Single molecule spectroscopy of polyfluorene chains reveals β-phase content and phase reversibility in organic solvents

Conjugated polymers are an important class of organic semiconductors that can be deposited from solution to make optoelectronic devices. Among them, poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) has distinctive optical properties arising from its ability to adopt an ordered planar conformation (β phase) from a disordered glassy phase (α phase). The β phase has attractive optical properties, but the precise mechanism of its formation in solution remains unknown. Here, we have combined specifically tailored polymer synthesis and surface-passivation strategies to provide the first spectroscopic characterization of single PFO chains in solution at room temperature. By anchoring PFO molecules at one end on an anti-adherent surface, we show that isolated chains can adopt the β-phase conformation in a solvent-dependent manner. Furthermore, we find that individual PFO chains can reversibly switch multiple times between phases in response to solvent-exchange events. The methodology presented here for polymer synthesis and immobilization is widely applicable to investigate other luminescent polymers.PostprintPostprintPeer reviewe

Socio-demographic correlates of leisure time physical activity among Portuguese adults

This study aimed to identify socio-demographic correlates of leisure time physical activity among Portuguese adults. Subjects aged 31-60 years (1,076 males, 1,383 females) were categorized into two groups according to recommended physical activities ranging from ≥ 10 or < 10 MET.hours.week-1. Leisure time physical activity data was self-reported, including activities, duration of each session and frequency. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to the results. Among men, having a high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.30-2.76; p = 0.001) was associated with attaining the recommended level of physical activity. For women, middle education levels were associated with physical activity (OR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.01-1.85). Moreover, middle socioeconomic status (OR = 1.45; 95%CI: 0.80-1.91; p = 0.009) was also positively associated with meeting physical activities recommendations in the unadjusted analysis. Men and women had different patterns of socio-demographic correlates. An intervention designed to improve the levels of physical activity among Portuguese adults may take these correlates into account

Automatic detection of defective crankshafts by image analysis and supervised classification

This work has been partially supported by the Xunta de Galicia (Centro Singular de Investigaciòn de Galicia ED431G/01). Additionally, the research of Ricardo Cao, Mario Francisco-Fernández, Salvador Naya and Javier Tarrío Saavedra has been partially supported by MINECO grants MTM2014-52876-R and MTM2017-82724-R, and by the Xunta de Galicia (Grupos de Referencia Competitiva ED431C-2016-015); whilst the research of Manuel G. Penedo has been partially supported by grants Xunta de Galicia (Grupos de Referencia Competitiva ED431C-2016-047), all the previous grants through the ERDF. This work has been also supported by FORJACEMIC project (Research into new processes and microalloyed steels for hot forging of automotive crankshafts)

Effects of smartphone interventions on cancer knowledge and coping among Latina breast cancer survivors: Secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective: The My Guide smartphone application was developed to improve quality of life and symptom burden (primary outcomes) for Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) and tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial compared to an attention-control condition (My Health smartphone application). This secondary analysis examined effects on breast cancer knowledge, coping, and cancer-related self-efficacy (intervention targets).Method: Latina BCS (N = 78) were randomized to My Guide or My Health for six weeks. Linear mixed-effects modeling evaluated the effects of time and study condition on the intervention targets. Effects by engagement were explored. Results: Both conditions showed improved breast cancer knowledge (p  0.05). Conclusion: Culturally-informed smartphone applications may enhance breast cancer knowledge and promote adaptive coping among Latina BCS

Study design and protocol for My Guide: An e-health intervention to improve patient-centered outcomes among Hispanic breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in women and the leading cause of death among Hispanic women living in the United States. Relative to non-Hispanic white women, Hispanic women report poorer health related quality of life (HRQoL) after treatment. Although eHealth interventions delivered via Smartphones are a viable approach to addressing supportive care accessibility issues while also integrating multidisciplinary approaches for improving HRQoL, few eHealth interventions have been developed that specifically target Hispanic breast cancer survivors (BCS). This manuscript describes the methodology of a multi-site, randomized controlled behavioral trial investigating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Smartphone application aimed at improving HRQoL and cancer-specific distress among Hispanic BCS. Participants will be randomized to receive the intervention application, My Guide (psychoeducation & self-management program), or the health education control condition application, My Health (health education), for six weeks. All participants will also receive weekly telecoaching to enhance adherence to both control and intervention conditions. We will measure the study\u27s primary outcomes, general and disease-specific HRQoL and cancer-specific distress, at three time points: prior to, immediately after the intervention, and eight weeks after initial application use. My Guide may have the potential to improve HRQoL, and to address issues of limited access to supportive care among Hispanic women recovering from breast cancer treatment

