bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Master Equation Approach to Singlet Fission Dynamics in Pentacene Linear Aggregate Models: Size Dependences of Excitonic Coupling Effects
Authors: Nakano Masayoshi , Nagami Takanori , Tonami Takayoshi , Okada Kenji , Ito Soichi , Kishi Ryohei , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Kubo Takashi
Published: September 2018

The singlet fission (SF) dynamics of pentacene linear aggregate models are investigated using the quantum master equation method by focusing on the Frenkel excitonic (FE) coupling effects on the SF rate and double triplet (TT) yield as well as on their aggregate size dependences. It is found that for the dimer model, unrealistically large FE couplings are needed to provide significant effects on the SF dynamics, while for the larger aggregate models a realistic FE coupling causes significant variations in the SF dynamics: as increasing the aggregate size, the SF rate rapidly increases, attains the maximum at 8‐mer (~3 times enhancement as compared to the non‐FE‐coupling case) and then decreases, approaching a stationary value after 12‐mer, although the stationary TT yield at 20‐mer remains slightly smaller than that in the non‐FE‐coupling case. These features are explained based on the relative relaxation factors between the adiabatic exciton states. The present results contribute to constructing the design guidelines for highly efficient SF aggregates. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relative pKa of some anilinium derivatives in methanol, acetonitrile, and tetrahydrofurane solvents
Authors: Ghalami‐Choobar Bahram , Ghiami‐Shomami Ali , Fereidoonzadeh Masoomeh
Published: September 2018

In this study, the relative pKa values of nine anilinium derivatives in methanol (MeOH), acetonitrile (AN), and tetrahydrofurane (THF) solutions were successfully calculated with mean absolute deviations of 0.63, 0.68, and 0.75 pKa units, respectively. To this aim, their gas‐phase basicities were computed using the CBS‐QB3 composite method. Also, conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) with UAHF, UAKS and UA0 cavities and SM8 solvation models at HF/6‐31+G(d) level of theory were applied for the calculation of the solvation Gibbs free energies. The obtained results indicate that there is reliable correlation between the experimental and computed pKa values in the studied solutions. Therefore, to extend the pKa database for anilines, correlation equations were used to predict the pKa values in the investigated solvents.
Synthesis of a palladium complex bearing 2‐phenylbenzothiazole and its application to Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Kosuru Someswara Rao , Lai Hsin‐Yu , Yang Chien‐Yi , Senadi Gopal Chandru , Lai Yi‐Chun , Chen Hsuan‐Ying
Published: September 2018

The palladacycle complex [LsPdOAc]2 bearing 2‐phenyl benzothiazole was synthesized and characterized by NMR and X‐ray crystallography. [LsPdOAc]2 was used as a catalyst in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reaction of 4‐bromotoluene with phenylboronic acid, which resulted in a conversion of >90% with 5 mol% of the Pd complex within 10 min at 60°C.
Bimetallic Ru(II)–Ir(III) complexes with bridging 2,2′‐bipyrimidine: Synthesis, structures and characterization
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Liu Yuancheng , Yu Pengfei
Published: September 2018

In this work, four bimetallic Ru(II)–Ir(III) complexes with the general formula [(bpy)2Ru(bpm)Ir(C^N)2](PF6)3 (bpy = 2,2‐bipyridine, bpm = 2,2′‐bipyrimidine, C^N = 2‐phenylpyridinato (2), (2‐p‐tolyl)pyridinato (3), 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridinato (4), and 2‐thienylpyridinato (5)) were synthesized. Complexes 2–5 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The structures of the complexes 2 and 4 were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. All the complexes display strong absorption in the high‐energy UV region assigned to intraligand (IL) transitions, and the lower energy bands are ascribed to metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. The reduction and oxidation behavior of the complexes 2–5 were examined by cyclic voltammetry. Variation of the ligands on Ir(III) center resulted in significant changes in electrochemical properties.
Adolescent pregnancy at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation: a critical barrier to retention on ART
Authors: Nuwagaba‐Biribonwoha Harriet , Kiragga Agnes N , Yiannoutsos Constantin T , Musick Beverly S , Wools‐Kaloustian Kara K , Ayaya Samuel , Wolf Hilary , Lugina Emmanuel , Ssali John , Abrams Elaine J , Elul Batya ,   the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) East Africa Collaboration
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Adolescence and pregnancy are potential risk factors for loss to follow‐up (LTFU) while on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We compared adolescent and adult LTFU after ART initiation to quantify the impact of age, pregnancy, and site‐level factors on LTFU.

Methods

We used routine clinical data for patients initiating ART as young adolescents (YA; 10 to 14 years), older adolescents (OA; 15 to 19 years) and adults (≥20 years) from 2000 to 2014 at 52 health facilities affiliated with the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) East Africa collaboration. We estimated cumulative incidence (95% confidence interval, CI) of LTFU (no clinic visit for ≥6 months after ART initiation) and identified patient and site‐level correlates of LTFU, using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for all patients as well as individual age groups.

