bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biculturalism in couple support for diabetes care in U.S.‐born Chinese Americans
Authors: Chesla Catherine A. , Chun Kevin M. , Kwan Christine M. L.
Published: January 2019

Support in couples living with type 2 diabetes is associated with better health outcomes but support provision in collectivistic cultures has received limited research attention. To address this gap, we focused on couple dynamics and support in type 2 diabetes in U.S.‐born Chinese Americans. Acculturation processes, particularly biculturalism, that is, the capacity to enact habits and practices from both the heritage and U.S. mainstream culture, were explored. Employing interpretive phenomenological methods, we conducted multiple narrative interviews with each of 15 couples regarding illness challenges and couple responses. Interviews were conducted in varied contexts, including with the couple, and in group interviews with people with diabetes or spouses. The unit of analysis was the couple, and narrative themes within the text were explored within the context of holistic couple summaries. We identified three key aspects of couple support: (i) Assisting with the diabetes treatment regimen; (ii) Moderating social and contextual factors that impede diabetes care; and (iii) Providing relational care and empathy for living with this challenging chronic condition. Support reflecting cultural maintenance of Chinese beliefs and practices include other directedness, family centeredness, and concerns for harmony and balance. Bicultural support patterns were also apparent in spousal communication that was both indirect and direct, and relationships marked by both interdependence and respect for independence or autonomy, reflecting both Chinese and U.S. cultural orientations, respectively. Working clinically with second and third generation Chinese immigrants requires clinical assessment of and responsiveness to couples’ acculturation levels and bicultural skills.
CIPP Streamlines Challenging Water Main Repair
Authors: Bradfield Joe
Published: January 2019

A large‐diameter cured‐in‐place pipe provided a quick, permanent rehabilitation solution for a Minneapolis water main.
Factors influencing individuals' intention to adopt mobile banking in China and Pakistan: The moderating role of cultural values
Authors: Akhtar Sadia , Irfan Muhammad , Sarwar Asma , Asma  , Rashid Qurat Ul Ain
Published: January 2019

Rapid development of smartphone technologies in Asian countries has increased the demand of mobile banking in financial services and mobile commerce. Current research is conducted for mobile banking adoption in China and Pakistan. The social influence was added with technology acceptance model to investigate the direct effect on individuals' intention. Moderating role of cultural values was explored in the proposed model. Empirical study was performed for the data received from both countries to examine the developed model. Multiple and hierarchical regression analyses (IBM SPSS software) were carried out to test the proposed hypotheses. We have observed that perceived usefulness, social influence, and perceived ease of use are significant predictors of individuals' intentions to adopt m‐banking in Pakistan, whereas the perceived usefulness is an important predictor in China. The moderating role of cultural values was observed as dampening factor in positive relationship between social influence and individuals' intentions.
The Punjab Revenue Authority: Meeting the challenges of a new institution
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Bashir Mohsin , Douglas James W.
Published: January 2019

New institutions generally face many challenges that can inhibit their ability to succeed. The institutionalist literature can serve as a guide, informing important actors of the challenges they are likely to face when founding a new institution. We examine the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) in Pakistan to assess the extent to which the challenges posited by the various streams of institutionalism surfaced as real problems that leaders in Punjab Province had to deal with when establishing the PRA. We found that rational choice institutionalism, historical institutionalism, and sociological institutionalism all identified problems that the PRA had to address. We conclude that the PRA's early successes are a function of its ability to navigate these challenges effectively.
Local Labor Demand and Program Participation Dynamics: Evidence from New York SNAP Administrative Records
Authors: Scherpf Erik , Cerf Benjamin
Published: January 2019

This study estimates the effect of local labor demand on the likelihood that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries are able to transition out of the program. Our data include SNAP administrative records from New York (2007 to 2012), linked at the person‐level to the 2010 Census, and linked at the county‐month‐level to industry‐specific labor market conditions. We find that local labor markets matter for the length of time spent on SNAP, but there is substantial heterogeneity in estimated effects across local industries. Using Bartik‐style instruments to isolate the effect of labor demand and controlling for the changing composition of entrants and program rules brought on by the Great Recession, we find that fluctuations in labor demand in industries with high shares of SNAP participants—especially food service and retail—change the likelihood of exiting the program. Notably, estimated industry effects vary across race and parental status, with black participants being most sensitive to changes in local labor market conditions and mothers benefiting less from growth in local labor demand than fathers and non‐parents. We confirm that our results are not driven by endogenous inter‐county mobility or New York City labor markets and are robust to multiple specifications.
Ethical issues in the care of adolescent and young adult oncology patients
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Canavera Kristin , Sharma Akshay , Baker Justin N. , Johnson Liza‐Marie
Published: January 2019

