bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoothly splitting amplitudes and semi-locality
Authors: Cachazo Freddy , Early Nick , Umbert Bruno Giménez
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we study a novel behavior developed by certain tree-level scalar scattering amplitudes, including the biadjoint, NLSM, and special Galileon, when a subset of kinematic invariants vanishes without producing a singularity. This behavior exhibits properties which we call smooth splitting and semi-locality. The former means that an amplitude becomes the product of exactly three amputated Berends-Giele currents, while the latter means that any two currents share one external particle. We call these smooth splittings 3-splits. In fact, there are exactly $$ \left(\begin{array}{c}n\\ {}3\end{array}\right)-n $$

n

3

−
n
such 3-splits of an n-particle amplitude, one for each tripod in a polygon; as they cannot be obtained from standard factorization, they are a new phenomenon in Quantum Field Theory. In fact, the resulting splitting is analogous to the one first seen in Cachazo-Early-Guevara-Mizera (CEGM) amplitudes which generalize standard cubic scalar amplitudes from their Tr G(2, n) formulation to Tr G(k, n), where Tr G(k, n) is the tropical Grassmannian. Along the way, we show how smooth splittings naturally lead to the discovery of mixed amplitudes in the NLSM and special Galileon theories and to novel BCFW-like recursion relations for NLSM amplitudes.
A note on the analytic structure of celestial amplitudes
Authors: Gu Jiayin , Li Ying-Ying , Wang Lian-Tao
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Celestial amplitudes, obtained by applying Mellin transform and analytic continuation on “ordinary” amplitudes, have interesting properties which may provide useful insights on the underlying theory. Their analytic structures are thus of great interest and need to be better understood. In this paper, we critically examine the analytic structure of celestial amplitudes in a massless low-energy effective field theory. We find that, fixed-order loop contributions, which generate multipoles on the negative β-plane, in general do not provide an accurate description of the analytic structure of celestial amplitudes. By resumming over the leading logarithmic contributions using renormalization group equations (RGEs), we observe much richer analytic structures, which generally contain branch cuts. It is also possible to generate multipoles or shifted single poles if the RGEs satisfy certain relations. Including sub-leading logarithmic contributions is expected to introduce additional corrections to the picture. However, without a new approach, it is difficult to make a general statement since the analytic form of the Mellin transform is challenging to obtain.
Posterior urethral stenosis: a comparative review of the guidelines
Authors: Abbasi Behzad , Shaw Nathan M. , Lui Jason L. , Li Kevin D. , Sudhakar Architha , Low Patrick , Hakam Nizar , Nabavizadeh Behnam , Breyer Benjamin N.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We aimed to provide a thorough comparative review of the available guidelines on the diagnosis, management, and follow-up for patients with posterior urethral stenosis by the American Urologic Association (2016), Société Internationale d’Urologie (2010), and European Urologic Association (2022).

Methods

The AUA, SIU, and EAU guidelines were evaluated for recommendations on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of posterior urethral stenosis. We also included the EAU and AUA urologic trauma guidelines for the trauma-related stenosis. The level or strength of recommendations is included in case of disparity between the guidelines.

Results

The three guidelines align considerably in recommendations provided for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with posterior urethral stenosis. SIU and EAU emphasize the role of repeat endoscopic treatment in guidelines compared to AUA.

Conclusion

The preferred method to repair bulbo-membranous stricture/stenosis following radiation therapy remains an area of active interest, focusing on continence preservation. Additionally, there may be a role for advanced endoscopic treatments with or without adjunct therapies to manage even obliterated stenoses.
Der Querschnittsbereich 14 „Schmerzmedizin“ an der Universität Leipzig – was wurde erreicht?
Authors: Hempel Gunther , Weissenbacher Andreas , Becker-Rux Diana , Mescha Swantje , Stehr Sebastian N. , Werdehausen Robert
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Im Medizinstudium in Deutschland ist seit 2016 ein gesonderter Leistungsnachweis auf dem Gebiet der Schmerzmedizin zu erwerben. Bislang fehlen Untersuchungen über die Effekte dieser Einführung auf Kompetenzen von Studierenden im Themengebiet Schmerzmedizin.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel war es herauszufinden, inwieweit die Einführung des Fachgebiets Schmerzmedizin als Querschnittsbereich 14 den Kompetenzerwerb der Studierenden im Bereich Schmerzmedizin gemessen über eine Selbsteinschätzung positiv beeinflusst.