Results

A total of 138,387 patients initiated ART, including 2496 YA, 2955 OA and 132,936 adults. Of these, 55%, 78% and 66%, respectively, were female and 0.7% of YA, 22.3% of OA and 8.3% of adults were pregnant at ART initiation. Cumulative incidence of LTFU at five years was 26.6% (24.6 to 28.6) among YA, 44.1% (41.8 to 46.3) among OA and 29.3% (29.1 to 29.6) among adults. Overall, compared to adults, the adjusted hazard ratio, aHR, (95% CI) of LTFU for OA was 1.54 (1.41 to 1.68) and 0.77 (0.69 to 0.86) for YA. Compared to males, pregnant females had higher hazard of LTFU, aHR 1.20 (1.14 to 1.27), and nonpregnant women had lower hazard aHR 0.90 (0.88 to 0.93). LTFU hazard among the OA was primarily driven by both pregnant and nonpregnant females, aHR 2.42 (1.98 to 2.95) and 1.51 (1.27 to 1.80), respectively, compared to men. The LTFU hazard ratio varied by IeDEA program. Site‐level factors associated with overall lower LTFU hazard included receiving care in tertiary versus primary‐care clinics aHR 0.61 (0.56 to 0.67), integrated adult and adolescent services and food ration provision aHR 0.93 (0.89 to 0.97) versus nonintegrated clinics with food ration provision, having patient support groups aHR 0.77 (0.66 to 0.90) and group adherence counselling aHR 0.61 (0.57 to 0.67).

Conclusions

Older adolescents experienced higher risk of LTFU compared to YA and adults. Interventions to prevent LTFU among older adolescents are critically needed, particularly for female and/or pregnant adolescents.
Disentangling horizontal pay dispersion: Experimental evidence
Authors: Conroy Samantha A. , Gupta Nina
Published: September 2018

Although horizontal pay dispersion has been explored extensively using cross‐sectional field methods, it has received little attention using the control available through experimental designs. Many of the questions relevant to pay dispersion research can be addressed by taking an individual‐level experimental approach because this allows for clean separation of pay policies and individual effects. In this paper, we hypothesize both the motivation‐based and affect‐based effects of pay dispersion policies and test our hypotheses with a sample of over 400 participants in a real‐pay, real‐effort experiment. Results of the experiment provide support that two pay dispersion‐related pay policies, performance‐based pay dispersion and allocation criteria, have unique effects. Whereas motivation and performance effects are direct, pay satisfaction and interest in continuing work effects are the result of interactions, incorporating the performance level of workers. In follow‐up analyses, we find evidence that the temporal nature of responses to pay dispersion should be incorporated into future studies of pay dispersion.
NaCl stress on physio‐biochemical metabolism and antioxidant capacity in germinated hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Ma Yan , Wang Pei , Chen Zhijie , Gu Zhenxin , Yang Runqiang
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Hulless barley generally grows in barren fields, where soil salinization is serious. However, only a few studies have been carried out investigating germinated hulless barley under salt stress. In the present study, the effect of NaCl stress on the physio‐biochemical metabolism and antioxidant capacity of germinated hulless barley was investigated.

RESULTS

NaCl stress inhibited seedling growth and caused oxidative damage, although it enhanced the accumulation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The highest contents of total phenolic and main phenolic acids (vanillic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid and sinapic acid) were found with 60 mmol L−1 NaCl treatment, whereas 120 mmol L−1 NaCl inhibited the synthesis of phenolic components. Gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamic acid 4‐hydroxylase (C4H), 4‐coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4CL), p‐coumaric acid 3‐hdroxylase (C3H) and caffeic acid/5‐hydroxyferulic acid O‐methyltransferase (COMT), which participated in the synthesis of phenolic compounds, was up‐regulated by NaCl stress, as were the enzyme activities of PAL, C4H and 4CL. NaCl treatment also enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of germinated hulless barley.

CONCLUSION

NaCl stress inhibited seedlings growth and caused oxidative damage. Simultaneously, the antioxidant system of germinated hulless barley was enhanced. The results of the present study provide a theoretical basis with respect to the growth of hulless barley under salt stress. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A Nationwide Survey of Parkinson's Disease Medicines Availability and Affordability in Nigeria
Authors: Okubadejo Njideka U. , Ojo Oluwadamilola O. , Wahab Kolawole W. , Abubakar Sani A. , Obiabo Olugbo Y. , Salawu Fatai K. , Nwazor Ernest O. , Agabi Osigwe P. , Oshinaike Olajumoke O.
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives

Limited access to medicines can impact negatively on outcomes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study objectives were to determine the availability and assess the affordability of antiparkinsonian medications in pharmacies across Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional nationwide study utilizing the World Health Organization/Health Action Initiative methodology. Strategically selected private‐ and public‐sector pharmacies in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria were surveyed for availability of medicines for management of early and advanced PD. The nine categories were: levodopa/peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors, dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors, anticholinergics, catechol‐o‐methyl transferase inhibitors, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, antidementia drugs, and miscellaneous (e.g., drugs for orthostatism, urinary incontinence, and sleep disturbance). Unaffordability was defined as paying more than 1 days' wages (>N600 or > US$1.67) for a standard 30‐day supply.

