bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job satisfaction and stress levels among community pharmacists in Malaysia
Authors: Teong Win Wei , Ng Yew Keong , Paraidathathu Thomas , Chong Wei Wen
Published: January 2019

Background

Community pharmacists have an important role in ensuring safe and effective use of medicines. However, poor job satisfaction and high stress levels may negatively affect job performance.

Aim

This study evaluated job satisfaction and job stress levels, and associated factors, among community pharmacists in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to assess job satisfaction and stress among community pharmacists. A sample of 286 respondents was selected using stratified‐random clustered sampling. Levels of and factors affecting job satisfaction and stress, as reported by community pharmacists, were analysed.

Results

There was a moderate level of job satisfaction among pharmacists (mean (±SD) score 3.39 ± 0.42; range 1–5). Job characteristics that provided the highest satisfaction were work environment and interpersonal relationships with coworkers. Stress levels among pharmacists were below the scale mid‐point (mean (±SD) score 1.86 ± 0.44; range 1–4). Responsibility for patient care was perceived to contribute most to job stress. Ethnicity (p = 0.026) and average number of prescriptions filled daily (p = 0.016) significantly affected job satisfaction, whereas job stress was significantly affected by age (p < 0.001), years of experience (p = 0.003) and number of working hours/week (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effects of various demographic and job‐related variables on community pharmacists’ job satisfaction and stress. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of factors affecting job satisfaction and stress among pharmacists across Malaysia, and their effects on professional practice and patient care.
Patterns of medication prescription by dementia diagnosis in Australian nursing home residents: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu Enwu , Dyer Suzanne M. , Whitehead Craig , O'Donnell Lisa Kouladjian , Gnanamanickam Emmanuel S. , Harrison Stephanie L. , Milte Rachel , Crotty Maria
Published: January 2019

Background

Current information on the patterns of medication use in nursing home residents living with dementia is conflicting.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate medication use and its associations with dementia diagnosis in Australian nursing home residents.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 541 residents from 17 Australian nursing homes was performed.

Results

Over 12 months, nursing home residents were prescribed a mean (±SD) of 14.5 ± 6.8 medications each. Approximately 95% of residents were prescribed medications for the nervous system, and 94% were prescribed medications for the alimentary tract and metabolism. After adjustment for potential confounders, those with dementia were less likely to be prescribed medications for the cardiovascular system (odds ratio (OR) 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.77, p = 0.0032) and respiratory system (OR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25–0.60, p < 0.0001). Further analysis of specific medications showed that residents with dementia were more likely to be prescribed risperidone (OR: 9.38, 95% CI: 4.01–21.94, p < 0.0001), buprenorphine (OR 3.37, 95% CI: 1.78–6.36, p = 0.0002) and trimethoprim (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.06–2.97, p = 0.0282), but less likely to be prescribed glyceryl trinitrate (OR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19–0.94, p = 0.0340) and salbutamol (OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.2–0.6, p = 0.0002) in addition to other specific medications.

Conclusions

Increased awareness of possible undertreatment of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and possible overtreatment of urinary tract infection, in those living with dementia in nursing home settings may improve management of this vulnerable population.
Acute opioid withdrawal following administration of oral oxycodone–naloxone due to portosystemic shunts
Authors: Peterson Adam R. , Aminian Parnaz , Hey Penelope C. , Gow Paul
Published: January 2019

Background

The management of pain in patients with advanced liver disease is a clinical challenge. Initial pharmacokinetic safety data advised against the use of oxycodone–naloxone in this population, but in clinical practice it is commonly used. Our case aims to illustrate a potential mechanism by which administration of oxycodone–naloxone can cause systemic opioid antagonism and harm to patients.

Clinical details

A 45‐year‐old man received two separate doses of oxycodone–naloxone in the immediate postoperative setting, resulting in symptoms and signs consistent with acute opioid withdrawal. A review of his imaging revealed significant portosystemic shunts.

Outcomes

Portosystemic shunts in patients with advanced liver disease may lead to a decrease in the Phase II hepatic metabolism of naloxone and increased systemic levels. In the case of someone with pre‐existing opioid dependence, this may precipitate acute opioid withdrawal.

Conclusion

The use of oxycodone–naloxone preparations should be avoided in patients with liver disease and portosystemic shunts.
Investigation of opioid prescribing in the postoperative setting among opioid‐naïve surgical patients: a 6‐month observational study
Authors: Kardell Luke David , Hilmer Sarah Nicole , Crane Jennifer A. , MacPherson Ross , Kim Tae Yeon (Lisa) , Gnjidic Danijela
Published: January 2019