Brief culturally informed smartphone interventions decrease breast cancer symptom burden among Latina breast cancer survivors

Objective: Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) report more symptom burden and poorer health-related quality of life than non-Latina BCS. However, there are few evidence-based and culturally informed resources that are easily accessible to this population. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the My Guide and My Health smartphone applications among Latina BCS. Both applications are culturally informed and contain evidence-based information for reducing symptom burden and improving health-related quality of life (My Guide) or healthy lifestyle promotion (My Health). Methods: Participants (N = 80) were randomized to use the My Guide or My Health smartphone applications for 6 weeks. Assessments occurred at baseline (T1) after the 6-week intervention (T2) and 2-week post-T2 (T3). Outcomes were participant recruitment and retention rates, patient-reported satisfaction, and validated measures of symptom burden and health-related quality of life. Results: Recruitment was acceptable (79%), retention was excellent (\u3e90%), and over 90% of participants were satisfied with their application. On average, participants in both conditions used the applications for more than 1 hour per week. Symptom burden declined from T1 to T2 across both conditions, but this decline was not maintained at T3. Breast cancer well-being improved from T1 to T2 across both conditions and was maintained at T3. Conclusions: Latina BCS who used the My Guide and My Health applications reported temporary decreases in symptom burden and improved breast cancer well-being over time, though there were no differential effects between conditions. Findings suggest that technology may facilitate Latina BCS engagement in care after breast cancer treatment

Brief culturally informed smartphone interventions decrease breast cancer symptom burden among Latina breast cancer survivors

Objective: Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) report more symptom burden and poorer health-related quality of life than non-Latina BCS. However, there are few evidence-based and culturally informed resources that are easily accessible to this population. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the My Guide and My Health smartphone applications among Latina BCS. Both applications are culturally informed and contain evidence-based information for reducing symptom burden and improving health-related quality of life (My Guide) or healthy lifestyle promotion (My Health). Methods: Participants (N = 80) were randomized to use the My Guide or My Health smartphone applications for 6 weeks. Assessments occurred at baseline (T1) after the 6-week intervention (T2) and 2-week post-T2 (T3). Outcomes were participant recruitment and retention rates, patient-reported satisfaction, and validated measures of symptom burden and health-related quality of life. Results: Recruitment was acceptable (79%), retention was excellent (\u3e90%), and over 90% of participants were satisfied with their application. On average, participants in both conditions used the applications for more than 1 hour per week. Symptom burden declined from T1 to T2 across both conditions, but this decline was not maintained at T3. Breast cancer well-being improved from T1 to T2 across both conditions and was maintained at T3. Conclusions: Latina BCS who used the My Guide and My Health applications reported temporary decreases in symptom burden and improved breast cancer well-being over time, though there were no differential effects between conditions. Findings suggest that technology may facilitate Latina BCS engagement in care after breast cancer treatment

Study design and protocol for My Guide: An e-health intervention to improve patient-centered outcomes among Hispanic breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in women and the leading cause of death among Hispanic women living in the United States. Relative to non-Hispanic white women, Hispanic women report poorer health related quality of life (HRQoL) after treatment. Although eHealth interventions delivered via Smartphones are a viable approach to addressing supportive care accessibility issues while also integrating multidisciplinary approaches for improving HRQoL, few eHealth interventions have been developed that specifically target Hispanic breast cancer survivors (BCS). This manuscript describes the methodology of a multi-site, randomized controlled behavioral trial investigating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Smartphone application aimed at improving HRQoL and cancer-specific distress among Hispanic BCS. Participants will be randomized to receive the intervention application, My Guide (psychoeducation & self-management program), or the health education control condition application, My Health (health education), for six weeks. All participants will also receive weekly telecoaching to enhance adherence to both control and intervention conditions. We will measure the study\u27s primary outcomes, general and disease-specific HRQoL and cancer-specific distress, at three time points: prior to, immediately after the intervention, and eight weeks after initial application use. My Guide may have the potential to improve HRQoL, and to address issues of limited access to supportive care among Hispanic women recovering from breast cancer treatment