Material und Methoden

Die Entwicklung des longitudinalen Curriculums wurde mithilfe des Kern-Zyklus durchgeführt. Parallel erfolgte die Erstellung eines Fragebogens zur Selbsteinschätzung der Studierenden auf einer 5‑stufigen Likert-Skala bzgl. des eigenen Wissensstands und der Bedeutung schmerzmedizinischer Lehrinhalte. Die Befragungen wurden vor Einführung der Veranstaltungsreihe (2014), nach Abschluss der ersten Kohorte (2016) und 5 Jahre nach Einführung (2019) durchgeführt und mittels Kruskal-Wallis-Tests verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Die Einführung des Curriculums hat zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung in relevanten Punkten geführt. So fühlen sich die Studierenden insgesamt besser auf die Behandlung von Schmerzpatienten vorbereitet (2,67 im Jahr 2014 vs. 3,18 im Jahr 2019). Teilaspekte wie die Erhebung einer Schmerzanamnese (3,63 vs. 4,10) oder die Erstellung eines Analgesieschemas (3,56 vs. 4,14) werden nun subjektiv deutlich besser beherrscht.

Diskussion

Trotz erfreulicher Ergebnisse besteht in Teilbereichen noch Verbesserungspotenzial. Beispielsweise ist die Bewertung der Studierenden zur Frage nach der Vorbereitung auf die Behandlung von Schmerzpatienten noch nicht zufriedenstellend. Hier gilt es, das Curriculum mit Fokus auf die Kompetenzorientierung weiterzuentwickeln. Dabei können digitale Lehrformate ebenso integriert werden wie interprofessionelle Einheiten und Simulationspatienten. Zudem sind jedoch gleichzeitig auch die Prüfungsformate hin zu standardisierten praktischen Prüfungen weiterzuentwickeln.
COVIDOA: a novel evolutionary optimization algorithm based on coronavirus disease replication lifecycle
Authors: Khalid Asmaa M. , Hosny Khalid M. , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a novel bio-inspired optimization algorithm called Coronavirus Optimization Algorithm (COVIDOA). COVIDOA is an evolutionary search strategy that mimics the mechanism of coronavirus when hijacking human cells. COVIDOA is inspired by the frameshifting technique used by the coronavirus for replication. The proposed algorithm is tested using 20 standard benchmark optimization functions with different parameter values. Besides, we utilized five IEEE Congress of Evolutionary Computation (CEC) benchmark test functions (CECC06, 2019 Competition) and five CEC 2011 real-world problems to prove the proposed algorithm's efficiency. The proposed algorithm is compared to eight of the most popular and recent metaheuristic algorithms from the state-of-the-art in terms of best cost, average cost (AVG), corresponding standard deviation (STD), and convergence speed. The results demonstrate that COVIDOA is superior to most existing metaheuristics.
Soil Biota Adversely Affect the Resistance and Recovery of Plant Communities Subjected to Drought
Authors: Gao Chenguang , van Bodegom Peter M. , Bezemer T. Martijn , Veldhuis Michiel P. , Mancinelli Riccardo , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A.
Published: August 2022

Climate change predictions indicate that summer droughts will become more severe and frequent. Yet, the impact of soil communities on the response of plant communities to drought remains unclear. Here, we report the results of a novel field experiment, in which we manipulated soil communities by adding soil inocula originating from different successional stages of coastal dune ecosystems to a plant community established from seeds on bare dune sand. We tested if and how the added soil biota from later-successional ecosystems influenced the sensitivity (resistance and recovery) of plant communities to drought. In contrast to our expectations, soil biota from later-successional soil inocula did not improve the resistance and recovery of plant communities subjected to drought. Instead, inoculation with soil biota from later successional stages reduced the post-drought recovery of plant communities, suggesting that competition for limited nutrients between plant community and soil biota may exacerbate the post-drought recovery of plant communities. Moreover, soil pathogens present in later-successional soil inocula may have impeded plant growth after drought. Soil inocula had differential impacts on the drought sensitivity of specific plant functional groups and individual species. However, the sensitivity of individual species and functional groups to drought was idiosyncratic and did not explain the overall composition of the plant community. Based on the field experimental evidence, our results highlight the adverse role soil biota can play on plant community responses to environmental stresses. These outcomes indicate that impacts of soil biota on the stability of plant communities subjected to drought are highly context-dependent and suggest that in some cases the soil biota activity can even destabilize plant community biomass responses to drought.
Resources for Turkish natural language processing: A critical survey
Authors: Çöltekin Çağrı , Doğruöz A. Seza , Çetinoğlu Özlem
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a comprehensive survey of corpora and lexical resources available for Turkish. We review a broad range of resources, focusing on the ones that are publicly available. In addition to providing information about the available linguistic resources, we present a set of recommendations, and identify gaps in the data available for conducting research and building applications in Turkish Linguistics and Natural Language Processing.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 in heart failure
Authors: Tucker William , Tucker Bradley , Rye Kerry-Anne , Ong Kwok Leung
Published: August 2022