There is sparse information on patterns of opioid use among opioid‐naïve surgical patients. This prospective observational study investigated patterns of opioid prescribing after hospital discharge, opioid use at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months after discharge, and associations between opioid use, pain control and opioid‐related difficulties in opioid‐naïve surgical patients (age ≥18 years, not prescribed opioids in the previous 12 months, expected hospital length of stay >24 h after surgery). Of 128 participants recruited, 56.3% (n = 72) were male with a median (interquartile range) age of 66 (50.7–73.0) years; 38.3% (n = 49) were discharged with an opioid prescription postoperatively. After discharge, 37.3% (n = 25/67), 12.3% (n = 8/65), 12.5% (n = 6/48) and 2.4% (n = 1/42) of participants had used an opioid within 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. Low levels of pain were experienced overall postoperatively. There was considerable variation in opioid‐related problems and concerns over time, with the most common being the desire to cease the opioid. Follow‐up response rates were low, which limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the data. However, the findings indicate that opioids are commonly prescribed at discharge to opioid‐naïve surgical patients, with significant decline in use over time.
Ultrasound Appearance of the Migration of Tendon Calcifications
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , Becciolini Marco
Published: January 2019

Calcific tendinopathy (CTe) is a frequent disorder related to the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals within tendons. Ultrasound has been shown to be an excellent imaging modality for the evaluation of CTe. During the resorptive phase of CTe, calcium deposits may migrate inside the tendons or in neighboring tissues and lead to local inflammation and severe pain. In this pictorial essay, we describe the ultrasound appearance of a spectrum of CTe migrations. Knowledge of the different migration patterns can help sonologists in their detection and in establishing the correct diagnosis.
A Highly Ionic Conductive, Healable, and Adhesive Polysiloxane‐Supported Ionogel
Authors: Li Zhongxiao , Wang Jinke , Hu Ruofei , Lv Chi , Zheng Junping
Published: January 2019

A new kind of polysiloxane‐supported ionogel is successfully designed via locking ionic liquids (ILs), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][Tf2N]), into poly(aminopropyl‐methylsiloxane) (PAPMS) grafted with [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) in the presence of tannic acid (TA). The novel ionogel exhibits good mechanical and recovery properties, as well as high ionic conductivity (1.19 mS cm−1) at 25 °C. In addition, the totally physical dual‐crosslinked network based on ionic aggregates among METAC and the hydrogen bonds between PAPMS and TA provides excellent self‐healing ability, which allows the damaged ionogel to almost completely heal (≈83%) in 12 h at room temperature. Interestingly, the obtained ionogel also shows satisfactory adhesive behavior to various solid materials. Moreover, this novel ionogel can maintain its high ionic conductivity and recovery property even at subzero temperatures. Therefore, this polysiloxane‐supported ionogel is anticipated to be advantageous in flexible electronic devices such as sensors and supercapacitors, even at low temperatures.
Different Routes to Ampholytic Polydehydroalanine: Orthogonal versus Simultaneous Deprotection
Authors: Kruse Jan‐Hendrik , Biehl Philip , Schacher Felix Helmut
Published: January 2019

Polydehydroalanine (PDha) is a polyampholyte featuring both a –NH2 and a –COOH in every repeat unit and with that presents a rather high charge density. The synthesis and polymerization of two monomers, benzyl 2‐tert‐butoxycarbonylaminoacrylate and methyl 2‐benzyloxycarbonylaminoacrylate is herein reported, which feature different protective groups and, after polymerization, the resulting PtBABA and PBOMA can be transformed into PDha using polymer‐analogous modification reactions. More important, the current choice of protective groups allows either simultaneous deprotection in one step in both cases, but also the orthogonal deprotection of either –NH2 or –COOH moiety for PtBABA, given that appropriate conditions are chosen. The polymers are prepared using free radical polymerization and all (intermediate) polymeric materials are investigated using a combination of NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography.
Gut–brain axis and the spread of α‐synuclein pathology: Vagal highway or dead end?
Authors: Breen David P. , Halliday Glenda M. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: January 2019

Spread of α‐synuclein pathology from the peripheral to central nervous system may be an important etiological factor in Parkinson's disease, although there are some unanswered questions about its correlation with neuronal loss. Experimental evidence has highlighted the gastrointestinal tract as a potential starting point for aggregated α‐synuclein, with the vagus nerve acting as a “highway” by which pathology may be transmitted to the lower brain stem. This review begins by highlighting the key studies demonstrating that α‐synuclein pathology has the ability to spread from certain sites in the gastrointestinal tract to the brain (and vice versa). We go on to assess the recent epidemiological studies that have shown that vagotomy and appendectomy may have the potential to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Finally, we discuss the factors in the gastrointestinal tract (such as dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, infection, and inflammation) that may trigger α‐synuclein aggregation in the first place, as well as other potential mechanisms underlying the distribution of α‐synuclein pathology in the brain. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The association between lifestyle factors and Parkinson's disease progression and mortality
Authors: Paul Kimberly C. , Chuang Yu‐Hsuan , Shih I‐Fan , Keener Adrienne , Bordelon Yvette , Bronstein Jeff M. , Ritz Beate
Published: January 2019

Background

Lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease, but little is known about factors that influence progression. The objective of the current study was to examine whether caffeine or alcohol consumption, physical activity, or cigarette smoking is associated with progression and survival among PD patients.

Methods

We assessed lifelong coffee, tea, and alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity in a prospective community‐based cohort (n = 360). All patients were passively followed for mortality (2001‐2016); 244 were actively followed on average ± SD 5.3 ± 2.1 years (2007‐2014). Movement disorder specialists repeatedly assessed motor function (Hoehn & Yahr) and cognition (Mini‐Mental State Exam). We used Cox proportional hazards models and inverse probability weights to account for censoring.

