bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Some Persistent Problems Persist
Authors: POWELL ROBERT
Published: July 2019

Recent work on counter-insurgency, client states, foreign aid, and proxy wars uses a principal–agent framework to study the principal’s ability to induce an agent to exert effort on the principal’s behalf. This work broadly emphasizes the moral hazard problem and the actors’ limited commitment power. The latter is usually addressed through the logic of repeated games in which reneging on an agreement triggers future punishment. This study analyzes a related incentive problem that undermines the principal’s ability to induce an agent to exert effort on its behalf. The repeated-game’s enforcement mechanism tends to break down if the principal is trying to get the agent to resolve a problem that, if resolved, (i) creates an ongoing problem for the agent and (ii) simultaneously significantly reduces the agent’s ability to impose future costs on the principal. The principal cannot induce the agent to exert much effort in these circumstances, and the problem persists.
Political Theory in an Ethnographic Key
Authors: LONGO MATTHEW , ZACKA BERNARDO
Published: July 2019

Should political theorists engage in ethnography? In this letter, we assess a recent wave of interest in ethnography among political theorists and explain why it is a good thing. We focus, in particular, on how ethnographic research generates what Ian Shapiro calls “problematizing redescriptions”—accounts of political phenomena that destabilize the lens through which we traditionally study them, engendering novel questions and exposing new avenues of moral concern. We argue that (1) by revealing new levels of variation and contingency within familiar political phenomena, ethnography can uncover topics ripe for normative inquiry; (2) by shedding light on what meanings people associate with political values, it can advance our reflection on concepts; and (3) by capturing the experience of individuals at grips with the social world, it can attune us to forms of harm that would otherwise remain hidden. The purchase for political theory is considerable. By thickening our understanding of institutions, ethnography serves as an antidote to analytic specialization and broadens the range of questions political theorists can ask, reinvigorating debates in the subfield and forging connections with the discipline writ large.
Association between dietary fibre intake and asthma (symptoms and control): results from the French national e-cohort NutriNet-Santé
Authors: Andrianasolo Roland M. , Hercberg Serge , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Druesne-Pecollo Nathalie , Touvier Mathilde , Galan Pilar , Varraso Raphaëlle
Published: July 2019

Despite growing evidence suggesting a potential health benefit of high fibre intake for the prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases, studies regarding the role of total dietary fibre intake, types and sources of fibre on asthma are lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association of dietary fibre intakes and source of fibre with the asthma symptom score and asthma control. A total of 35 380 participants from the NutriNet-Santé cohort were included. Asthma was defined by the asthma symptom score and asthma control by the asthma control test. Fibre intake (g/d) was categorised according to sex-specific quintiles. Multi-adjusted negative binomial regressions were used to evaluate the association between dietary fibre with the asthma symptom score and logistic regressions with asthma control. Participants were aged on average 54 years. After adjustment for confounders, higher intake of total, soluble, insoluble fibres from cereals, fruit and seeds were significantly negatively associated with the asthma symptom score both among women and men; OR for the highest quintile of total dietary fibre compared with the lowest quintile were 0·73 (95 % CI 0·67, 0·79) in women and 0·63 (95 % CI 0·55, 0·73) in men. We also found inverse significant associations between total, soluble and insoluble fibre with uncontrolled asthma; OR for participants in the highest quintile of total dietary fibre was 0·72 (95 % CI 0·55, 0·95) in women and 0·45 (95 % CI 0·26, 0·79) in men. Our results suggested that higher intake of dietary fibre, mostly insoluble fibre and fibre from cereals, was associated with fewer asthma symptoms and greater asthma control.
Symptom remission at 12-weeks strongly predicts long-term recovery from the first episode of psychosis
Authors: Dazzan Paola , Lappin Julia M. , Heslin Margaret , Donoghue Kim , Lomas Ben , Reininghaus Uli , Onyejiaka Adanna , Croudace Tim , Jones Peter B. , Murray Robin M. , Fearon Paul , Doody Gillian A. , Morgan Craig
Published: July 2019

Background

To determine the baseline individual characteristics that predicted symptom recovery and functional recovery at 10-years following the first episode of psychosis.

Methods

AESOP-10 is a 10-year follow up of an epidemiological, naturalistic population-based cohort of individuals recruited at the time of their first episode of psychosis in two areas in the UK (South East London and Nottingham). Detailed information on demographic, clinical, and social factors was examined to identify which factors predicted symptom and functional remission and recovery over 10-year follow-up. The study included 557 individuals with a first episode psychosis. The main study outcomes were symptom recovery and functional recovery at 10-year follow-up.

Results

At 10 years, 46.2% (n= 140 of 303) of patients achieved symptom recovery and 40.9% (n= 117) achieved functional recovery. The strongest predictor of symptom recovery at 10 years was symptom remission at 12 weeks (adj OR 4.47; CI 2.60–7.67); followed by a diagnosis of depression with psychotic symptoms (adj OR 2.68; CI 1.02–7.05). Symptom remission at 12 weeks was also a strong predictor of functional recovery at 10 years (adj OR 2.75; CI 1.23–6.11), together with being from Nottingham study centre (adj OR 3.23; CI 1.25–8.30) and having a diagnosis of mania (adj OR 8.17; CI 1.61–41.42).

