bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium-carbon composite nanoparticle films with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide sensors
Authors: Chen Yun-hua , Luo Wei-feng , Chen Ji-an , Wang Jue
Published: May 2019

A nanocomposite electrocatalyst was prepared with the method of cluster beam deposition of palladium nanoparticle thin films on carbon nanoparticle supporting layers and used as sensitive nonenzyme hydrogen peroxide sensors. An enhancement on the electrocatalytic activity of the palladium nanoparticles toward H2O2 reduction was observed, which was related to the coverage of the carbon nanoparticles. With one monolayer of carbon nanoparticles, the H2O2 detection sensitivity reached the maximum, which was more than twice of that of the pure Pd nanoparticles.
Structural evolution and electronic properties of Au2Gen−/0 (n=1−8) clusters: Anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations
Authors: Lu Sheng-Jie , Farooq Umar , Xu Hong-Guang , Xu Xi-Ling , Zheng Wei-Jun
Published: May 2019

Investigating the structures and properties of Au-Ge mixed clusters can give insight into the microscopic mechanisms in gold-catalyzed Ge films and can also provide valuable information for the production of germanium-based functional materials. In this work, size-selected anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations were used to explore the structural evolution and electronic properties of Au2Gen−/0 (n=1–8) clusters. It is found that the two Au atoms in Au2Gen−/0 (n=1–8) showed high coordination numbers and weak aurophilic interactions. The global minima of Au2Gen− anions and Au2Gen neutrals are in spin doublet and singlet states, respectively. Au2Gen− anions and Au2Gen neutrals showed similar structural features, except for Au2Ge4−/0 and Au2Ge5−/0. The C2v symmetric V-shaped structure is observed for Au2Ge1−/0, while Au2Ge2−/0 has a C2v symmetric dibridged structure. Au2Ge3−/0 can be viewed as the two Au atoms attached to different Ge–Ge bonds of Ge3 triangle. Au2Ge4− has two Au atoms edge-capping Ge4 tetrahedron, while Au2Ge4 neutral adopts a C2v symmetric double Au atoms face-capping Ge4 rhombus. Au2Ge5−8−/0 show triangular, tetragonal, and pentagonal prism-based geometries. Au2Ge6 adopts a C2v symmetric tetragonal prism structure and exhibits σ plus π double bonding characters.
Probing the electronic structure of the CoB16− drum complex: Unusual oxidation state of Co−1
Authors: Li Wan-Lu , Chen Teng-Teng , Jiang Zhi-Yu , Chen Wei-Jia , Hu Han-Shi , Wang Lai-Sheng , Li Jun
Published: May 2019

Since the discovery of the first drum-like CoB16− complex, metal-doped drum-like boron nanotubular structures have been investigated with various metal dopants and different tubular size, forming a new class of novel nanostructures. The CoB16− cluster was found to be composed of a central Co atom coordinated by two fused B8 rings in a tubular structure, representing the potential embryo of metal-filled boron nanotubes and providing opportunities to design one-dimensional metal-boron nanostructures. Here we report improved photoelectron spectroscopy and a more in-depth electronic structure analysis of CoB16−, providing further insight into the chemical bonding and stability of the drum-like doped boron tubular structures. Most interestingly, we find that the central Co atom has an unusually low oxidation state of −1 and neutral CoB16 can be viewed as a charge transfer complex (Co−@B16+), suggesting both covalent and electrostatic interactions between the dopant and the boron drum.
High-temperature flow behaviour of grain-oriented and non-grain-oriented electrical steel
Authors: Giri Sushil K. , Durgaprasad A. , Thool K. , Kundu S. , Samajdar I.
Published: May 2019

Plane strain compression tests were performed on grain-oriented (GO) and non-grain-oriented steel specimens of identical silicon content. Though Arrhenius type constitutive equations showed excellent predictability of the experimental flow stresses, there were clear differences in the flow curves of the respective grades. More specifically, GO steel had higher flow stress and work hardening and showed clear presence of dynamically recrystallized grains. All these were attributed to the higher (0.06 versus 0.003  wt-%) carbon content and corresponding presence of austenite, at elevated temperatures, in the GO steel specimens.
Acute and chronic effects of competition on ankle dorsiflexion ROM in professional football players
Authors: Moreno‐Pérez Victor , Soler Aitor , Ansa Asier , López‐Samanes Álvaro , Madruga‐Parera Marc , Beato Marco , Romero‐Rodríguez Daniel
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute (a football match) and chronic (a whole season) effects of competition on ankle dorsiflexion ROM in professional football players. Forty football players participated in this study. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was recorded to examine acute (pre‐match, immediately post‐match and 48 h post‐match) and chronic (pre‐season, mid‐season and post‐season) effects of competitive football. In addition, it was found that players had restricted mobility measures on ankle dorsiflexion as >2 cm change between baseline measures (pre‐match and pre‐season). The training load of all played matches was estimated using a global positioning system (GPS) and RPE. Pre‐season ankle dorsiflexion ROM was greater compared to mid‐season (8.1% in the dominant, and 9.6% in the non‐dominant leg) and post‐season (13.8% in the dominant, and 12.5% in the non‐dominant leg). In addition, around 30% of all players showed restricted ankle dorsiflexion ROM values in post‐season compared with pre‐season. Related to acute effects, ankle dorsiflexion ROM increased after a match (5.8%) in the dominant ankle, and this value decreased (2.65%) 48 h post‐match when post‐match measurements in both dominant and non‐dominant ankles were compared. The progressive decrease in ankle dorsiflexion ROM throughout a season can be an indicator of increased risk of injury and may be reinforce the need of prevention actions such as stretching exercises and eccentric strength training in professional football players. In addition, these findings suggest to implement specific recovery strategies aiming at minimizing alteration in ankle dorsiflexion ROM 48 h post‐match.
Rhes travels from cell to cell and transports Huntington disease protein via TNT-like protrusion
Authors: Sharma Manish , Subramaniam Srinivasa
Published: May 2019