Results

Coffee, caffeinated tea, moderate alcohol consumption, and physical activity were protective against at least 1 outcome. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption were associated with increased risks. Coffee was protective against time to Hoehn & Yahr stage 3 (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.28‐1.01), cognitive decline (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.11, 0.48), and mortality (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.32‐0.69). Relative to moderate drinkers, those who never drank liquor and those who drank more heavily were at an increased risk of Hoehn & Yahr 3 (hazard ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.90‐6.38; and hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.03, 4.54, respectively). A history of competitive sports was protective against cognitive decline (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.22‐0.96) and Hoehn & Yahr 3 (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.23‐0.79), as was physical activity measured by metabolic‐equivalent hours. Current cigarette smoking was associated with faster cognitive decline (hazard ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.02‐10.01).

Conclusions

This population‐based study suggests that lifestyle factors influence PD progression and mortality. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Rhodiola species: A comprehensive review of traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and clinical study
Authors: Tao Hongxun , Wu Xu , Cao Jiliang , Peng Yu , Wang Anqi , Pei Jin , Xiao Jianbo , Wang Shengpeng , Wang Yitao
Published: January 2019

Rhodiola species, belonging to the family Crassulaceae, have long been used as an adaptogen, tonic, antidepressant, and antistress medicine or functional food in Asia and Europe. Due to the valuable application, the growing demand of Rhodiola species has led to a rapid decrease in resource content. This review aims to summarize the integrated research progress of seven mainstream
Rhodiola species. We first outline both traditional and current use of
Rhodiola for the treatment of various diseases. A detailed summary and comparison of chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies of various
Rhodiola species highlight recent scientific advances and gaps, which gives insights into the understanding of
Rhodiola application and would be helpful to improve the situation of biological resources and diversities of
Rhodiola plants.
Desmopressin for treating nocturia in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review: A report from the Neuro‐Urology Promotion Committee of the International Continence Society (ICS)
Authors: Phé Véronique , Schneider Marc P. , Peyronnet Benoit , Abo Youssef Nadim , Mordasini Livio , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Bachmann Lucas M. , Kessler Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

Aims

To systematically assess all available evidence on efficacy and safety of desmopressin for treating nocturia in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were identified by electronic search of Cochrane register, Embase, Medline, Scopus (last search March 3, 2018) and by screening of reference lists and reviews.

Results

After screening of 7015 abstracts, 8 prospective, and 1 retrospective studies were included enrolling a total of 178 patients. The mean patient age ranged between 43 and 51 years. A significant decrease in the number of micturitions per night was reported in 5 studies. An increase in the maximum hours of uninterrupted sleep was only found in two studies. A significant reduction of the volume of nocturnal incontinence was described in one study. The patient satisfaction rates ranged from 56% to 82%. The rate of adverse events was between 0% and 57.9%. The rate of hyponatremia ranged from 0% to 23.5% and other commonly reported adverse events were headache, nausea, fluid retention, rhinitis/epistaxis, malaise, and swollen ankles. Risk of bias and confounding was relevant in all studies.

Conclusions

Preliminary data suggest that desmopressin might be effective for treating nocturia in patients with MS. However, adverse events are relatively common, the overall quality of evidence is low and the number of studied patients is very limited. Further studies with newer formulations of desmopressin are highly warranted.
Past work experience and organizational assimilation in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Davis Courtney W. , Myers Karen K.
Published: January 2019

This study compares seven dimensions of organizational assimilation (OA)—familiarity with coworkers, familiarity with supervisors, recognition, acculturation, involvement, job competency, and role negotiation—into nonprofit, for‐profit, and governmental organizations incorporating the role of similarity of past work experience (magnitude of transition [MoT]). An online survey of 294 employee newcomers (tenures of 3 months or less) revealed differences in OA between those entering nonprofits and those entering for‐profit, and governmental organizations. Compared to newcomers entering for‐profit and governmental organizations, nonprofit newcomers reported higher levels of job competency, involvement, acculturation, and role negotiation. Interactions between organization type and MoT from past work to current roles were examined for effects on OA. When MoT was low, nonprofit newcomers were higher on acculturation and involvement than for‐profit newcomers; governmental newcomers with high MoT were significantly higher on role negotiation than for‐profit newcomers. Theoretical and practical implications for nonprofit organizational management, trainers, and nonprofit newcomers are discussed.
Influence of residual impurities on ring‐opening metathesis polymerization after copper(I)‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition click reaction
Authors: Choi Jinwoong , Kim Hyunjoo , Do Taeyang , Moon Junsoo , Choe Youngson , Kim Jeung Gon , Bang Joona
Published: January 2019