Conclusions

Symptom remission at 12 weeks is an important predictor of both symptom and functional recovery at 10 years, with implications for illness management. The concepts of clinical and functional recovery overlap but should be considered separately.
Knowledge of letter sounds in children from England
Authors: Treiman Rebecca , Stothard Susan E. , Snowling Margaret J.
Published: July 2019

Learning the sounds of letters is important for learning to decode printed words and is a key component of phonics instruction. Some letter sounds are easier for children than others, and studies of these differences can shed light on the factors that influence children’s learning. The present study examined knowledge of the sounds of lowercase letters among children in England, where a government-mandated curriculum specifies the order in which letter sounds should be taught and where letters’ sounds are taught before the names. The participants were 355 children from Nursery (mean age 4 years, 4 months), Reception (mean age 5 years, 4 months), and Year 1 (6 years, 4 months) classes. When order of teaching was statistically controlled, children did better than expected on the initial letter of their first name and worse on visually confusable letters. Unlike the North American children in previous studies, they did not perform better on letters that had their sounds at the beginning of their names than on other types of letters. The sonority and the age of acquisition of the letter’s sound were also not influential. Implications for letter teaching, particularly for children at risk of literacy problems, are discussed.
X-ray characterization of crosslinked methacrylate copolymers for application as dielectric layers in organic electronics
Authors: Jehnichen Dieter , Pospiech Doris , Berndt Andreas , Gomoll Selina C. , Natkowski Eva , Plötner Matthias
Published: July 2019

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is one of the most important polymers for application as a dielectric layer in organic electronics, e.g. in organic field-effect transistors. The key to improve the transistor performance is the optimization of the interface between the semiconductor and the dielectric layer. Here, the surface order in thin films of PMMA copolymers with self-organized, semifluorinated (sf) building blocks, and crosslinkable units in single layers and double layers with poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) is investigated. The chemistry of the sf copolymers is systematically varied and the influence on the self-organization in bulk and thin films is examined by a combination of scattering methods. The length of the semifluorinated side chains mainly determines the degree and type of order both in bulk as well as in thin films.
Maternal and child factors associated with child body fatness in a Ghanaian cohort
Authors: Kumordzie Sika M , Okronipa Harriet , Arimond Mary , Adu-Afarwuah Seth , Ocansey Maku E , Young Rebecca R , Bentil Helena J , Tamakloe Solace M , Oaks Brietta M , Dewey Kathryn G
Published: July 2019

Objective:

We aimed to identify factors (child diet, physical activity; maternal BMI) associated with body composition of Ghanaian pre-school children.

Design:

Longitudinal analysis of the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS)-DYAD-Ghana randomized trial, which enrolled 1320 pregnant women at ≤20 weeks’ gestation and followed them and their infants until 6 and 18 months postpartum, respectively. At follow-up, child age 4–6 years, we collected data on body composition (by2H dilution), physical activity and diet, extracted dietary patterns using factor analysis, and examined the association of children’s percentage body fat with maternal and child factors by regression analysis.

Setting:

Eastern Region, Ghana.

Participants:

Children 4–6 years of age.

Results:

The analysis included 889 children with percentage body fat and dietary data at follow-up. We identified two major dietary patterns, a snacking and a cooked foods pattern. Percentage body fat was positively associated (standardizedβ(se)) with maternal BMI at follow-up (0·10 (0·03);P= 0·003) and negatively associated with physical activity (−0·15 (0·05);P= 0·003, unadjusted for child gender), but not associated with the snacking (0·06 (0·03);P= 0·103) or cooked foods (−0·05 (0·07);P= 0·474) pattern. Boys were more active than girls (1470v.1314 mean vector magnitude counts/min;P< 0·0001) and had lower percentage body fat (13·8v.16·9 %;P< 0·0001).

Conclusions:

In this population, maternal overweight and child physical activity, especially among girls, may be key factors for addressing child overweight/obesity. We did not demonstrate a relationship between the dietary patterns and body fatness, which may be related to limitations of the dietary data available.
A healthy, sustainable and safe food system: examining the perceptions and role of the Australian policy actor using a Delphi survey
Authors: Boylan Sinead , Sainsbury Emma , Thow Anne-Marie , Degeling Christopher , Craven Luke , Stellmach Darryl , Gill Timothy P , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2019

Objective:

There is an urgent need to identify and develop cross-sectoral policies which promote and support a healthy, safe and sustainable food system. To help shape the political agenda, a critical first step is a shared definition of such a system among policy makers across relevant sectors. The aim of the present study was to determine how Australian policy actors define, and contribute to, a healthy, safe and sustainable food system.

Design:

A Delphi survey, consisting of two rounds, was conducted. Participants were asked how they define, and contribute to, a healthy, safe and sustainable food system (Round 1) and indicate their level of agreement with summary statements (Round 2).

Setting:

This was an online Delphi survey conducted in Australia.

Participants:

Twenty-nine and fourteen multisectoral and multilevel policy makers completed Round 1 and Round 2, respectively.

Results:

The definition included food processing regulation, environmentally friendly food production and access to nutritious food. All agreed that it was important for them to improve access and supply of healthy food and ensure healthy planning principles are applied.