Tunneling nanotubes (TNT) are thin, membranous, tunnel-like cell-to-cell connections, but the mechanisms underlying their biogenesis or functional role remains obscure. Here, we report, Rhes, a brain-enriched GTPase/SUMO E3-like protein, induces the biogenesis of TNT-like cellular protrusions, “Rhes tunnels,” through which Rhes moves from cell to cell and transports Huntington disease (HD) protein, the poly-Q expanded mutant Huntingtin (mHTT). The formation of TNT-like Rhes tunnels requires the Rhes’s serine 33, C-terminal CAAX, and a SUMO E3-like domain. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that TNT-like Rhes tunnels appear continuous, cell–cell connections, and <200 nm in diameter. Live-cell imaging shows that Rhes tunnels establish contact with the neighboring cell and deliver Rhes-positive cargoes, which travel across the plasma membrane of the neighboring cell before entering it. The Rhes tunnels carry Rab5a/Lyso 20-positive vesicles and transport mHTT, but not normal HTT, mTOR, or wtTau proteins. SUMOylation-defective mHTT, Rhes C263S (cannot SUMOylate mHTT), or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated depletion of three isoforms of SUMO diminishes Rhes-mediated mHTT transport. Thus, Rhes promotes the biogenesis of TNT-like cellular protrusions and facilitates the cell–cell transport of mHTT involving SUMO-mediated mechanisms.
Effect of Carrier Envelope Phase on High-Order Harmonic Generation from Solid*
Authors: Shao Jie , Zhang Cai-Ping , Jia Jing-Chao , Ma Jun-Lin , Miao Xiang-Yang
Published: May 2019

The dependence of harmonic emission from a solid on the carrier envelope phase (CEP) is discussed by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The harmonic spectra periodically exhibit three distinct oscillating structures, which indicate the different dependences of the cutoff energies on the CEP. Furthermore, with time-dependent population imaging and the populations of different energy bands, the underlying physical mechanism is explored.
Improved Performance of a Wavelength-Tunable Arrayed Waveguide Grating in Silicon on Insulator*
Authors: Yuan Pei , Zhang Xiao-Guang , An Jun-Ming , Yin Peng-Gang , Wang Yue , Wu Yuan-Da
Published: May 2019

The improved performance of a wavelength-tunable arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is demonstrated, including the crosstalk, insertion loss and the wavelength tuning efficiency. A reduced impact of the fabrication process on the AWG is achieved by the design of bi-level tapers. The wavelength tuning of the AWG is achieved according to the thermo-optic effect of silicon, and uniform heating of the silicon waveguide layer is achieved by optimizing the heater design. The fabricated AWG shows a minimum crosstalk of 16 dB, a maximum insertion loss of 3.91 dB and a wavelength tuning efficiency of 8.92 nm/W, exhibiting a ∼8 dB improvement of crosstalk, ∼2.1 dB improvement of insertion loss and ∼5 nm/W improvement of wavelength tuning efficiency, compared to our previous reported results.
Temperature-Dependent Characteristics of GaN Schottky Barrier Diodes with TiN and Ni Anodes*
Authors: Wang Ting-Ting , Wang Xiao , Li Xiao-Bo , Zhang Jin-Cheng , Ao Jin-Ping
Published: May 2019

The effect of temperature on the characteristics of gallium nitride (GaN) Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with TiN and Ni anodes is evaluated. With increasing the temperature from 25 to 175°C, reduction of the turn-on voltage and increase of the leakage current are observed for both GaN SBDs with TiN and Ni anodes. The performance after thermal treatment shows much better stability for SBDs with TiN anode, while those with Ni anode change due to more interface states. It is found that the leakage currents of the GaN SBDs with TiN anode are in accord with the thermionic emission model whereas those of the GaN SBDs with Ni anode are much higher than the model. The Silvaco TCAD simulation results show that phonon-assisted tunneling caused by interface states may lead to the instability of electrical properties after thermal treatment, which dominates the leakage currents for GaN SBDs with Ni anode. Compared with GaN SBDs with Ni anode, GaN SBDs with TiN anode are beneficial to the application in microwave power rectification fields due to lower turn-on voltage and better thermal stability.
Negative Longitudinal Magnetoresistance in the c-Axis Resistivity of Cd*
Authors: Wang Xin-Min , Zhao Ling-Xiao , Li Jing , Gao Mo-Ran , Zhu Wen-Liang , Ma Chao-Yang , Wang Yi-Yan , Zhang Shuai , Ren Zhi-An , Chen Gen-Fu
Published: May 2019