Results

One hundred twenty‐three pharmacies were surveyed (62 private [50.4%] and 61 public sector [49.6%]; range of 15–25 pharmacies in each geopolitical zone). Private exceeded public‐sector availability across all nine categories of PD medicines (P < 0.05). The most available medicines were dopamine receptor agonists (68.3%; predominantly ergot‐derived bromocriptine), anticholinergics (56.1%; mainly trihexyphenidyl), and l‐dopa formulations (48%; mainly 250/25 l‐dopa/carbidopa). Only two medications (trihexyphenidyl tablets and biperiden injection) were affordable. The average number of day's minimum wages for a 30‐day supply of PD medicines was 41.3 days (range, 1–371).

Conclusions

PD medicines access is limited in Nigeria. Strategies, including engagement of stakeholders to consider interventions to improve and prioritize PD medicines access, are urgently warranted.
Frequency of mood and anxiety fluctuations in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations: A systematic review
Authors: van der Velden Rachel M. J. , Broen Martijn P. G. , Kuijf Mark L. , Leentjens Albert F. G.
Published: September 2018

After 5 years of treatment with levodopa, approximately 40% to 50% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop motor complications such as dyskinesias or motor fluctuations. These are often accompanied by nonmotor fluctuations, such as fluctuations in mood symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the frequency of such mood fluctuations in PD patients with motor fluctuations and to explore the association between these mood fluctuations and motor fluctuations. We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library. This search yielded 10 studies, of which 9 were included after quality assessment. The frequency of anxiety fluctuations in PD patients with motor fluctuations ranged from 3.1% to 67.7% with a weighted mean of 35.4%. The frequency of fluctuations in depressive symptoms ranged from 2.1% to 71.4%, with a weighted mean of 34.9%. The frequency of fluctuations in symptoms of panic ranged from 3.1% to 54.5%, with a weighted mean of 37.1%. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are mostly present in the “off” state. We conclude that mood fluctuations occur frequently in PD patients with motor fluctuations. The methodology used to assess mood fluctuation varies widely and there is a lack of a generally accepted assessment procedure for fluctuating symptoms. Research would benefit from a more uniform approach to assessment of nonmotor fluctuations. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Joint Commission releases first data‐driven estimate of U.S. hospital suicides
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2018

An analysis of national data sets found the numbers of suicides in U.S. hospitals fewer than widely cited estimates, according to a new report by The Joint Commission. The new study represents the first data‐driven estimate of the number of suicides in hospitals and inpatient settings in the United States. The findings are currently published online and will appear in the November issue of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.
Survey with input by people with lived experiences to inform research
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2018

Preliminary survey results from anonymous participants living with depression and bipolar disorder reveal that more than a quarter began experiencing symptoms before age 12, challenging the current norm regarding age of onset and suggesting that pre‐adolescent treatment may be needed.
Zero Suicide hosted fourth annual summit in Rotterdam
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2018

The Zero Suicide Summit, an initiative and global movement to address suicide prevention in health and behavioral health care systems, was held Sept. 3–4 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. More than 100 suicide prevention experts and professionals representing 20 countries attended the summit.
Effects of Self‐Conditioning Techniques (Self‐Hypnosis) in Promoting Weight Loss in Patients with Severe Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bo Simona , Rahimi Farnaz , Goitre Ilaria , Properzi Bice , Ponzo Valentina , Regaldo Giuseppe , Boschetti Stefano , Fadda Maurizio , Ciccone Giovannino , Abbate Daga Giovanni , Mengozzi Giulio , Evangelista Andrea , De Francesco Antonella , Belcastro Sara , Broglio Fabio
Published: September 2018

Objective

The usefulness of the rapid‐induction techniques of hypnosis as an adjunctive weight‐loss treatment has not been defined. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether self‐conditioning techniques (self‐hypnosis) added to lifestyle interventions contributed to weight loss (primary outcome), changes in metabolic and inflammatory variables, and quality of life (QoL) improvement (secondary outcomes) in severe obesity.

Methods

Individuals (with BMI = 35‐50 kg/m2) without organic or psychiatric comorbidity were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 60) or control arm (n = 60). All received exercise and behavioral recommendations and individualized diets. The intervention consisted of three hypnosis sessions, during which self‐hypnosis was taught to increase self‐control before eating. Diet, exercise, satiety, QoL, anthropometric measurements, and blood variables were collected and measured at enrollment and at 1 year (trial end).