Bottlebrush polymers (BBPs) are three‐dimensional polymers with great academic and industrial potential owing to their highly tunable and intricate architecture. The most popular method to synthesize BBPs is ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with Grubbs' catalyst, allowing living grafting‐through polymerization of macromonomers of up to ultrahigh molecular weights with narrow molecular weight distribution. In this case, it has been well recognized that the purity of macromonomers (MMs) is critical for a successful ROMP reaction. For MMs synthesized from reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization, Grubbs and Xia demonstrated that the better control of ROMP reaction can be achieved when they are prepared via “growth‐then‐coupling” method that is coupling a norbornenyl group to end‐functionalized prepolymers. However, these MMs can also contain various residual impurities from previous synthetic steps, which can potentially poison the catalyst and hamper the ROMP reaction. Herein, we intentionally doped possible impurities into purified MMs to identify the most poisoning species. As a result, it was found that alkyne‐functionalized norbornene most significantly retarded the ROMP reaction due to a formation of Ru‐vinyl‐carbene intermediates having low catalytic reactivity, whereas the other reagents such as solvent, Cu‐catalyst, ligands, and azido‐terminated prepolymers were relatively inert. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 726–737
Size Reduction of HNS to Nanoscale by in Tandem Application of Chemo‐mechanical methods
Authors: Pandita Priyanka , Arya Vandana Pathania , Kaur Gurvinder , Kumar Rajesh , Singh Suman , Kumar Mahesh , Soni Pramod Kumar
Published: January 2019

The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the extent of particle size reduction of HNS and its characterization by applying sequentially the solvent based crystallization, ultrasonication, and ball‐milling. It was found that submicron ultrafine HNS (UF‐HNS) of mean diameter ∼0.5 μm with a size range extending to micron scale (∼3 μm) was produced by the solvent‐antisolvent crystallization process. This HNS was subsequently subjected to long duration ultrasonication up to 28 h and planetary ball milling up to 8 h. The HNS particles were characterized for morphology and particle size by scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser diffraction‐based and dynamic light scattering based particle size analyzer (PSA). The structural analysis was done by FTIR and thermal stability by the thermo‐gravimetric analyzer (TGA). The residual solvent content was estimated by headspace GC‐MS. Impact and friction sensitivity were evaluated by BAM fall hammer and friction sensitivity tester. Compared to ultrasonication varying from 4 h to 28 h, planetary ball milling of the micron‐sized HNS caused the size reduction to maximum extent and resulted in production of nano‐scale HNS (∼300 nm average diameter) with a very narrow size distribution of less than 1 μm which had lower impact sensitivity, thermal stability and lesser residual solvent content compared to micron‐sized HNS (UF‐HNS). Thus, nanoscale HNS with a very narrow size distribution was produced by application of the mechanical method of ball milling sequentially to the solvent based crystallization process.
Azido‐terminated Hyperbranched Multi‐arm Copolymer as Energetic Macromolecular Plasticizer
Authors: Zhang Guangpu , Li Jinqing , Sun Shixiong , Luo Yunjun
Published: January 2019

Azido‐terminated hyperbranched multi‐arm copolymer (POGA) with hyperbranched polyether core (PEHO‐c) and linear azido‐terminated glycidyl azide polymer arms (GAPA‐a) has been prepared. The structures of the polymers were characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, GPC and elemental analysis. The molecular weight of POGA was up to ca 17000 g mol−1, far higher than that of common plasticizers (200∼1000 g mol−1). The enthalpy of formation and high nitrogen content of POGA demonstrated its remarkable energy level, and low impact and friction sensitivities indicated its good safety performance in mechanical stimuli. The results of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, calculated from non‐isothermal DSC, denoted a fine thermal stability of POGA. Furthermore, the plasticizing effect of POGA, evaluated by plasticizer efficiency and viscosity, was superior to A3 but inferior to Bu‐NENA, however, its exudation was much slower than that of small molecular plasticizers, especially Bu‐NENA. Moreover, the plasticizing mechanism of POGA as energetic macromolecular plasticizer was established by analyzing its structure and performance characteristics.
Isaria fumosorosea‐based zero‐valent iron nanoparticles affect the growth and survival of sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)
Authors: Wang Xiaoshuang , Xu Jing , Wang Xingmin , Qiu Baoli , Cuthbertson Andrew G S , Du Cailian , Wu Jianhui , Ali Shaukat
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Nanoparticles can be used for effective pest management as a combined formulation of metal and some other material that has proven efficacy against a given pest. This study reports the synthesis, characterization and efficacy of Isaria fumosorosea‐based zero‐valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles against sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius).

RESULTS

The I. fumosorosea‐ZVI nanoparticles showed a characteristic surface plasmon absorption band at 470 nm during UV‐visible spectroscopy. The scanning electron micrographs of nanoparticles showed spherical shaped nanoparticles with sizes ranging between 1.71 and 3.0 µm. The EDX analysis showed the characteristic peak of iron at 0.6 and 6.8 KeV. The XRD analysis showed characteristic peaks at 44.72°, 65.070°, 82.339° and 82.65°. The bioassay results indicated that the percentage of larval mortality of B. tabaci challenged with I. fumosorosea ZVI nanoparticles was both concentration and age dependent. Isaria fumosorosea ZVI nanoparticles showed high pathogenicity against second and third instar nymphs, and pupae with LC50 values of 19.17, 26.10 and 37.71 ppm, respectively. The LT50 was lowest for second instar nymphs (3.15 days) and highest for pupae (4.22 days) when inoculated with a concentration of 50 ppm.