We report a systematic study on magnetotransport properties of the single crystal of cadmium (Cd). When the applied magnetic field B is perpendicular to the current I, the resistivities for both directions (I || a, I || c) show field induced metal-to-insulator-like transitions. The isothermal magnetoresistance (MR) at low temperatures increases approximately as the square of the magnetic field without any sign of saturation, and reaches up to 1140000% and 58000% at T = 2 K and B = 9 T for I || a and I || c, respectively. As the magnetic field rotates to parallel to the current, no sign of negative MR is observed for I || a, while an obvious negative MR appears up to −70% at 2 K and 9 T for the current flowing along the c-axis, and the negative longitudinal MR shows a strong dependence of the electrode position on the single crystal. These results suggest that the negative longitudinal MR is caused by the dislocations formed in the process of crystal growing along the c-axis. Further studies are needed to clarify this point.
Dependence of Thermal Annealing on Transparent Conducting Properties of HoF3-Doped ZnO Thin Films*
Authors: Luo Jin-Song , Lin Jie , Zhang Li-Gong , Guo Xiao-Yang , Zhu Yong-Fu
Published: May 2019

A kind of n-type HoF3-doped zinc oxide-based transparent conductive film has been developed by electron beam evaporation and studied under thermal annealing in air and vacuum at temperatures 100–500°C. Effective substitutional dopings of F to O and Ho to Zn are realized for the films with smooth surface morphology and average grain size of about 50 nm. The hall mobility, electron concentration, resistivity and work function for the as-deposited films are 47.89 cm2/Vs, 1.39×1020 cm−3, 9.37 × 10−4 Ω·cm and 5.069 eV, respectively. In addition, the average transmittance in the visible region (400–700 nm) approximates to 87%. The HoF3:ZnO films annealed in air and vacuum can retain good optoelectronic properties under 300°C, thereinto, more stable electrical properties can be found in the air-annealed films than in the vacuum-annealed films, which is assumed to be a result of improved nano-crystalline lattice quality. The optimized films for most parameters can be obtained at 200°C for the air-annealing case and at room temperature for the vacuum annealing case. The advisable optoelectronic properties imply that HoF3:ZnO can facilitate carrier injection and has promising applications in energy and light sources as transparent electrodes.
Design and commissioning of an image-guided small animal radiation platform and quality assurance protocol for integrated proton and x-ray radiobiology research
Authors: Kim Michele M , Irmen Peyton , Shoniyozov Khayrullo , Verginadis Ioannis I , Cengel Keith A , Koumenis Costantinos , Metz James M , Dong Lei , Diffenderfer Eric S
Published: May 2019

Small animal x-ray irradiation platforms are expanding the capabilities and future pathways for radiobiology research. Meanwhile, proton radiotherapy is transitioning to a standard treatment modality in the clinician’s precision radiotherapy toolbox, highlighting a gap between state-of-the-art clinical radiotherapy and small animal radiobiology research. Comparative research of the biological differences between proton and x-ray beams could benefit from an integrated small animal irradiation system for in vivo experiments and corresponding quality assurance (QA) protocols to ensure rigor and reproducibility. The objective of this study is to incorporate a proton beam into a small animal radiotherapy platform while implementing QA modelled after clinical protocols.

A 225 kV x-ray small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) was installed on rails to align with a modified proton experimental beamline from a 230 MeV cyclotron-based clinical system. Collimated spread out Bragg peaks (SOBP) were produced with beam parameters compatible with small animal irradiation. Proton beam characteristics were measured and alignment reproducibility with the x-ray system isocenter was evaluated. A QA protocol was designed to ensure consistent proton beam quality and alignment. As a preliminary study, cellular damage via γ-H2AX immunofluorescence staining in an irradiated mouse tumor model was used to verify the beam range in vivo.

The beam line was commissioned to deliver Bragg peaks with range 4–30 mm in water at 2 Gy min−1. SOBPs were delivered with width up to 25 mm. Proton beam alignment with the x-ray system agreed within 0.5 mm. A QA phantom was created to ensure reproducible alignment of the platform and verify beam delivery. γ-H2AX staining verified expected proton range in vivo.

An image-guided small animal proton/x-ray research system was developed to enable in vivo investigations of radiobiological effects of proton beams, comparative studies between proton and x-ray beams, and investigations into novel proton treatment methods.
Pairing, waltzing and scattering of chemotactic active colloids
Authors: Saha Suropriya , Ramaswamy Sriram , Golestanian Ramin
Published: May 2019

We study theoretically an active colloid whose polar axis of self-propulsion rotates to point parallel (antiparallel) to an imposed chemical gradient. We show that the coupling of this ‘chemotactic’ (‘antichemotactic’) response to phoretic translational motion yields remarkable two-particle dynamics reflecting the non-central and non-reciprocal character of the interaction. A pair of mutually chemotactic colloids trap each other in a final state of fixed separation resulting in a self-propelled active dimer. A second type of bound state is observed when the polar axes undergo periodic cycles leading to phase-locked circular motion around a common centre. A pair of swimmers with mismatched phoretic mobilities execute a dance in which they twirl around one another while moving jointly in a wide circle. For sufficiently small initial separation, the speed of self-propulsion controls the transition from bound to scattering states. Mutually anti-chemotactic swimmers always scatter apart. For the special case in which one of the two colloids has uniform surface activity we succeed in exactly classifying the fixed points underlying the bound states, and identify the bifurcations leading to transitions from one type of bound state to another. The varied dynamical behaviours are accessible by tuning the swimmer design and are summarised in state diagrams.
Flexible Modeling of the Association Between Cumulative Exposure to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation From Cardiac Procedures and Risk of Cancer in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Danieli Coraline , Cohen Sarah , Liu Aihua , Pilote Louise , Guo Liming , Beauchamp Marie-Eve , Marelli Ariane J , Abrahamowicz Michal
Published: May 2019