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer leads to short‐term and long‐term challenges for every patient. This is especially true for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer who strive to gain independence, autonomy, confidence, and social status while developing into adulthood. In this article, we review prominent ethical issues in AYA oncology that are related to autonomy, shared decision‐making, care refusal or abandonment, end‐of‐life care, truth telling, and fertility preservation. Clinicians should recognize that AYA patients develop at their own pace; the onus lies with clinicians to determine the patient's interests, values, maturity, and desire to participate in decision‐making.
Enhanced through‐plane thermal conductivity of polyamide 6 composites with vertical alignment of boron nitride achieved by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Geng Yi , He Hui , Jia Yunchao , Peng Xiaodong , Li Yingchun
Published: January 2019

Thermally conductive composites consisting of polymer/boron nitride (BN) fabricated by conventional molding method can hardly achieve high through‐plane thermal conductivities (TPTCs) because the alignment of BN sheets would orient along the direction of melt flow. Based on the characteristics of fused deposition modeling (FDM), we design three printing methods to research on the orientation of BN sheets. In this article, enhanced TPTC samples of PA6/BN composites with vertical alignment of BN are achieved by FDM, and the maximum of TPTC of samples is 2.03 W·m−1·K−1. Suitable design can reduce the negative effects of voids produced during the deposition of filaments. It's proved that FDM is an effective method to fabricate high TPTC products using less fillers by reasonable design. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3375–3382, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
The impact on Australian women of lack of choice of breast reconstruction options: A qualitative study
Authors: Flitcroft Kathy L. , Brennan Meagan E. , Spillane Andrew J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Many studies have demonstrated the positive impact of breast reconstruction (BR) on women following mastectomy for breast cancer. However, women's preferences for BR are not always considered by surgeons prior to mastectomy. The aim of this research is threefold: to document the negative impact lack of choice has had on some Australian women; to explore potential reasons for the absence of informed discussion; and to develop a prompt list of discussion topics to aid informed decision making.

Methods

This research is part of a larger study using semistructured telephone or face‐to‐face interviews with women with breast cancer, surgeons, and health professionals to explore ways of improving access to BR. This article focuses on responses from all 22 women who reported negative BR experiences and seven of 31 surgeons who had made comments relevant to limiting BR discussion and choice.

Results

The impact of a lack of information or choice at the time of mastectomy was often extreme and long‐term. Breast surgeons are the gate keepers to accessing BR but too often appeared to limit women's choices. Interviews revealed cases where BR was not offered prior to mastectomy, even though it was available locally; where BR was not available locally, but patients were not informed about BR options available in other locations; where only delayed BR options were discussed; and where the type of BR being offered did not match patient preferences.

Conclusion

We have suggested essential BR discussion points to be raised with all clinically eligible women interested in considering BR.
From synthetic control to natural products: a focus on N‐heterocycles
Authors: Prandi Cristina , Occhiato Ernesto G
Published: January 2019

Natural products containing a N‐heterocycle motif are widespread in nature and medicinal plants, in particular, have proved to be a source of almost unlimited N‐derived structures with high molecular diversity. Because of their intrinsic potential for use in both biomedical and agricultural applications, there is a general need for new compounds and for the synthesis of ‘natural‐inspired’ analogues. Importantly, transition of a natural product from discovery to a ‘market lead’ is associated with an increasingly challenging demand for more of the compound, which cannot be met by isolation from natural plant sources, often due to low extraction yields and uneven availability of the plant source itself. Synthesis remains the most reliable approach to provide valuable products for the market. In this review, a comprehensive overview of our contribution to synthetic access to N‐derived natural products is given. Major strengths of the proposed methodologies are discussed critically. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Hydration Procedure of Fumed Silica Precursor on the Formation of Luminescent Carbon Centers in SiO2:C Nanocomposites
Authors: Vasin Andrii , Kysil Dmytro , Isaieva Oksana , Rudko Galyna , Virnyi Dmytro , Sevostianov Stanislav , Tertykh Valentyn , Piryatinski Yuri P. , Starik Sergii , Vaccaro Lavinia , Cannas Marco , Lysenko Volodymyr , Nazarov Alexei
Published: January 2019

The effect of hydration procedure of fumed silica precursor on photoluminescent properties of carbonized silica (SiO2:C) nanocomposite after chemo/thermal treatments is studied. Main structural effect is the formation of chemical bonding of phenyl groups to silica surface via multiple CSiO bonding bridges. Synthesized samples demonstrate very broad photoluminescence (PL) bands in near ultraviolet and visible ranges with maximum intensity dependent on temperature of thermal annealing. Two main trends in luminescence properties are: 1) hydration‐induced blue shift of PL in comparison with PL of unhydrated series; 2) red shift of PL bands with increasing synthesis temperature regardless hydration procedure. Temperature dependent evolution of light emission bands is discussed in terms of surface carbon nanoclusters formation and aggregation processes. It is assumed that blue shift of PL bands in the hydrated series is associated with the decreased surface mobility of carbon atoms and clusters as a result of increased chemical bonding with silica surface that slows down carbon thermally stimulated clusterization/aggregation processes.
Scaling of the Fermi‐Edge Singularity in Quantum Dots
Authors: Kühne Jan K. , Haug Rolf J.
Published: January 2019

