bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTSD and PTG among Israeli mothers: Opposite facets of exposure to terrorism
Authors: Shechory Bitton Mally , Laufer Avital
Published: April 2017

The aim of the this study was to test the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic growth (PTG), and coping strategies among Israeli mothers with prolonged exposure to rocket missiles. One hundred fifty‐two mothers, from the Western Negev region of Israel, took part in the study.

Respondents were affected by prolonged exposure to missile attacks even when they themselves had not been hit or injured. A positive correlation was found between PTSD and PTG. Problem‐focused coping was found to mediate the relationship between PTSD and PTG; the higher the PTSD, the greater the use of problem‐focused coping and the greater the posttraumatic growth. The results help understand the association between PTSD and PTG. The finding whereby problem‐focused coping mediates the PTSD–PTG relationship is important for comprehending the association between the variables and the significance of growth in human life and for constructing intervention programs that promote growth following trauma. In addition, the study contributes to raising awareness both of how mothers cope and that they are a separate risk group with distinct growth possibilities.
Home Alone: The Effects of Lone‐Insider Boards on CEO Pay, Financial Misconduct, and Firm Performance
Authors: Zorn Michelle L. , Shropshire Christine , Martin John A. , Combs James G. , Ketchen David J.
Published: April 2017

Research summary: Corporate scandals of the previous decade have heightened attention on board independence. Indeed, boards at many large firms are now so independent that the CEO is “home alone” as the lone inside member. We build upon “pro‐insider” research within agency theory to explain how the growing trend toward lone‐insider boards affects key outcomes and how external governance forces constrain their impact. We find evidence among S&P 1500 firms that having a lone‐insider board is associated with (a) excess CEO pay and a larger CEO‐top management team pay gap, (b) increased likelihood of financial misconduct, and (c) decreased firm performance, but that stock analysts and institutional investors reduce these negative effects. The findings raise important questions about the efficacy of leaving the CEO “home alone.”

Managerial summary: Following concerns that insider‐dominated boards failed to protect shareholders, there has been a push for greater board independence. This push has been so successful that the CEO is now the only insider on the boards of more than half of S&P 1500 firms. We examine whether lone‐insider boards do in fact offer strong governance or whether they enable CEOs to benefit personally. We find that lone‐insider boards pay CEOs excessively, pay CEOs a disproportionately large amount relative to other top managers, have more instances of financial misconduct, and have lower performance than boards with more than one insider. Thus, it appears that lone‐insider boards do not function as intended and firms should reconsider whether the push towards lone‐insider boards is actually in shareholders' best interests. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of Polymorph Selection in Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Crystallization by Poly(Aspartic Acid): Two Different Mechanisms
Authors: Zou Zhaoyong , Bertinetti Luca , Politi Yael , Fratzl Peter , Habraken Wouter J. E. M.
Published: April 2017

Poly(aspartic acid) (pAsp) is known to stabilize amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and affect its crystallization pathways. However, little is known about the mechanisms behind these phenomena. Here it is shown that ACC is stabilized by pAsp molecules in the solution rather than by the amount of pAsp incorporated into the ACC bulk, and that the effect of pAsp on the polymorph selection is entirely different at low and high concentration of pAsp. At low concentrations, pAsp is more effective in inhibiting the nucleation and growth of vaterite than calcite. At high concentrations, when calcite formation is prevented, the crystallization of vaterite proceeds via a pseudomorphic transformation of ACC nanospheres, where vaterite nucleates on the surface of ACC nanospheres and grows by a local transformation of the bulk ACC phase. These results shed some light on the function of pAsp during an ACC‐mediated biomineralization process and provide an explanation for the presence of metastable vaterite at conditions where calcite is thermodynamically favored.
Multifunctional Gadolinium‐Doped Mesoporous TiO2 Nanobeads: Photoluminescence, Enhanced Spin Relaxation, and Reactive Oxygen Species Photogeneration, Beneficial for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Imani Roghayeh , Dillert Ralf , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Pazoki Meysam , Apih Tomaž , Kononenko Veno , Repar Neža , Kralj‐Iglič Veronika , Boschloo Gerrit , Drobne Damjana , Edvinsson Tomas , Iglič Aleš
Published: April 2017

Materials with controllable multifunctional abilities for optical imaging (OI) and magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) that also can be used in photodynamic therapy are very interesting for future applications. Mesoporous TiO2 sub‐micrometer particles are doped with gadolinium to improve photoluminescence functionality and spin relaxation for MRI, with the added benefit of enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Gd‐doped TiO2 exhibits red emission at 637 nm that is beneficial for OI and significantly improves MRI relaxation times, with a beneficial decrease in spin–lattice and spin–spin relaxation times. Density functional theory calculations show that Gd3+ ions introduce impurity energy levels inside the bandgap of anatase TiO2, and also create dipoles that are beneficial for charge separation and decreased electron–hole recombination in the doped lattice. The Gd‐doped TiO2 nanobeads (NBs) show enhanced ability for ROS monitored via •OH radical photogeneration, in comparison with undoped TiO2 nanobeads and TiO2 P25, for Gd‐doping up to 10%. Cellular internalization and biocompatibility of TiO2@xGd NBs are tested in vitro on MG‐63 human osteosarcoma cells, showing full biocompatibility. After photoactivation of the particles, anticancer trace by means of ROS photogeneration is observed just after 3 min irradiation.
Synthesis of Olive‐Like Nitrogen–Doped Carbon with Embedded Ge Nanoparticles for Ultrahigh Stable Lithium Battery Anodes
Authors: Ma Xiaomei , Zhou Yongning , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: April 2017

