bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FUNCTIONAL UTILITY OF WEARING A MYOELECTRIC ORTHOSIS FOR UPPER EXTREMITY PARALYSIS DUE TO SPINAL CORD INJURY
Authors: Wengerd Lauren
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States with the majority of injuries resulting in incomplete quadriplegia due to cervical lesions.1 This leads to significant neurological impairment including upper extremity (UE) weakness and decreased independence with self-care activities of daily living (ADLs). Previous work demonstrated that using a myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis as a therapeutic adjunct to a multi-week rehabilitation regimen resulted in decreased UE motor impairment and increased function in stroke survivors with moderate UE hemiparesis.2 The purpose of this case study was to determine if wearing a myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis reduces upper extremity motor impairment and increases functional ability in an individual with chronic, incomplete spinal cord injury and resultant quadriplegia.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32021/24439

How to cite: Wengerd L. FUNCTIONAL UTILITY OF WEARING A MYOELECTRIC ORTHOSIS FOR UPPER EXTREMITY PARALYSIS DUE TO SPINAL CORD INJURY. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32021

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
MYOELECTRIC ELBOW-WRIST-HAND ORTHOSIS WITH ACTIVE GRASP FOR PATIENTS WITH STROKE: A CASE SERIES
Authors: Shoemaker Eric
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

This case series presents prescription, evaluation, fitting and initial functional benefits of a myoelectric elbow- wrist-hand orthosis with active grasp. Custom fit, myoelectric orthoses are now also being provided to patients with upper extremity paresis due conditions such as stroke, brachial plexus injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to enable them to self-initiate and control movement of a partially paretic limb using their own volitional myoelectric signals. A recent study of 18 chronic stroke participants demonstrated functional improvements on the Fugl-Meyer Impairment Scale (FM) and a battery of functional tasks with this device.1

Abstract PDF  Link:https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32022/24440

How to cite: Shoemaker E. MYOELECTRIC ELBOW-WRIST-HAND ORTHOSIS WITH ACTIVE GRASP FOR PATIENTS WITH STROKE: A CASE SERIES. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32022

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
MODULAR PRINCIPLE TO PRODUCE ACTIVE PROSTHETIC HAND
Authors: Kruglov Anton , Lein Gregory , Shvedovchenko Igor
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

We analyzed the functional prostheses including body powered prosthesis1 produced for partial hand amputation. There are almost no solutions on the  world market for patients with partial hand amputation. There is no final solution for stump socket (inner socket) that could present both comfort for the stump and cosmetic look of the socket, and at the same time had partial possibility to take the load and transfer it to the power unit.2,3

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32026/24443

How to cite: Kruglov A, Lein G, Shvedovchenko I. MODULAR PRINCIPLE TO PRODUCE ACTIVE PROSTHETIC HAND. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32026

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
BENEFITS OF GENIUM MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED KNEE ON AMBULATION, MOBILITY, ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Mileusnic Milana , Rettinger Lena , Highsmith Michael Jason , Hahn Andreas
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Several years ago, a new microprocessor controlled knee (MPK), Genium, was introduced containing sensors, algorithms and technical solutions that enable a range of new functions to lower limb amputees. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of the knee on ambulation, mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QoL).

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32033/24449

How to cite: Mileusnic M, Rettinger L, Highsmith M.J, Hahn A. BENEFITS OF GENIUM MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED KNEE ON AMBULATION, MOBILITY, ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32033                                                                          

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
PROSTHETIC LIMB USER EXPERIENCES WITH CROSSOVER FEET: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY TO EXPLORE OUTCOMES THAT MATTER
Authors: McDonald Cody L. , Cheever Sarah M. , Morgan Sara J. , Hafner Brian J.
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

 A variety of prosthetic feet are available to meet the diverse needs of people with lower limb amputation. Outcome measures selected to assess comparative effectiveness of prosthetic feet are most often chosen by clinicians and researchers.1 Therefore, these measures may not reflect the outcomes that are most important to lower limb prosthesis users. Qualitative research can give voice to prosthesis users and promote the consideration of user priorities when selecting outcome measures for clinical assessment and research studies. This study explored the lived experience and outcomes of importance to individuals who have worn both traditional energy storing feet and crossover feet.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32042/24456

How to cite: McDonald C.L, Cheever S.M , Morgan S.J., Hafner B.J. PROSTHETIC LIMB USER EXPERIENCES WITH CROSSOVER FEET: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY TO EXPLORE OUTCOMES THAT MATTER. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32042