CONCLUSION

Isaria fumosorosea ZVI nanoparticles can be an eco‐friendly tool for effective B. tabaci management. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a rapid assessment method for detecting insecticide resistance in spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura)
Authors: Van Timmeren Steven , Sial Ashfaq A , Lanka Srinivas K , Spaulding Nathan R , Isaacs Rufus
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Spotted wing Drosophila is an invasive pest of fruit crops in most production regions globally, and insecticides are commonly used for its control. The biology of this pest combined with repeated pesticide exposure increases the risk of resistance to insecticides. We tested malathion, methomyl, spinetoram, spinosad, and zeta‐cypermethrin against multiple colonies from each state using a contact bioassay method to determine diagnostic doses for assessment of insecticide susceptibility in this species. These were used to test populations collected in Michigan and Georgia, USA.

RESULTS

Concentrations required to reach 50% (LC50) and 90% mortality (LC90) were calculated for the tested populations, and male mortality consistently occurred at lower concentrations than female mortality. Fly mortality did not vary significantly among populations collected from unmanaged, organic, and conventional fields. Similar results were found using the diagnostic concentrations applied to glass jars.

CONCLUSIONS

Using this method, samples of D. suzukii that are freshly caught or reared from fruit can be tested within 1 day for their mortality in response to discriminating doses of five key insecticides. This method can be used to inform proactive resistance management strategies within integrated pest management programs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Short PlGF‐derived peptides bind VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2 in vitro and on the surface of endothelial cells
Authors: Caporale Andrea , Martin Aaron D. , Capasso Dominga , Focà Giuseppina , Sandomenico Annamaria , D'Andrea Luca Domenico , Grieco Paolo , Ruvo Menotti , Doti Nuzianna
Published: January 2019

The placental growth factor (PlGF), a member of VEGF family, plays a crucial role in pathological angiogenesis, especially ischemia, inflammation, and cancer. This activity is mediated by its selective binding to VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR‐1), which occurs predominantly through receptor domains 2 and 3. The PlGF β‐hairpin region spanning residues Q87 to V100 is one of the key binding elements on the protein side. We have undertaken a study on the design, preparation, and functional characterization of the peptide reproducing this region and of a set of analogues where glycine 94, occurring at the corner of the hairpin in the native protein, is replaced by charged as well as hydrophobic residues. Also, some peptides with arginine 96 replaced by other residues have been studied. We find that the parent peptide weakly binds VEGFR‐1, but replacement of G94 with residues bearing H‐bond donating residues significantly improves the affinity. Replacement of R96 instead blocks the interaction between the peptide and the domain. The strongest affinity is observed with the G94H (peptide PlGF‐2) and G94W (peptide PlGF‐10) mutants, while the peptide PlGF‐8, bearing the R96G mutation, is totally inactive. The PlGF‐1 and PlGF‐2 peptides also bind the VEGFR‐2 receptors, though with a reduced affinity, and are able to interfere with the VEGF‐induced receptor signaling on endothelial cells. The peptides also bind VEGFR‐2 on the surface of cells, while PlGF‐8 is inactive. Data suggest that these peptides have potential applications as PlGF/VEGF mimic in various experimental settings.
Choosing the northern periphery: Paradoxes in the ways of dwelling of new residents of Eastern Minganie (North Shore, Québec, Canada)
Authors: Guimond Laurie , Desmeules Alexia
Published: January 2019

Pulled by employment, Nordic exoticism, the desire to live “far” North or for other reasons, many Southerners choose to move to remote northern indigenous and nonindigenous communities in Québec (Canada). To better understand mobility and migration to northern peripheral regions, this article examines the paradoxicalways of dwellingof new residents who have settled in Eastern Minganie (North Shore, Québec), located about 1,300 km from Montreal, the province's metropolis. These migrants consist mainly of professionals in the fields of education, health, and social services. Research results point to four paradoxes related to mobility, remoteness, nordicity, rootedness, and otherness. They reveal both push and pull factors that nuance the idea of geographic remoteness as nothing more than a constraint on territorial development and local dynamism. Moreover, this article argues that mobility must be accepted, recognised, and even encouraged because, despite the paradoxes it raises, mobility remains essential to the vitality of Nordic peripheral areas.
Impact of Defects on Electronic Properties of Heterostructures Constructed From Monolayers of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Shaposhnikov Victor L. , Krivosheeva Anna V. , Borisenko Victor E.
Published: January 2019

