bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of employment in people with mental illness: Differential mediating effects of internalized stigma on self‐esteem
Authors: Silván‐Ferrero Prado , Holgado Pablo F. , Jiménez José , Pérez‐Garín Daniel
Published: June 2021

Previous research shows a negative relationship between the stigmatization of people with mental illness and self‐esteem. Through path analysis, the present study examines the extent to which both perceived individual discrimination and perceived group discrimination predict self‐esteem and the extent to which internalized stigma and concealment mediate these relationships. We also test whether this mediation is moderated by the amount of time worked. The participants were 110 Spanish people with mental illness (67 men and 43 women) recruited from Spanish nongovernmental organizations. The sample was divided into two groups according to whether they had a permanent employment contract (which occurs when a person has worked for over 5 months). The results confirmed the mediating role of internalized stigma between individual perceived discrimination and self‐esteem in the group with permanent employment contracts. Group discrimination had an indirect positive association with self‐esteem through reduced internalized stigma in the whole sample. In sum, our results show that being employed for longer may strengthen the relationship between perceived individual discrimination and self‐esteem via internalized stigma and that perceived group discrimination may buffer the negative relationship between internalized stigma and self‐esteem in people with mental illness.
Photothermal Responsive Singlet Oxygen Nanocarriers for Hypoxic Cancer Cell Ablation
Authors: Zhu Ting , Yu Qi , Feng Zheng , Zhao Weili , Liu Shujuan , Huang Wei , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2021

Hypoxia in aggressively proliferating tumor cells has been demonstrated to restrict the efficiency of photodynamic therapy owing to its oxygen (O2)‐dependent generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) from photosensitizers under light irradiation. To address this problem, we propose a small‐molecule dye‐based 1O2 capturing agent, B1. B1 not only bears a near‐infrared absorbing azo‐boron dipyrromethene backbone, but also has 1,4‐dimethylnaphthalene, which facilitates the capture of 1O2 to form endoperoxide (B1‐SO). B1‐SO undergoes a reversible reaction via near‐infrared photothermal stimulation, thus allowing 1O2 release. Based on this mechanism, stable B1‐SO containing micelles (B1‐SO NPs) were prepared and employed as 1O2 nanocarriers to ablate cancer cells in vitro. Taking advantage of this O2‐independent 1O2 releasing ability, B1‐SO NPs were demonstrated to have efficient cytotoxicity under near‐infrared irradiation, especially in a hypoxic environment. The unique O2‐independent 1O2 generation process of B1‐SO NPs suggests they can be used as novel cancer phototherapy agents.
Derivation and validation of Pd/Pa in the assessment of residual ischemia post‐intervention: A prospective all‐comer registry
Authors: Hakeem Abdul , Hou Linle , Shah Kulin , Agarwal Shiv K. , Almomani Ahmed , Edupuganti Mallik , Kasula Sirkanth , Pothineni Naga V. , Al‐Hawwas Malek , Miller Kristin , Zakir Ramzan , Ghosh Bobby , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Measurement of post‐percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) fractional flow reserve (FFR) demonstrates residual ischemia in a large percentage of cases deemed angiographically successful which, in turn, has been associated with worse long‐term outcomes. It has recently been shown that a resting pressure index, Pd/Pa, has prognostic value post stenting, however, its diagnostic value relative to FFR post‐PCI has not been evaluated.

Methods

The diagnostic accuracy of Pd/Pa in identifying ischemia (FFR≤0.80) pre‐ and post‐PCI was evaluated. Three patient subsets were analyzed. A reference pre‐PCI cohort of 1,255 patients (1,560 vessels) was used to measure the accuracy of pre‐PCI Pd/Pa vs. FFR. A derivation post‐PCI group of 574 patient (664 vessels) was then used to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of post‐PCI Pd/Pa vs. FFR. A final prospective validation cohort of 230 patients (255 vessels) was used to test and validate the diagnostic performance of post‐PCI Pd/Pa.

Results

Median Pd/Pa and FFR were 0.90 (IQR 0.90–0.98) and 0.80 (IQR 0.71–0.88) in the reference pre‐PCI model, 0.96 (IQR 0.93–1.00) and 0.87 (IQR 0.77–0.90) in the post‐PCI derivation model, and 0.94 (IQR 0.89–0.97) and 0.84 (IQR 0.77–0.90) in the post‐PCI validation model respectively. There was a strong linear correlation between Pd/Pa and FFR in all three models (p < 0.0001). Using ROC analysis, the optimal Pd/Pa cutoff value to predict a FFR ≤ 0.80 was ≤0.92 (AUC 0.87) in the pre‐PCI model, ≤0.93 (AUC 0.85) in the post‐PCI derivation model, and ≤ 0.90 (AUC 0.91) in the post‐PCI validation model. Using a hybrid strategy of post‐PCI Pd/Pa and post‐PCI FFR when necessary (25% patients), overall diagnostic accuracy was improved to 95%.