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a peptide hormone involved in energy homeostasis that protects against the development of obesity and diabetes in animal models. Its level is elevated in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in humans. However, little is known about the role of FGF21 in heart failure (HF). HF is a major global health problem with a prevalence that is predicted to rise, especially in ageing populations. Despite improved therapies, mortality due to HF remains high, and given its insidious onset, prediction of its development is challenging for physicians. The emergence of cardiac biomarkers to improve prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of HF has received much attention over the past decade. Recent studies have suggested FGF21 is a promising biomarker candidate for HF. Preclinical research has shown that FGF21 is involved in the pathophysiology of HF through the prevention of oxidative stress, cardiac hypertrophy, and inflammation in cardiomyocytes. However, in the available clinical literature, FGF21 levels appear to be paradoxically raised in HF, potentially implying a FGF21 resistant state as occurs in obesity. Several potential confounding variables complicate the verdict on whether FGF21 is of clinical value as a biomarker. Further research is thus needed to evaluate whether FGF21 has a causal role in HF, and whether circulating FGF21 can be used as a biomarker to improve the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of HF. This review draws from preclinical and clinical studies to explore the role of FGF21 in HF.
Weighted cylindric partitions
Authors: Bridges Walter , Uncu Ali K.
Published: August 2022

Recently Corteel and Welsh outlined a technique for finding new sum-product identities by using functional relations between generating functions for cylindric partitions and a theorem of Borodin. Here, we extend this framework to include very general product-sides coming from work of Han and Xiong. In doing so, we are led to consider structures such as weighted cylindric partitions, symmetric cylindric partitions and weighted skew double-shifted plane partitions. We prove some new identities and obtain new proofs of known identities, including the Göllnitz–Gordon and Little Göllnitz identities as well as some beautiful Schmidt-type identities of Andrews and Paule.
Comparison of different forecasting tools for short-range lightning strike risk assessment
Authors: Bouchard Aurélie , Buguet Magalie , Chan-Hon-Tong Adrien , Dezert Jean , Lalande Philippe
Published: August 2022

Thunderstorms, the main generator of lightning on earth, are characterized by the presence of extreme atmospheric conditions (turbulence, hail, heavy rain, wind shear, etc.). Consequently, the atmospheric conditions associated with this kind of phenomenon (in particular the strike itself) can be dangerous for aviation. This study focuses on the estimation of the lightning strike risk induced by thunderstorms over the sea, in a short-range forecast, from 0 to 24 h. In this framework, three methods have been developed and compared. The first method is based on the use of thresholds and weighting functions; the second method is based on a neural network approach, and the third method is based on the use of belief functions. Each method has been applied to the same dataset comprising predictors defined from numerical weather prediction model outputs. In order to assess the different methods, a “ground truth” dataset based on lightning stroke locations supplied by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) has been used. The choice of one method over the others will depend on the compromise that the user is willing to accept between false alarms, missed detections, and runtimes. The first method has a very low missed detection rate but a high false alarm rate, while the other two methods have much lower false alarm rates, but at the cost of a non-negligible missed detection rate. Finally, the third method is much faster than the other two methods.
Openness to knowledge: does corporate social responsibility mediate the relationship between familiness and absorptive capacity?
Authors: Pütz Laura , Schell Sabrina , Werner Arndt
Published: August 2022

Being open to absorb external knowledge is a key competitive advantage for small- and medium-sized family firms. In this study, we propose and test a model in which corporate social responsibility is the key feature linking family-specific resources (i.e., familiness) to the family firm’s ability to absorb external knowledge. By integrating different theoretical perspectives, we argue that family firms use corporate social responsibility activities as signals to build trust and long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, incentivizing these groups to share their knowledge with the family firm. The empirical analysis is based on data from 327 German small- and medium-sized family firms. The results of the analyses support our main hypotheses that the relationship between familiness and absorptive capacity is positively mediated by employee- and customer-oriented corporate social responsibility activities. Although hypothesized, we find no mediation effect of community-oriented corporate social responsibility activities. In sum, the study contributes to the understanding of how and why family firms employ their family-specific resources to establish corporate social responsibility activities, which, in turn, are used as a strategic instrument to strengthen their dynamic capabilities.
How much BiGAN and CycleGAN-learned hidden features are effective for COVID-19 detection from CT images? A comparative study
Authors: Sarv Ahrabi Sima , Momenzadeh Alireza , Baccarelli Enzo , Scarpiniti Michele , Piazzo Lorenzo
Published: August 2022