The transport characteristics of resonant tunneling through self‐assembled InAs quantum dots is explored. Changing the tunneling direction of the electrons leads to major differences in their behavior. By analyzing magnetotransport and shot noise measurements, this effect can be ascribed to different dimensionalities in the leads. In particular we are interested in the Fermi‐edge singularity, which is studied by its noise and temperature behavior.
Exploring Chemical Bonding in Phase‐Change Materials with Orbital‐Based Indicators
Authors: Konze Philipp M. , Dronskowski Richard , Deringer Volker L.
Published: January 2019

The atomic‐scale structures of chalcogenide phase‐change materials (PCMs) are directly relevant for macroscopic properties and practical applications. In PCMs and throughout materials science, quantum‐mechanically based atomistic simulations and chemical‐bonding analyses are increasingly helping to understand structures and properties of solids. Here, new insights into PCMs are highlighted that have recently been obtained from orbital‐based bonding indicators—in particular, from crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis. Applications of these methods in other areas of solid‐state and materials chemistry are also discussed, from classical to emerging topics, which may have useful lessons for PCM research in store. It is hoped that this overview will inspire research in the field and enable new chemical insight into structures and properties of PCMs.
Study design aspects and inter‐subject variability in longitudinal clinical phase II dose‐finding trials
Authors: Kennes Lieven Nils , Volkers Gisela , Kralidis Georg
Published: January 2019

MCP‐Mod has been proposed as analysis method for investigating the dose‐response (DR) relationship and dose finding in clinical Phase II trials. The original methodology as well as several generalizations are well accepted by Health Authorities. In this paper, we investigate the application of the generalized MCP‐Mod approach in chronic pain, a challenging therapeutic area with primary endpoints based on patient reported outcomes, repeatedly measured over time, with high inter‐subject variability and potentially high premature discontinuation rates. In a simulation study, we investigate the impact of several study design factors on the ability to establish proof of concept, to derive information on the functional DR relationship, and to estimate target doses of interest (eg, ED80). Furthermore, different methods to derive confidence intervals for the target doses of interest are compared regarding their coverage rates and widths. Proof of concept is well established by MCP‐Mod even in longitudinal trials with high inter‐subject variability. While the most reasonable DR model is also selected in most cases, estimated target doses and their bootstrap confidence intervals have to be treated with some caution, if trial data are strongly affected by individual heterogeneity as observed in two recent chronic pain trials. We describe encountered challenges and provide recommendations for designing future dose ranging longitudinal trials with high inter‐subject variability under model uncertainty.
Rotavirus VP6 as a potential vaccine candidate
Authors: Afchangi Atefeh , Jalilvand Somayeh , Mohajel Nasir , Marashi Sayed Mahdi , Shoja Zabihollah
Published: January 2019

By the age of 5 years, virtually all children have been infected by group A rotavirus (RVA), which is responsible for around half million mortality annually prior to vaccination. Relatively high rate of the morbidity and mortality highlights the necessity of applying preventive procedures particularly in developing countries. Two live attenuated RVA vaccines (Rotarix and RotaTeq) are licensed and now being used in many countries worldwide. Although these vaccines are shown to reduce the mortality up to 50%, several key questions yet remained to answer. Indeed, the licensed RV vaccines were found to be less effective in countries of sub‐Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Therefore, developing next generation RVA vaccines is warranted. VP6 is highly abundant and conserved protein that forms the middle layer of RV particles and was shown to be both antigenic and immunogenic. Although it does not induce neutralizing antibodies, different VP6 preparations were found to induce homologous and cross‐reactive immune responses with partial protection from RVA replication. Although the molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated, VP6‐based RVA vaccine candidates are worthy of further consideration. This review aims to focus on different aspects of VP6 protein and its potentiality for an alternative RV vaccine against RV disease.
Concise Review: Therapeutic Potential of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Secretome and Extracellular Vesicles for Radiation-Induced Lung Injury: Progress and Hypotheses
Authors: Xu Siguang , Liu Cong , Ji Hong-Long
Published: January 2019

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication in radiotherapy of thoracic tumors and limits the therapeutic dose of radiation that can be given to effectively control tumors. RILI develops through a complex pathological process, resulting in induction and activation of various cytokines, infiltration by inflammatory cells, cytokine-induced activation of fibroblasts, and subsequent tissue remodeling by activated fibroblasts, ultimately leading to impaired lung function and respiratory failure. Increasing evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may play a main role in modulating inflammation and immune responses, promoting survival and repair of damaged resident cells and enhancing regeneration of damaged tissue through soluble paracrine factors and therapeutic extracellular vesicles. Therefore, the use of the MSC-derived secretome and exosomes holds promising potential for RILI therapy. Here, we review recent progress on the potential mechanisms of MSC therapy for RILI, with an emphasis on soluble paracrine factors of MSCs. Hypotheses on how MSC derived exosomes or MSC-released exosomal miRNAs could attenuate RILI are also proposed. Problems and translational challenges of the therapies based on the MSC-derived secretome and exosomes are further summarized and underline the need for caution on rapid clinical translation. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:344–354
Schiff Bases of 2,5‐Thiophenedicarboxaldehyde as Corrosion Inhibitor for Stainless Steel under Acidic Medium: Experimental, Quantum Chemical and Surface Studies
Authors: Vikneshvaran Sekar , Velmathi Sivan
Published: January 2019