Results

A similar weight loss was observed in the intervention (−6.5 kg) and control (−5.6 kg) arms (β = −0.45; 95% CI: −3.78 to 2.88; P = 0.79). However, habitual hypnosis users lost more weight (−9.6 kg; β = −10.2; 95% CI: −14.2 to −6.18; P < 0.001) and greatly reduced their caloric intake (−682.5 kcal; β = −643.6; 95% CI: −1064.0 to −223.2; P = 0.005) in linear regression models. At trial end, the intervention arm showed lower C‐reactive protein values (β = −2.55; 95% CI: −3.80 to −1.31; P < 0.001), higher satiety (β = 19.2; 95% CI: 7.71‐30.6; P = 0.001), and better QoL (β = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02‐0.16; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Self‐hypnosis was not associated with differences in weight change but was associated with improved satiety, QoL, and inflammation. Indeed, habitual hypnosis users showed a greater weight loss.
Associations of Maternal Diabetes During Pregnancy with Overweight in Offspring: Results from the Prospective TEDDY Study
Authors: Pitchika Anitha , Vehik Kendra , Hummel Sandra , Norris Jill M. , Uusitalo Ulla M. , Yang Jimin , Virtanen Suvi M. , Koletzko Sibylle , Andrén Aronsson Carin , Ziegler Anette‐G. , Beyerlein Andreas ,   the TEDDY study group
Published: September 2018

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between different forms of, and potential pathways between, maternal diabetes and childhood obesity at different ages.

Methods: Prospective cohort data from The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study, which was composed of 5,324 children examined from 0.25 to 6 years of age, were analyzed. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses taking into account potential confounders and effect modifiers such as maternal prepregnancy BMI and birth weight z scores were performed.

Results: Offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) showed a higher BMI standard deviation score and increased risk for overweight and obesity at 5.5 years of age than offspring of mothers without diabetes. While these associations could be substantially explained by maternal prepregnancy BMI in offspring of mothers with GDM, significant associations disappeared after adjustment for birth weight z scores in offspring of T1DM mothers. Furthermore, overweight risk became stronger with increasing age in offspring of mothers with diabetes compared with offspring of mothers without diabetes.

Conclusions: Maternal diabetes is associated with increased risk of offspring overweight, and the association appears to get stronger as children grow older. Indeed, intrauterine exposure to maternal T1DM may predispose children to later obesity through increased birth weight, while maternal BMI is more important in children exposed to GDM.
The Mediating Role of Sleep Quality and Quantity in the Link Between Food Insecurity and Obesity Across Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Narcisse Marie‐Rachelle , Long Christopher R. , Felix Holly , Rowland Brett , Bursac Zoran , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The objective of the study was to examine the mediating role of sleep quality and quantity in the relationship between food insecurity and obesity across races/ethnicities.

Methods

Bivariate negative binomial regression and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine direct associations between food insecurity and sleep quality and quantity among non‐Hispanic Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (NHPI) relative to non‐Hispanic White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic individuals with obesity. The potential outcomes approach and adjusted Wald test were used to explore the mediating role of sleep quality and quantity and the moderating role of race/ethnicity, respectively.

Results

Among adults with obesity, the study found a positive and direct relationship between food insecurity and trouble falling asleep in each racial/ethnic group. Trouble staying asleep was associated with food insecurity in each racial/ethnic group, except in the Asian group. Positive and direct associations were observed between food insecurity and short/very short sleep. A positive and direct relationship was found between food insecurity and having obesity in each racial/ethnic group, except in the Black group. Sleep quality and sleep quantity partially mediated the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in non‐Hispanic NHPI, White, Asian, and Hispanic individuals. Race/ethnicity moderated the indirect effects of food insecurity on sleep quality and quantity.

Conclusions

Food security and sleep hygiene should be an integral part of the fight against obesity.
Features and Trajectories of Eating Behavior in Weight‐Loss Maintenance: Results from the German Weight Control Registry
Authors: Neumann Maria , Holzapfel Christina , Müller Astrid , Hilbert Anja , Crosby Ross D. , de Zwaan Martina
Published: September 2018

Objective

Eating behaviors such as dietary restraint and disinhibition caused by emotional and external cues play a relevant role in weight‐loss maintenance.

Methods

Four hundred forty individuals with successful weight‐loss maintenance included in the prospective German Weight Control Registry completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Participants were categorized into the following two weight groups: stable weight trajectory (WS) (n = 280) and unstable weight trajectory (WUS) (n = 160) over the 2‐year assessment period.

Results

Those with successful weight‐loss maintenance had significantly higher scores on the restrained and emotional eating subscales compared with a general population (GP) sample. At baseline, the WS individuals had lower restrained, emotional, and external eating scores compared with the WUS individuals. Over the 2‐year follow‐up period, the trajectories of the restraint scores decreased in both groups but stayed elevated compared with the GP sample. Scores of the emotional and external eating subscales remained stable in the WS group but increased in the WUS group.