Adults with congenital heart disease are increasingly being exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) from cardiac procedures. In a recent study, Cohen et al. (Circulation. 2018;137(13):1334–1345) reported an association between increased LDIR exposure and cancer incidence but did not explore temporal relationships. Yet, the impact of past exposures probably accumulates over years, and its strength may depend on the amount of time elapsed since exposure. Furthermore, LDIR procedures performed shortly before a cancer diagnosis may have been ordered because of early symptoms of cancer, raising concerns about reversal causality bias. To address these challenges, we combined flexible modeling of cumulative exposures with competing-risks methodology to estimate separate associations of time-varying LDIR exposure with cancer incidence and all-cause mortality. Among 24,833 patients from the Quebec Congenital Heart Disease Database, 602 had incident cancer and 500 died during a follow-up period of up to 15 years (1995–2010). Initial results suggested a strong association of cancer incidence with very recent LDIR exposures, likely reflecting reverse causality bias. When exposure was lagged by 2 years, an increased cumulative LDIR dose from the previous 2–6 years was associated with increased cancer incidence, with a stronger association for women. These results illustrate the importance of accurate modeling of temporal relationships between time-varying exposures and health outcomes.
Endemism and diversity in European montane mammals: macro-ecological patterns
Authors: Amori Giovanni , Boitani Luigi , Milana Giuliano , Maiorano Luigi , Luiselli Luca
Published: May 2019

Mountains are important landforms with regard to both biodiversity and evolution of endemism. We analysed macro-ecological patterns of distribution and endemism of European montane (i.e. with at least 70% of their range inside mountain areas) mammals. The landscape of the study area was characterized by three environmental variables: land cover, land-use and elevation. For each species, we collected spatially explicit information on the extent of occurrence, level of endemicity, conservation status, habitat preferences, elevation range and all the available presence points. Montane species accounted for 25.5% of the total (N = 66), whereas lowland species (N = 193) accounted for 74.5% of the total European mammals. There was a significantly lower mean range in size of montane species compared to non-montane species. There was a negative correlation between the number of species and elevation, and a negative correlation between median elevation of the range of a given species and its extent of occurrence. The highest peak in the percentage of species present in each altitudinal band was observed at lower elevations in the lower altitude mountain chains. There was a significantly negative correlation between elevation and Simpson’s index of habitats, but species richness increased significantly with Simpson’s index of habitat diversity. A total of 122 species (40.7%) were European endemics, with the frequencies of endemic species not being different between montane areas and overall. A logistic regression model showed that, for a given species, being montane also enhanced the probability of being endemic to Europe. Montane species are especially concentrated in the Caucasus, along the Turkish coast of the Black Sea. The area of the various mountain chains did not influence either the number of montane species or the number of montane species that are strictly endemic to that mountain chain. A total of 45 endemic montane species were recorded for the study region, with only ten being of conservation concern according to IUCN criteria.
Urban Spread of Flaviviruses: A New Challenge in Solid-organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Grossi Paolo Antonio
Published: May 2019

Yellow fever has never previously been reported in transplant recipients. The first reported case of yellow fever in a kidney transplant recipient in Brazil and the re-emergence of arboviruses in many areas of the world dictate the need of studies aimed to answer multiple unanswered questions.
Pathologic up-regulation of TNFSF15–TNFRSF25 axis sustains endothelial dysfunction in unprovoked venous thromboembolism
Authors: Della Bella Silvia , Calcaterra Francesca , Bacci Monica , Carenza Claudia , Pandolfo Chiara , Ferrazzi Paola , Uva Paolo , Pagani Massimiliano , Lodigiani Corrado , Mavilio Domenico
Published: May 2019

Aims

The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying unprovoked venous thromboembolism (uVTE) are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in uVTE pathogenesis by using ex vivo expanded endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), which represent a valuable non-invasive tool for the assessment of endothelial function.

Methods and results

We isolated and expanded ECFCs from the peripheral blood of uVTE patients and observed that these cells underwent earlier senescence and showed lower growth rate compared with ECFCs obtained from healthy donors. Through microarray expression profiling, we demonstrated that 2905 genes were differentially expressed between patients and controls. Among them, the anti-angiogenic cytokine TNF superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15) and its death-receptor TNFRSF25 were up-regulated in uVTE ECFCs, and this finding was validated by RT-qPCR. TNFSF15 up-regulation was confirmed at the protein level in ECFC supernatants, and the in vivo relevance of these findings was further corroborated by demonstrating that also the plasmatic levels of TNFSF15 are increased in uVTE patients. After proving that exogenous TNFSF15 exerts pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity on control ECFCs, we demonstrated through blocking experiments that TNFSF15 up-regulation contributes to impaired survival and proliferation of uVTE ECFCs.