Corrosion of stainless steel (SS) under acidic medium were studied with and without the presence of N′,N′′′‐(thiophene‐2,5‐diylbis(methanylylidene))di(isonicotinohydrazide) (SS1) and 2,2′‐(thiophene‐2,5‐diylbis(methanylylidene))bis(N‐phenylhydrazinecarbo thioamide) (SS2). Different techniques like weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were employed to demonstrate the corrosion inhibitive behaviour of studied Schiff bases. Results of all the experiments proved that SS2 functions as more convincing inhibitor than SS1 under the studied condition. Corrosion inhibition performance of Schiff base with more sulphur atoms (SS2) against corrosion of SS under acidic medium is comparatively high. Theoretical analysis was further implemented to derive various molecular parameters of the Schiff bases. Energy values of molecular orbitals such as EHOMO, ELUMO and ΔE etc. have provided helpful information regarding electron transfer during adsorption of Schiff bases on stainless steel surface.
Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds to Saturated Alcohols as Catalyzed by Iridium Complexes of Tricyclic Bioxazoline‐Fused Imidazole‐Derived N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands
Authors: Ramasamy Balasubramaniyam , P Prakasham. A. , Gangwar Manoj Kumar , Ghosh Prasenjit
Published: January 2019

A series of chiral iridium(I) (1‐3)e complexes of bioxazoline fused imidazole derived N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands successfully carried out asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of α, β‐unsaturated ketones in good to excellent yields (ca. 36‐91%) and in low enantioselectivites (ca. 5‐31% ee) at 1 mol % of the catalyst (1‐3)e loading in the presence of NaOH as a base in i‐PrOH at 75° C in 3 hours of reaction time. The iridium(I) (1‐3)e complexes were synthesized directly from the bioxazoline fused imidazole derived NHC precursors namely {(3R,7R)‐3,7‐di‐R‐2,3,7,8‐tetrahydrodioxazolo[3,2‐c:3′,2′‐e]imidazol‐4‐ium trifluoromethanesulfonate, R=s‐butyl (1 d), i‐butyl (2 d), i‐propyl (3 d)} by the treatment with {(COD)IrCl}2 (COD=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) in presence of t‐BuOK as a base at room temperature. The chiral bioxazoline fused imidazole NHC ligand precursors (1‐3)d were synthesized from the commercially available optically pure amino acids by a sequence of reactions without requiring any chiral resolution.
Versatile and Switchable Responsive Properties of a Lanthanide‐Viologen Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Gong Teng , Sui Qi , Li Peng , Meng Xian‐Fu , Zhou Li‐Jiao , Chen Jinquan , Xu Jianhua , Wang Lin , Gao En‐Qing
Published: January 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) provide intriguing platforms for the design of responsive materials. It is challenging to mobilize as many components as possible of a MOF to collaboratively accomplish multiple responsive properties. Here, reversible photochromism, piezochromism, hydrochromism, ionochromism, and luminescence modulation of an ionic Eu(III) MOF is reported furnished by cationic electron‐deficient viologen units and exchangeable guest anions. Mechanistically, the extraordinarily versatile responsive properties are owed to electron transfer (ET), charge transfer (CT), and energy transfer, involving viologen as electron acceptor, anion as electron donor, luminescing Eu(III) as energy donor, and anion‐viologen CT complex or ET‐generated radical as energy acceptor (luminescence quencher). Moreover, guest anions and waters provide flexible handles to control the ET‐based responsive properties. Water release/reuptake or exchange with organic solvents can switch on/off the response to light, while reversible anion exchange can disenable or awaken the responses to pressure, light, and water release/reuptake. The impacts of water and anions on ET are justified by the high polarity and hydrogen‐bonding capability of water, the different electron donor strength of anions, and the strong I−‐viologen CT interactions. The rich responsive behaviors have great implications for applications such as pressure sensors, iodide detection, and chemical logic gates.
Locally Controlled Growth of Individual Lambda‐Shaped Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Lutz Christian , Bog Uwe , Loritz Tobias , Syurik Julia , Malik Sharali , Kumar Chethala Neelakandhan Shyam , Kübel Christian , Bruns Michael , Greiner Christian , Hirtz Michael , Hölscher Hendrik
Published: January 2019