The development of environment‐friendly and high‐performance carbon materials for energy applications has remained a great challenge. Here, a novel and facile method for synthesis of olive‐like nitrogen‐doped carbon embedded with germanium (Ge) nanoparticles using widespread and nontoxic dopamine as carbon and nitrogen precursors is demonstrated, especially by understanding the tendency of pure GeO2 nanoparticles forming ellipsoidal aggregation, and the chelating reaction of the catechol structure in dopamine with metal ions. The as‐synthesized Ge/N‐C composites show an olive‐like porous carbon structure with a loading weight of as high as 68.5% Ge nanoparticles. A lithium ion battery using Ge/N‐C as the anode shows 1042 mAh g−1 charge capacity after 2000 cycles (125 d) charge/discharge at C/2 (1C = 1600 mA g−1) with a capacity maintaining efficiency of 99.6%, significantly exceeding those of the previously reported Ge/C‐based anode materials. This prominent cyclic charge/discharge performance of the Ge/N‐C anode is attributed to the well‐dispersed Ge nanoparticles in graphitic N‐doped carbon matrix, which facilitates high rates (0.5–15 C) of charge/discharge and increases the anode structure integrity. The synthesis strategy presented here may be a very promising approach to prepare a series of active nanoparticle–carbon hybrid materials with nitrogen doping for more and important applications.
Porous Structure Design of Polymeric Membranes for Gas Separation
Authors: Zhang Jinshui , Schott Jennifer Ann , Mahurin Shannon M. , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2017

High‐performance polymeric membranes for gas separation are of interest for molecular‐level separation in industrial‐scale chemical, energy, and environmental processes. To overcome the inherent trade‐off relationship between permeability and selectivity, the creation of permanent microporosity in polymeric matrices is highly desirable because the porous structures can provide a high fractional free volume to facilitate gas transport through the dense layer. Here, recent developments regarding the formation of porous polymeric membranes and potential strategies for pore structure design are reviewed.
The Search for Viability: A practitioner's view of how the Viable Systems Model is helping transform English local government (and why it has passed unrecognised)
Authors: Walker Michael
Published: April 2017

Since 2010, local authorities in England have experienced an unprecedented reduction in their resourcing at a time when demands on services have risen substantially through social and demographic changes. Faced with such external challenges, various Councils' internal transformations have sought to change the organisation as a system, but also to alter the relationship with the environment. These have clearly been attempts to create viable systems, but have not been explicitly termed as such. This paper outlines a series of transformation interventions that have used the principles of the viable systems model to improve business governance and make evident the criticality of the effective functioning of Systems 2–5 of the viable systems model. The paper also considers why, when such individual transformations have evidentially supported the viability of local authorities, systemic thinking has not yet been embraced by the sector to improve its governing business systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shell buckling transformed: Mechanics, design processes and their inter‐relation
Authors: Rotter John Michael
Published: April 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. em. Dr.‐Ing. Herbert Schmidt zur Vollendung seines 80. Lebensjahres gewidmet

This paper, in honour of Professor Herbert Schmidt, provides a brief description of two parallel but connected historical developments in the field of the buckling of thin metal shells, an area in which Professor Schmidt has made very significant contributions over the last four decades.

The developments in shell buckling mechanics have been enormous over the last century, in addressing challenging practical problems and in changing from difficult mathematics to universal access for competent engineers. The second development has been in design calculations for practising engineers, moving from crude empiricism based on simple tests into a complete framework that can house all computational predictions in a structured manner, permitting very complex problems to be fully characterised. These two fields are quite separate, especially in the early part of the 20th century, and still lie somewhat apart, but the problems encountered in practical engineering continue to influence the development of shell buckling mechanics, whilst the conceptual framework for practical design is evolving to accommodate the most complex of findings in structural mechanics.
Regeln für die Berechnung von Behältern mit der FEM
Authors: Knödel Peter , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: April 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. em. Dr.‐Ing. Herbert Schmidt zur Vollendung seines 80. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Kommerzielle FE‐Pakete sind zunehmend in den Ingenieurbüros verfügbar. Durch ihre Universalität verleiten sie dazu, auch dann zur Bemessung von Behältern verwendet zu werden, wenn der anwendende Ingenieur keine Erfahrung mit händischen Festigkeits‐ und Stabilitätsnachweisen bei Schalentragwerken hat.