Conclusions:

There were cross-sectoral differences in definitions and contributions; however, critical consensus was achieved. The study contributes to the definition of key elements of a cross-sectoral food and nutrition policy to meet today’s environmental, health, social and economic challenges; however, further research using a more representative multisectoral sample is warranted.
Study of Crystallographic Texture Evolution during High-Temperature Deformation of 18Cr-ODS Ferritic Steel based on Plasticity Assessment
Authors: Dash Manmath Kumar , Mythili R. , John Rahul , Saroja S. , Dasgupta Arup
Published: July 2019

This paper aims at understanding the texture evolution in extruded oxide dispersion strengthened 18Cr ferritic steel during high-temperature uniaxial compression testing at 1,423 K at a strain rate of 0.01/s based on extensive electron back scatter diffraction characterization. The α-fiber texture is observed along the extrusion direction (ED) in the initial microstructure. The flow curves generated during uniaxial compression test are used to determine the associated hardening parameters. In addition, the degree of texture evolution after deformation along the ED and the transverse direction (TD) with respect to the initial condition has been predicted using VPSC-5 constitutive model. The prediction shows that the deformation along the ED produces a dominant γ-fiber texture in contrast to the TD. This is in agreement with the experimental results where γ-fiber texture is observed, due to enhanced dynamic recrystallization at high-temperature deformation.
Integrated people-centred primary health care in Greece: unravelling Ariadne’s thread
Authors: Lionis Christos , Symvoulakis Emmanouil K. , Markaki Adelais , Petelos Elena , Papadakis Sophia , Sifaki-Pistolla Dimitra , Papadakakis Maria , Souliotis Kyriakos , Tziraki Chariklia
Published: July 2019

The 40th anniversary of the World Health Organization Alma-Ata Declaration in Astana offered the impetus to discuss the extent to which integrated primary health care (PHC) has been successfully implemented and its impact on research and practice. This paper focuses on the experiences from Greece in implementing primary health care reform and lessons learned from the conduct of evidence-based research. It critically examines what appears to be impeding the effective implementation of integrated PHC in a country affected by the financial and refugee crisis. The key challenges for establishing integrated people-centred primary care include availability of family physicians, information and communication technology, the prevention and management of chronic disease and migrant and refugees’ health. Policy recommendations are formulated to guide the primary health care reform in Greece, while attempting to inform efforts in other countries with similar conditions.
Experimental validation of an isoflux Earth coverage with a bimode ARMA antenna on a nanosatellite
Authors: Arnaud E. , Siblini A. , Bellion A. , Jecko B.
Published: July 2019

Spatial telemetry links on nanosatellites require more and more reconfigurable beam antennas to improve the Earth coverage. The bi-mode Agile Radiating Matrix Antenna (8.0–8.4 GHz) was successfully designed to solve such kind of problems by using an isoflux mode associated with a switchable directive one. However, such an antenna introduces some manufacturing problems for the isoflux mode, mainly due to the small available volume on the nanosatellite platform. This paper describes a solution to this problem thanks to the ARMA concept. A comparison between theoretical and experimental results for the isoflux mode in circular polarization is presented to validate the results.
Boudicca, broken bones and behaviour management: a case study of teaching causation at Key Stage 3
Authors: Day Maximilian
Published: July 2019

I have always thought that teachers should not teachwhatto think buthowto think, and I wanted to embody this attitude within my own practice of teaching Classics. It was also interesting to me to link this to the ongoing debates in history teaching surrounding the relationship between the acquisition ofsubstantive knowledge(i.e. the facts of history: dates, battles, names, etc.) and the acquisition ofsecond-order concepts(i.e. the framework within which such knowledge is understood: e.g. historical interpretations, ascribing significance to events, understanding causation). According to Ford, ‘the challenge of restoring the link between substantive knowledge and conceptual understanding is one which the whole profession needs to address’ (Ford, 2014, p.33). Having previously taught philosophy, causation seemed to me to be a topic I would be well-suited to tackle, and I was intrigued to discover that there were opportunities to teach causation as early as Key Stage 3 (KS3). In fact, enshrined in the current National Curriculum (NC) for KS3 history is the key aim ‘to understand historical concepts such as … cause and consequence’ (DfE, 2013, p.1). Given that Stanford professor Sam Wineburg (2001) refers to historical thinking, albeit archly, as an ‘unnatural act’, I wondered whether it was possible for 12 and 13-year old students to ‘understand’ the complex concept of causation. But I was also eager to test out some of the pedagogical theories floated at the beginning of the PGCE course, in particular, Bruner's hypothesis that ‘any subject can be taught effectively in some intellectually honest form to any child at any stage of development’ (Bruner, 1960, p.33).
Three‐Dimensional Acoustic Multipole Waveform Inversion at Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu
Authors: Iezzi A. M. , Fee D. , Kim K. , Jolly A. D. , Matoza R. S.
Published: July 2019