Conclusions

Pd/Pa has excellent diagnostic accuracy for identifying ischemia post‐intervention. Using a hybrid strategy of post‐PCI Pd/Pa first, and FFR afterwards, if required, adenosine administration can be avoided in over 75% of physiologic assessments post intervention.
Sociodemographics, Beliefs, and Attitudes as Determinants of College Students' Career Aspirations
Authors: Tovar‐Murray Darrick , Parries Miranda M. , Gutheil Jessica , Carpenter Randall
Published: June 2021

We sought to determine the extent to which sociodemographic characteristics indirectly influence the relationships among self‐efficacy beliefs, feminist attitudes, and career aspiration domains. A group of college students (N = 1,129; 37% racial minorities) from an urban midwestern university participated in the study. Two moderation analyses were conducted and yielded interaction effects of Self‐Efficacy Beliefs × Gender on leadership aspiration (p = .01) and Self‐Efficacy Beliefs × Sexual Orientation on leadership aspiration (p = .050). Results indicated that a stronger endorsement of self‐efficacy beliefs led both male and lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, intersex, and questioning (LGBQIQ) students to seek out leadership positions within their chosen career field. The effect of feminist attitudes on achievement aspiration was stronger for LGBQIQ students than for heterosexual students (p = .044). On the basis of these results, we present several recommendations to aid career counselors in their work with college students to promote an increase in self‐efficacy and to increase career aspirations.
Goal Congruence and Positivity Toward College Major: The Role of Self‐Connection
Authors: Klussman Kristine , Lindeman Meghan I. Huntoon , Nichols Austin Lee , Langer Julia
Published: June 2021

Promoting college student retention and career success remains a primary goal for higher education. Toward this end, we examined the role of goal congruity and self‐connection in the extent to which students feel positivity toward their major. Specifically, we tested the role of self‐connection in the relationship between goals and positivity toward college major among 188 college students. When we examined communal goals, a moderated indirect effect emerged, suggesting that communal goals related to self‐connection only when students' majors did not provide communal affordances. For agentic goals, an indirect effect emerged such that endorsing agentic goals (regardless of agentic affordances) promoted self‐connection. In both cases, self‐connection then related to views toward one's major. These results suggest that communicating the communal value of majors to college students might promote self‐connection and have positive implications for retention of college students. Furthermore, encouraging students to consider their communal and agentic goals might lead to feeling positively toward their major.
Molten‐Salt‐Assisted Annealing for Making Colloidal ZnGa2O4:Cr Nanocrystals with High Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Srivastava Bhupendra B. , Gupta Santosh K. , Mohan Swati , Mao Yuanbing
Published: June 2021

Persistent luminescent nanocrystals (PLNCs) in the sub‐10 nm domain are considered to be the most fascinating inventions in lighting technology owing to their excellent performance in anti‐counterfeiting, luminous paints, bioimaging, security applications, etc. Further improvement of persistent luminescence (PersL) intensity and lifetime is needed to achieve the desired success of PLNCs while keeping the uniform sub‐10 nm size. In this work, the concept of molten salt confinement to thermally anneal as‐synthesized ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ (ZGOC) colloidal NCs (CNCs) in a molten salt medium at 650 °C is introduced. This method led to significantly monodispersed and few agglomerated NCs with a much improved photoluminescence (PL) and PersL intensity without much growth in the size of the pristine CNCs. Other strategies such as i) thermal annealing, ii) overcoating, and iii) the core–shell strategy have also been tried to improve PL and PersL but did not improve them simultaneously. Moreover, directly annealing the CNCs in air without the assistance of molten salt could significantly improve both PL and PersL but led to particle heterogeneity and aggregation, which are highly unsuitable for in vivo imaging. We believe this work provides a novel strategy to design PLNCs with high PL intensity and long PersL duration without losing their nanostructural characteristics, water dispersibility and biocompatibility.
A Novel Reactivity of Phosphanylalumane (>P−Al<): Reversible Addition of a Saturated Interelement Bond to Olefins
Authors: Yanagisawa Tatsuya , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: June 2021