Die Autoren versuchen mit diesem Artikel anhand von wenigen, strukturierten Grundregeln aufzuzeigen, welche Anforderungen an ein Modell und dessen Dokumentation zu stellen sind, so dass fachliche Richtigkeit und die erforderliche Nachvollziehbarkeit der Ergebnisse gegeben sind. Dazu wird vorab die in der Tragwerksplanung erforderliche Abstraktion diskutiert. Ebenso wird dafür plädiert, sich im Zweifelsfall für eine Handrechnung zu entscheiden, da dies möglicherweise deutlich weniger Aufwand bedingt, als eine fachgerecht dokumentierte FE‐Berechnung.

Im Einzelnen werden Hinweise zur Modellierung der globalen Struktur sowie von Imperfektionen, Werkstoffeigenschaften, Schweißnähten und Lasten gegeben. Unterschiedlich aufwändige Möglichkeiten des Stabilitätsnachweises werden gezeigt. Besonderes Augenmerk wird auf eine behältergerechte Dokumentation gelegt, die ein Trennen der Spannungsausgabe in Membran‐ und Biegeanteile sowie in Meridian‐ und Breitenkreisrichtung erfordert. Schließlich werden exemplarisch drei Anwendungsbeispiele aus der industriellen Praxis gezeigt.
Steifigkeitskennwerte von Gewebemembranen
Authors: Uhlemann Jörg , Stranghöner Natalie
Published: April 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. em. Dr.‐Ing. Herbert Schmidt zur Vollendung seines 80. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Nach wie vor herrscht bei der Angabe bzw. Annahme von geeigneten Steifigkeitskennwerten für Gewebemembranen für die textile Architektur und den Zeltbau Unsicherheit unter den Materialherstellern und Tragwerksplanern. Der vorliegende Beitrag diskutiert mögliche Methoden für eine standardisierte Bestimmung von Steifigkeitskennwerten und für eine bauwerksspezifische Bestimmung für die Konstruktion. Des Weiteren werden stichprobenhaft für PVC‐beschichtete Polyestergewebe dreier Festigkeitsklassen untersucht, inwieweit sich diese hinsichtlich ihrer Steifigkeitskennwerte klassifizieren lassen. Eine Klassifizierung würde eine Tabellierung ermöglichen, die dem Tragwerksplaner eine große Hilfe für die geeignete Annahme von Steifigkeitskennwerten bei der statischen Berechnung von Gewebemembrantragwerken wäre. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse legen die Klassifizierbarkeit für die untersuchten Materialien nahe.
Application of Fischer Indolization under Green Conditions using Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Chakkapalli Chandravathi
Published: April 2017

Indole and its derivatives captured the attention of organic chemists due to their applications in medicinal chemistry. The examples covered here are intricate polycyclic indole derivatives and these include: azapolyquinanes, cyclophanes, spirocycles and other heterocycles. We found that deep eutectic mixture such as L‐(+)‐tartaric acid (TA) and dimethyl urea (DMU) is useful to prepare complex unnatural indole derivatives. These conditions from time to time produced indole derivatives which are not possible by conventional methods. Various substrates containing multiple carbonyl groups were shown to undergo Fischer indolization (FI) in deep eutectic mixtures and thus expand its scope to a higher level.
Toward a durable prevalence of scientific conceptions: Tracking the effects of two interfering misconceptions about buoyancy from preschoolers to science teachers
Authors: Potvin Patrice , Cyr Guillaume
Published: April 2017

While the majority of published research on conceptual change has focused on how misconceptions can be abandoned or modified, some recent research findings support the hypothesis that acquired scientific knowledge does not necessarily erase or alter initial non‐scientific knowledge but rather coexists with it. In keeping with this “coexistence claim,” this article presents an analysis of scientific understanding in four groups of individuals with varying degrees of expertise (preschoolers, elementary students, secondary students, and science teachers) using a cognitive task on buoyancy. This task allowed us to determine the prevalence of certain conceptions and the interference caused by two possible conceptual distractors with regard to producing accurate answers. Results describe the progression of the desired (scientific) conception with age/expertise as well as the evolution or regression of the statuses of two misconceptions. Results also show that misconceptions continue to interfere with performance even when there is a higher degree of scientific expertise, and that patterns of such interference can be studied. In keeping with these conclusions, we argue for the use of a model of conceptual learning called “conceptual prevalence.” © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Research in Science Teaching Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54:1121–1142, 2017
Is a sufficient measure of the standard uncertainty in X‐ray spectroscopy?
Authors: Papp T. , Maxwell J.A.
Published: April 2017

There is a magnitude larger scatter in the experimental data of fundamental parameters than the claimed error estimate. We give examples from recent compilations of excitation and decay parameter values for the untenable large scatters, indicating methodological problems. One is the improper use of uncertainty estimation. The measured spectrum is not expected to follow Poisson distribution. We report proper statistical uncertainty calculations. It implies a two to five times larger uncertainty but still does not account for the large scatter. The other possible explanation could be rooted in the ill‐posed problem of exponential analysis, as radiation measurement belongs to this category. We give evidence from particle‐induced X‐ray emission and X‐ray fluorescence for additional exponential terms, thus leading to multi‐exponential analysis. This could explain the large scatter, as the usual square root of counts rule cannot be used for the standard uncertainty. We present a novel approach where discriminators are used to reduce the number of exponentials and the discriminated events are also processed and collected into a separate spectrum. Analyzing both spectra and the live time and dead time clocks allows the determination of the true input counts. It is a non‐extended dead time approach. With this approach, we have a much reduced statistical uncertainty, and both the total spectrum and the fractional spectrum have the same uncertainty. As an independent quality assurance tool, the time interval histogram analysis is also presented. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How well are biodiversity drivers reflected in protected areas? A representativeness assessment of the geohistorical gradients that shaped endemic flora in Japan
Authors: Kusumoto Buntarou , Shiono Takayuki , Konoshima Masashi , Yoshimoto Atsushi , Tanaka Takayuki , Kubota Yasuhiro
Published: April 2017