Acoustic waveform inversions can provide estimates of volume flow rate and erupted mass, enhancing the ability to estimate volcanic emissions. Previous studies have generally assumed a simple acoustic source (monopole); however, more complex and accurate source reconstructions are possible with a combination of equivalent sources (multipole). We deployed a high‐density acoustic network around Yasur volcano, Vanuatu, including acoustic sensors on a tethered aerostat that was moved every ∼15–60 min. Using this unique data set we invert for the acoustic multipole source mechanism using a grid search approach for 80 events to examine volume flow rates and dipole strengths. Our method utilizes finite‐difference time‐domain modeling to obtain the full 3‐D Green's functions that account for topography. Inversion results are compared using a monopole‐only, multipole (monopole and dipole), simulations that do not include topography, and those that use a subset of sensors. We find that the monopole source is a good approximation when topography is considered. However, initial compression amplitude is not fully captured by a monopole source so source directionality cannot be ruled out. The monopole solution is stable regardless of whether a monopole‐only or multipole inversion is performed. Inversions for the dipole components produce estimates consistent with observed source directionality, though these inversions are somewhat unstable given station configurations of typical deployments. Our results suggest that infrasound waveform inversion shows promise for realistic quantitative source estimates, but additional work is necessary to fully explore inversion stability, uncertainty, and robustness.
Tectonic Controls on Taupo Volcanic Zone Geothermal Expression: Insights From Te Mihi, Wairakei Geothermal Field
Authors: McNamara D. D. , Milicich S. D. , Massiot C. , Villamor P. , McLean K. , Sépulveda F. , Ries W. F.
Published: July 2019

Information on structure, stress, and their interrelationship is essential for understanding structurally controlled geothermal permeability. Active fault mapping, borehole image analysis, and well testing in the Te Mihi geothermal area, New Zealand, allows us to refine structural and fluid flow architecture of this resource. The Te Mihi area is structurally complex, comprising a set of NW dipping master faults containing pervasive SE dipping antithetic and splay structures in their hanging walls. These faults are also intersected by E‐W striking faults. A localized, N‐S striking structural trend is also observed at Te Mihi. In consideration with Global Navigation Satellite System velocity vectors, both active NE‐SW and E‐W striking faults create biaxial extension at Te Mihi, though the observed NE‐SW SHmax direction suggests that contemporary extension is NW‐SE dominated. Stress field perturbations coincide with structural complexities like fault splays and intersections and/or proximity to recently active E‐W and NE‐SW striking structures. Borehole fluid flow at Te Mihi is concentrated at NW dipping master fault intersections, travel time fractures on acoustic image logs, halo fractures on resistivity image logs, NE‐SW and E‐W striking fractures, intervals of high fracture density, and spatial concentrations of wide aperture fractures and recently active NE‐SW and E‐W striking fractures. This study suggests Te Mihi geothermal expression results from biaxial extension evident from active structural trend intersections and the predominance of NE‐SW and E‐W striking structures within permeable well zones. Biaxial extension is therefore an important control on crustal fluid flow within the Taupo Volcanic Zone and thus geothermal resource delineation.
Otopathogenic Staphylococcus aureus Invades Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cells Primarily through Cholesterol Dependent Pathway
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Debs Luca H. , Patel Amit P. , Nguyen Desiree , Blackwelder Patricia , Yan Denise , Weckwerth Paulo H. , Liu Xue Zhong
Published: July 2019

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the most common infectious diseases of the middle ear especially affecting children, leading to delay in language development and communication. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen associated with CSOM, its interaction with middle ear epithelial cells is not well known. In the present study, we observed that otopathogenic S. aureus has the ability to invade human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs) in a dose and time dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated time dependent increase in the number of S. aureus on the surface of HMEECs. We observed that otopathogenic S. aureus primarily employs a cholesterol dependent pathway to colonize HMEECs. In agreement with these findings, confocal microscopy showed that S. aureus colocalized with lipid rafts in HMEECs. The results of the present study provide new insights into the pathogenesis of S. aureus induced CSOM. The availability of in vitro cell culture model will pave the way to develop novel effective treatment modalities for CSOM beyond antibiotic therapy.
Chirality-dependent electron transport in Weyl semimetal p–n–p junctions
Authors: Hou Zhe , Zhou Yan-Feng , Yang Ning-Xuan , Sun Qing-Feng
Published: July 2019

Recently discovered Weyl semimetals have received considerable research interest due to the exotic Weyl fermion-like excitations and the nontrivial π Berry phase near the band degenerate points. Here we show that by constructing a Weyl semimetal p–n–p junction and restricting Weyl fermions into closed orbits with electric and magnetic confinements, the Berry phase acquired by the Weyl fermions can be controlled flexibly. This brings out two effects on electron transport through the junction: when the Berry phase is integer multiples of π an obvious phase shift is observed in the transmission map, whereas for non-integer ones of Berry phase the transmission shows strong chirality dependence and a large chiral or valley-level splitting can be induced. Utilizing this chirality splitting, we further propose a new method to measure the Berry phase in Weyl semimetals, which shows accuracy for various potential profiles and has practical applications in experiments.
A seesaw ratiometric probe for dual-spectrum imaging and detection of telomerase activity in single living cells
Authors: Ye Sujuan , Wu Yingdi , Wan Fuhua , Li Ying
Published: July 2019

A seesaw ratiometric (SR) probe was designed for dual-spectrum imaging and detection of telomerase activity in single living cells, which integrated fluorescence and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology.
High brightness circularly polarized blue emission from non-doped OLEDs based on chiral binaphthyl-pyrene emitters
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Zhang Yu , Li Yang , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang , Li Yunzhi
Published: July 2019

Two pairs of CPL-active enantiomers can emit high brightness blue CP-EL. The CP-OLEDs of chiral emitters R-/S-5 showed high gEL values.
Trace ethanol as an efficient electrolyte additive to reduce the activation voltage of the Li2S cathode in lithium-ion–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liang Xin , Yun Jufeng , Xu Kun , Shi Pengcheng , Sun Yi , Chen Chunhua , Xiang Hongfa
Published: July 2019