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
FACTOR ANALYSIS OF UPPER LIMB PROSTHETIC ACCEPTANCE FROM RETROSPECTIVE PROSTHETIC CLINICIAN SURVEY
Authors: Stark Gerald E.
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Upper limb prosthetic acceptance seems to be relatively unchanged from 1958 where it was measured to be 75% for transradial, 61% for transhumeral, and 35% for shoulder disarticulation levels. A practitioner survey from 2013 by the author found this to be largely unchanged at 79.6%, 57.8%, and 32.8% respectively. An upper limb meta-analysis showed that the most significant factors affecting prosthetic rejection using a median rating were function, comfort, ease of use, weight, heat, lack of sensory feedback, inconvenience, lifestyle, dissatisfaction with technology, irritation, and availability of services. An earlier survey by the author condensed these factors of rejection to amputation level, functional advantage, and comfort, and included confidence of the prosthetist, availability of therapy, and support of the patient context. Also it was speculated that the value of factors influencing rejection of prostheses may not be simply the converse of those accepting the prosthesis but different scales.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32045/24459

How to cite: Stark G E.  FACTOR ANALYSIS OF UPPER LIMB PROSTHETIC ACCEPTANCE FROM RETROSPECTIVE PROSTHETIC CLINICIAN SURVEY. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32045

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
New results for laser isotope separation using low-energy methods
Authors: Makarov G N
Published: February 2019

Today, research aimed at the development of low-energy methods of molecular laser isotope separation (MLIS) is relevant and in demand. The main goal of these studies is to find efficient and cost-effective methods that can be used as the basis for the technology of laser separation of uranium isotopes, as well as other elements. To date, a number of approaches to the implementation of low-energy methods of MLIS using infrared (IR) lasers have been proposed. Many of these approaches are not well understood and/or are difficult to put into practice. Some of them are considered to be promising and require further study. These include the method of isotope-selective suppression of the clustering of molecules using IR lasers during gas-dynamic expansion at a nozzle exit and the method of isotope-selective IR dissociation of small molecular van der Waals clusters. A review of recent results obtained using these two methods is presented. The experimental facilities and research methods are briefly described, and the choice of the objects of study is substantiated. Results obtained with model SF6 and CF3Br molecules are analyzed with reference to studying the process of isotope-selective suppression of the clustering of molecules among themselves and with atoms of an argon carrier gas, as well as the process of isotope-selective IR dissociation of small homogeneous and mixed clusters of (SF6)
m
Ar
n
and (CF3Br)
m
Ar
n
(where m = 1 – 2 and 0 ⩽ n ⩽ 5 are the numbers of molecules and atoms in the clusters, respectively). The results presented suggest that these methods can be used for the separation of isotopes in molecules containing isotopes of heavy elements, which have a slight isotopic shift in the IR absorption spectra.
The Alcmaeonâ€™s School of Croton: Philosophy and Science
Authors: Santacroce Luigi , Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , Topi Skender , Bottalico Lucrezia
Published: February 2019