The locally defined growth of carbon nanofibers with lambda shape in an open flame process is demonstrated. Via the growth time, the geometry of the structures can be tailored to a Λ‐ or λ‐type shape. Microchannel cantilever spotting and dip‐pen nanolithography are utilized for the deposition of catalytic salt NiCl2 · 6H2O for locally controlled growth of lambda‐shaped carbon nanofibers. Rigorous downscaling reveals a critical catalytic salt volume of 0.033 µm³, resulting in exactly one lambda‐shaped carbon nanofiber at a highly predefined position. An empirical model explains the observed growth process.
A Sequential Slot‐Die Coated Ternary System Enables Efficient Flexible Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Wang Guodong , Wang Yuheng , Xiao Tong , Adil Muhammad Abdullah , Lu Guanghao , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang
Published: January 2019

For the preparation of flexible organic solar cells (OSCs), the Roll‐to‐Roll slot‐die coating technique is preferable. Herein, a sequential slot‐die (SSD) coating strategy to fabricate flexible OSCs using non halogenated solvent under ambient atmosphere, is developed. The coating order of the active layer materials shows great influence on the performance of OSCs. It is found that, compared with the one‐step coating, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of devices with an area of 0.75 cm2, and fabricated by SSD coating process with the polymer as the first layer, is enhanced from 4.86 to 5.51% for the binary system, whereas from 6.09 to 7.32% for the ternary system, showing an increase of 13 and 20% in PCE, respectively. For the devices with a standard small area of 4 mm2 and large area of 1 cm2, PCE as high as 9.36 and 7.11% are obtained, respectively, which are among the top value for flexible devices fabricated by slot‐die coating. It turns out that the SSD coating process with the polymer as the first layer assists pre‐aggregation of the polymer to form better crystal domains with face‐on orientation. Therefore, a sequential deposition strategy could provide a new means for manufacturing the high efficiency flexible OSCs.
Performance of aged reinforced concrete columns under simulated seismic loading
Authors: Rajput Aditya S. , Sharma Umesh K.
Published: January 2019

Experimental investigations were carried out to examine the seismic performance of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) columns with sparsely distributed ties (under‐confined columns). Four full‐scale specimens were cast, corroded, and tested in this study. One specimen followed current seismic guidelines and acted as control column, while other three columns with larger tie spacing represented precode era under‐confined columns. Two of the three under‐confined columns were corroded to 15 and 30% corrosion degrees using a precalibrated accelerated corrosion regime. The entire study was intended to quantify the effect of inadequate confinement and corrosion on seismic response of RC columns. The results showed that the sparsely distributed transverse reinforcement resulted in lowering lateral strength and deformability of RC Columns. When these under‐confined columns were deteriorated by corrosion, their structural performance was found to have degraded significantly. It was observed that the specimens with 15 and 30% corrosion had 23 and 37.1% lower lateral load capacity respectively with respect to their un‐corroded counterpart. Furthermore, the observed lower values of ductility factors and other essential performance indicators manifested the adverse effects of inadequate confining reinforcement and aging‐related corrosion.
Static and dynamic mechanical properties of eco‐friendly polyvinyl alcohol fiber‐reinforced ultra‐high‐strength concrete
Authors: Zhang Renbo , Jin Liu , Tian Yudong , Dou Guoqin , Du Xiuli
Published: January 2019

An eco‐friendly polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber‐reinforced ultra‐high‐strength concrete (PFR‐UHSC) was designed and mixed to evaluate its static and dynamic mechanical properties in this study. A lower water‐to‐binder ratio of 0.22 and a superplasticizer were used to guarantee the performance of PFR‐UHSC, while several industrial by‐products were involved to reduce the negative environmental impact of concrete. Four volume fraction of PVA fibers (Vf = 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) were included in the experiment and steel fiber‐reinforced ultra‐high‐strength concrete (SFR‐UHSC) with Vf = 1.0% was also tested as a comparison. Experiment results show that although less ductile than SFR‐UHSC, PFR‐UHSC exhibits relatively good ductility, toughness, and deformability under static loadings. Namely, splitting tensile and flexural strengths as well as flexural toughness of PFR‐UHSC are significantly improved by the incorporation of PVA fibers while no obvious variation is viewed for Young's modulus. And even, the compressive strength of PFR‐UHSC decreases slightly with the increasing PVA fiber dosage. When subjected to dynamic loadings with lower strain rates, PFR‐UHSC displays a better performance than SFR‐UHSC in terms of failure patterns, while a reverse behavior is observed for high strain rate. Affected by introduction of PVA fiber, the enhancement of strain rate for compressive strength of PFR‐UHSC is lower than that for ordinary concrete but higher than that for SFR‐UHSC. Besides, although having a slightly lower compressive toughness, the energy absorption capacity of PFR‐UHSC is similar to that of SFR‐UHSC.
Experimental response and fiber‐reinforced cement composites strengthening of real reinforced concrete columns with poor‐quality concrete
Authors: Del Vecchio Ciro , Di Ludovico Marco , Balsamo Alberto , Prota Andrea , Cosenza Edoardo
Published: January 2019