The reversible addition of olefins to a phosphanylalumane, P−Al single‐bond species, was investigated. The P−Al bond added to ethylene and relatively small terminal alkenes (propylene and hex‐1‐ene) at room temperature to give the corresponding alkene adducts. Heating the terminal alkene adducts released the corresponding alkenes and regenerated the P−Al bond, but no release of ethylene was observed even under vacuum conditions. The reactivity of ethylene adduct as a new saturated C2 vicinal P/Al‐based FLP was also investigated. The ethylene adduct was found to undergo complexation with nitriles to give the corresponding nitrile adducts to the Al center, which retained the ethylene tether as in the case of the corresponding P/B‐based FLP. However, the reactivity of ethylene toward CO2 and benzaldehyde differed from that of the P/B system giving the corresponding adducts.
Tuning the π‐Accepting Properties of Mesoionic Carbenes: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Dong Zhaowen , Blaskovits J. Terence , Fadaei‐Tirani Farzaneh , Scopelliti Rosario , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Corminboeuf Clémence , Severin Kay
Published: June 2021

Mesoionic imidazolylidenes are recognized as excellent electron‐donating ligands in organometallic and main group chemistry. However, these carbene ligands typically show poor π‐accepting properties. A computational analysis of 71 mesoionic imidazolylidenes that bear different aryl or heteroaryl substituents in C2 position was performed. The study has revealed that a diphenyltriazinyl (Dpt) substituent renders the corresponding carbene particularly π‐acidic. The computational results could be corroborated experimentally. A mesoionic imidazolylidene with a Dpt substituent was found to be a better σ‐donor and a better π‐acceptor compared to an Arduengo‐type N‐heterocyclic carbene. To demonstrate the utility of the new carbene, the ligand was used to stabilize a low‐valent paramagnetic tin compound.
Budget‐aware scheduling algorithms for scientific workflows with stochastic task weights on infrastructure as a service Cloud platforms
Authors: Caniou Yves , Caron Eddy , Kong Win Chang Aurélie , Robert Yves
Published: June 2021

This paper introduces several budget‐aware algorithms to deploy scientific workflows on Infrastructure as a Service Cloud platforms, where users can request Virtual Machines (VMs) of different types, each with specific cost and computing resources. We use a realistic application/platform model with stochastic task weights, and VMs communicating through a Cloud storage. We extend two well‐known algorithms, MinMin and HEFT, and make scheduling decisions based upon machine availability and remaining budget. During the mapping process, the budget‐aware algorithms make conservative assumptions to avoid exceeding the initial budget; we further improve the results with refined versions that aim at rescheduling some tasks onto faster VMs, thereby spending any budget fraction leftover by the first allocation. These refined variants are much more time‐consuming than the former algorithms, so there is a trade‐off to find in terms of scalability. We report an extensive set of simulations with workflows from the Pegasus benchmark suite. Most of the time, our budget‐aware algorithms succeed in achieving efficient makespans while enforcing the given budget, and this despite the uncertainty in task weights.
An efficient algorithm for link prediction based on local information: Considering the effect of node degree
Authors: Mumin Diyawu , Shi Lei‐Lei , Liu Lu
Published: June 2021

There has been much interest in link prediction research with significant studies on how to predict missing links or future links in a network based on observed information. However, the key solution to tackle the link prediction problem is how to measure the similarity between the nodes in a network with higher accuracy. Several techniques have been proposed that utilize the similarity between nodes to estimate their proximity in the network. In this paper, an efficient link prediction algorithm that predicts relationships between links using the network structure is proposed. This algorithm uses common neighbors in addition to the degree distribution of the nodes to estimate the possibility of the presence of a link between two nodes in a network based on local information. Extensive experiments are carried out and compared with 12 standard similarity‐based methods using seven real‐world datasets. The experimental results show that our method has higher prediction accuracy compared with most of the local information based methods like the Common Neighbor and Preferential Attachment. It is also competitive with the quasi‐local indicators such as LP and global indicators like Katz, with a lower computational complexity than the two.
A lightweight model of wheel‐rail force inversion for railway vehicles
Authors: Teng Fei , Zhu Rui , Zhou Yabo , Chi Maoru , Zhang Haibo
Published: June 2021