Bidirectional generative adversarial networks (BiGANs) and cycle generative adversarial networks (CycleGANs) are two emerging machine learning models that, up to now, have been used as generative models, i.e., to generate output data sampled from a target probability distribution. However, these models are also equipped with encoding modules, which, after weakly supervised training, could be, in principle, exploited for the extraction of hidden features from the input data. At the present time, how these extracted features could be effectively exploited for classification tasks is still an unexplored field. Hence, motivated by this consideration, in this paper, we develop and numerically test the performance of a novel inference engine that relies on the exploitation of BiGAN and CycleGAN-learned hidden features for the detection of COVID-19 disease from other lung diseases in computer tomography (CT) scans. In this respect, the main contributions of the paper are twofold. First, we develop a kernel density estimation (KDE)-based inference method, which, in the training phase, leverages the hidden features extracted by BiGANs and CycleGANs for estimating the (a priori unknown) probability density function (PDF) of the CT scans of COVID-19 patients and, then, in the inference phase, uses it as a target COVID-PDF for the detection of COVID diseases. As a second major contribution, we numerically evaluate and compare the classification accuracies of the implemented BiGAN and CycleGAN models against the ones of some state-of-the-art methods, which rely on the unsupervised training of convolutional autoencoders (CAEs) for attaining feature extraction. The performance comparisons are carried out by considering a spectrum of different training loss functions and distance metrics. The obtained classification accuracies of the proposed CycleGAN-based (resp., BiGAN-based) models outperform the corresponding ones of the considered benchmark CAE-based models of about 16% (resp., 14%).
Simple and robust multiple shoot regeneration and root induction cycle from different explants of Hypericum perforatum L. genotypes
Authors: Ravindran Beena M. , Rizzo Paride , Franke Katrin , Fuchs Jörg , D’Auria John
Published: August 2022

Hypericum perforatum L. commonly known as Saint John’s Wort (SJW) is an economically important medicinal plant known for accumulating its valuable bioactive compounds in a compartmentalized fashion. The dark glands are very rich in hypericin, and translucent glands are filled with hyperforin. The antibiotic properties of the afore mentioned bioactive compounds make it hard to establish tissue regeneration protocols essential to put in place a transformation platform that is required for testing gene function in this challenging species. In this study, we report the establishment of a regeneration and root induction cycle from different types of explants. The regeneration cycle was set up for the continuous supply of roots and leaf explants for downstream transformation experiments. The most effective medium to obtain multiple shoot-buds from node cultures was MS (Murashige and Skoog, Physiol Plant 15:473–497, 1962) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.5 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The same combination yielded copious amounts of shoots from root and leaf explants as well. For rooting the elongated shoots, MS medium devoid of plant growth regulators (PGRs) was sufficient. Nevertheless, addition of a low amount of IBA improved the quantity and quality of roots induced. Additionally, the roots obtained on a medium containing IBA readily developed shoot buds.
Mechanochemical Ionization: Differentiating Pressure-, Shear-, and Temperature-Induced Reactions in a Model Phosphate
Authors: Sukhomlinov Sergey V. , Kickelbick Guido , Müser Martin H.
Published: August 2022

Using density-functional theory-based molecular dynamics simulations, we study stress and temperature-induced chemical reactions in bulk systems containing triphosphoric acid and zinc phosphate molecules. The nature of the products depends sensitively on the imposed conditions, e.g., isotropic and even more so shear stress create (zwitter-) ionic products. Free ions also emerge from thermal cycles, but the reactions are endothermic rather than exothermic as for stress-induced transitions and zinc atoms remain four-coordinated. Hydrostatic stresses required for reactions to occur lie well below those typical for tribological micro-contacts of stiff solids and are further reduced by shear. Before zinc atoms change their coordination under stress, proton mobility increases, i.e., hydrogen atoms start to change the oxygen atom they are bonded to within 10 ps time scales. The hydrostatic stress for this to occur is reduced with increasing shear. Our finding suggests that materials for which number, nature, and mobility of ions are stress sensitive cannot have a well-defined position in the triboelectric series, since local contact stresses generally depend on the stiffness of the counter body. Moreover, our simulations do not support the idea that chemical reactions in a tribo-contact are commonly those that would be obtained through heating alone.

Graphical Abstract
Evidence-based guidelines for greener, healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods: Introducing the 3–30–300 rule
Authors: Konijnendijk Cecil C.
Published: August 2022

The important contributions of urban trees and green spaces to for example, climate moderation and public health have been recognized. This paper discusses guidelines and norms that promote the benefits of viewing green, living amongst green, and having easy access to green spaces for recreational use. Having trees and other vegetation in sight from one’s home, place of work, or school has important mental health and performance benefits. Local tree canopy cover is positively associated with cooling and other aspects of climate moderation. With public green spaces in proximity to one’s home stimulates regular use of these areas and results in positive impacts on mental, physical, and social health. After analyzing existing guidelines and rules for urban green space planning and provision, a new, comprehensive guideline is presented, known as the ‘3–30–300 rule’ for urban forestry. This guideline aims to provide equitable access to trees and green spaces and their benefits by setting the thresholds of having at least 3 well-established trees in view from every home, school, and place of work, no less than a 30% tree canopy in every neighbourhood; and no more than 300 m to the nearest public green space from every residence. Current implementation of this new guideline is discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using this evidence-based but also clear and simple rules.
Longitudinal Studies of Sleep Disturbances in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Xu Zheyu , Anderson Kirstie N. , Pavese Nicola
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

Sleep disorders are among the most common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent longitudinal studies of sleep in PD have utilized validated sleep questionnaires and video-polysomnography performed over multiple time points. This review summarizes existing longitudinal studies focusing on the prevalence, associations, and changes of sleep disorders in PD over time, as well as the methodologies used in these studies.