Conclusions

A certain degree of restraint seems to be necessary for successful weight‐loss maintenance; however, high emotional and external eating may counteract this effect, resulting in weight regain in the long run.
Comparative Effectiveness of Combination Therapy with Statins and Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors versus Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Lee Jimin , Lee Sukhyang
Published: September 2018

Study Objective

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) frequently use the combination of a statin and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) blocker, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), to control lipid levels and blood pressure, respectively, and the use of ARBs is increasing in Korean patients. Few studies are available, however, that have compared combination therapy with statin‐ACEIs versus statin‐ARBs. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ARBs are associated with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) compared with ACEIs when used in combination with statins in patients with established CHD.

Design

Population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Data Source

Korean National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort database.

Patients

A total of 6577 adults who started statin‐RAAS blocker combination therapy (1870 in the statin‐ACEI cohort and 4707 in the statin‐ARB cohort) after being diagnosed with CHD between January 2003 and December 2013 were included. Of these, 3676 propensity score–matched patients (1838 in the statin‐ACEI cohort and 1838 in the statin‐ARB cohort) were included in the final analyses.

Measurements and Main Results

The primary outcome was MACCE (major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events), a composite of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, and revascularization. Incidences and incidence rates of MACCE were calculated to estimate the differences between the two cohorts. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by using a Cox proportional hazard model. The incidence of MACCE was 19.9% and 14.7%, and incidence rates were 11.7 and 8.1 per 100 person‐years in the statin‐ACEI and statin‐ARB cohorts, respectively. The risk of MACCE was significantly lower in the statin‐ARB cohort (adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.59–0.81).

Conclusion

A MACCE was less likely to occur in patients who received a statin‐ARB than in those who received a statin‐ACEI. Similar trends were seen in cardiovascular mortality and the occurrence of recurrent MI but not stroke. The availability of statin‐ARB fixed‐dose combinations may have contributed to the improved outcomes in the statin‐ARB cohort by reducing pill burden and improving medication adherence. Further research is warranted to validate our findings and to address whether a particular statin‐ARB combination is more effective than other combinations.
Review on the Role of Polymers in Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: Li Yilin , Zhang Xueqiao , Zhang Yongcao , Dong Richard , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: September 2018

The use of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) offers an alternative approach to integrating photovoltaic technologies into the built environment. The research on LSCs has bloomed in the past decade in terms of searching for novel device architectures, developing new luminescent species, and employing unique host materials. This article will provide a concise review on LSCs and focus on the polymer host materials used in LSCs. Finally, we provide a brief outlook on the future development of this research area, particularly on the polymers used as host materials and luminescent species for LSCs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 201–215
Evidence‐based physiotherapy clinical practice in the public health‐care service in Ecuador
Authors: Cobo‐Sevilla Verónica , de Oliveira‐Ferreira Italo , Moposita‐Baño Lenin , Paredes‐Sánchez Valeria , Ramos‐Guevara Joshua
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine if evidence‐based physiotherapy (EBP) was being applied in the public physiotherapy and physical rehabilitation departments in Ecuador, Zone 3.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was developed applying the “Evidence‐Based Practice: Beliefs, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behaviors of Physical Therapists” questionnaire, designed by Jette et al. and validated in Spanish by Guerra et al. to 67 physiotherapists working in the public service in the provinces of Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, and Tungurahua.

Results

Of the physiotherapists, 65.67% fully agree in being necessary to implement EBP in their clinical setting; however, 44.78% identified EBP as highly time demanding. Insufficient time (95.52%), lack of information resources (53.73%), and absence of support among co‐workers (50.75%) were reported as the main barriers that prevent physiotherapists from practicing EBP.

Conclusions

Physiotherapists showed a positive attitude and interest towards EBP, although there is unawareness on how to accomplish EBP on daily basis in addition to little specific training during preprofessional studies in relation to scientific research.
Structures and Superconducting Properties of Ultra‐Hydrogen‐Rich Selenium Hydride H6Se
Authors: Wu Jie , Zhao Li‐Zhen , Chen Hai‐Liang , Wang Dong , Chen Jia‐Yao , Guo Xue , Zang Qing‐Jun , Lu Wen‐Cai
Published: September 2018

Hydrogen‐rich compounds under high pressure have been attractive in high temperature superconductors. By using the genetic algorithm (GA) method combined with first‐principles calculations, H6Se structures are predicted at high pressure, and the formation enthalpies per atom and phonon spectrum of H6Se are analyzed. Furthermore, the superconductivity properties of H6Se are investigated. Pmma is found to be the most stable phase of H6Se at 50–270 GPa, and the predicted Tc values are 19–39 K. By contrast, C2/m becomes the most stable phase of H6Se above 270 GPa and its Tc values are predicted to be 50–87 K.
Correlation of Intermittency of Quantum Dot Photoluminescence Intensity, Decay Time, and Energy
Authors: Göhler Clemens , Schmidt Robert , Krasselt Cornelius , von Borczyskowski Christian
Published: September 2018