Protected areas function as a lifeboat that can preserve the origins and maintenance of biodiversity. We assessed the representativeness of biodiversity in existing protected areas in Japan using a distribution dataset and phylogenetic tree for 5565 Japanese vascular plant species. We first examined the overlap of species distribution with the existing protected areas and identified the minimum set representing all plant species. Second, we evaluated the relative importance of environmental variables in explaining the spatial arrangement of protected areas using a random forest model. Finally, we clarified how potential drivers of plant diversity were sufficiently captured within the protected areas network. Although the protected areas captured the majority of species, nearly half of the minimum set areas were selected from outside the existing protected areas. The locations of existing protected areas are mainly associated with geographical and socio‐economic factors rather than key biodiversity features (including evolutionary distinctiveness). Moreover, critical biodiversity drivers, which include current climate, paleoclimatic stability, and geographical isolation, were biasedly emulated within the existing protected areas. These findings demonstrate that current conservation planning fails to represent the ecological and evolutionary processes relevant to species sorting, dispersal limitation, and allopatric speciation. In particular, under‐representativeness of historically stable habitats that function as evolutionary hotspots or refugia in response to climate changes may pose a threat to the long‐term persistence of Japan's endemic biota. This study provides a fundamental basis for developing prioritization measures to retain species assembly processes and in situ diversification along current climatic and geohistorical gradients.
Use of a Perianal Swab Compared With a Stool Sample to Detect Symptomatic Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Montecalvo Marisa A. , Sisay Emnet , McKenna Donna , Wang Guiqing , Visintainer Paul , Wormser Gary P.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of a perianal swab to detect CDI.

METHODS

A perianal swab was collected from each inpatient with a positive stool sample for C. difficile (by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] test) and was tested for C. difficile by PCR and by culture. The variables evaluated included demographics, CDI severity, bathing before perianal swab collection, hours between stool sample and perianal swab, cycle threshold (Ct) to PCR positivity, and doses of CDI treatment before stool sample and before perianal swab.

RESULTS

Of 83 perianal swabs, 59 (71.1%) tested positive for C. difficile by PCR when perianal swabs were collected an average of 21 hours after the stool sample. Compared with the respective stool sample, the perianal sample was less likely to grow C. difficile (P=.005) and had a higher PCR Ct (P<.001). A direct, significant but weak correlation was detected between the Ct for a positive perianal sample and the respective stool sample (r=0.36; P=.006). An inverse dose relationship was detected between PCR positivity and CDI treatment doses before perianal swab collection (P=.27).

CONCLUSION

Perianal swabs are a simple method to detect C. difficile tcdB gene by PCR, with a sensitivity of 71%. These data were limited because stool samples and perianal swabs were not collected simultaneously. Compared with stool samples, the perianal Ct values and culture results were consistent with a lower bacterial load on the perianal sample due to the receipt of more CDI treatment before collection or unknown factors affecting perianal skin colonization.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:658–662
Three-dimensional wake transition for a circular cylinder near a moving wall
Authors: Jiang Hongyi , Cheng Liang , Draper Scott , An Hongwei
Published: April 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) wake transition for a circular cylinder placed near to a moving wall is investigated using direct numerical simulation (DNS). The study covers a parameter space spanning a gap ratio $(G/D)\geqslant 0.3$ and Reynolds number ($Re$) up to 325. The wake transition regimes in the parameter space are mapped out. It is found that vortex dislocation associated with Mode A is completely suppressed at $G/D$ smaller than approximately 1.0. The suppression of vortex dislocation is believed to be due to the confinement of the Mode A streamwise vortices by the plane wall, which suppresses the excess growth and local dislocation of any Mode A vortex loop. Detailed wake transition is examined at $G/D=0.4$, where the wake transition sequence is ‘two-dimensional (2D) $\rightarrow$ ordered Mode A $\rightarrow$ mode swapping (without dislocations) $\rightarrow$ Mode B’. Relatively strong three-dimensionality is found at $Re=160{-}220$ as the wake is dominated by large-scale structure of ordered Mode A, and also at $Re\geqslant 285$, where Mode B becomes increasingly disordered. A local reduction in three-dimensionality is observed at $Re=225{-}275$, where the wake is dominated by finer-scale structure of a mixture of ordered Modes A and B. Corresponding variations in the vortex shedding frequency and hydrodynamic forces are also investigated.
Direct numerical simulation of triboelectric charging in particle-laden turbulent channel flows
Authors: Grosshans Holger , Papalexandris Miltiadis V.
Published: April 2017