Electronic properties of heterostructures composed of two single molecular layers (monolayers) of MoS2, WS2, WSe2, and MoSe2 are ab initio simulated with an emphasis to the stacking peculiarities and an influence of point defects in their lattices. MoS2/MoSe2, MoS2/WS2, WS2/WSe2, and MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructures with the monolayers shifted like in the bulk material have been found to behave like semiconductors with the energy gaps of 0.88, 1.25, 1.06, and 1.07 eV, respectively. Such heterostructures possess indirect gaps in contrast to individual monolayers, while direct‐gap character is preserved in two layer stacking variants in WS2/WSe2 heterostructures and in MoS2/MoSe2 heterostructure with mirror stacking of the monolayers. Vacancies and Te atoms substituting other chalcogen atoms reduce the band gaps. The calculated orbital compositions of first direct band gap transitions in the defect‐free heterostructures and those with the point defects have demonstrated d‐electrons of Mo or W atoms to be mainly involved in the transitions.
Biologically active prenylated flavonoids from the genus Sophora and their structure–activity relationship—A review
Authors: Boozari Motahare , Soltani Saba , Iranshahi Mehrdad
Published: January 2019

The genus Sophora (Fabaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for years. Prenylated flavonoids are one of the constituents of Sophora species that play important roles in their biological properties. Different classes of prenylated flavonoids are produced by Sophora spp. including prenylated flavonol (e.g., sophoflavescenol), prenylated flavanone (e.g., sophoraflavanone G), prenylated flavonostilbene (e.g., alopecurones A and B), and prenylated chalcone (kuraridin). Prenylated flavonoids have a more lipophilic structure, which leads to its high affinity to the cell membranes and enhancement of the biological activity, which includes cytotoxicity, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and estrogenic activities. However, it is reported that prenylation decreases the plasma absorption but increases the tissue accumulation. The presence of the prenyl or lavandulyl groups on C8 position of flavonoids plays an important role in the biological activity. It seems that prenylated flavonoids have the potential to be developed as new drugs or supplements for human health.
Tracking control of nonlinear systems with improved performance via transformational approach
Authors: Zhao Kai , Song Yongduan , Chen Liang
Published: January 2019

In this work, we present a transformation‐based adaptive control design, for uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems, to achieve given performance specifications in terms of convergence rate/time, overshoot, steady‐state (zero‐error) precision, in addition to the primary stability requirement. For the case with no uncertainty and known control coefficient, by introducing a time‐varying scaling function and an error‐dependent transformation, we develop a control strategy that is able to achieve exponential and uniform convergence of the tracking error and at the same time maintain the output tracking overshoot to be as small as desired without the need for trajectory initialization resetting. For the case with nonparametric uncertainties and unknown control directions, by employing an additional time‐varying scaling function together with a self‐tuning Nussbaum function, we develop a control scheme that not only secures asymptotic tracking but also guarantees finite time transient process in that the tracking error, prior to converging to zero, is regulated into a prespecified residual set within a prescribed time. Both theoretical analysis and numerical simulations verify the effectiveness and benefits of the proposed method.
Multiclass AQM on a TCP/IP router: A control theory approach
Authors: El Fezazi Nabil , El Haoussi Fatima , Tissir El Houssaine , Bender Fernando Augusto , Alvarez Teresa
Published: January 2019

Active queue management (AQM) is a well‐known technique to improve routing performance under congested traffic conditions. It is often deployed to regulate queue sizes, thus aiming for constant transmission delay. This work addresses AQM using an approach based on control theory ideas. Compared with previous results in the literature, the novelty is the consideration of heterogeneous traffic, ie, multiclass traffic. Thus, each traffic class may have different discarding policies, queue sizes, and bandwidth share. This feature brings the proposal nearer to real network management demands than previous approaches in the literature. The proposed technique assumes that each class already has a simple controller, designed a priori, and focuses on designing a static state‐feedback controller for the multiclass system, where the design is based on using LMIs for the calculations. For this, optimization problems with LMI constraints are proposed to compute the state‐feedback gains that ensure stability for a large set of admissible initial conditions. These conditions ensure not only closed‐loop stability but also some level of performance. As far as we know, this is the first control theory based approach for the AQM problem on TCP/IP routers that allows a multiclass AQM while also considering time‐varying delays and input saturation. This is an important step to frame AQM in a more formal, yet realistic context, enabling it to address important service level agreement (SLA) directives. The proposal is tested on a simulated system at the end of this paper, showing the feasibility and performance of the approach in the presence of multiclass traffic.
Testing for forbidden order patterns in an array
Authors: Newman Ilan , Rabinovich Yuri , Rajendraprasad Deepak , Sohler Christian
Published: January 2019

A sequence contains a pattern , that is, a permutations of [k], iff there are indices i1 < … < ik, such that f(ix) > f(iy) whenever π(x) > π(y). Otherwise, f is π‐free. We study the property testing problem of distinguishing, for a fixed π, between π‐free sequences and the sequences which differ from any π‐free sequence in more than ϵ n places. Our main findings are as follows: (1) For monotone patterns, that is, π = (k,k − 1,…,1) and π = (1,2,…,k), there exists a nonadaptive
one‐sided error ϵ‐test of query complexity. For any other π, any nonadaptive one‐sided error test requires queries. The latter lower‐bound is tight for π = (1,3,2). For specific it can be strengthened to Ω(n1 − 2/(k + 1)). The general case upper‐bound is O(ϵ−1/kn1 − 1/k). (2) For adaptive testing the situation is quite different. In particular, for any there exists an adaptive ϵ‐tester of query complexity.
The use of prognostic scores for causal inference with general treatment regimes
Authors: Nguyen Tri‐Long , Debray Thomas P.A.
Published: January 2019