Poor‐quality concrete and a lack of transverse reinforcement commonly characterize the reinforced concrete (RC) structures built during the past century in the Mediterranean area. However, very few experiments have investigated the performance of structural members of that kind. Moreover, the design of repair and retrofit solutions using available techniques could be challenging due to the weakness of the concrete substrate. This paper reports on the experimental response and the repair and retrofit of existing RC columns with poor‐quality concrete. In particular, it presents and discusses the outcomes of three tests on two RC columns extracted from a real building that was severely damaged by the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake and was, as a result, demolished. The concrete compressive strengths resulting from in situ and laboratory material characterization tests are used to predict the axial strength of the sampled columns. An innovative application of fiber‐reinforced cement composites (FRCC) for the repair and retrofit of damaged columns is proposed and validated experimentally. The results reveal that this material is effective when it comes to recovering and improving the axial capacity of damaged RC members. Practical suggestions to account for the confinement effect of the thin FRCC jacketing in available analytical formulations are discussed.
Distinct Phenotypes of Native Cutthroat Trout Emerge under a Molecular Model of Lineage Distributions
Authors: Bestgen Kevin R. , Rogers Kevin B. , Granger Robert
Published: January 2019

Recent molecular investigations using contemporary and century‐old museum specimens questioned the traditional four‐subspecies taxonomic arrangement of Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii in the southern Rocky Mountains and revealed six lineages, including two that are likely extinct. We examined extant lineage specimens to determine whether morpho‐meristic taxonomic approaches better classified Cutthroat Trout under (1) the traditional Geographic Model, which recognizes different subspecies east and west of the Continental Divide and in the Rio Grande basin; or (2) the Molecular Model, which uses genotypes to assign populations to four lineages. Classification success of the Molecular Model was higher than that of the Geographic Model, whether comparisons involved single‐trait, principal components, or discriminant function analyses. Native east slope South Platte River trout (putative Greenback Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii stomias) were distinct and correctly classified, as were 83% of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii virginalis populations. In all, 100% of the Blue Lineage populations of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii pleuriticus (putative west slope native of the White, Yampa, Green, and downstream Colorado River drainages) and 71% of the Green Lineage populations of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (native to west slope Gunnison and Dolores River drainages and Colorado River headwaters) were correctly classified (89% overall) under the Molecular Model. Green Lineage misclassifications were mainly from morphologically and genetically distinct populations located east of the Continental Divide, whose native status remains unknown. In contrast, only 63% of those east slope and west slope Cutthroat Trout populations were correctly classified under the Geographic Model. Cohesion of distinct phenotypes and genotypes of present‐day native Cutthroat Trout lineages was remarkable given widespread and massive early stocking of various lineages outside of their native ranges. Strong congruence of morphological and molecular patterns demonstrated the power of joint morphological and molecular analyses. We encourage management that preserves diversity of these rare Cutthroat Trout lineages that evolved in concert with their environment.
Switching impulse discharge characteristics of UHV transmission line air gaps
Authors: Gao Jiachen , Wang Linong , Zhang Qiushi , Song Bin , Liu Kai , Xiao Bin
Published: January 2019

The design of external insulation for transmission lines is usually based on real‐type experiments. With the increasing voltage level of the transmission lines, in order to better design the experiments and reduce the experiment workload in the future, this paper studies the switching impulse discharge characteristics of air gaps of an ultrahigh‐voltage (UHV) transmission line. A long air gap switching impulse breakdown voltage prediction method based on the leader discharge mechanism is proposed in this paper, and a continuous leader inception model is fitted for the air gaps in UHV transmission lines by calculating the factor R of the conductor–plane gaps. The method and the model can effectively predict the air gap breakdown voltage of transmission lines. The influence of tower width and conductor structure on air gap breakdown characteristics of UHV transmission lines is studied by the method and the model proposed this paper. The results show that, as the width of the tower increases, the breakdown voltage decreases, and as the gap length increases, the influence of the tower width on the breakdown voltage decreases. The conductor structure has no obvious influence on the discharge characteristics of transmission line air gaps. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Deer harvest variation in small and large management units in Pennsylvania
Authors: Rosenberry Christopher S. , Diefenbach Duane R.
Published: January 2019

Large game management units often lead to criticisms from hunters because they assume smaller units possess less variation in wildlife populations and more closely represent their local area. In 2003, Pennsylvania, USA, replaced smaller, socio‐political county‐based management units with larger wildlife management units (WMUs). We tested the hypothesis that smaller county units possessed less variation in antlered and antlerless white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvest densities among municipalities than did larger WMUs. Spatial variation, as measured by standard deviation and coefficient of variation of deer harvested per km2 was similar for antlered deer (county units 0.44 SD, CV = 0.35; WMUs 0.43 SD, CV = 0.38) and antlerless deer (county units 0.71 SD, CV = 0.44; WMUs 0.84 SD, CV = 0.45). We found no support for the assumption that larger management units resulted in greater spatial variation in deer harvest density. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Kinetochores, cohesin, and DNA breaks: Controlling meiotic recombination within pericentromeres
Authors: Kuhl Lisa‐Marie , Vader Gerben
Published: January 2019