The electrification of particles embedded in a turbulent flow may cause hazards such as spark discharges but is also exploited in several industrial applications. Nonetheless, due to its complexity and sensitivity to the initial conditions, the process of build-up of particle charge is currently not well understood. In order to gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, we performed fully resolved numerical simulations of particle charging. More specifically, our study concerned the charging process of particles dispersed in a turbulent channel flow at a friction Reynolds number of $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}=180$. Emphasis was placed on the analysis of the interplay between the different physical mechanisms underlying particle electrification, such as fluid turbulence, particle dynamics and particle collisions. Further, we investigated the influence of some important physical parameters. According to our simulations the charge build-up depends strongly on the particle Stokes number, $Stk$. In particular, at small Stokes numbers, $Stk=0.2$, the turbopheretic drift inhibits particle charging. By contrast, at moderate Stokes numbers, $Stk=2$, and low particle number densities, the electric charge builds up but cannot escape the viscous sublayer due to limited particle migration. However, in the case of high particle number densities, the charge is transported away from the wall via inter-particle charge diffusion. A further increase to $Stk=20$ leads to strong charging and particle-bound charge transport towards the bulk of the channel.
Systematic evaluation of skeletal fractures caused by induction of electroconvulsive seizures in rat state a need for attention and refinement of the procedure
Authors: Ekemohn Maria , Kjær Nielsen Marie , Grahm Matilda , Tingström Anders , Kousholt Birgitte , Wegener Gregers , Bay-Richter Cecilie
Published: April 2017

Objective

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most efficient treatments for major depression. Electroconvulsive seizures (ECS), the animal model of ECT, is widely used to study both mechanisms of action and adverse effects of ECT. As the treatment itself serves as an instant anaesthetic and anaesthetic agents may affect memory functions and behaviour, ECS is traditionally administered without muscle relaxation and anaesthesia. A major problem of unmodified ECS, which has only been addressed peripherally in the literature, is that some animals sustain spinal fractures and subsequent hind leg paralysis (paraplegia). This phenomenon leads to a higher degree of suffering and these animals need to be excluded from the studies. To reach sufficient statistical power, the group sizes are therefore often increased and this may lead to a pre-selected study group in risk of skewing the results. Moreover, the study design of the experiments do not comply with the 3R principles, which advocate for both refinement and reduction of animal experiments. The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate injuries caused by ECS.

Methods

We summarise the incidence of spinal fractures from 24 studies conducted during 2009–2015 in six different rat strains and report preliminary findings on scapular fractures following auricular ECS.

Results

In total, 12.8% of all tested animals suffered from spinal fractures and we find an increase in spinal fracture incidence over time. Furthermore, X-ray analyses revealed that some animals displayed scapular fractures.

Conclusion

We discuss consequences of and possible explanations for ECS-induced fractures. Modifications of the method are highly warranted and we furthermore suggest that all animals are thoroughly examined for discrete fractures.
Perceptions and experiences of frailty interventions: quantitative and qualitative results from a survey of partners within the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA)
Authors: GWYTHER HOLLY , COOKE RICHARD , SHAW RACHEL , MARCUCCI MAURA , CANO ANTONIO , HOLLAND CAROL
Published: April 2017

The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA) was launched by the European Commission in 2011 to promote innovation in ageing research. This paper explores the experiences of partners delivering frailty interventions within Europe, registering their programmes with the EIP-AHA. Data were collected using an online survey from 21 partners in seven countries. A mixed-method approach was used with inductive thematic analysis of free-text responses to improve data richness. Responses indicated that there was a lack of consistency between EIP-AHA partners in methods of defining, screening and measuring for frailty and pre-frailty. Open responses to survey questions about intervention facilitators, moderators and barriers were coded into two themes: working with stakeholders and project management. We concluded that EIP-AHA partners are providing interventions addressing physical, cognitive and wellbeing elements of frailty. However, there needs to be an increase in the proportion of interventions that consistently apply valid methods of screening and/or measuring frailty and pre-frailty. Most, but not all projects are targeting pre-frail older adults, suggesting an appropriate balance of prevention in a useful ‘intervention window’ but also a growing understanding that frailty at later stages is amenable to intervention. Findings suggest design manipulations to improve outcomes and adherence to interventions, specifically inclusion of a perceived benefit/reward for older adults, e.g. a social aspect or health-care promotion.
The association between blood pressure and carotid intima-media thickness in children: a systematic review
Authors: Day Thomas G. , Park MinHae , Kinra Sanjay
Published: April 2017