Conclusion

By providing evidence that TNFSF15 impairs ECFC functions crucial to endothelial repair, and that uVTE patients have increased TNFSF15 levels both ex vivo and in vivo, the results of this study suggest that pathologic up-regulation of TNFSF15–TNFRSF25 axis may contribute to uVTE pathogenesis, and may represent the target for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing recurrences in uVTE patients.
Efficacy of cryotherapy as first line therapy in patients with Barrett's neoplasia: a systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Hamade N , Desai M , Thoguluva Chandrasekar V , Chalhoub J , Patel M , Duvvuri A , Gorrepati V S , Jegadeesan R , Choudhary A , Sathyamurthy A , Rai T , Gupta N , Sharma P
Published: May 2019

Cryotherapy has been used as salvage therapy; however, its efficacy as first line treatment in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) neoplasia has not been well studied. The aim of this paper was to perform a systematic review to look at the efficacy of cryotherapy as the primary treatment of BE. An electronic database search was performed (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar) to search for studies with cryotherapy as the initial primary modality of ablation in patients with BE neoplasia. Studies that included patients with other prior forms of therapy were excluded. The primary outcomes were the pooled rates of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) and CE of neoplasia (CE-N). Secondary outcomes were recurrence rates of neoplasia and intestinal metaplasia (IM) and adverse events. The statistical software OpenMetaAnalyst was used for analysis with pooled estimates reported as proportions (%) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) with heterogeneity (I2) among studies. The search revealed 6 eligible studies with a total of 282 patients (91.5% male, average age 65.3 years) with 459 person years of follow-up. 69.35% [95% CI (52.1%–86.5%)] of patients achieved CE-IM and 97.9% (95% CI: 95.5%–100%) had CE-N. 7.3% of patients had persistent dysplasia with 4% progressing to cancer. The recurrence rate of neoplasia was 10.4 and that of IM was 19.1 per 100 patient years of follow-up. The overall rate of stricture formation was 4.9%. There are scarce data on the use of cryotherapy as the primary modality for the treatment of BE dysplasia. The published data demonstrate efficacy rates of 69% and 98% for complete eradication of metaplasia and neoplasia, respectively. These results need to be assessed in prospective, comparative trials with other forms of therapy.
The process of prioritization of non-communicable diseases in the global health policy arena
Authors: Heller Olivia , Somerville Claire , Suggs L Suzanne , Lachat Sarah , Piper Julianne , Aya Pastrana Nathaly , Correia Jorge C , Miranda J Jaime , Beran David
Published: May 2019

Although non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the global policy response has not been commensurate with their health, economic and social burden. This study examined factors facilitating and hampering the prioritization of NCDs on the United Nations (UN) health agenda. Shiffman and Smith’s (Generation of political priority for global health initiatives: a framework and case study of maternal mortality. The Lancet 370: 1370–9.) political priority framework served as a structure for analysis of a review of NCD policy documents identified through the World Health Organization’s (WHO) NCD Global Action Plan 2013–20, and complemented by 11 semi-structured interviews with key informants from different sectors. The results show that a cohesive policy community exists, and leaders are present, however, actor power does not extend beyond the health sector and the role of guiding institutions and civil society have only recently gained momentum. The framing of NCDs as four risk factors and four diseases does not necessarily resonate with experts from the larger policy community, but the economic argument seems to have enabled some traction to be gained. While many policy windows have occurred, their impact has been limited by the institutional constraints of the WHO. Credible indicators and effective interventions exist, but their applicability globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is questionable. To be effective, the NCD movement needs to expand beyond global health experts, foster civil society and develop a broader and more inclusive global governance structure. Applying the Shiffman and Smith framework for NCDs enabled different elements of how NCDs were able to get on the UN policy agenda to be disentangled. Much work has been done to frame the challenges and solutions, but implementation processes and their applicability remain challenging globally. NCD responses need to be adapted to local contexts, focus sufficiently on both prevention and management of disease, and have a stronger global governance structure.
Iwasawa Theory of Elliptic Modular Forms Over Imaginary Quadratic Fields at Non-ordinary Primes
Authors: Büyükboduk Kâzım , Lei Antonio
Published: May 2019

This article is a continuation of our previous work [7] on the Iwasawa theory of an elliptic modular form over an imaginary quadratic field $K$, where the modular form in question was assumed to be ordinary at a fixed odd prime $p$. We formulate integral Iwasawa main conjectures at non-ordinary primes $p$ for suitable twists of the base change of a newform $f$ to an imaginary quadratic field $K$ where $p$ splits, over the cyclotomic ${\mathbb{Z}}_p$-extension, the anticyclotomic ${\mathbb{Z}}_p$-extensions (in both the definite and the indefinite cases) as well as the ${\mathbb{Z}}_p^2$-extension of $K$. In order to do so, we define Kobayashi–Sprung-style signed Coleman maps, which we use to introduce doubly signed Selmer groups. In the same spirit, we construct signed (integral) Beilinson–Flach elements (out of the collection of unbounded Beilinson–Flach elements of Loeffler–Zerbes), which we use to define doubly signed $p$-adic $L$-functions. The main conjecture then relates these two sets of objects. Furthermore, we show that the integral Beilinson–Flach elements form a locally restricted Euler system, which in turn allow us to deduce (under certain technical assumptions) one inclusion in each one of the four main conjectures we formulate here (which may be turned into equalities in favorable circumstances).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Risk in Analytical Treatment Interruption Studies: Relational Factors and Moral Responsibility
Authors: Dawson Liza
Published: May 2019