Intermittency of photoluminescence (PL) intensity is a common feature of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). Here, we show for ZnS capped CdSe QDs that the intermittency (blinking) is closely correlated to the intermittency of PL decay times. Furthermore, we find that fluctuations of PL emission energies are also correlated with intensity and decay time blinking. The origin of energy fluctuations is a combination of switching either between energies of electronic states intrinsic to differently charged QDs or correspondingly Stark shifted states caused by slow fluctuations of the QD interface. By the method of change point analysis we assign the distribution of PL intensities intermediate between on/off intensities to distinct intermittent PL decay times and PL energies. Intermittency occurs on slow time scales between sub‐ms and minutes and depends strongly on the embedding matrix. Highly specific experiments allow for identification of a distribution of charged and non‐charged states near to the excitonic band edge. Most of the blinking phenomena are observed on the depopulation pathways of the band edge states. However, also population pathways are intermittent, but on a much shorter time scale. We assign this mechanism to creation of hot electrons followed by charge trapping and release at the QD interface.
Theoretical Study on Structures and Stabilities of N7CR (R=H, CH3, NH2, F, Cl) Series
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Zhang Zhihui , Xie Weiyu , Li Shusong , Liu Fang
Published: September 2018

The existence of high energetic density material depends more on their kinetic stability. The synthesis reactions of CN7– by experimentally known N3CN and N3– were studied. The barrier of CN7– towards dissociation was theoretically calculated as 31.6 kcal⋅mol−1. The data, calculated at the CCSD(T)//B3LYP/6‐311+G(3df,2p) theoretical level, rised to 38.9 kcal⋅mol−1 when CN7H was formed by adding hydrogen anion to CN7–, indicating significant improvement in stability. The potential energy surfaces of N7CR(R= CH3, NH2, F, and Cl) system were also investigated, and the lowest kinetic barrier is 36.3 kcal⋅mol−1, 35.7 kcal⋅mol−1, 23.5 kcal⋅mol−1, and 28.5 kcal⋅mol−1, respectively. Moreover, the energy gap (Eg) of azidotetrazolates (N7CR) system was calculated by frontier molecular orbital theory to verify the stability.
Nanopore‐Based, Rapid Characterization of Individual Amyloid Particles in Solution: Concepts, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Houghtaling Jared , List Jonathan , Mayer Michael
Published: September 2018

Aggregates of misfolded proteins are associated with several devastating neurodegenerative diseases. These so‐called amyloids are therefore explored as biomarkers for the diagnosis of dementia and other disorders, as well as for monitoring disease progression and assessment of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Quantification and characterization of amyloids as biomarkers is particularly demanding because the same amyloid‐forming protein can exist in different states of assembly, ranging from nanometer‐sized monomers to micrometer‐long fibrils that interchange dynamically both in vivo and in samples from body fluids ex vivo. Soluble oligomeric amyloid aggregates, in particular, are associated with neurotoxic effects, and their molecular organization, size, and shape appear to determine their toxicity. This concept article proposes that the emerging field of nanopore‐based analytics on a single molecule and single aggregate level holds the potential to account for the heterogeneity of amyloid samples and to characterize these particles—rapidly, label‐free, and in aqueous solution—with regard to their size, shape, and abundance. The article describes the concept of nanopore‐based resistive pulse sensing, reviews previous work in amyloid analysis, and discusses limitations and challenges that will need to be overcome to realize the full potential of amyloid characterization on a single‐particle level.
A Tailored Bifunctional Electrocatalyst: Boosting Oxygen Reduction/Evolution Catalysis via Electron Transfer Between N‐Doped Graphene and Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Bu Yunfei , Nam Gyutae , Kim Seona , Choi Keunsu , Zhong Qin , Lee JunHee , Qin Yong , Cho Jaephil , Kim Guntae
Published: September 2018

Fabricating perovskite oxide/carbon material composite catalysts is a widely accepted strategy to enhance oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction (ORR and OER) catalytic activities. Herein, synthesized, porous, perovskite‐type Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3‐δ hollow nanofibers (SSC‐HF) are hybridized with cross‐linked, 3D, N‐doped graphene (3DNG). This rationally designed hybrid catalyst, SSC‐HF‐3DNG (SSC‐HG), exhibits a remarkable enhancement in ORR/OER activity in alkaline media. The synergistic effects between SSC and 3DNG during their ORR and OER processes are firstly revealed by density functional theory calculations. It suggests that electron transport from 3DNG to O2 and SSC increases the activity of electrocatalytic reactions (ORR and OER) by activating O2, increasing the covalent bonding of lattice oxygen. This electron transfer–accelerated catalysis behavior in SSC‐HG will provide design guidelines for composites of perovskite and carbon with bifunctional catalysts.
Prospective challenges in the experimentation of the rain erosion on the leading edge of wind turbine blades
Authors: Bartolomé Luis , Teuwen Julie
Published: September 2018