Among the first physicians and physiologists at the pre-Hippocratic medicine with contradictions and oscillating doctrines was Alcmaeon from Croton in the 6th century BC. For many, he shared as the father of scientific medicine. Unfortunately, we have only eighteen texts written for him and only five fragments of texts written by him. This saved extracts and testimonies they refer mostly to physiology, epistemology and psychology. Was born in the city of Croton (ÎšÏÏŒÏ„Ï‰Î½) in Magna Graecia (southern Italy) was a reference point for the activity of physicians and philosophers over the years. Furthermore, Herodotus tells us about the excellent practice quality of the physicians, â€œcompared to all the others known in that periodâ€, among which Alcmaeon. But Croton is also famous as the centre of thought and activity of the philosopher Pythagoras of Samos (Î Ï…Î¸Î±Î³ÏŒÏÎ±Ï‚ á½ Î£Î¬Î¼Î¹Î¿Ï‚, 580-500 BC) through his Pythagorean school around 530 BC.
The Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Matrix on Depression and Psychological Capital of the Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Mirsharifa Seyyed Mehdi , Mirzaian Bahram , Dousti Yarali
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, worldwide. Psychological disorders are common among patients with IBS.
AIM: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) matrix on depression and psychological capital of patients with IBS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, a total number of 30 patients with IBS were selected using convenience sampling. Those patients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups (15 patients in each group). Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). The experimental group was subjected to the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) amtrix, but the control group do not receive this treatment. Questionnaires were completed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention by patients in two groups. All patients in two groups responded to the questionnaires and returned them to the researcher. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
RESULTS: Analyzing the data showed that there were significant differences regarding depression and psychological capital between experimental and control group, before and after the study (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Using ACT matrix is a useful modality to improve the depression and psychological capital among patients with IBS.
Serum Iron Metabolism Variables in Clinically Healthy Persons
Authors: Penkova Mariana , Ivanova Nadezhda
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: In healthy persons, iron acquisition, trafficking and storage are strictly regulated processes due to the lack of a physiological pathway for the excretion of excess iron from the body. The liver, the duodenum and the bone marrow are involved in the regulation of iron metabolism.
MATERIAL: Subject to the testing were 60 healthy volunteers who took part in clinical trials.
METHODS: Case histories, physical check-up and demographic data including peopleâ€™s heights and weights, laboratory studies and tests using medical equipment.
RESULTS: None of the healthy persons were reported to have shown any deviation from the reference values for the serum markers of iron metabolism tested with the exception of hepcidin.
CONCLUSION: In healthy persons, there was only a positive correlation between iron level and IBC, and feedback between hepcidin serum levels and transferrin saturation.
â€œTransforming the Beast to A Beautyâ€- Fifteen Years into the Making - Case Report of Congenital Neurofibromatosis
Authors: Tudzarova-Gjorgova Smilja , Gjorgova-Gjeorgjievski Sandra , Ilievski Boro
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: In 1882, the German pathologist Friedrich Daniel von Recklinghausen described a series of patients with a combination of cutaneous lesions and tumours of the peripheral and central nervous system. Succeeding this paper, all of the patients with similar symptoms were given the diagnosis â€œvon Recklinghausen diseaseâ€. In the 20th century, a distinction was made between Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) with the help of molecular testing.
CASE REPORT: We are presenting the results from multiple surgical esthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures performed on a female patient with severe congenital neurofibromatosis during 15 years (2000-2015). The external appearance of our patient was not reflected in the general publicâ€™s beauty standards. Convinced that she was unusual and unaccepted by the society, she gathered all of the strength and became our patient at 15 years of age.
CONCLUSION: Transforming the patientâ€™s life in the next fifteen years improved her overall health and her life quality.
The Relationship between the Type of Cleft and Nasal Air Emission in Speech of Children with Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Georgievska-Jancheska Tatjana
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Cleft palate, due to damage of the soft palate, leads to dysfunction, i.e., inappropriate closure of the velopharynx during speech production, thus resulting in velopharyngeal insufficiency which characterises with hypernasal speech and nasal air loss/emission during speech production.
AIM: To establish the relationship between the type of cleft according to the Veau classification and the degree of nasal air emission in the speech of patients with cleft using auditory-visual perceptual assessment procedures.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 40 patients with irregular speech aged 4 to 7, out of which 20 with cleft palate or cleft lip and palate, participated in the research. The Veau classification was used to classify the cleft severity, while an indirect instrumental examination was conducted with the See-Scape instrument to detect nasal air emission during the speech.
RESULTS: The respondents with cleft palate or cleft lip and palate of higher Veau class had a greater degree of nasal air emission during the speech. There is a positive, statistically significant correlation between the results obtained with the Veau classification of cleft lip and palate, and the degree of nasal air emission. The value of Spearmanâ€™s coefficient of correlation is R = 0.46, and the calculated p-value is p = 0.04.
CONCLUSION: A more severe cleft type is associated with an increased degree of nasal air emission during the speech, and vice versa.
Losing Years of Human Life in Heavy Polluted Cities in Macedonia
Authors: Dimovska Mirjana , Mladenovska Renata
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION: The urban air pollution will deteriorate globally, by 2050 outdoor particulate air pollution and ground-level ozone is projected to become the top cause of environmentally related deaths worldwide.
AIM: To assess the burden of diseases due to particulate air pollution and health benefits form the pollution reduction policies.
METHODS: Environmental burden of disease methodology has been applied. Environmental data for population exposure, total years of life lost from all causes, and relevant concentration-response functions have been used in estimation.
RESULTS: The estimated disease burden from all causes (excl. external) is 30,256 YLL (19,436-40,625 95% CI) in Skopje Region, and 10,343 YLL (6,224-14,785 95% CI) in Tetovo. In terms of cardiopulmonary mortality, the estimated disease burden is 9,282/100,000 in Tetovo, in the Skopje Region 3,784/100,000 respectively. Annually in Tetovo 1,645 years of healthy life are lost, while in the Skopje Region 3,936 due to lung cancer premature mortality. The estimated health gain is significant, for the three selected health outcomes if EU limit values are reached, 41-42% of the estimated burden in Skopje Region will be eliminated, and 74-77% in Tetovo.
CONCLUSION: the estimated impact of particulate air pollution on mortality is significant and not negligible. The same applies to the health and well-being of the population if the EU or WHO limit levels are reached.
Returns to Investment in Distance Learning: the Case of Greece
Authors: Agiomirgianakis George , Lianos Theodore , Tsounis Nicholas
Published: February 2019