Recent Findings

Fifty-three longitudinal studies of sleep in PD were identified: excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), restless legs syndrome, and shift work disorder were studied in addition to other studies that had focused on either multiple sleep disorders or broadly on sleep disorders as a whole. The prevalence of sleep disorders increases over time and are associated particularly with non-motor features of disease. RBD is now considered an established prodromal feature of PD, but other sleep disorders do not clearly increase risk of subsequent PD. Further work is necessary to determine if treatment of sleep disorders in PD alters disease symptom and their progression or reduces PD risk.

Longitudinal studies of sleep in PD have demonstrated a high prevalence of sleep disorders that are associated with non-motor features of PD which can increase over time. More work is necessary to determine if treatment of sleep disorders can alter the course of PD.
CFD model of slot die coating for lithium-ion battery electrodes in 2D and 3D with load balanced dynamic mesh refinement enabled with a local-slip boundary condition in OpenFOAM
Authors: Hoffmann Alexander , Spiegel Sandro , Heckmann Thilo , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: August 2022

Slot die coating is a state-of-the-art process to manufacture lithium-ion battery electrodes with high accuracy and reproducibility, covering a wide range of process conditions and material systems. Common approaches to predict process windows are one-dimensional calculations with a limited expressiveness. A more detailed analysis can be performed using CFD simulations, which are often based on in-house code or closed-source software. In this study, a two-phase CFD model in two and three dimensions was created in OpenFOAM with the intent to provide a method for more detailed investigations of the slot die coating process with open access to source code and files. A custom boundary condition enables the proper description of the wetting behavior in the two-dimensional model. The combination of standard no-slip boundary conditions at the substrate boundary with the volume-of-fluid solution algorithm leads to a method-related air entrainment, which was prevented by allowing local slip at the dynamic wetting line at the upstream meniscus in the two-dimensional model. Additionally, a load-balancing dynamic refinement algorithm was implemented to minimize the computational effort and increase the ease of use of the simulation environment. The simulation was validated by comparing the simulated process limits to experimental observations, showing good agreement. As a result, this model enables detailed analyses regarding the influences of slot die geometries, material properties, and process parameters on the coating stability and wet-film profile.
Cost-effectiveness of clinical breast examination screening programme among HER2-positive breast cancer patients: a modelling study
Authors: Ngan Tran T. , Browne Siobhán , Goodwin Martha , Van Minh Hoang , Donnelly Michael , O’Neill Ciaran
Published: August 2022

Purpose

For many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), breast cancer (BC) screening based on mammography is not a viable option. Clinical breast examination (CBE) may represent a pragmatic and cost-effective alternative. This paper examines the cost-effectiveness of CBE screening programme among a patient group for whom its cost-effectiveness is likely to be least evident (HER2-positive patients) and discuss the wider implications for BC screening in LMICs.

Methods

A Markov model was used to examine clinical and economic outcomes over a life-time horizon from the patient, public payer, and healthcare sector perspective. HER2-positive patients entered the model at either disease-free survival or metastatic BC state. The downstaging effect of CBE determined the starting probabilities in the no-screening and screening scenarios. The model used a monthly cycle length, with half-cycle correction. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 1.5% annually.

Results

Compared with no-screening, the cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year gained for the CBE screening programme was $1801, $2381, and $4179 from three mentioned perspectives, respectively. The finding of cost-effectiveness remained robust to a range of sensitivity analyses. The parameters to which ICERs are most sensitive are average age of cohorts, reduction in proportion of metastatic patients at diagnosis, cost of CBE, and BC detection rate of the programme.

Conclusion

For HER2-positive patients and compared with no-screening, CBE screening programme in Vietnam is cost-effective from all investigated perspectives. CBE is a ‘good value’ intervention and should be considered for implementation throughout Vietnam as well as in LMICs where mammography is not feasible.
“I Come Out Because I Love You”: Positive Coming Out Experiences among Latter-day Saint Sexual and Gender Minorities
Authors: Skidmore Samuel J. , Lefevor G. Tyler , Perez-Figueroa Adlyn M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Coming out conversations are pivotal and stressful experiences for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Coming out can lead to more affirmation, safety, confidence, and improved relationships. However, adverse coming out experiences can lead to damaged relationships and ostracization, which may be more likely in conservative religious contexts.