In nonrandomised studies, inferring causal effects requires appropriate methods for addressing confounding bias. Although it is common to adopt propensity score analysis to this purpose, prognostic score analysis has recently been proposed as an alternative strategy. While both approaches were originally introduced to estimate causal effects for binary interventions, the theory of propensity score has since been extended to the case of general treatment regimes. Indeed, many treatments are not assigned in a binary fashion and require a certain extent of dosing. Hence, researchers may often be interested in estimating treatment effects across multiple exposures. To the best of our knowledge, the prognostic score analysis has not been yet generalised to this case. In this article, we describe the theory of prognostic scores for causal inference with general treatment regimes. Our methods can be applied to compare multiple treatments using nonrandomised data, a topic of great relevance in contemporary evaluations of clinical interventions. We propose estimators for the average treatment effects in different populations of interest, the validity of which is assessed through a series of simulations. Finally, we present an illustrative case in which we estimate the effect of the delay to Aspirin administration on a composite outcome of death or dependence at 6 months in stroke patients.
Polarized hyperon production in single-inclusive electron-positron annihilation at next-to-leading order
Authors: Gamberg Leonard , Kang Zhong-Bo , Pitonyak Daniel , Schlegel Marc , Yoshida Shinsuke
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We study the production of polarized Λ-hyperons in electron-positron annihilation. We are particularly interested in the transverse-spin dependence of the cross section for unpolarized incident electron-positron pairs. At high energies this process may be described in the collinear twist-3 framework, where the hadronization transition of partons into a transversely polarized Λ-hyperon can be written in terms of collinear twist-3 fragmentation matrix elements. We calculate the hard partonic cross sections and interference terms in perturbative QCD to next-to-leading order accuracy. We find that the QCD equation of motion plays a crucial role in our analysis. As a byproduct, assuming the validity of QCD factorization for twist-3 observables at next-to-leading order, we derive the evolution equation for the relevant twist-3 fragmentation matrix element.
One-loop contribution to dark-matter-nucleon scattering in the pseudo-scalar dark matter model
Authors: Azevedo Duarte , Duch Mateusz , Grzadkowski Bohdan , Huang Da , Iglicki Michal , Santos Rui
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Recent dark matter (DM) direct searches place very stringent constraints on the possible DM candidates proposed in extensions of the Standard Model. There are however models where these constraints are avoided. One of the simplest and most striking examples comes from a straightforward Higgs-portal pseudo-scalar DM model featured with a softly broken U(1) symmetry. In this model the tree-level DM-nucleon scattering cross section vanishes in the limit of zero momentum transfer. It has also been argued that the leading-order DM-nucleon cross section appears at the one-loop level. In this work we have calculated the exact cross section in the zero momentum transfer at the leading order i.e., at the one-loop level of perturbative expansion. We have concluded that, in agreement with expectations, the amplitude for the scattering process is UV finite and approaches zero in the limit of vanishing DM masses. Moreover, we made clear that the finite DM velocity correction at tree level is subdominant with respect to the one-loop contribution. Based on the analytic formulae, our numerical studies show that, for a typical choice of model parameters, the DM nuclear recoiling cross section is well below

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

(10−50 cm2), which indicates that the DM direct detection signal in this model naturally avoids present strong experimental limits on the cross section.
Genotypes of HLA, TCF7L2, and FTO as potential modifiers of the association between sweetened beverage consumption and risk of LADA and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Löfvenborg Josefin E. , Ahlqvist Emma , Alfredsson Lars , Andersson Tomas , Dorkhan Mozhgan , Groop Leif , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Wolk Alicja , Carlsson Sofia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Sweetened beverage consumption is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and LADA. We investigated to what extent this association is mediated by BMI and whether it is modified by genotypes of HLA, TCF7L2 rs7903146, or FTO rs9939609.

Methods

Swedish case–control data including incident cases of LADA (n = 386) and T2D (n = 1253) with matched population-based controls (n = 1545) was used. We estimated adjusted ORs of diabetes (95% CI) in relation to sweetened beverage intake (per daily 200 mL serving) and genotypes. The impact of BMI was estimated using causal mediation methodology. Associations with HOMA-IR and HOMA-B were explored through linear regression.

Results

Sweetened beverage intake was associated with increased risk of LADA (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.29) and T2D (OR 1.21, 1.11–1.32). BMI was estimated to mediate 17% (LADA) and 56% (T2D) of the total risk. LADA was associated with risk variants of HLA (3.44, 2.63–4.50) and TCF7L2 (1.27, 1.00–1.61) but not FTO. Only among non-carriers of high-risk HLA genotypes was sweetened beverage intake associated with risk of LADA (OR 1.32, 1.06–1.56) and HOMA-IR (beta = 0.162, p = 0.0047). T2D was associated with TCF7L2 and FTO but not HLA, and the risk conferred by sweetened beverages appeared modified by FTO (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21–1.73 in non-carriers).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that sweetened beverages are associated with LADA and T2D partly through mediation by excess weight, but possibly also through other mechanisms including adverse effects on insulin sensitivity. These effects seem more pronounced in individuals without genetic susceptibility.
Experimental ordinary language philosophy: a cross-linguistic study of defeasible default inferences
Authors: Fischer Eugen , Engelhardt Paul E. , Horvath Joachim , Ohtani Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