Trace ethanol as a cheap and efficient electrolyte additive to reduce the activation voltage of the Li2S cathode in lithium-ion–sulfur batteries by converting a solid–solid reaction into a solid–liquid reaction.
Tuning the chaotropic effect as an assembly motif through one-electron transfer in a rhenium cluster
Authors: Ivanov Anton A. , Falaise Clément , Landy David , Haouas Mohamed , Mironov Yuri V. , Shestopalov Michael A. , Cadot Emmanuel
Published: July 2019

As small change as one electron transfer within the hydrophilic rhenium cluster [{Re6Se8}(CN)6]4−/3− induces dramatic alteration in supramolecular self-assembly properties with γ-cyclodextrin as a result of chaotropic effect driven process.
A pillar-layer strategy to construct 2D polycatenated coordination polymers for luminescence detection of Cr2O72− and CrO42− in aqueous solution
Authors: Long Bing-Fan , Wang Meng-Fan , Huang Qin , Yin Xian-Hong , Young David James , Hu Fei-Long , Mi Yan
Published: July 2019

Six polycatenated coordination polymers 1–6 based on the pillar-layer strategy have been designed and synthesized. Compound 6 exhibited strong fluorescence that was selectively quenched by CrVI ions in aqueous solution at low concentrations.
Noncovalent interactions in the design of bis-azo dyes
Authors: Shikhaliyev Namiq Q. , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Maharramov Abel M. , Gurbanov Atash V. , Ahmadova Nigar E. , Nenajdenko Valentine G. , Mahmudov Kamran T. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: July 2019

A perfluorinated aromatic link was used as a synthon in the design of bis-azo dyes.
First-principles study on screening doped TiO2(B) as an anode material with high conductivity and low lithium transport resistance for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gao Denglei , Wang Yanlei , Kong Jing , Huo Feng , Wang Sufan , He Hongyan , Zhang Suojiang
Published: July 2019

We report how non-metal dopants affect the diffusion of Li in TiO2(B) completely using first-principles calculations.
2D Co-crystallization of molecular homologues promoted by size complementarity of the alkyl chains at the liquid/solid interface
Authors: Li Shu-Ying , Yang Xue-Qing , Chen Ting , Wang Dong , Zhu Guang-Shan , Wan Li-Jun
Published: July 2019

Co-crystallization of organic molecules is an important strategy for the fabrication of molecular materials.
RE(H2C3N3O3)2·(OH)·xH2O (RE = La, Y and Gd): potential UV birefringent materials with strong optical anisotropy originating from the (H2C3N3O3)−group
Authors: Hao Xia , Luo Min , Lin Chensheng , Lin Donghong , Cao Liling , Ye Ning
Published: July 2019

A new series of dihydro-isocyanurates, namely, RE(H2C3N3O3)2·(OH)·xH2O (RE = La, Y and Gd) was readily obtained by a mild hydrothermal technique using lithium hydroxide as a deprotonation agent.
Copper complexes and carbon nanotube–copper ferrite-catalyzed benzenoid A-ring selenation of quinones: an efficient method for the synthesis of trypanocidal agents
Authors: Jardim Guilherme A. M. , Bozzi Ícaro A. O. , Oliveira Willian X. C. , Mesquita-Rodrigues Camila , Menna-Barreto Rubem F. S. , Kumar Ramar A. , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric , Braga Antonio L. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: July 2019

A-ring selenation of naphthoquinones and anthraquinones is reported. The reaction proceeds in the presence of a copper source, and provides an efficient and general method for preparing selenium-based quinones with trypanocidal activity.
Modifying the electronic and geometrical properties of mono/bi-layer graphite-like BC2N via alkali metal (Li, Na) adsorption and intercalation: computational approach
Authors: Janatipour Najmeh , Mahdavifar Zabiollah , Noorizadeh Siamak , Shojaei Fazel
Published: July 2019

The boron/carbon/nitrogen-based materials have received much attention in condensed matter physics and material sciences due to their novel optoelectronic properties.
Enhanced supercapacitive performance of the CoFe2O4/CoFe2S4 composite nanoflake array induced by surface sulfidation
Authors: Gao Mengjiao , Le Kai , Du Wenjing , Wang Zhou , Wang Fenglong , Liu Wei , Liu Jiurong
Published: July 2019

The CoFe2O4/CoFe2S4 composite nanoflake array was prepared by surface sulfidation and exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance.
Efficient conversion of CO2 to methane using thin-layer SiOx matrix anchored nickel catalysts
Authors: Huang Xieyi , Wang Peng , Zhang Zhichao , Zhang Shaoning , Du Xianlong , Bi Qingyuan , Huang Fuqiang
Published: July 2019

Thin-layer SiOx matrix anchored nickel catalysts with high specific surface area and a unique electronic/geometric structure were fabricated for efficient CO2 methanation.
Cooperativity and serial ligand catalysis in an allylic amination reaction by Pd(ii)-bis-sulfoxide and Brønsted acids
Authors: Sreedhar Dilna B. , Sunoj Raghavan B.
Published: July 2019

