

Structural and clinical implications of amino acid substitutions in α-L-iduronidase: insight into the basis of mucopolysaccharidosis type I

Allelic mutations, predominantly missense ones, of the α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) gene cause mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), which exhibits heterogeneous phenotypes. These phenotypes are basically classified into severe, intermediate, and attenuated types. We previously examined the structural changes in IDUA due to MPS I by homology modeling, but the reliability was limited because of the low sequence identity. In this study, we built new structural models of mutant IDUAs due to 57 amino acid substitutions that had been identified in 27 severe, 1 severe-intermediate, 13 intermediate, 1 attenuated-intermediate and 15 attenuated type MPS I patients based on the crystal structure of human IDUA, which was recently determined by us. The structural changes were examined by calculating the root-mean-square distances (RMSD) and the number of atoms influenced by the amino acid replacements. The results revealed that the structural changes of the enzyme protein tended to be correlated with the severity of the disease. Then we focused on the structural changes resulting from amino acid replacements in the immunoglobulin-like domain and adjacent region, of which the structure had been missing in the IDUA model previously built. Coloring of atoms influenced by an amino acid substitution was performed in each case and the results revealed that the structural changes occurred in a region far from the active site of IDUA, suggesting that they affected protein folding. Structural analysis is thus useful for elucidation of the basis of MPS I.

Homology Models and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Main Proteinase from Coronavirus Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

In this study, two structural models (denoted as M^proST and M^proSH) of the main proteinase (M^pro) from the novel coronavirus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS‐CoV) were constructed based on the crystallographic structures of M^pro from transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) (M^proT) and human coronavirus HcoV‐229E (M^proH), respectively. Various 200 ps molecular dynamics simulations were subsequently performed to investigate the dynamics behaviors of several structural features. Both M^proST and M^proSH exhibit similar folds as their respective template proteins. These structural models reveal three distinct functional domains as well as an intervening loop connecting domains II and III as found in both template proteins. In addition, domain III of these structures exhibits the least secondary structural conservation. A catalytic cleft containing the substrate binding subsites S1 and the S2 between domains I and II are also observed in these structural models. Although these structures share many common features, the most significant difference occurs at the S2 subsite, where the amino acid residues lining up this subsite are least conserved. It may be a critical challenge for designing anti‐SARS drugs by simply screening the known database of proteinase inhibitors.