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to explore what leads to positive coming out experiences for SGM members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Method

A sample of 25 current or former Latter-day Saint (LDS) SGMs participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants reported five actions they did that contributed to a beneficial coming out experience: being selective, increasing self-understanding and acceptance, preparing before, decreasing pressure on self, and validating the relationship with the person they came out to. Participants further reported six responses from others that contributed to a beneficial coming out experience: showing loving acceptance, utilizing empathic listening skills, offering and expressing support, celebrating, affirming that the relationship is not changed, and advocating.

Conclusions and Implications

The present study extends current knowledge on coming out experiences by demonstrating specific beneficial approaches and responses to coming out. Given participants’ lack of focus on religiousness in their reports, these findings may be applicable to both religious and nonreligious SGMs. Our findings extend current knowledge on coming out experiences by demonstrating that both SGM approaches and others’ responses are critical to creating a more positive coming out conversation. Future research is needed to understand the efficacy and effects of these coming out approaches and responses.
Process-aware optimisation of lattice structure by electron beam powder bed fusion
Authors: Galati Manuela , Giordano Massimo , Iuliano Luca
Published: August 2022

Lattice structures are 3D open topologically ordered geometries that repeat an elementary cell in a predefined 3D space. Struts connected in specific nodes define the cell. Lattice structures are typical geometries that represent the design freedom unlocked by additive manufacturing (AM) and are unachievable with traditional processes. By tuning the morphometric parameters of the cell, its mechanical response can be significantly altered. Because of that, an accurate understanding of the process capabilities is crucial for achieving the nominally designed properties. Considering an electron beam powder bed fusion process, in this work, the same nominal lattice structure is produced under different processing conditions to determine the relationship between the process parameters, the actual cell morphometric parameters, and its mechanical response. Strut dimension, relative density and cross-section are measured using advanced X-ray computed tomography scanning analyses. Uniaxial compressive tests describe the mechanical performance. Inferential and descriptive statistical analyses are applied to investigate the effect of process parameters on the actual strut dimension and infer regression models. The results show that even slight variations of the process parameters significantly affect the morphometric structure parameters that result deviated from the nominal ones. The work demonstrates a strong correlation between all morphometric structure parameters and corresponding mechanical properties. The obtained regression model can predict the strut dimension from the process parameters, which can be then used to estimate the actual relative density and strut size. With this control and without any complex design procedure, a fine-tuning of process parameters allows a precise 3D spatial and localised control of structure properties to produce functionalised structures directly.
Openness to Using an External Penile Prosthesis for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy by Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fu Fong , Duthie Cassian J. , Wibowo Erik , Wassersug Richard J. , Walker Lauren M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can lead to reduced sexual intimacy in men. The external penile prosthesis (EPP) is a device to help them participate in penetrative sex.

Aim

We investigate factors that may affect the willingness of individuals with ED to try an EPP and explore how the EPP could be presented most effectively to such patients to enhance their willingness to try an EPP.

Methods

Recruitment for this cross-sectional study occurred in-person and online. 147 participants (60.0 ± 14.3 years old; all experiencing self-reported ED) completed a survey containing both validated measures and questions specific to this study. The survey was open to English-speakers over the age of 18 who self-reported experiencing ED.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome was participants’ willingness to try an EPP based on their level of knowledge about using the EPP. Secondary outcomes included the influence of the sexual function, sexual distress, ED history, age, relationship duration, sexual flexibility on willingness to try an EPP. We also collected feedback from participants’ on how and where they would like to be introduced to the EPP option.

Results

Most participants indicated a preference for being introduced to the EPP after trying some ED treatments (51.0%). Participants did not have strong preference regarding the setting where they were informed about the EPP. The majority however preferred having a sexual health therapist/counsellor (28.6%) or physician (25.9%) as the person introducing the EPP to them. Participants’ willingness to try the EPP increased with more information about the EPP presented to them (P < .001). Personalization of the EPP to match one's own penis was preferred by 38.7% of participants. Referring to this aid as an ‘external penile prosthesis’ was significantly more preferred over alternative labels, such as a “belted prosthetic phallus” or “strap-on dildo” (Ps < .001 for both). Multiple regression analyses showed that only sexual script flexibility was associated with the initial willingness to try an EPP (P < .01).

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider presenting the EPP to men with ED, who desire maintaining penetrative sexual intercourse with their partners.

Strength and Limitations

This is the first study to explore factors influencing the willingness to try an EPP. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of EPPs for maintaining sexual activity and satisfaction in the real-life setting.