Analytical treatment interruption (ATI) is becoming common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure-related research, but its use is controversial. ATI raises concerns about risks of HIV transmission to sexual partners of study participants. Researchers may have difficulty addressing these risks, given that study participants’ private behavior is implicated, the partners are not enrolled in the research, and behavioral HIV risk mitigation strategies usually fall outside the study objectives. This analysis argues that researchers should assume some responsibility for partners’ risks, based on the importance of partner relationships for the study participants themselves, and out of concern for the partners’ welfare. Adding this responsibility is reasonable since the risk is created in part by research procedures, and since concern for third parties is often part of professional standards for healthcare providers. Study participants and their partners also bear some responsibility. Specific recommendations for measures to address risk are discussed.
China's “Politics of Harmony” and the Quest for Soft Power in International Politics
Authors: Hagström Linus , Nordin Astrid H M
Published: May 2019

This article engages with China's “politics of harmony” to investigate the dangers and possibilities of soft power as a concept and practice. Chinese sources claim that China will be able to exercise soft power due to its tradition of thinking about harmony. Indeed, the concept of harmony looms large in Chinese soft power campaigns, which differentiate China's own harmonious soft power from the allegedly disharmonious hard power of other great powers—in particular Western powers and Japan. Yet, similarly dichotomizing harmony discourses have been employed precisely in the West and Japan. In all three cases, such harmony discourses set a rhetorical trap, forcing audiences to empathize and identify with the “harmonious” self or risk being violently “harmonized.” There is no doubt that the soft power of harmony is coercive. More importantly, the present article argues that it has legitimized and enabled oppressive, homogenizing, and bellicose expansionism and rule in the West and Japan. A similarly structured exercise of soft power may enable violence in and beyond China, too. Ultimately, however, we argue that China's own tradition of thinking about harmony may help us to theorize how soft power might be exercised in less antagonistic and violent ways.
Optimal kinetic exposures for classic and candidate antitrypanosomals
Authors: Meyer Kirsten J , Meyers David J , Shapiro Theresa A
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Efficacy is determined not only by size, but also by shape, of drug exposure. Here the critical importance of the temporal pattern of drug concentrations (pharmacokinetic profile) is examined for antitrypanosomals in vitro.

Methods

An in vitro hollow-fibre cartridge system was used to study contrasting drug profiles with four clinically used agents and two experimental candidates against the deadly parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Artificial kinetics were employed intentionally to favour either high peak concentration or sustained duration of drug.

Results

Changing the shape of drug exposure significantly impacted drug efficacy. Suramin, melarsoprol and pentamidine were concentration-driven and therefore more efficacious when applied as short-lived high peaks. In contrast, difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) was time-driven, and therefore maximally effective as a constant infusion. Kinetic preference was robust over a wide range of drug exposures. Promising clinical candidates SCYX-7158 (acoziborole) and fexinidazole (parent and sulfone) were concentration-driven, suggesting optimal clinical regimens would involve relatively high but intermittent dosing.

Conclusions

Antitrypanosomals have an intrinsic pharmacokinetic driver for optimal efficacy, with important implications for clinical management and future candidate development.
The drivers of antimicrobial use across institutions, stakeholders and economic settings: a paradigm shift is required for effective optimization
Authors: Broom J , Broom A , Kirby E
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Significant antimicrobial overuse persists worldwide, despite overwhelming evidence of antimicrobial resistance and knowledge that optimization of antimicrobial use will slow the development of resistance. It is critical to understand why this occurs. This study aims to consider the social influences on antimicrobial use within hospitals in Australia, via an in-depth, multisite analysis.

Methods

We used a qualitative multisite design, involving 222 individual semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Participants (85 doctors, 79 nurses, 31 pharmacists and 27 hospital managers) were recruited from five hospitals in Australia, including four public hospitals (two metropolitan, one regional and one remote) and one private hospital.

Results

Analysis of the interviews identified social relationships and institutional structures that may have a strong influence on antimicrobial use, which must be addressed concurrently. (i) Social relationships that exist across settings: these include the influence of personal risk, hierarchies, inter- and intraprofessional dynamics and sense of futility in making a difference long term in relation to antimicrobial resistance. (ii) Institutional structures that offer context-specific influences: these include patient population factors (including socioeconomic factors, geographical isolation and local infection patterns), proximity and resource issues.

Conclusions

The success of antimicrobial optimization rests on adequate awareness and incorporation of multilevel influences. Analysis of the problem has tended to emphasize individual ‘behaviour improvement’ in prescribing rather than incorporating the problem of overuse as inherently multidimensional and necessarily incorporating personal, interpersonal and institutional variables. A paradigm shift is urgently needed to incorporate these critical factors in antimicrobial optimization strategies.
A systematic approach to equity assessment for digital health interventions: case example of mobile personal health records
Authors: Were Martin C , Sinha Chaitali , Catalani Caricia
Published: May 2019