In this paper we extent the literature on the rate of return to investment in Higher Education towards studies in distance learning Universities. In particular, we explore the difference in returns between graduates of a distance learning university (the Hellenic Open University - HOU) and applicants that were excluded by this university’s random selection process and did not study elsewhere. The data set was extracted from a database compiled from responses to a questionnaire which was part of a survey concerning HOU (the only Distance-learning University in Greece). A modified Mincer type model was estimated with fixed effects. Our findings suggest that graduates that have obtained a first degree from HOU enjoy a rate of return to education of about 8% higher than the rate of return obtained by those high school graduates that were not selected by this university. Moreover, Master’s degree graduates get about a 16.5% higher rate of return to education relatively to those applicants that were not selected for studies in HOU and did not study elsewhere. Additionally, our findings also show that the rates of return for higher education are high even after the 2008 economic crisis. These results suggest a straightforward policy implication: a distance learning University may not only be considered as a second chance to education for mature students, often facing time and budget restrictions, but, it may also be seen as a worthwhile private investment enabling a much higher private return. Moreover, from policymakers’ point of view, a distance learning university can be seen as a vehicle to reduce income inequalities and thus increase social mobility.
High‐TC Interfacial Ferromagnetism in SrMnO3/LaMnO3 Superlattices
Authors: Keunecke Marius , Lyzwa Fryderyk , Schwarzbach Danny , Roddatis Vladimir , Gauquelin Nicolas , Müller‐Caspary Knut , Verbeeck Johann , Callori Sara J. , Klose Frank , Jungbauer Markus , Moshnyaga Vasily
Published: February 2019

Heterostructures of strongly correlated oxides demonstrate various intriguing and potentially useful interfacial phenomena. LaMnO3/SrMnO3 superlattices are presented showcasing a new high‐temperature ferromagnetic phase with Curie temperature, TC ≈360 K, caused by electron transfer from the surface of the LaMnO3 donor layer into the neighboring SrMnO3 acceptor layer. As a result, the SrMnO3 (top)/LaMnO3 (bottom) interface shows an enhancement of the magnetization as depth‐profiled by polarized neutron reflectometry. The length scale of charge transfer, λTF ≈2 unit cells, is obtained from in situ growth monitoring by optical ellipsometry, supported by optical simulations, and further confirmed by high resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy. A model of the inhomogeneous distribution of electron density in LaMnO3/SrMnO3 layers along the growth direction is concluded to account for a complex interplay between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic layers in superlattices.
High Carrier Mobility, Electrical Conductivity, and Optical Transmittance in Epitaxial SrVO3 Thin Films
Authors: Mirjolet Mathieu , Sánchez Florencio , Fontcuberta Josep
Published: February 2019

The urgent need for more performant transparent conducting electrodes is stimulating intensive research on oxide thin films based on early transition metals (e.g., V, Nb, Mo, etc.), where it is expected that the partially occupied (i.e., nd1, nd2…) conduction band will give rise to metallic conductivity. Growing thin films of these oxides typically requires an extremely low oxygen pressure. However, in growth methods involving hyperthermal kinetics (such as pulsed laser deposition), this may have severe detrimental effects on the electrical and optical properties of the film. Here, it is shown that the use of a nonreactive gas during a pulsed laser deposition process allows epitaxial SrVO3 films to be obtained with low room temperature resistivity (ρ ≈ 31 μΩ cm), large carrier mobility (μ ≈ 8.3 cm2 V−1 s−1), and large residual resistivity ratio (RRR ≈ 11.5), while improving optical transparency in the visible range. It is argued that the success of this growth strategy relies on the modulation of energetics of plasma species and a concomitant reduction of defects in the films. These findings may find applications in other oxide‐based thin film technologies (i.e., ferroelectric tunnel memories, etc.) where growth‐induced point effects may compromise functionality.
Low‐Bandgap Mixed Tin‐Lead Perovskites and Their Applications in All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Changlei , Song Zhaoning , Li Chongwen , Zhao Dewei , Yan Yanfa
Published: February 2019

Efficient organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite absorbers have gained tremendous research interest in the past decade due to their super optoelectronic properties and defect tolerance. Lead (Pb) halide perovskites enable highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 23%. However, the energy bandgaps of Pb halide perovskites are larger than the optimal bandgap for single junction solar cells, governed by the Shockley–Queisser (SQ) radiative limit. Mixed tin (Sn)‐Pb halide perovskites have drawn significant attention, since their bandgap can be tuned to below 1.2 eV, which opens a door for fabricating all‐perovskite tandem solar cells that can break the SQ radiative limit. This review summarizes the development of low‐bandgap mixed Sn‐Pb PSCs and their applications in all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. Its aim is to facilitate the development of new approaches to achieve high efficiency low‐bandgap single‐junction mixed Sn‐Pb PSCs and all‐perovskite tandem solar cells.
In Situ Back‐Contact Passivation Improves Photovoltage and Fill Factor in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tan Furui , Tan Hairen , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Wei Mingyang , Liu Mengxia , Mei Anyi , Li Peicheng , Zhang Bowen , Tan Chih‐Shan , Gong Xiwen , Zhao Yongbiao , Kirmani Ahmad R. , Huang Ziru , Fan James Z. , Quintero‐Bermudez Rafael , Kim Junghwan , Zhao Yicheng , Voznyy Oleksandr , Gao Yueyue , Zhang Feng , Richter Lee J. , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Zhang Weifeng , Sargent Edward H.
Published: February 2019