Conclusion

This study informs clinicians about effective ways to introduce the EPP to patients with ED who wish to maintain insertive/receptive sex.
Therapeutic Targeting of RAS Mutant Cancers
Authors: Stites Edward C. , Paskvan Kendra , Kato Shumei
Published: August 2022

The KRAS oncogene is believed to be the most common single nucleotide variant oncogene in human cancer. Historically, efforts to target KRAS and the other RAS GTPases have struggled. More recently, efforts have focused on identifying and exploiting features unique to specific oncogenic mutations. This has led to the first FDA approval for a RAS targeted therapy. This new agent is a covalent inhibitor that reacts with the cysteine residue created by a codon 12 glycine to cysteine (G12C) mutation within KRAS. Mutant-specific strategies may also exist for other KRAS single nucleotide variants, and recent studies provide examples and mechanisms.
Xin Fengxia and the Transformation of China's Ping Opera
Authors: Liu Siyuan
Published: August 2022

This Element focuses on Xin Fengxia (1927–1998), a star of the regional xiqu form pingju, and her prominent role in transforming the genre from folk entertainment for the lower class to one of the most notable winners of the xiqu reform after the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. The Element's four sections expand from this core concept to include the four stages of her life experience and artistry that shaped her legacy: growing up in China's third largest theatre market Tianjin before 1949, national stardom in Beijing (1949–1957), restricted creativity amidst political upheavals (1957–1975), and as a prominent author after a stroke (1977–1998). Rather than following a biographical approach, these sections zero in on the environment before and after 1949 that made her a prominent pingju reformer and the consequent price of such success.
Supporting addiction affected families effectively: a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a psychosocial intervention delivered by lay counsellors in Goa, India
Authors: Bhatia Urvita , Velleman Richard , Velleman Gill , Garber Alison , Catalano Alexander , Nadkarni Abhijit
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite evidence of the burden of alcohol use on families, there is a lack of adequate and targeted support. We aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability and impact of Supporting Addiction Affected Families Effectively (SAFE), a brief lay counsellor-delivered intervention for affected family members (AFMs).

Methods

Parallel arm feasibility randomised controlled trial [1:1 allocation to SAFE or enhanced usual care (EUC)]. The primary outcome was mean difference in symptom score assessed by the Symptom Rating Test and secondary outcomes were difference in coping, impact and social support scores measured by the Coping Questionnaire, Family Member Impact Questionnaire, and Alcohol, Drugs and the Family Social Support Scale. Process data examining feasibility and acceptability were also collected. The primary analysis was intention to treat at the 3-month endpoint.

Results

In total, 115 AFMs were referred to the trial, and 101 (87.8%) consenting participants were randomised to the two arms (51 SAFE arm and 50 EUC arm). Seventy-eight per cent completed treatment, with the mean number of sessions being 4.25 sessions and mean duration being 53 min. Ninety-five per cent completed outcome assessment. There were no statistically significant differences between SAFE and EUC on any of the outcome measures, except for the between-group adjusted mean differences for social support scores (AMD −6.05, 95% CI −10.98 to −1.12, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our work indicates that it is possible to identify AFMs through community networking, and have high rates of participation for lay counsellor-delivered psychosocial care. Nevertheless, there is a need for further intervention development to ensure its contextual relevance and appropriateness.
Does Political Representation Increase Participation? Evidence from Party Candidate Lotteries in Mexico
Authors: POERTNER MATHIAS
Published: August 2022

How does representation by politicians from specific communities influence these communities’ political participation? Analyzing a natural experiment from Mexico in which a party uses lotteries to select candidates for public office, this paper presents new insights into how representation shapes the political participation of underrepresented segments of society. I find that participation in subsequent elections is significantly higher among constituents who have been represented by randomly selected legislators with a similar social background who are part of local organizational networks (embedded representatives). Furthermore, I show that these represented constituents feel more empowered and that the party that provides this “grassroots” representation is rewarded with more support in the subsequent election. The findings highlight the importance of community embeddedness for political mobilization and have important implications for debates about democratic inclusion and representation.
Seasonal variation in vitamin D status of Japanese infants starts to emerge at 2 months of age: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Takahashi Keigo , Arimitsu Takeshi , Hara-Isono Kaori , Ikeda Kazushige
Published: August 2022