Developments in the wind industry reveal intricate engineering challenges, one of them being the erosion on the leading edge of the wind turbine blades. In this review work, the main issues for the wind industry in the experimentation with respect to erosion are examined. After a historical and general overview of erosion, this review focuses on the rain erosion on the leading edge of the wind turbine blades giving prominence to (1) the rain simulations, (2) experimental erosion facilities, and (3) variables to characterise erosion. These three factors have to be improved to establish a research field enabling the prediction of erosion behaviour and providing useful information about how the rainfall affects the leading edge of the wind turbine blades. Moreover, these improvements in the experimentation of the erosion would be a first step to understand and predict the erosion damage of the wind turbine blades. Finally, this review work also will help to cope with experimental investigations and results in the rain erosion on the leading edge with a deeper critical thinking for future researchers.
An iterative regularizing method for an incomplete boundary data problem for the biharmonic equation
Authors: Chapko Roman , Johansson B. Tomas
Published: September 2018

An incomplete boundary data problem for the biharmonic equation is considered, where the displacement is known throughout the boundary of the solution domain whilst the normal derivative and bending moment are specified on only a portion of the boundary. For this inverse ill‐posed problem an iterative regularizing method is proposed for the stable data reconstruction on the underspecified boundary part. Convergence is proven by showing that the method can be written as a Landweber‐type procedure for an operator formulation of the incomplete data problem. This reformulation renders a stopping rule, the discrepancy principle, for terminating the iterations in the case of noisy data. Uniqueness of a solution to the considered problem is also shown.
Neutron star mergers chirp about vacuum energy
Authors: Csáki Csaba , Eröncel Cem , Hubisz Jay , Rigo Gabriele , Terning John
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Observations of gravitational waves from neutron star mergers open up novel directions for exploring fundamental physics: they offer the first access to the structure of objects with a non-negligible contribution from vacuum energy to their total mass. The presence of such vacuum energy in the inner cores of neutron stars occurs in new QCD phases at large densities, with the vacuum energy appearing in the equation of state for a new phase. This in turn leads to a change in the internal structure of neutron stars and influences their tidal deformabilities which are measurable in the chirp signals of merging neutron stars. By considering three commonly used neutron star models we show that for large chirp masses the effect of vacuum energy on the tidal deformabilities can be sizable. Measurements of this sort have the potential to provide a first test of the gravitational properties of vacuum energy independent from the acceleration of the Universe, and to determine the size of QCD contributions to the vacuum energy.
Massive vector multiplet with Dirac-Born-Infeld and new Fayet-Iliopoulos terms in supergravity
Authors: Abe Hiroyuki , Aldabergenov Yermek , Aoki Shuntaro , Ketov Sergei V.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We propose a four-dimensionalN= 1 supergravity-based Starobinsky-type inflationary model in terms of a single massive vector multiplet, whose action includes the Dirac-Born-Infeld-type kinetic terms and a generalized (new) Fayet-Iliopoulos-type term, without gauging the R-symmetry. The bosonic action and the scalar potential are computed. The inflaton is the superpartner of the Goldstino in our model, and supersymmetry is spontaneously broken after inflation by the D-type mechanism, whose scale is related to the value of the cosmological constant.
Laplacian spectrum on a nilmanifold, truncations and effective theories
Authors: Andriot David , Tsimpis Dimitrios
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Motivated by low energy effective theories arising from compactification on curved manifolds, we determine the complete spectrum of the Laplacian operator on the three-dimensional Heisenberg nilmanifold. We first use the result to construct a finite set of forms leading to an

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

gauged supergravity, upon reduction on manifolds with SU(3) structure. Secondly, we show that in a certain geometrical limit the spectrum is truncated to the light modes, which turn out to be left-invariant forms of the nilmanifold. We also study the behavior of the towers of modes at different points in field space, in connection with the refined swampland distance conjecture.
Field theory actions for ambitwistor string and superstring
Authors: Berkovits Nathan , Lize Matheus
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We analyze the free ambitwistor string field theory action for the bosonic string, heterotic string and both GSO sectors of the Type II string. The spectrum contains non-unitary states and provides an interesting consistency test for one-loop ambitwistor string computations.
Coscattering/coannihilation dark matter in a fraternal twin Higgs model
Authors: Cheng Hsin-Chia , Li Lingfeng , Zheng Rui
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Dark matter candidates arise naturally in many models that address the hierarchy problem. In the fraternal twin Higgs model which could explain the absence of the new physics signals at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), there are several viable dark matter candidates. In this paper we study the twin neutrino in the mass range ∼ 0.1–10 GeV as the dark matter. The thermal relic density is determined by the interplay of several annihilation and scattering processes between the twin neutrino, twin tau, and twin photon, depending on the order of the freeze-out temperatures of these processes. Besides the common coannihilation scenario where the relic density is controlled by the twin tau annihilation, it can realize the recently discovered coscattering phase if the scattering of the twin neutrino into the twin tau freezes out earlier than the twin tau annihilation. We also provide a method to calculate the thermal relic density in the intermediate regime where both coannihilation and coscattering processes contribute to the determination of the dark matter density. We show that the right amount of dark matter can be obtained in various scenarios in different regions of the parameter space. The current experimental constraints and future probes into the parameter space from direct detections, cosmological and astrophysical bounds, dark photon searches, and displaced decays at colliders, are discussed.
Outliers and Influential Observations in Exponential Random Graph Models
Authors: Koskinen Johan , Wang Peng , Robins Garry , Pattison Philippa
Published: September 2018