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have seen a rapid rise in power conversion efficiencies in recent years; however, they still suffer from interfacial recombination and charge extraction losses at interfaces between the perovskite absorber and the charge–transport layers. Here, in situ back‐contact passivation (BCP) that reduces interfacial and extraction losses between the perovskite absorber and the hole transport layer (HTL) is reported. A thin layer of nondoped semiconducting polymer at the perovskite/HTL interface is introduced and it is shown that the use of the semiconductor polymer permits—in contrast with previously studied insulator‐based passivants—the use of a relatively thick passivating layer. It is shown that a flat‐band alignment between the perovskite and polymer passivation layers achieves a high photovoltage and fill factor: the resultant BCP enables a photovoltage of 1.15 V and a fill factor of 83% in 1.53 eV bandgap PSCs, leading to an efficiency of 21.6% in planar solar cells.
Enhanced Sulfur Transformation by Multifunctional FeS2/FeS/S Composites for High‐Volumetric Capacity Cathodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xi Kai , He Deqing , Harris Chris , Wang Yuankun , Lai Chao , Li Huanglong , Coxon Paul R. , Ding Shujiang , Wang Chao , Kumar Ramachandran Vasant
Published: February 2019

Lithium–sulfur batteries are currently being explored as promising advanced energy storage systems due to the high theoretical specific capacity of sulfur. However, achieving a scalable synthesis for the sulfur electrode material whilst maintaining a high volumetric energy density remains a serious challenge. Here, a continuous ball‐milling route is devised for synthesizing multifunctional FeS2/FeS/S composites for use as high tap density electrodes. These composites demonstrate a maximum reversible capacity of 1044.7 mAh g−1 and a peak volumetric capacity of 2131.1 Ah L−1 after 30 cycles. The binding direction is also considered here for the first time between dissolved lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and host materials (FeS2 and FeS in this work) as determined by density functional theory calculations. It is concluded that if only one lithium atom of the polysulfide bonds with the sulfur atoms of FeS2 or FeS, then any chemical interaction between these species is weak or negligible. In addition, FeS2 is shown to have a strong catalytic effect on the reduction reactions of LiPSs. This work demonstrates the limitations of a strategy based on chemical interactions to improve cycling stability and offers new insights into the development of high tap density and high‐performance sulfur‐based electrodes.
Tailoring Active Sites in Mesoporous Defect‐Rich NC/Vo‐WON Heterostructure Array for Superior Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Bo , Hou Jungang , Wu Yunzhen , Cao Shuyan , Li Zhuwei , Nie Xiaowa , Gao Zhanming , Sun Licheng
Published: February 2019

Tailoring active sites in earth‐abundant non‐noble metal electrocatalysts are required toward widespread applications in sustainable energy fields. Herein, an integrated mesoporous heterostructure array is reported by a hydrogenation/nitridation‐induced in situ growth strategy. Highly conductive oxygen‐vacancies‐rich tungsten oxynitride (Vo‐WON) nanorod array acts as the backbone encapsulated by ultrathin nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) nanolayers, forming high‐quality shell/core NC/Vo‐WON heterostructures. Density functional theory calculations reveal that defect‐rich heterostructure arrays not only enhance the conductivity and modulate electronic structure but also promote the adsorption and dissociation of reactants and offer substantial potential sites. As expected, porous NC/Vo‐WON array exhibits a small overpotential of 16 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 33 mV per decade in alkaline media, accompanied by negligible loss upon a large current density over 100 h. Benefiting from outstanding electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction performance and stability, this defective heterostructure could serve as a prominent alternative electrocatalyst for renewable energy applications.
Testing the hypothesis of loss of defenses on islands across a wide latitudinal gradient of Periploca laevigata populations
Authors: Monroy Pedro , García‐Verdugo Carlos
Published: February 2019

Premise of the Study

We tested a hypothesis that predicts loss of chemical defenses on island plant populations (LCDIH) as an evolutionary response to limited herbivore pressures.

Methods

Using a common garden approach, we grew 16 populations (N = 286 seedlings) of Periploca laevigata, a Mediterranean shrub for which previous studies suggested that animal browsing elicits defensive responses mediated by tannins. Our experimental setting represented a wide latitudinal gradient (37–15°N) encompassing three island systems, virtually free of large herbivores, and three mainland areas. Putative chemical defenses were estimated from tannin–protein precipitation assays, and inducible responses in growth and chemical traits were assessed between seasons and by subjecting plants to a pruning treatment.

Key Results

We failed to find support for the LCDIH, since island populations (Canary Islands, Cape Verde) had increasingly higher constitutive levels of tannins at lower latitudes. Seasonality, but not experimental pruning, induced variation in levels of tannins in a consistent pattern across populations. Thus, net differences in leaf tannin concentration remained similar among geographical areas regardless of the factor considered, with latitude being the best explanatory factor for this trait over seasonal growth patterns.