Under dual catalytic conditions, the general premise of holding the native ligands on the catalyst throughout the catalytic cycle becomes immediately questionable. We have invoked the likelihood of Serial Ligand Catalysis in an important intramolecular allylic amination of N-Boc protected homoallylic amines leading to an anti-oxazolidinone product.
DNA functionalization of colloidal particles via physisorption of azide-functionalized diblock copolymers
Authors: Moon Jeongbin , Jo In-Seong , Yoon Jeong Hoon , Kim Yeongha , Oh Joon Suk , Pine David J. , Yi Gi-Ra
Published: July 2019

DNA-coated colloids are prepared simply by physical adsorption of azide-functionalized amphiphilic diblock copolymers onto hydrophobic inorganic particles, followed by strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction.
Adaptive finite‐time tracking control for time‐varying output constrained non‐linear systems with unmatched uncertainties
Authors: Wang Chunxiao , Du Jinling , Yu Jiangbo
Published: July 2019

In this study, an adaptive finite‐time tracking control for a class of output constrained non‐linear systems is studied. Both parametric uncertainty and external disturbance of the system are considered. Using a novel adaptive backstepping control scheme with a tuning function, a robust controller is obtained. It drives the tracking error to converge to a small neighbourhood of origin in finite time in spite of the unmatched uncertainties. Except for the finite‐time convergence, it is also proved that the whole closed‐loop signals are bounded and the system output is constrained within the predefined open set for all the system running time. Finally, two examples which includes one numerical example and one single‐link robot are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Quiescent X-ray variability in the neutron star Be/X-ray transient GRO J1750−27
Authors: Rouco Escorial A. , Wijnands R. , Ootes L. S. , Degenaar N. , Snelders M. , Kaper L. , Cackett E. M. , Homan J.
Published: July 2019

The Be/X-ray transient GRO J1750−27 exhibited a type-II (giant) outburst in 2015. After the source transited to quiescence, we triggered our multi-year Chandra monitoring programme to study its quiescent behaviour. The programme was designed to follow the cooling of a potentially heated neutron-star crust due to accretion of matter during the preceding outburst, similar to what we potentially have observed before in two other Be/X-ray transients, namely 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53. However, unlike for these other two systems, we do not find any strong evidence that the neutron-star crust in GRO J1750−27 was indeed heated during the accretion phase. We detected the source at a rather low X-ray luminosity (∼1033 erg s−1) during only three of our five observations. When the source was not detected it had very low-luminosity upper limits (< 1032 erg s−1; depending on assumed spectral model). We interpret these detections and the variability observed as emission likely due to very low-level accretion onto the neutron star. We also discuss why the neutron-star crust in GRO J1750−27 might not have been heated while the ones in 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53 possibly were.
Efficiency and super-efficiency under inter-temporal dependence
Authors: Moonesian Vahid , Jahangiri Saeid , Ghobadi Saeid
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a linear programming (LP) model for measuring the relative efficiency of a decision-making unit (DMU) under inter-temporal dependence of data is proposed. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for identification of dynamically efficient paths. Furthermore, an LP model is proposed to estimate the super-efficiency of the dynamically efficient paths using an extended version of the modified MAJ model (Saati et al., Ric. Oper. 31 (2001) 47–59). To evaluate the applicability of the proposed method in a banking sector example, this method is employed for ranking some branches of the Iranian commercial bank.
Ermittlung des Patientenwillens
Authors: Neitzke Gerald
Published: July 2019

Die Ermittlung des Patientenwillens ist in der Notfall- und Intensivmedizin oft schwierig. Die Beachtung des Willens stellt ein juristisches und ethisches Gebot dar, der Patient ist jedoch häufig nicht selbst einwilligungsfähig. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt den Prozess der Ermittlung des Patientenwillens und zeigt, welche Bedeutung eine Patientenverfügung, andere Behandlungswünsche oder der mutmaßliche Wille für die Behandlungsentscheidung haben.
Reflexionen über 50 Jahre Sexualmedizin in der Urologie mit Fokus auf männliche Sexualstörungen
Authors: Porst Hartmut
Published: July 2019