Despite the increasing number of digital health interventions in low- and middle-income countries and other low-resource settings, little attention has been paid to systematically evaluating impacts of these interventions on health equity. In this article, we present a systematic approach for assessing equity impacts of digital health interventions modeled after the Health Equity Impact Assessment of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The assessment approach has 4 steps that address (1) scope, (2) potential equity impacts, (3) mitigation, (4) monitoring, and (5) dissemination strategies. The approach examines impacts on vulnerable and marginalized populations and considers various social determinants of health. Equity principles outlined by Whitehead and Dahlgren are used to ensure systematic considerations of all potential equity impacts. The digital health evaluation approach that is presented is applied to a case example of mobile personal health record application in Kenya.
A digital health research platform for community engagement, recruitment, and retention of sexual and gender minority adults in a national longitudinal cohort study–—The PRIDE Study
Authors: Lunn Mitchell R , Lubensky Micah , Hunt Carolyn , Flentje Annesa , Capriotti Matthew R , Sooksaman Chollada , Harnett Todd , Currie Del , Neal Chris , Obedin-Maliver Juno
Published: May 2019

Objective

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are underrepresented in research. We sought to create a digital research platform to engage, recruit, and retain SGM people in a national, longitudinal, dynamic, cohort study (The PRIDE Study) of SGM health.

Materials and Methods

We partnered with design and development firms and engaged SGM community members to build a secure, cloud-based, containerized, microservices-based, feature-rich, research platform. We created PRIDEnet, a national network of individuals and organizations that actively engaged SGM communities in all stages of health research. The PRIDE Study participants were recruited via in-person outreach, communications to PRIDEnet constituents, social media advertising, and word-of-mouth. Participants completed surveys to report demographic as well as physical, mental, and social health data.

Results

We built a secure digital research platform with engaging functionality that engaged SGM people and recruited and retained 13 731 diverse individuals in 2 years. A sizeable sample of 3813 gender minority people (32.8% of cohort) were recruited despite representing only approximately 0.6% of the population. Participants engaged with the platform and completed comprehensive annual surveys— including questions about sensitive and stigmatizing topics— to create a data resource and join a cohort for ongoing SGM health research.

Discussion

With an appealing digital platform, recruitment and engagement in online-only longitudinal cohort studies are possible. Participant engagement with meaningful, bidirectional relationships creates stakeholders and enables study cocreation. Research about effective tactics to engage, recruit, and maintain active participation from all communities is needed.

Conclusion

This digital research platform successfully recruited and engaged diverse SGM participants in The PRIDE Study. A similar approach may be successful in partnership with other underrepresented and vulnerable populations.
Identifying Refugees and Other Migrant Groups in European Large-scale Surveys: An Explorative Analysis of Integration Outcomes by Age Upon Arrival, Reasons for Migration and Country-of-birth Groups Using the European Union Labour Force Survey 2014 Ad Hoc Module
Authors: Solheim Erling F , La Parra-Casado Daniel
Published: May 2019

The aim of this article is to explore the association between self-reported reasons for migration, age upon arrival and Eurostat’s country-of-birth classification, and to study these measures in relation to education, employment and language skills. The European Union Labour Force Survey 2014 (11,345 women; 9,825 men) was used to study the immigrant working-age population (20–64 years) from seven West European countries with a substantial number of refugees. A third had arrived as children (0–19 years). Each reason for migration was well represented within all country-groups and the proportion of respondents reporting each reason was fairly similar across the country-groups. Regression analysis identified significant variation in education, employment and language skills by reasons for migration within country-groups and vice versa, with (female) refugees and family migrants arriving as adults faring worse than other migrants in language skills and employment. There were few significant gender differences. We recommend implementing reasons for migration and age upon arrival as core variables in quantitative migration studies.
Questionnaire Design and Translation for Refugee Populations: Lessons Learned from the REHEAL Study
Authors: Stathopoulou Theoni , Krajčeva Elica , Menold Natalja , Dept Steve
Published: May 2019

Surveying the refugee population poses particular challenges: what measurement and culture effects need to be taken into account? Are some of the constructs related to refugees unique or can constructs used in other surveys be adapted? Due to considerable variation in educational background, in trauma history or in perception of ethnicity or gender roles in refugee populations, one needs to raise the question whether a one-size-fits-all approach is suitable when designing a questionnaire for refugee populations. Drawing upon the experience of the REHEAL study conducted in 2016 during the early phase of refugees' settlement in Greek refugee camps, the article addresses the particular challenges when designing and translating a questionnaire for multinational, multicultural and potentially traumatized refugee populations, residing in refugee accommodation settings. A post hoc scrutiny of the Arabic and Farsi versions of the REHEAL questionnaire forms the basis of this article in order to empirically inform best practices in designing and translating questionnaires for special populations. The authors set the stage by summarizing key aspects of concept and measurement equivalence in cross-cultural research, and then by expanding on the fact that cross-cultural differences in response styles or response sets can affect comparability. Translation and adaptation challenges are examined and illustrated by examples. This article serves to empirically document the benefit and pitfalls of appropriate measurements for use in refugee research.
Discussion of “How Errors Cumulate: Two Examples” by Roger Tourangeau
Authors: Dever Jill A
Published: May 2019

Researchers have the ongoing task of improving total survey quality (TSQ). Dr. Roger Tourangeau, winner of the 2019 Morris Hansen award, argues that factors affecting TSQ are not necessarily independent, and their effects could compound poor quality. In this article, I highlight a few aspects of “How Errors Cumulate” related to study design, weighting, and estimation involving nonprobability surveys. Here, I argue for the potential benefits of hybrid estimation, involving probability and nonprobability survey data, to address multiple error sources.
A resonant pair of warm giant planets revealed by TESS
Authors: Kipping David , Nesvorný David , Hartman Joel , Torres Guillermo , Bakos Gaspar , Jansen Tiffany , Teachey Alex
Published: May 2019