In meiosis, DNA break formation and repair are essential for the formation of crossovers between homologous chromosomes. Without crossover formation, faithful meiotic chromosome segregation and sexual reproduction cannot occur. Crossover formation is initiated by the programmed, meiosis‐specific introduction of numerous DNA double‐strand breaks, after which specific repair pathways promote recombination between homologous chromosomes. Despite its crucial nature, meiotic recombination is fraud with danger: When positioned or repaired inappropriately, DNA breaks can have catastrophic consequences on genome stability of the resulting gametes. As such, DNA break formation and repair needs to be carefully controlled. Within centromeres and surrounding regions (i.e., pericentromeres), meiotic crossover recombination is repressed in organisms ranging from yeast to humans, and a failure to do so is implicated in chromosome missegregation and developmental aneuploidy. (Peri)centromere sequence identity and organization diverge considerably across eukaryotes, yet suppression of meiotic DNA break formation and repair appear universal. Here, we discuss emerging work that has used budding and fission yeast systems to study the mechanisms underlying pericentromeric suppression of DNA break formation and repair. We particularly highlight a role for the kinetochore, a universally conserved, centromere‐associated structure essential for chromosome segregation, in suppressing (peri)centromeric DNA break formation and repair. We discuss the current understanding of kinetochore‐associated and chromosomal factors involved in this regulation and suggest future avenues of research.
Light cone bootstrap in general 2D CFTs and entanglement from light cone singularity
Authors: Kusuki Yuya
Published: January 2019

Abstract

The light cone OPE limit provides a significant amount of information regarding the conformal field theory (CFT), like the high-low temperature limit of the partition function. We started with the light cone bootstrap in the general CFT 2 with c > 1. For this purpose, we needed an explicit asymptotic form of the Virasoro conformal blocks in the limit z → 1, which was unknown until now. In this study, we computed it in general by studying the pole structure of the fusion matrix (or the crossing kernel). Applying this result to the light cone bootstrap, we obtained the universal total twist (or equivalently, the universal binding energy) of two particles at a large angular momentum. In particular, we found that the total twist is saturated by the value

$$ \frac{c-1}{12} $$

c
−
1

12

if the total Liouville momentum exceeds beyond the BTZ threshold. This might be interpreted as a black hole formation in AdS3.

As another application of our light cone singularity, we studied the dynamics of entanglement after a global quench and found a Renyi phase transition as the replica number was varied. We also investigated the dynamics of the 2nd Renyi entropy after a local quench.

We also provide a universal form of the Regge limit of the Virasoro conformal blocks from the analysis of the light cone singularity. This Regge limit is related to the general n-th Renyi entropy after a local quench and out of time ordered correlators.
Multiloop soft theorem for gravitons and dilatons in the bosonic string
Authors: Di Vecchia Paolo , Marotta Raffaele , Mojaza Matin
Published: January 2019

We construct, in the closed bosonic string, the multiloop amplitude involvingNtachyons and one massless particle with 26 −Dcompactified directions, and we show that at least forD> 4, the soft behaviors of the graviton and dilaton satisfy the same soft theorems as at the tree level, up to one additional term at the subsubleading order, which can only contribute to the dilaton soft behavior and which we show is zero at least at one loop. This is possible, since the infrared divergences due to the non-vanishing tachyon and dilaton tadpoles do not depend on the number of external particles and are therefore the same both in the amplitude with the soft particle and in the amplitude without the soft particle. Therefore this leaves unchanged the soft operator acting on the amplitude without the soft particle. The additional infrared divergence appearing forD≤ 4 depend on the number of external legs and must be understood on their own.
New Evidence of Skin Color Bias and Health Outcomes Using Sibling Difference Models: A Research Note
Authors: Laidley Thomas , Domingue Benjamin , Sinsub Piyapat , Harris Kathleen Mullan , Conley Dalton
Published: January 2019

In this research note, we use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to determine whether darker skin tone predicts hypertension among siblings using a family fixed-effects analytic strategy. We find that even after we account for common family background and home environment, body mass index, age, sex, and outdoor activity, darker skin color significantly predicts hypertension incidence among siblings. In a supplementary analysis using newly released genetic data from Add Health, we find no evidence that our results are biased by genetic pleiotropy, whereby differences in alleles among siblings relate to coloration and directly to cardiovascular health simultaneously. These results add to the extant evidence on color biases that are distinct from those based on race alone and that will likely only heighten in importance in an increasingly multiracial environment as categorization becomes more complex.
Female Sexual Dysfunction Among Greek Women With Multiple Sclerosis: Correlations With Organic and Psychological Factors
Authors: Konstantinidis Charalampos , Tzitzika Moira , Bantis Athanasios , Nikolia Archontia , Samarinas Michalis , Kratiras Zisis , Thomas Charalampos , Skriapas Konstantinos
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative neurological disease that usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Sexuality issues are important factors that affect the quality of life of patients.