Diagnose und Therapie männlicher Sexualstörungen zeitigten in den letzten 50 Jahren enorme Fortschritte. Beginnend mit der Entwicklung hydraulischer Penisimplantate 1973 stehen mittlerweile verschiedene effektive und gut verträgliche konservative Behandlungsmethoden wie die PDE-5-Hemmer Avanafil, Sildenafil, Tadalafil und Vardenafil, die transurethrale Applikation von PGE1 (MUSE), die Selbstinjektionstherapie mit den vasoaktiven Substanzen Alprostadil, Papaverin/Phentolamin (Bimix), PGE1/Papaverin/Phentolamin (Trimix/Triple Drug) oder VIP (Aviptadil)/Phentolamin-Invicorp) zur Verfügung. In jüngster Zeit hat die Li-ESWT eindrucksvolle Ergebnisse sowohl bei PDE-5i-Non-Respondern als auch Respondern sowie teilweise auch bei IPP gezeigt. In der Behandlung der Ejakulatio präcox stehen mit dem oralen Dapoxetin und dem topischen Xylocain/Prilocain Spray mittlerweile 2 effektive Medikamente zur Verfügung, welche in schweren EP-Fällen miteinander kombiniert werden können oder mit PDE-5-Hemmern bei Männern mit EP und ED. Hormonelle Störungen wie Hypogonadismus, Hyperprolaktinämien und Schilddrüsenstörungen können mit Sexualstörungen vergesellschaftet sein und mittels T-Substitution, Prolaktinhemmern oder schilddrüsenspezifischen Medikamenten erfolgreich behandelt werden. Während vaskuläre Eingriffe bei ED wie Dorsalvenenligaturen/Resektionen und arterielle Revskularisationsverfahren die 80er- und 90er-Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts dominierten, gelten sie heute als überholt und werden bei schwerer organischer ED durch die modernen dreiteiligen aufblasbaren Penisimplantate ersetzt, deren mittlerweile hoher technischer Standard 10-Jahresüberlebensraten um die 70 % erlauben.
Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Division I Collegiate Female Softball Athletes
Authors: Czeck Madeline A. , Raymond-Pope Christiana J. , Stanforth Philip R. , Carbuhn Aaron , Bosch Tyler A. , Bach Christopher W. , Oliver Jonathan M. , Dengel Donald R.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate total, regional, and throwing versus non-throwing arm body composition measures across the 4 major positions of NCAA Division I female softball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (n=128). Total and regional total mass (TM), fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and visceral adipose tissue were measured. Athletes were separated into: pitchers (n=32), catchers (n=13), outfielders (n=39), and infielders (n=44). ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD assessed total and regional differences between positions. Although no significant total or regional LM differences were observed across positions, outfielders had significantly (p=0.006–0.047) lower total-body, arm, and trunk TM and FM, leg FM, and leg BMC in comparison to pitchers. The throwing arm had significantly (p<0.0001–0.018) greater LM, BMD, and BMC than the non-throwing arm for all positions. Notably, there were minimal body composition differences among softball positions, with the primary differences being that pitchers had larger total and regional fat values than outfielders. The throwing arm of all positions had greater LM, BMD, and BMC than the non-throwing arm. These values can be used by coaches and trainers as descriptive DXA data for collegiate softball players.
Endoscopic management of polyposis syndromes: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline
Authors: van Leerdam Monique E. , Roos Victorine H. , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Dekker Evelien , Jover Rodrigo , Kaminski Michal F. , Latchford Andrew , Neumann Helmut , Pellisé Maria , Saurin Jean-Christophe , Tanis Pieter J. , Wagner Anja , Balaguer Francesc , Ricciardiello Luigi
Published: July 2019

Main Recommendations

ESGE recommends that individuals with hereditary gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes should be surveilled in dedicated units that provide monitoring of compliance and endoscopic performance measures.

Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence, level of agreement 90 %.

ESGE recommends performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy, small-bowel examination, and/or colonoscopy earlier than the planned surveillance procedure if a patient is symptomatic.

Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence, level of agreement 100 %.
Habitual Light-intensity Physical Activity and ASC Methylation in a Middle-aged Population
Authors: Nishida Yuichiro , Hara Megumi , Higaki Yasuki , Taguchi Naoto , Nakamura Kazuyo , Nanri Hinako , Horita Mikako , Shimanoe Chisato , Yasukata Jun , Miyoshi Nobuyuki , Yamada Yosuke , Higashimoto Ken , Soejima Hidenobu , Tanaka Keitaro
Published: July 2019

Apoptosis-associated, speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) plays an important role in inflammatory cytokine synthesis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the expression of ASC is suppressed by increased methylation of its CpG sites. The current study investigated the longitudinal association of replacing sedentary time with light-intensity physical activity (LPA) or moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) on the ASC methylation in middle-aged people. We investigated 1 238 individuals who participated in baseline and 5-year follow-up surveys of a population-based cohort study. Sedentary, LPA and MVPA time were objectively measured using accelerometers. ASC methylation in PBMCs was measured by pyrosequencing. Using a multiple linear regression and employing an isotemporal substitution model, the longitudinal associations of changes in the sedentary time, LPA and MVPA on the changes in the ASC methylation were analyzed after adjusting for potential confounders. Substituting 60 min per day of LPA for sedentary time was associated with 1.17 times (95% confidence interval 1.07, 1.27) higher ASC methylation levels (mean of 7 CpG sites, P<0.001). However, such effects were not seen for MVPA. These results suggest that substituting LPA for sedentary time may be linked with increased (favorable) ASC methylation as a potential biomarker of systemic inflammation.
A Comparative Outcome Analysis of Two Posterior Only Approach for Thoracolumbar Fracture
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Gupta Surendra Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Ahmad Faran , Yadav Kuldeep , Kaif Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Objectives Most common surgical intervention in thoracolumbar fracture is pedicle screw fixation with posterior decompression through traditional posterior approach. Nowadays, we are doing combined anteroposterior decompression with anteroposterior fixation through posterior only approach. So, we attempt to compare these two approaches in terms of surgical and functional outcome.

Method This is a retrospective study. We included 47 patients of traumatic thoracolumbar fracture between September 2016 and January 2018. Fourteen patients were treated by three-column fixation through posterior only approach and 33 patients were treated with traditional posterior approach. In three-column fixation, transpedicular corpectomy with dynamic mesh cage placement with B/L pedicle screw fixation with 360 canal decompression was done, whereas in traditional posterior approach, only posterior decompression with B/L pedicle screw fixation was done. Parameters for comparison include patients’ parameters, fracture types, operative duration, average blood loss, kyphotic correction, and neurological and functional improvement after 1 week and 3 months postoperatively.