Conclusions

Geographical variation in total tannin pools appears to be mediated by factors other than herbivore pressure in P. laevigata. We hypothesize that abiotic correlates of latitude not considered in our study have promoted high constitutive levels of leaf tannins across Macaronesian populations, which ultimately may explain the pattern of seasonal variation and latitudinal increase from Mediterranean to subtropical Cape Verde populations.
Vinylic Addition Polynorbornene in Catalysis
Authors: García‐Loma Rodrigo , Albéniz Ana C.
Published: February 2019

Vinylic addition polynorbornenes (VA‐PNB) result from the insertion polymerization of norbornene or specific norbornene derivatives catalyzed by transition metal complexes. The VA‐PNB skeleton is completely aliphatic and keeps the bicyclic structure of norbornene. This saturated polymer is thermally and chemically very stable and it is a very robust scaffold to support catalysts or reagents for catalytic applications. Several VA‐PNBs are now available with suitable functional groups (halogen, alkenyl, carbonates) that can be used as starting materials to introduce the functionalization of choice by post‐polymerization reactions. This has been applied to anchor organocatalysts on VA‐PNB as well as ligands that can be used to synthesize supported metal catalysts. The reported examples of the use of VA‐PNB‐linked catalysts and their recyclability will be presented. VA‐PNBs have also proved useful in the context of organotin chemistry to solve the problem of tin contamination by an efficient separation and the reuse of tin byproducts. Its uses in the Stille cross‐coupling reaction and tin‐hydride radical processes will be discussed.
Improving Our Knowledge on the 229mThorium Isomer: Toward a Test Bench for Time Variations of Fundamental Constants
Authors: Thirolf Peter G. , Seiferle Benedict , von der Wense Lars
Published: February 2019

For more than four decades, the lowest excitation in the whole landscape of atomic nuclei, the low‐lying, isomeric state of 229Th, the so‐called thorium isomer, has challenged physicists of various disciplines. Being a solitaire with its uniquely low excitation energy of <10 eV, its predicted lifetime of a few hours results in an extremely sharp relative linewidth ΔE/E as low as 10–20. While until recently the indication of its existence was based only on indirect evidence, its unique properties inspired a multitude of potential applications, like the use of the thorium isomer as a nuclear frequency standard, potentially able to outperform even the best atomic clocks and a sensitivity‐enhanced access to potential temporal variations of fundamental constants. The various proposals to exploit the unique properties of 229mTh are presented herein, in particular focusing on its ability to serve as a test bench for time variations of fundamental constants like the fine structure constant.
Normal‐Mode Splitting in a Weakly Coupled Electromechanical System with a Mechanical Modulation
Authors: Zhang Zhu‐Cheng , Wang Yi‐Ping , Yu Ya‐Fei , Zhang Zhi‐Ming
Published: February 2019

Normal‐mode splitting (NMS) is one of the most significant manifestations of strongly coupled systems. Here, NMS is shown to occur in a weakly coupled electromechanical system. In this system, an exponentially enhanced electromechanical coupling is obtained by periodically modulating the electromechanical interaction and the mechanical spring constant. Under the mechanical modulation, an obvious NMS can occur in the fluctuation spectra of the mechanical oscillator's displacement and the output field. Besides, the Stokes and anti‐Stokes fields can also display an obvious NMS. Interestingly, the Stokes field can be changed from full absorption to significant amplification, and the anti‐Stokes field can also be enhanced significantly. Another novel feature of the results is that the intensity between the two peaks in NMS is almost zero, which means that the two peaks can be well resolved in experiments. This work presents an effective method for the generation of a well‐resolved NMS in a weakly coupled system.
The Enhanced Second‐Harmonic Generation Based on Magnetic‐Lorentz‐Force Effect
Authors: Guo Zhongyi , Li Zixiang , Guo Kai
Published: February 2019

Electromagnetic coupling generates a second‐harmonic signal via the magnetic component of Lorentz force of free electrons. In this work, the enhancement of artificial second‐harmonic generation (SHG) from plasmonic metamaterial with near‐field electromagnetic coupling is theoretically investigated by performing numerical simulations in both frequency and time domains. Simulation results demonstrate that a small gap between the near‐field electric dipole and magnetic resonators could increase the electromagnetic coupling and the SHG signal. In addition, the longer the near‐field electric dipole resonator, the stronger the SHG signal emits. By tuning the geometrical parameters, it has been verified that near‐field electromagnetic coupling results in enhancement of magnetic resonance, thereby improving the SHG signal by more than 3.4 times. This research paves a way toward the design of artificial nonlinearity with metamaterials.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Reaction of Silacyclobutanes with Unactivated Alkynes to Afford Silacyclohexenes
Authors: Chen Hua , Chen Yi , Tang Xiaoxiao , Liu Shunfa , Wang Runping , Hu Tianbao , Gao Lu , Song Zhenlei
Published: February 2019