Aim

To determine and evaluate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Greek women with MS and correlate it with organic and psychological factors.

Methods

248 consecutive women with MS, aged over 18 who admitted to our outpatient clinics from February 2016 to March 2017 were included in the study. Demographics (age, marital status, menopause status, number of children) and disease-related data such as the duration of the disease, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and medication for MS obtained.

Main Outcome Measure

All participants completed the Greek validated versions of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) questionnaires. Statistics used to estimate the prevalence of FSD and its correlation with organic (age, EDSS, duration of the disease, menopause status) and psychological factors (depression, anxiety, stress).

Results

FSD was diagnosed in 64.5% of our sample. Age was associated with most subscales of the FSFI. There was no significant correlation in FSFI subscales with the disease duration. Correlation of EDSS and FSFI scores was found to be statistically significant with a negative correlation in all subscales apart from the Satisfaction subscale. Regarding the association between DASS domains and FSFI subscales, there were no significant correlations.

Conclusion

FSD is common among Greek women; it is influenced by age, severity of disease, and it is independent of the existence of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Erectile Dysfunction in 45-Year-Old Heterosexual German Men and Associated Lifestyle Risk Factors and Comorbidities: Results from the German Male Sex Study
Authors: Hallanzy Jacqueline , Kron Martina , Goethe Veronika E. , Köhn Frank-Michael , Schmautz Maximilian , Arsov Christian , Hadaschik Boris , Imkamp Florian , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Herkommer Kathleen
Published: January 2019

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common public health issue with a significant impact on quality of life. The associations between ED and several risk factors have been reported previously. The continuously increasing incidence of these factors is contributing to the increasing prevalence of ED.

Aim

To assess ED prevalence and severity in a representative sample of 45-year-old German men and to analyze the association with risk factors (lifestyle risk factors/comorbidities).

Methods

Data were collected within the German Male Sex-Study. Randomly selected 45-year-old men were invited. A total of 10,135 Caucasian, heterosexual, sexually active men were included in this analysis. The self-reported prevalence of ED was assessed using the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function. Risk factors for ED were ascertained using self-report questionnaires. An anamnesis interview and a short physical examination were performed.

Main Outcome Measure

ED prevalence and severity were evaluated in a cross-sectional design. The associations of ED with comorbidities (eg, depression, diabetes, hypertension, lower urinary tract symptoms) and lifestyle factors (ie, smoking, obesity, central obesity, physical inactivity, and poor self-perceived health-status) were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

The overall prevalence of ED was 25.2% (severe, 3.1%; moderate, 9.2%; mild to moderate, 4.2%; mild, 8.7%). Among the men with ED, 48.8% had moderate or severe symptoms. ED prevalence increased with the number of risk factors, to as high as 68.7% in men with 5–8 risk factors. In multiple logistic regression with backward elimination, the strongest associations with ED were found for depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87), poor self-perceived health status (OR = 1.72), lower urinary tract symptoms (OR = 1.68), and diabetes (OR = 1.38).

Conclusion

One out of 4 men already had symptoms of ED at age 45. Almost one-half of the men with ED had moderate to severe symptoms. ED was strongly associated with each analyzed risk factor, and the prevalence and severity of ED increased with an increasing number of risk factors.
Discovery of Novel Androgen Receptor Ligands by Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Bioassays
Authors: Zhou Wenfang , Duan Mojie , Fu Weitao , Pang Jinping , Tang Qin , Sun Huiyong , Xu Lei , Chang Shan , Li Dan , Hou Tingjun
Published: January 2019

Androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of many severe diseases such as prostate cancer, muscle atrophy, and osteoporosis. Binding of ligands to AR triggers the conformational changes in AR that may affect the recruitment of coactivators and downstream response of AR signaling pathway. Therefore, AR ligands have great potential to treat these diseases. In this study, we searched for novel AR ligands by performing a docking-based virtual screening (VS) on the basis of the crystal structure of the AR ligand binding domain (LBD) in complex with its agonist. A total of 58 structurally diverse compounds were selected and subjected to LBD affinity assay, with five of them (HBP1-3, HBP1-17, HBP1-38, HBP1-51, and HBP1-58) exhibiting strong binding to AR-LBD. The IC50 values of HBP1-51 and HBP1-58 are 3.96 µM and 4.92 µM, respectively, which are even lower than that of enzalutamide (Enz, IC50 = 13.87 µM), a marketed second-generation AR antagonist. Further bioactivity assays suggest that HBP1-51 is an AR agonist, whereas HBP1-58 is an AR antagonist. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and principal components analysis (PCA) were carried out to reveal the binding principle of the newly-identified AR ligands toward AR. Our modeling results indicate that the conformational changes of helix 12 induced by the bindings of antagonist and agonist are visibly different. In summary, the current study provides a highly efficient way to discover novel AR ligands, which could serve as the starting point for development of new therapeutics for AR-related diseases.