Result The average operative time (150 ± 13.01 minutes) and blood loss (263 ± 40.84 mL) in combined decompression and fixation through posterior only approach were higher than average operative time (120.3 ± 25.43 minutes) and average blood loss (108 ± 27.32 mL) in traditional posterior approach. In traditional surgeries, there was an observed correction of 11.7° ± 3.6° in kyphosis, while in combined surgeries the observed correction in kyphosis was 15.3° ± 4.3°. There is no statistically significant neurological and functional outcome than traditional posterior approach.

Conclusion Combined anteroposterior decompression and stabilization through posterior only approach is convenient for complete decompression of cord, stabilization, and restoration of vertebral height, and there is statistically significant kyphotic correction, pain relief (visual analogue scale), but there is no statistically significant neurological and functional outcome than traditional posterior approach. Most neurosurgeons are familiar to posterior approach; hence, they should be used in unstable thoracolumbar fracture whenever needed, while avoiding various dreaded complication of combined approach.
Translocación de dispositivo intrauterino de cobre a vejiga y litiasis vesical secundaria – Reporte de caso clínico
Authors: Abonia Carlos Hernan , Gomez Milton Cesar , Mosquera Jesus Enrique , Torregroza Miguel Angel , Garcia Diego , Usubillaga Francisco
Published: July 2019

El dispositivo intrauterino (DIU), ha sido utilizado en nuestro medio y en el mundo durante muchos años como método anticonceptivo. Una complicación infrecuente posterior a su inserción es la migración fuera del útero. La localización vesical y complicación con la vesicolitiasis, forman parte de las complicaciones asociadas a la migración. Presentamos un caso de migración de un DIU a la vejiga asociado a la formación de un cálculo entorno a ese dispositivo. Se describe el cuadro clínico, los estudios realizados y el tratamiento.
Asymmetric Synthesis of α-Chloro-α-halo Ketones by Decarboxylative Chlorination of α-Halo-β-ketocarboxylic Acids
Authors: Kitahara Kazumasa , Mizutani Haruna , Iwasa Seiji , Shibatomi Kazutaka
Published: July 2019

Chiral α-chloro-α-fluoro ketones were synthesized by enantio­selective decarboxylative chlorination of α-chloro-β-ketocarboxylic acids in the presence of a chiral amine catalyst. The reaction yielded the corresponding α-chloro-α-fluoro ketones with moderate-to-high enantioselectivity (up to 90% ee). The method was also applied to the synthesis of α-bromo-α-chloro ketones with 90% ee.
Emerging Catalyst Control in Cobalt-Catalyzed Oxidative Hydrofunctionalization Reactions
Authors: Zhu Rong
Published: July 2019

Oxidative functionalization has emerged as an important pathway in Co-catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) hydrofunctionalization reactions. Notably, evidence was found for the participation of organometallic intermediates in such radical-polar crossover processes. These findings provide opportunities for catalyst control that was previously absent in HAT catalysis. In this article, we summarize the recent progress towards this direction involving carbon–heteroatom bond-forming intra- and intermolecular reactions, including work from our own group.

1 Introduction

2 Oxidative Trapping by Solvents and Intramolecular Nucleophiles

3 Intermolecular Oxidative Hydrofunctionalization

4 Conclusion and Outlook
Gravitational Autoreposition for Staged Closure of Omphaloceles
Authors: Uecker Marie , Petersen Claus , Dingemann Carmen , Fortmann Caroline , Ure Benno M. , Dingemann Jens
Published: July 2019

Introduction Management strategies for large omphaloceles remain controversial. In this study, we discuss the use of GRAVITAS (gravitational autoreposition sutures), the method used at our institution when successful primary closure is deemed questionable. Patient's primary clinical course and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

Materials and Methods This is a single-center retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with omphaloceles treated between 1997 and 2018. Decision for GRAVITAS was made when the defect was estimated too large for primary closure. Traction sutures were placed in the fascia surrounding the defect and then suspended from the top of the incubator to allow gravitational autoreposition of the herniated organs. Ventilation and muscle relaxation were maintained until secondary closure, which was performed after the obtruding viscera had been reduced by repeated adjustment of the suture's tension. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.

Results Out of 49 patients with omphaloceles, 12 were treated with GRAVITAS, 33 underwent primary closure, and 4 were treated using Schuster's technique. Mean time to secondary closure after GRAVITAS was 7 ± 10 days. In nine of the patients who had isolated omphalocele, secondary closure was achieved after 4 ± 2 days. Ventilation time was 5 ± 2 days, and time to full feeds was 18 ± 16 days. In three patients (one with Fallot's tetralogy, one with Cantrell's pentalogy, and one with lung hypoplasia), abdominal closure was achieved after 17 ± 15 days. Due to cardiorespiratory comorbidity, ventilation time was >30 days. Five patients received initial closure of the skin and secondary fascial closure after 18 ± 15 months. One patient with prior fascial closure underwent later repair of an abdominal wall hernia. During follow-up (30 ± 35 months), one patient with gastrointestinal obstruction due to adhesions required laparotomy, and one patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent fundoplication.

Conclusion GRAVITAS is a feasible method for staged closure of large omphaloceles when successful primary closure is deemed questionable.