High blood pressure is a risk factor for atherosclerosis in adults, but whether the same is true in children and young people is not known. This is important to guide management of high blood pressure in children and young people. We aimed to investigate the association in children and young people between blood pressure and carotid intima-media thickness, a non-invasive marker of atherosclerosis, through a systematic review. Studies were retrieved from MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they included at least one measurement of blood pressure and at least one measurement of ultrasound-derived carotid intima-media thickness, both measured during childhood (0–19 years), and a measure of effect size or correlation between the two measurements. A total of 3748 studies were identified in the initial search, of which 28 studies were included in this review. The results were mixed, but the largest and highest-quality studies suggested an independent positive association between blood pressure and carotid intima-media thickness in children and young people, even after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors. There was no indication of a clear threshold level for the effect of blood pressure on carotid intima-media thickness, hence there are insufficient data to support a pharmacological treatment threshold for the treatment of high blood pressure in children and young people to prevent future cardiovascular disease. The studies included varied widely in terms of quality and design, and it was not possible to combine the data in a meta-analysis. There is likely to be an independent association between blood pressure and carotid intima-media thickness in childhood, but it is not clear at what point this should be treated.
Does treating hearing loss prevent or slow the progress of dementia? Hearing is not all in the ears, but who’s listening?
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: April 2017

Since hearing loss is strongly linked to cognitive decline, treating hearing impairment may have the potential to prevent the onset or slow the progress of dementia.
Measurement Error in Atomic-Scale Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy—Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) Mapping of a Model Oxide Interface
Authors: Spurgeon Steven R. , Du Yingge , Chambers Scott A.
Published: April 2017

With the development of affordable aberration correctors, analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) studies of complex interfaces can now be conducted at high spatial resolution at laboratories worldwide. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in particular has grown in popularity, as it enables elemental mapping over a wide range of ionization energies. However, the interpretation of atomically resolved data is greatly complicated by beam–sample interactions that are often overlooked by novice users. Here we describe the practical factors—namely, sample thickness and the choice of ionization edge—that affect the quantification of a model perovskite oxide interface. Our measurements of the same sample, in regions of different thickness, indicate that interface profiles can vary by as much as 2–5 unit cells, depending on the spectral feature. This finding is supported by multislice simulations, which reveal that on-axis maps of even perfectly abrupt interfaces exhibit significant delocalization. Quantification of thicker samples is further complicated by channeling to heavier sites across the interface, as well as an increased signal background. We show that extreme care must be taken to prepare samples to minimize channeling effects and argue that it may not be possible to extract atomically resolved information from many chemical maps.
FINITE ELEMENT APPROXIMATION OF A TIME-FRACTIONAL DIFFUSION PROBLEM FOR A DOMAIN WITH A RE-ENTRANT CORNER
Authors: LE KIM NGAN , MCLEAN WILLIAM , LAMICHHANE BISHNU
Published: April 2017

An initial-boundary value problem for a time-fractional diffusion equation is discretized in space, using continuous piecewise-linear finite elements on a domain with a re-entrant corner. Known error bounds for the case of a convex domain break down, because the associated Poisson equation is no longer $H^{2}$-regular. In particular, the method is no longer second-order accurate if quasi-uniform triangulations are used. We prove that a suitable local mesh refinement about the re-entrant corner restores second-order convergence. In this way, we generalize known results for the classical heat equation.
Explaining Discrimination against Religious Minorities
Authors: Finke Roger , Martin Robert R. , Fox Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Research has documented that religious minorities often face the brunt of religious discrimination. Yet formal tests, using global collections, have been lacking. Building on the religious economy theory and recent work in law and politics, we propose that minority religions face discrimination from the state because they represent unwanted competition for the state supported religion, are viewed as a threat to the state and larger culture, and lack support from an independent judiciary. Drawing on the recently collected Religion and State-Minorities collection on more than 500 minority religions, we find support for each of the propositions, though the level of support varies based on the targets of state discrimination. In general, the support is strongest when explaining discrimination against minority religion's institutions and clergy, but weakens when explaining more general discrimination against the membership.
Verhaltens- und emotionale Probleme bei Vorschulkindern im Kontext der Mutter-Kind-Interaktion
Authors: Bolten Margarete , Goergen Sarah , Schöder Martin , Schmid Marc , Stadler Christina
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Frühe Interaktionserfahrungen zwischen Eltern und ihren Kindern wirken sich langfristig auf deren psychische Entwicklung aus. Jedoch können verschiedenen psychosoziale Risikofaktoren, insbesondere mütterliche psychische Erkrankungen, die Qualität solcher Interaktionen verändern und sich damit ungünstig auf die psychische Gesundheit von Kindern auswirken. Fragestellung: In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde deshalb geprüft, ob sich psychische Probleme von Müttern auf ihr Interaktionsverhalten auswirken und ob dieses wiederum mit Verhaltensproblemen bei Vorschulkindern assoziiert ist. Methode: Es wurden insgesamt 63 Mutter-Kind-Paare untersucht. Die psychische Gesundheit der Mütter wurde mit Hilfe des Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Verhaltensprobleme der Kinder mittels der CBCL erfasst. Die Mutter-Kind-Interaktion wurde während einer standardisierten Verhaltensbeobachtung videographiert und von zwei blinden Ratern ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Multiple Regressionsanalysen zeigen, dass die globale psychische Belastung von Müttern 13 % der Varianz externalisierender und 14.5 % der Varianz internalisierender Symptome bei Vorschulkindern aufklärt. Weiterhin wurde deutlich, dass nur bei den internalisierenden Störungen die Qualität der Mutter-Kind-Interaktion einen Effekt auf die Ausprägung kindlicher Symptome hatte. Außerdem fanden wir einen Mediatoreffekt für mütterliche Intrusivität. Diskussion: Die Befunde der vorliegenden Studie ermöglichen somit ein besseres Verständnis der Entstehung von Verhaltensauffälligkeiten im Vorschulalter, da sie spezifische Interaktionsmerkmale als Risikofaktoren für internalisierende Probleme identifizieren konnten und die Bedeutung der psychischen Gesundheit der Mutter unterstreichen. Daraus kann abgeleitet werden, dass bei einer psychotherapeutischen Behandlung von Vorschulkindern, neben der symptomorientierten Therapie, eine Entlastung der Mütter und eine Verbesserung der Mutter-Kind-Interaktion von großer Relevanz ist.
Familienstrukturen in Familien von Kindern mit einer Störung mit Trennungsangst
Authors: Blatter-Meunier Judith , Kreißl Michael W. , Schneider Silvia
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Störung mit Trennungsangst ist eine der häufigsten psychischen Erkrankung im Kindesalter, bei der das Familiensystem in besonderem Ausmaß mit betroffen ist. Untersuchungen mit Kindern mit Schulverweigerung und komorbider Trennungsangst weisen darauf hin, dass in Familien dieser Kinder häufiger dysfunktionale Familienkonstellationen vorliegen. Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie hat das Ziel zu überprüfen, ob Familien mit Trennungsangst häufiger dysfunktionale Familienstrukturen aufweisen als Familien von Kindern mit anderen Angststörungen oder ohne psychische Störung. Methode: 71 Familien von Kindern mit Trennungsangst, 25 Familien mit Kindern mit anderen Angststörungen und 21 Familien mit Kindern ohne psychische Störungen wurden mit dem Familiensystemtest (FAST) untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die Gruppen unterscheiden sich nicht signifikant in der Häufigkeit dysfunktionaler Familienstrukturen. Diskussion: Dysfunktionale (verstrickte) Familienstruktur und Trennungsangst zeigen keinen Zusammenhang. Weitere vertiefende Untersuchungen sind notwendig, um den möglichen Zusammenhang von dysfunktionalen Familienstrukturen und Angststörungen zu prüfen.
Dominant TNFα and impaired IL‐2 cytokine profiles of CD4+ T cells from children with type‐1 diabetes
Authors: Seyfarth Julia , Förtsch Katharina , Ahlert Heinz , Laws Hans‐Juergen , Karges Beate , Deenen Rene , Köhrer Karl , Mayatepek Ertan , Meissner Thomas , Jacobsen Marc
Published: April 2017