A Rh‐catalyzed reaction of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) with unactivated alkynes has been developed to form silacyclohexenes with high chemoselectivity. Good enantioselectivity at the stereogenic silicon center was achieved using a chiral phosphoramidite ligand. The resulting silacyclohexenes are useful scaffolds for synthesizing structurally attractive silacyclic compounds.
Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Aldehydes by Hydroacylation
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Aota Yusuke , Nguyen Hillary M. H. , Dong Vy M.
Published: February 2019

We report a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of chiral 4‐pentenals by olefin hydroacylation. A primary amine racemizes the aldehyde substrate via enamine formation and hydrolysis. Then, a cationic rhodium catalyst promotes hydroacylation to generate α,γ‐disubstituted cyclopentanones with high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities.
Solvent Adaptive Dynamic Metal‐Organic Soft Hybrid for Imaging and Biological Delivery
Authors: Samanta Debabrata , Roy Syamantak , Sasmal Ranjan , Saha Nilanjana Das , K R Pradeep , Viswanatha Ranjani , Agasti Sarit S. , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: February 2019

A solvent responsive dynamic nanoscale metal‐organic framework (NMOF) [Zn(1 a)(H2O)2] has been devised based on the self‐assembly of ZnII and asymmetric bola‐amphiphilic oligo‐(p‐phenyleneethynylene) (OPE) dicarboxylate linker 1 a having dodecyl and triethyleneglycolmonomethylether (TEG, polar) side chains. In THF solvent, NMOF showed nanovesicular morphology (NMOF‐1) with surface decorated dodecyl chains. In water and methanol, NMOF exhibited inverse‐nanovesicle (NMOF‐2) and nanoscroll (NMOF‐3) morphology, respectively, with surface projected TEG chains. The pre‐formed NMOFs also unveiled reversible solvent responsive transformation of different morphologies. The flexible NMOF showed cyan emission and no cytotoxicity, allowing live cell imaging. Cisplatin (14.4 wt %) and doxorubicin (4.1 wt %) were encapsulated in NMOF‐1 by non‐covalent interactions and, in vitro and in vivo drug release was studied. The drug loaded NMOFs exhibited micromolar cytotoxicity.
‘Clickable’ cyclopentadienyl iron carbonyl complexes for bioorthogonal conjugation of mid‐infrared labels to a model protein and PAMAM dendrimer
Authors: Fischer‐Durand Nathalie , Lizinska Daria , Guérineau Vincent , Rudolf Bogna , Salmain Michèle
Published: February 2019

Owing to the intrinsic limitations of the conventional bioconjugation methods involving native nucleophilic functions of proteins, we sought to develop alternative approaches to introduce metallocarbonyl infrared labels onto proteins on the basis of the [3 + 2] dipolar azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (AAC). To this end, two cyclopentadienyl iron dicarbonyl (Fp) complexes carrying a terminal or a strained alkyne handle were synthesized. Their reactivity was examined towards a model protein and poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer, both carrying azido groups. While the copper (I)‐catalysed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) proceeded smoothly with the terminal alkyne metallocarbonyl derivative, labelling by strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) was less successful in terms of final coupling ratios. Infrared spectral characterization of the bioconjugates showed the presence of two bands in the 2000 cm−1 region, owing to the stretching vibration modes of the carbonyl ligands of the Fp entities.
Discovery and biological evaluation of novel G protein‐coupled receptor 119 agonists for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wang Youzhi , Zhang Leilei , Tang Chunlei , Feng Bainian
Published: February 2019

G protein‐coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) is a member of the GPCR family promising to be the target for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. In this work, 30 novel compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated by in vitro cAMP activation assay, where compounds II–14 and II–18 showed the best potency with EC50 values of 69 and 99 nM, respectively. In the oral glucose tolerance test, compound II–18 showed even more efficacious activity in lowering blood excursions than MBX‐2982 at a fixed dose of 30 mg/kg. Here, we report that compound II–18 with its excellent agonistic activity and its orally effective activity in decreasing blood glucose deviations may serve as a potent GPR119 agonist for the treatment of T2DM.
Re‐situating information poverty: Information marginalization and parents of individuals with disabilities
Authors: Gibson Amelia N. , Martin John D.
Published: February 2019

This article outlines a constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014) study of information poverty among a group of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from a critical perspective, drawing on concepts from critical disability theory, critical race theory, and critical work within information and library science. The researchers gathered interview data from 24 mothers. Resulting data were inductively analyzed using Chatman's (1996) theory of information poverty. We propose information marginalization as a complimentary concept to describe the contextual conditions that contribute to a range of defensive information behaviors and suggest that assessment of these contextual conditions be a part of the system design process. This study has implications for the development and design of systems and service models intended to provide access to information and services for individuals with disability and contributes to a critical literature on information poverty.
Investigating the bioavailabilities of olerciamide A via the rat's hepatic, gastric and intestinal first‐pass effect models
Authors: Zhao Chengcheng , Ying Zheming , Hao Dong , Zhang Wenjie , Ying Xixiang , Yang Guanlin
Published: February 2019