We discuss measuring and detecting influential observations and outliers in the context of exponential family random graph (ERG) models for social networks. We focus on the level of the nodes of the network and consider those nodes whose removal would result in changes to the model as extreme or “central” with respect to the structural features that “matter”. We construe removal in terms of two case-deletion strategies: the tie-variables of an actor are assumed to be unobserved, or the node is removed resulting in the induced subgraph. We define the difference in inferred model resulting from case deletion from the perspective of information theory and difference in estimates, in both the natural and mean-value parameterisation, representing varying degrees of approximation. We arrive at several measures of influence and propose the use of two that do not require refitting of the model and lend themselves to routine application in the ERGM fitting procedure. MCMC p values are obtained for testing how extreme each node is with respect to the network structure. The influence measures are applied to two well-known data sets to illustrate the information they provide. From a network perspective, the proposed statistics offer an indication of which actors are most distinctive in the network structure, in terms of not abiding by the structural norms present across other actors.
2018 MPIF PM design Excellence Competition Winners: MIM parts top the list again
Authors: Capus Joseph
Published: September 2018

This year’s entries in the MPIF PM Design Excellence Competition showed some extraordinarily complex designs, with MIM parts winning big again.
Information, Democracy, and Autocracy
Authors: Hollyer James R. , Rosendorff B. Peter , Vreeland James Raymond
Published: September 2018

Advocates for economic development often call for greater transparency. But what does transparency really mean? What are its consequences? This breakthrough book demonstrates how information impacts major political phenomena, including mass protest, the survival of dictatorships, democratic stability, as well as economic performance. The book introduces a new measure of a specific facet of transparency: the dissemination of economic data. Analysis shows that democracies make economic data more available than do similarly developed autocracies. Transparency attracts investment and makes democracies more resilient to breakdown. But transparency has a dubious consequence under autocracy: political instability. Mass-unrest becomes more likely, and transparency can facilitate democratic transition - but most often a new despotic regime displaces the old. Autocratic leaders may also turn these threats to their advantage, using the risk of mass-unrest that transparency portends to unify the ruling elite. Policy-makers must recognize the trade-offs transparency entails.
Exploring the potential role of community engagement in evaluating clinical and translational science grant proposals
Authors: Treem Jeffrey W. , Schneider Margaret , Zender Robynn L. , Sorkin Dara H.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

This study explored the effects of integrating community members into the evaluation of clinical and translational science grants.

Methods

The University of California, Irvine Institute for Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) engaged 21 community reviewers alongside scientific reviewers in a 2-stage process of evaluating research proposals. In Stage 1 reviewers scored proposals, and during Stage 2 two study sections convened: one a mix of community reviewers and scientific reviewers, and one only engaging scientific reviewers. In total, 4 studies were discussed by both study sections.

Results

Comparisons of reviews revealed little difference between ratings of community reviewers and those of scientific reviewers, and that community reviewers largely refrained from critiquing scientific or technical aspects of proposals.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that involving community reviewers early in the grant cycle, and exposing them to the entirety of the review process, can bolster community engagement without compromising the rigor of grant evaluations.
When civilian control is civil: Parliamentary oversight of the military in Belgium and New Zealand
Authors: Lagassé Philippe , Saideman Stephen M.
Published: September 2018

This study introduces a new type of oversight in civil-military and executive-legislative relations:community policing. Building on principal-agent theory, this type of oversight emphasises trust rather than confrontation. To illustrate how community policing functions, the study examines how legislative oversight of military affairs operates in Belgium and New Zealand. Legislative defence committees in both countries rely on trust when overseeing the executive’s handling of defence affairs. This allows these committees to perform their oversight function at low cost in terms of time and effort, but with a high degree of access to information. Community policing therefore combines the strengths of recognised ‘police patrol’ and ‘fire alarm’ oversight, while avoiding their respective weaknesses. However, since it relies on a higher degree of trust and cooperation between the principal and agent, community policing is inherently fragile.