Aberrantly activated CD4+ T memory cells play a central role in the development of type‐1‐diabetes. Interleukin‐7 promotes generation of autoimmune memory T cells and increased Interleukin‐7 availability is associated with type‐1‐diabetes susceptibility. T‐cell‐mediated immune pathology at onset of type‐1‐diabetes is well defined, but characteristics of long‐term symptomatic disease stages remain largely elusive. In the present study, memory CD4+ T‐cell activation and cytokine expression as well as sensitivity to Interleukin‐7 in vitro were compared between patients with type‐1‐diabetes at clinical onset (n=25), long‐term symptomatic disease (median duration 4.5 years, n=19) and matched healthy controls (n=21). T‐cell responses of type‐1‐diabetes patients were characterized by higher frequencies of cytokine and activation marker expressing CD4+ memory T cells as compared to healthy controls. Notably, correction for individual cytokine expression levels revealed qualitative differences of cytokine profiles characterized by significantly increased TNFα and decreased IL‐2‐expressing T‐cell proportions in long‐term type‐1‐diabetes patients. IL‐7‐mediated T‐cell co‐stimulation induced quantitative and qualitative cytokine expression differences highly similar to type‐1‐diabetes‐specific profiles. In addition, CD4+ memory T cells from children with long‐term type‐1‐diabetes were more sensitive to in vitro IL‐7 co‐stimulation. Global transcriptome analysis revealed IL‐7 induced expression differences of CD4+ T cells, including increased IL‐2R expression and effects on subsequent T‐cell receptor activation. We conclude that long‐term symptomatic type‐1‐diabetes patients differed in memory T‐cell cytokine profiles and Interleukin‐7 co‐stimulation. Regulation of IL‐2 expression and sensitivity are affected with possible consequences for disease course and severity at long‐term type‐1‐diabetes stages.
Constitutive smooth muscle tumour necrosis factor regulates microvascular myogenic responsiveness and systemic blood pressure
Authors: Kroetsch Jeffrey T. , Levy Andrew S. , Zhang Hangjun , Aschar-Sobbi Roozbeh , Lidington Darcy , Offermanns Stefan , Nedospasov Sergei A. , Backx Peter H. , Heximer Scott P. , Bolz Steffen-Sebastian
Published: April 2017