Olerciamide A (OA) is a new alkaloid isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. that has been proved to possess a low bioavailability (F) after oral administration in rats in our previous study. Hence, to clarify the reasons for its low bioavailability, hepatic, gastric and intestinal first‐pass effect models were established, and a rapid, sensitive UHPLC method was validated and applied for the determination after dosing via the femoral, portal, gastric and intestinal routes. As inhibitors of CYP3A and P‐gp, verapamil, midazolam and borneol in low and high dose groups were selected to improve the low bioavailability of olerciamide A. Moreover, a rectal administration method was also carried out to improve the bioavailability of olerciamide A. The results showed that the bioavailability of olerciamide A using hepatic, gastric and intestinal routes were 92.16%, 84.88% and 5.76%, respectively. The areas under the plasma concentration–time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0 → ∞) were increased a little after being dosed with 10 and 30 mg/kg verapamil (p > 0.05), but markedly increased after being dosed with 0.4 and 1.2 mg/kg midazolam as well as 8 and 24 mg/kg borneol (p < 0.05). Besides, the AUC0 → ∞ values after the lower and upper rectal administrations were separately similar to the intravenous and intraportal administrations. Our study showed that the intestinal first‐pass effect mainly contributed to the low bioavailability of olerciamide A in rats due to it being a substrate of CYP3A and P‐gp as well as to its poor intestinal absorption.
Marginal false discovery rate control for likelihood‐based penalized regression models
Authors: Miller Ryan E. , Breheny Patrick
Published: February 2019

The popularity of penalized regression in high‐dimensional data analysis has led to a demand for new inferential tools for these models. False discovery rate control is widely used in high‐dimensional hypothesis testing, but has only recently been considered in the context of penalized regression. Almost all of this work, however, has focused on lasso‐penalized linear regression. In this paper, we derive a general method for controlling the marginal false discovery rate that can be applied to any penalized likelihood‐based model, such as logistic regression and Cox regression. Our approach is fast, flexible and can be used with a variety of penalty functions including lasso, elastic net, MCP, and MNet. We derive theoretical results under which the proposed method is valid, and use simulation studies to demonstrate that the approach is reasonably robust, albeit slightly conservative, when these assumptions are violated. Despite being conservative, we show that our method often offers more power to select causally important features than existing approaches. Finally, the practical utility of the method is demonstrated on gene expression datasets with binary and time‐to‐event outcomes.
Neural responses to children’s faces: Test–retest reliability of structural and functional MRI
Authors: Heckendorf Esther , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , van Ijzendoorn Marinus H. , Huffmeijer Rens
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Functional MRI (fMRI) is commonly used to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying psychological processes and behavioral responses. However, to draw well‐founded conclusions from fMRI studies, more research on the reliability of fMRI is needed.

Methods

We invited a sample of 41 female students to participate in two identical fMRI sessions, separated by 5 weeks on average. To investigate the potential effect of left‐handedness on the stability of neural activity, we oversampled left‐handed participants (N = 20). Inside the scanner, we presented photographs of familiar and unfamiliar children's faces preceded by neutral and threatening primes to the participants. We calculated intraclass correlations (ICCs) to investigate the test–retest reliability of peak activity in areas that showed significant activity during the first session (primary visual cortex, fusiform face area, inferior frontal gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus). In addition, we examined how many trials were needed to reliably measure the effects.

Results

Across all participants, only fusiform face area activity in response to faces showed good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.71). All other test–retest reliabilities were low (0.01 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.35). Reliabilities varied only slightly with increasing numbers of trials, with no consistent increase in ICCs. Test–retest reliabilities for left‐handed participants (0.28 ≤ ICC ≤0.66) were generally somewhat higher than for right‐handed participants (−0.13 ≤ ICC ≤0.75), but not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our study shows good test–retest reliability for fusiform facer area activity in response to faces, but low test–retest reliability for other contrasts and areas.
Determinants of materiality disclosure quality in integrated reporting: Empirical evidence from an international setting
Authors: Gerwanski Jannik , Kordsachia Othar , Velte Patrick
Published: February 2019

This study examines determinants of materiality disclosure quality (MDQ) in integrated reporting (IR) in an international setting. To this purpose, we constructed a novel, hand‐collected MDQ score in line with the  guiding principles introduced by the International Integrated Reporting Council. On the basis of a cross‐national sample consisting of 359 firm‐year observations between 2013 and 2016, we find that MDQ is positively associated with learning effects, gender diversity, and the assurance of nonfinancial information in the integrated report. On the other hand, we find that IR readability, listing in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and earnings management do not affect MDQ. Our results are robust to different statistical models. We expand on earlier empirical findings on IR disclosure quality and provide valuable insights for research, practice, and standard setting.