This paper provides new tools for philosophical argument analysis and fresh empirical foundations for ‘critical’ ordinary language philosophy. Language comprehension routinely involves stereotypical inferences with contextual defeaters. J.L. Austin’sSense and Sensibiliafirst mooted the idea that contextually inappropriate stereotypical inferences from verbal case-descriptions drive some philosophical paradoxes; these engender philosophical problems that can be resolved by exposing the underlying fallacies. We build on psycholinguistic research on salience effects to explain when and why even perfectly competent speakers cannot help making stereotypical inferences which are contextually inappropriate. We analyse a classical paradox about perception (‘argument from illusion’), suggest it relies on contextually inappropriate stereotypical inferences from appearance-verbs, and show that the conditions we identified as leading to contextually inappropriate stereotypical inferences are met in formulations of the paradox. Three experiments use a forced-choice plausibility-ranking task to document the predicted inappropriate inferences, in English, German, and Japanese. The cross-linguistic study allows us to assess the wider relevance of the proposed analysis. Our findings open up new perspectives for ‘evidential’ experimental philosophy.
Design and evaluation of a clinical competency committee
Authors: Duitsman Marrigje E. , Fluit Cornelia R. M. G. , Van Alfen-van der Velden Janiëlle A. E.M. , De Visser Marieke , Ten Kate-Booij Marianne , Dolmans Diana H. J.M. , Jaarsma Debbie A.D. C. , De Graaf Jacqueline
Published: January 2019

Introduction In postgraduate medical education, group decision-making has emerged as an essential tool to evaluate the clinical progress of residents. Clinical competency committees (CCCs) have been set up to ensure informed decision-making and provide feedback regarding performance of residents. Despite this important task, it remains unclear how CCCs actually function in practice and how their performance should be evaluated.

Methods In the prototyping phase of a design-based approach, a CCC meeting was developed, using three theoretical design principles: (1) data from multiple assessment tools and multiple perspectives, (2) a shared mental model and (3) structured discussions. The meetings were held in a university children’s hospital and evaluated using observations, interviews with CCC members and an open-ended questionnaire among residents.

Results The structured discussions during the meetings provided a broad outline of resident performance, including identification of problematic and excellent residents. A shared mental model about the assessment criteria had developed over time. Residents were not always satisfied with the feedback they received after the meeting. Feedback that had been provided to a resident after the first CCC meeting was not addressed in the second meeting.

Discussion The principles that were used to design the CCC meeting were feasible in practice. Structured discussions, based on data from multiple assessment tools and multiple perspectives, provided a broad outline of resident performance. Residency programs that wish to implement CCCs can build on our design principles and adjust the prototype to their particular context.
Universality in statistics of Stokes flow over a no-slip wall with random roughness
Authors: Parfenyev Vladimir , Belan Sergey , Lebedev Vladimir
Published: January 2019

Stochastic roughness is a widespread feature of natural surfaces and is an inherent byproduct of most fabrication techniques. In view of the rapid development of microfluidics, the important question is how this inevitable problem affects the low-Reynolds-number flows that are common for micro-devices. Moreover, one could potentially turn the flaw into a virtue and control the flow properties by means of specially ‘tuned’ random roughness. In this paper we investigate theoretically the statistics of fluctuations in fluid velocity produced by the waviness irregularities at the surface of a no-slip wall. Particular emphasis is laid on the issue of the universality of our findings.
Asymptotic behaviour asp→ ∞ of least energy solutions of a (p, q(p))-Laplacian problem
Authors: Alves C. O. , Ercole G. , Pereira G. A.
Published: January 2019

We study the asymptotic behaviour, asp→ ∞, of the least energy solutions of the problem$$\left\{ {\matrix{ {-(\Delta _p + \Delta _{q(p)})u = \lambda _p \vert u(x_u) \vert ^{p-2}u(x_u)\delta _{x_u}} & {{\rm in}} & \Omega \cr {u = 0} \hfill \hfill \hfill & {{\rm on}} & {\partial \Omega ,} \cr } } \right.$$wherexuis the (unique) maximum point of |u|,$\delta _{x_{u}}$is the Dirac delta distribution supported atxu,$$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{p\to \infty } \displaystyle{{q(p)} \over p} = Q\in \left\{ {\matrix{ {(0,1)} & {{\rm if}} & {N < q(p) < p} \cr {(1,\infty )} & {{\rm if}} & {N < p < q(p)} \cr } } \right.$$and λp > 0 is such that$$\min \left\{ {\displaystyle{{{\rm \Vert }\nabla u{\rm \Vert }_\infty } \over {{\rm \Vert }u{\rm \Vert }_\infty }}:0 \ne u\in W^{1,\infty }(\Omega )\cap C_0(\bar{\Omega })} \right\} \les \mathop {\lim }\limits_{p\to \infty } (\lambda _p)^{1/p} < \infty .$$