We present the discovery of a pair of transiting giant planets using four sectors of TESS photometry. TOI-216 is a 0.87 M⊙ dwarf orbited by two transiters with radii of 8.2 and 11.3 R⊕, and periods of 17.01 and 34.57 d, respectively. Anticorrelated TTVs are clearly evident indicating that the transiters orbit the same star and interact via a near 2:1 mean motion resonance. By fitting the TTVs with a dynamical model, we infer masses of $30_{-14}^{+20}$ and $200_{-100}^{+170}$ M⊕, establishing that the objects are planetary in nature and have likely sub-Kronian and Kronian densities. TOI-216 lies close to the southern ecliptic pole and thus will be observed by TESS throughout the first year, providing an opportunity for continuous dynamical monitoring and considerable refinement of the dynamical masses presented here. TOI-216 closely resembles Kepler-9 in architecture, and we hypothesize that in such systems these Saturn analogues failed to fully open a gap and thus migrated far deeper into the system before becoming trapped into resonance, which would imply that future detections of new analogues may also have sub-Jupiter masses.
Proxima Centauri b is not a transiting exoplanet
Authors: Jenkins James S , Harrington Joseph , Challener Ryan C , Kurtovic Nicolás T , Ramirez Ricardo , Peña Jose , McIntyre Kathleen J , Himes Michael D , Rodríguez Eloy , Anglada-Escudé Guillem , Dreizler Stefan , Ofir Aviv , Peña Rojas Pablo A , Ribas Ignasi , Rojo Patricio , Kipping David , Butler R Paul , Amado Pedro J , Rodríguez-López Cristina , Kempton Eliza M-R , Palle Enric , Murgas Felipe
Published: May 2019

We report Spitzer Space Telescope observations during predicted transits of the exoplanet Proxima Centauri b. As the nearest terrestrial habitable-zone planet we will ever discover, any potential transit of Proxima b would place strong constraints on its radius, bulk density, and atmosphere. Subsequent transmission spectroscopy and secondary-eclipse measurements could then probe the atmospheric chemistry, physical processes, and orbit, including a search for biosignatures. However, our photometric results rule out planetary transits at the 200 ppm level at 4.5 $\mu$m, yielding a 3σ upper radius limit of 0.4 R⊕ (Earth radii). Previous claims of possible transits from optical ground- and space-based photometry were likely correlated noise in the data from Proxima Centauri’s frequent flaring. Our study indicates dramatically reduced stellar activity at near-to-mid infrared wavelengths, compared to the optical. Proxima b is an ideal target for space-based infrared telescopes, if their instruments can be configured to handle Proxima’s brightness.
A low-mass triple system with a wide L/T transition brown dwarf component: NLTT 51469AB/SDSS 2131−0119
Authors: Gauza B , Béjar V J S , Pérez-Garrido A , Lodieu N , Rebolo R , Zapatero Osorio M R , Pantoja B , Velasco S , Jenkins J S
Published: May 2019

We demonstrate that the previously identified L/T transition brown dwarf SDSS J213154.43−011939.3 (SDSS 2131−0119) is a widely separated (82${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$3, ∼3830 au) common proper motion companion to the low-mass star NLTT 51469, which we reveal to be a close binary itself, separated by 0${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$64 ± 0${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$01 (∼30 au). We find the proper motion of SDSS 2131−0119 of μαcos δ = −100 ± 20 mas yr−1 and μδ = −230 ± 20 mas yr−1 consistent with the proper motion of the primary provided by Gaia DR2: μαcos δ = −95.49 ± 0.96 mas yr−1 and μδ = −239.38 ± 0.96 mas yr−1. Based on optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, we classify the primary NLTT 51469A as an M3 ± 1 dwarf, estimate photometrically the spectral type of its close companion NLTT 51469B at ∼M6, and confirm the spectral type of the brown dwarf to be L9 ± 1. Using radial velocity, proper motion, and parallax, we derived the UVW Galactic space velocities of NLTT 51469A, showing that the system does not belong to any known young stellar moving group. The high V, W velocities, lack of a 670.8 nm Li i absorption line, and absence of H α emission, detected X-rays, or UV excess, indicate that the system is likely a member of the thin disc population and is older than 1 Gyr. For the parallactic distance of 46.6 ± 1.6 pc from Gaia DR2, we determined luminosities of $-1.50^{+0.02}_{-0.04}$ and −4.4 ± 0.1 dex of the M3 and L9, respectively. Considering the spectrophotometric estimation, which yields a slightly lower distance of $34^{+10}_{-13}$ pc, the obtained luminosities are $-1.78^{+0.02}_{-0.04}$ and $-4.7^{+0.3}_{-0.5}$ dex. We also estimated their effective temperatures and masses, and obtained 3410$^{+140}_{-210}$ K and 0.42 ± 0.02 M⊙ for the primary, and 1400–1650 K and 0.05–0.07 M⊙ for the wide companion. For the ∼M6 component, we estimated Teff = 2850 ± 200 K and m = 0.10$^{+0.06}_{-0.01}$ M⊙.