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a ubiquitously expressed cytokine with functions beyond the immune system. In several diseases, the induction of TNF expression in resistance artery smooth muscle cells enhances microvascular myogenic vasoconstriction and perturbs blood flow. This pathological role prompted our hypothesis that constitutively expressed TNF regulates myogenic signalling and systemic haemodynamics under non-pathological settings. Here we show that acutely deleting the TNF gene in smooth muscle cells or pharmacologically scavenging TNF with etanercept (ETN) reduces blood pressure and resistance artery myogenic responsiveness; the latter effect is conserved across five species, including humans. Changes in transmural pressure are transduced into intracellular signals by membrane-bound TNF (mTNF) that connect to a canonical myogenic signalling pathway. Our data positions mTNF ‘reverse signalling’ as an integral element of a microvascular mechanosensor; pathologic or therapeutic perturbations of TNF signalling, therefore, necessarily affect microvascular tone and systemic haemodynamics.
Precise through-space control of an abiotic electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction
Authors: Murphy Kyle E. , Bocanegra Jessica L. , Liu Xiaoxi , Chau H.-Y. Katharine , Lee Patrick C. , Li Jianing , Schneebeli Severin T.
Published: April 2017

Nature has evolved selective enzymes for the efficient biosynthesis of complex products. This exceptional ability stems from adapted enzymatic pockets, which geometrically constrain reactants and stabilize specific reactive intermediates by placing electron-donating/accepting residues nearby. Here we perform an abiotic electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, which is directed precisely through space. Ester arms—positioned above the planes of aromatic rings—enable it to distinguish between nearly identical, neighbouring reactive positions. Quantum mechanical calculations show that, in two competing reaction pathways, both [C–H···O]–hydrogen bonding and electrophile preorganization by coordination to a carbonyl group likely play a role in controlling the reaction. These through-space-directed mechanisms are inspired by dimethylallyl tryptophan synthases, which direct biological electrophilic aromatic substitutions by preorganizing dimethylallyl cations and by stabilizing reactive intermediates with [C–H···N]–hydrogen bonding. Our results demonstrate how the third dimension above and underneath aromatic rings can be exploited to precisely control electrophilic aromatic substitutions.
Formation of the first three gravitational-wave observations through isolated binary evolution
Authors: Stevenson Simon , Vigna-Gómez Alejandro , Mandel Ilya , Barrett Jim W. , Neijssel Coenraad J. , Perkins David , de Mink Selma E.
Published: April 2017

During its first four months of taking data, Advanced LIGO has detected gravitational waves from two binary black hole mergers, GW150914 and GW151226, along with the statistically less significant binary black hole merger candidate LVT151012. Here we use the rapid binary population synthesis code COMPAS to show that all three events can be explained by a single evolutionary channel—classical isolated binary evolution via mass transfer including a common envelope phase. We show all three events could have formed in low-metallicity environments (Z=0.001) from progenitor binaries with typical total masses ≳160M⊙, ≳60M⊙ and ≳90M⊙, for GW150914, GW151226 and LVT151012, respectively.
Tunable orbital angular momentum in high-harmonic generation
Authors: Gauthier D. , Ribič P. Rebernik , Adhikary G. , Camper A. , Chappuis C. , Cucini R. , DiMauro L. F. , Dovillaire G. , Frassetto F. , Géneaux R. , Miotti P. , Poletto L. , Ressel B. , Spezzani C. , Stupar M. , Ruchon T. , De Ninno G.
Published: April 2017

Optical vortices are currently one of the most intensively studied topics in optics. These light beams, which carry orbital angular momentum (OAM), have been successfully utilized in the visible and infrared in a wide variety of applications. Moving to shorter wavelengths may open up completely new research directions in the areas of optical physics and material characterization. Here, we report on the generation of extreme-ultraviolet optical vortices with femtosecond duration carrying a controllable amount of OAM. From a basic physics viewpoint, our results help to resolve key questions such as the conservation of angular momentum in highly nonlinear light–matter interactions, and the disentanglement and independent control of the intrinsic and extrinsic components of the photon’s angular momentum at short-wavelengths. The methods developed here will allow testing some of the recently proposed concepts such as OAM-induced dichroism, magnetic switching in organic molecules and violation of dipolar selection rules in atoms.
Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Chen Bo , Wu Qian , Ke Gaotan , Bu Bitao
Published: April 2017

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe inflammatory autoimmune disease that mainly involves the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing blindness and paralysis. Although some immunosuppressants such as rituximab and azathioprine have proven to be effective in relapse prevention, the high costs or intolerable adverse events preclude their wide application. Thus, we have conducted a retrospective study in 25 NMOSD patients who were treated with tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant with high efficacy and good tolerance in other autoimmune diseases, to assess its efficacy and safety in NMOSD treatment during the last five years (2011–2016). The results revealed that tacrolimus could reduce the relapse rate by 86.2% and improve the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (4.5 vs 2.3; P < 0.001) significantly. Relapses in tacrolimus treatment were associated with serum titers of aquaporin 4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) (P = 0.028). Further Cox proportional analysis demonstrated that patients with high titers of AQP4-IgG (≥1:64) had a significantly higher risk of relapse than those with low titers after tacrolimus therapy (HR:5.665; CI95: 1.012–31.705; P = 0.048). Tacrolimus tended to be superior to azathioprine (29 patients) in terms of efficacy and safety during the same period. Our study suggests that tacrolimus may be another promising immunosuppressant for NMOSD.