Vitamin D seasonality has been reported in adults and children, suggesting that sunlight exposure has effects on 25(OH)D production. While vitamin D deficiency among infants has received significant attention, little is known about the extent to which vitamin D status during early infancy is affected by sunlight exposure. Here, we retrospectively analysed serum 25(OH)D levels of 692 samples obtained from healthy infants aged 1–2 months born at Saitama City Hospital, Japan (latitude 35·9° North) between August 2017 and September 2021. Data regarding the frequency of outdoor activities, formula intake and BMI were also collected and analysed. Month-to-month comparisons of vitamin D levels revealed significant variation in 25(OH)D levels in breastfed infants starting at 2 months, with maximal and minimal levels in September and January, respectively. An outdoor activity score of 0 was most common at 1 month (83·9 %) and a score of 3 was most common at 2 months (81·2 %), suggesting an increased amount of sunlight exposure at 2 months. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the amount of formula intake to be significantly associated with vitamin D status at both 1 (t = 17·96) and 2 months (t = 16·30). Our results comprise the first evidence that seasonal variation of vitamin D begins at 2 months among breastfed infants from East Asia, though dietary intake appears to be the major determinant of vitamin D status. These findings provide new insights into the influence of dietary and non-dietary factors on vitamin D status during early infancy.
PRIVATE CENSORSHIP AND STRUCTURAL DOMINANCE: WHY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS SHOULD HAVE OBLIGATIONS TO THEIR USERS UNDER FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Authors: Theil Stefan
Published: August 2022

Contemporary liberal accounts of free expression are almost exclusively preoccupied with the permissible exercises of state power. Influenced by this framing, free expression guarantees under the ECHR, as well as the US and German Constitutions, focus on protecting a private sphere from state interference: what happens within that sphere is only of peripheral concern. This approach is deeply unsatisfactory, especially given the significant threats emanating from private social media platforms that shape the conditions under which individuals may express themselves online. The article argues that we should take private platforms seriously as a source of significant threats, without abandoning the distinction between private actors and the state. Private platforms that are generally open to the public should have obligations to uphold free speech in their contractual relationship to users under certain conditions: if they are structurally dominant, make arbitrary decisions or significantly impact a user's societal participation.
Health technology assessment of whole genome sequencing in the diagnosis of genetic disorders: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Nurchis Mario Cesare , Riccardi Maria Teresa , Damiani Gianfranco
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this scoping review is to map the available evidence about the use of health technology assessment (HTA) in the assessment of whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Methods

A scoping review methodology was adopted. The population, concept, and context framework was used to build up the research question and to establish the eligibility criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews was adopted to implement a comprehensive search strategy. Evidence was retrieved from scientific databases and HTA organizations Web sites. Reports were classified as full HTA, mini-HTA, rapid reviews or other.

Results

The search strategy identified seven reports. Five HTA organizations from five countries elaborated the reports: one full HTA, four rapid reviews, and two classified as others. The reports were mainly focused on the evaluation of the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of genome-wide sequencing as well as informing policy questions by providing analyses of organizational and ethical considerations.

Conclusions

Few HTA organizations are drafting reports for WGS. It is essential to stimulate a critical reflection during the elaboration of HTA reports for WGS to steer choices of decision makers in the establishment of priorities for research and policy and reimbursement rates.
American Political Development and the Recovery of a Human Science
Authors: Sparrow Bartholomew H.
Published: August 2022

Recent political developments point to the presence of grave problems with democratic governance in the United States. They suggest that scholarship in American political development (APD) could be better at studying the experiences and thinking of everyday Americans. APD scholars often study institutional changes, policy initiatives, and other shifts in governance without studying how these developments affect the lives of U.S. citizens and residents. And many developments of critical political importance are ignored or do not receive the scholarly attention they deserve. For our scholarship to do justice to the recent crises and better relate to the political world around us, as several recent past American Political Science Association (APSA) presidents have recommended, the article calls for APD scholarship to be better at focusing on people themselves: on their health and safety, their material standing, and their personal and social educations. By adding a fuller study of people to their research, APD scholars would be better equipped to identify important political developments that do not always capture the attention of Congress, the White House, and the media, but that are too important to ignore.
Childhood stunting and subsequent educational outcomes: a marginal structural model analysis from a South African longitudinal study
Authors: Amusa Lateef B , Bengesai Annah Vimbai , Khan Hafiz TA
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To examine the association between childhood stunting and grade completion (as educational outcome) in South Africa.

Design:

Longitudinal study. Data were obtained using the National Income Dynamics Study over five waves (2008 to 2017). Children were tracked at wave 1 in 2008 until wave 5 in 2017 to determine their total years of schooling. We controlled for time-variant and time-varying confounding with a marginal structural model to estimate the associations between childhood stunting and subsequent grade completion.

Setting:

Nationally representative study of South African households.

Participants:

A total of 2629 children aged 2 and 3 years in 2008.

Results:

We observed a substantial decrease in the prevalence of stunting between wave 1 (28·2 %) and wave 4 (8·6 %). Our marginal structural model results suggest that childhood stunting was significantly associated with decreased odds (22 % less likely) of grade completion (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI: 0·40, 0·86; P = 0·015), while those who were only stunted during early childhood had a 29 % reduction in the odds of grade completion (OR = 0·71; 95 % CI: 0·51, 0·82; P = 0·020).

Conclusion:

These findings underscore the fact that stunting is a significant predictor of academic achievement, whose effects might be long-lasting.