The dynamical performance of vehicles on railway tracks is significantly influenced by wheel‐rail interactions, which makes the wheel‐rail force be a safety indicator of vehicle systems. Owing to the high cost of direct measurement, inversion models are widely used to measure the wheel‐rail force. This study proposes a model called the Lightweight Wheel‐Rail Force Inversion Model (LFIM) to calculate the wheel‐rail force by using vibration signals collected from the vehicle system. The model can extract the relevant features, and outperforms prevalent models. It is also resource efficient and small in size, which makes it suitable for edge computing environment. The basic LFIM yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.99 in experiments, significantly higher than the value recorded by the traditional dynamic methods. The compressed LFIM yielded a 91% reduction in floating‐point operations (FLOPs) and had an R2 score of 90%, which satisfies the demands for vehicle monitoring. By balancing accuracy and size, LFIM is a feasible model to deploy on edge devices to monitor the wheel‐rail force in real‐time and assess the safety of railway vehicles.
Reaction Behaviors of S‐, O‐, and N‐containing Aliphatic Molecules with a Propyl Moiety on Ge(100) Surface
Authors: Park Sangjune , Kim Ki‐jeong , Nam Jeong‐Woo , Youn Young‐Sang
Published: June 2021

The reaction pathways of 1‐propanethiol, 1‐propanol, and propylamine molecules, containing a propyl moiety, on a Ge(100) surface were investigated using high‐resolution photoemission spectroscopy (HRPES) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Upon analysis of the HRPES data, the adsorption of 1‐propanethiol and 1‐propanol was found to occur through a dissociation reaction, whereas that of propylamine took place via N dative bonding at room temperature. On the basis of our DFT results, adsorption geometries and transition states for each of these molecules on the Ge(100) surface were confirmed. Systematic studies of S‐, O‐, and N‐containing molecules, composed of an identical propyl moiety, on the Ge(100) surface provide insight into the adsorption mechanism of aliphatic molecules containing alkyl chains on the Ge(100) surface.
An input controlled leakage restrainer transistor‐based technique for leakage and short‐circuit power reduction of 1‐bit hybrid full adders
Authors: Moradinezhad Maryan Mohammad , Amini‐Valashani Majid , Azhari Seyed Javad
Published: June 2021

The sharp increase in the leakage part of the total power of the very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits is a significant concern in the deep submicron CMOS process. The NOT gates, Gate Diffusion Input (GDI) cells, restorer NMOS–PMOS transistors for full‐swing operation, and any path from the power voltage to the ground are the main sources of leakage power dissipation as well as short‐circuit in the VLSI CMOS circuits/chips. The input controlled leakage restrainer transistor (ICLRT) is a new circuit‐level method that is proposed in this paper. The ICLRTs can be deliberately added to any VLSI CMOS circuit to largely diminish the total power dissipation especially by the reduction of its leakage and short‐circuit parts. The full adders are vital parts in various VLSI circuits/systems, especially in circuits used for fulfilling arithmetic operations. Those are often placed in the critical paths for multiplication and division, so influence the throughout the efficiency of the system. To test the proposed technique, ICLRTs added to five best 1‐bit hybrid full adders in the deep submicron process to fit the needs of the day. The efficiency of the proposed method is evaluated using SPICE simulations in 22‐nm CMOS BSIM4 process. Evaluation outcomes with 1‐V power supply verified that the power dissipation and power‐delay product (PDP) of the hybrid full adders based on ICLRT technique relative to corresponding original designs are reduced 65.67–95.7% and 35.85–87.37%, respectively. Mismatch analysis and Monte Carlo simulations prove the robustness and stability of the presented circuits in the presence of the process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations.
Easily Prepared Mono(N,N‐dialkylamino)phosphine Palladium(II) Complexes: Structural and Catalytic Evaluation
Authors: Lamola Jairus L. , Shilubana Joy C. , Ngodwana Lonwabo , Vatsha Banele , Adeyinka Adedapo S. , Maumela Munaka C. , Holzapfel Cedric W. , Mmutlane Edwin M.
Published: June 2021

The search for efficient, active and universal catalyst systems for transition‐metal catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, continues to be of interest to researchers world‐wide. Herein, we report two new Pd(II) complexes, effortlessly prepared fromN,N‐dialkylamino‐phosphines for Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions. These sufficiently hindered (%VBur=30.0–31.5 %) and electron rich (vCO=1947.41–1946.29 cm−1) aminophosphines formed active catalysts for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling of aryl bromides and chlorides.
Electrochemical collision of single graphene oxide sheets at ultramicroelectrodes and its usage as substrate for Pt nanoparticle deposition
Authors: Shen Xiaoyue , Wang Dengchao
Published: June 2021

Revealing the physiochemical properties of individual graphene oxide (GO) sheets is highly desired for both fundamental research interests and practical applications, especially for their surface functionalization and modification toward hybrid composites with high performance. Herein, we report three different strategies including surface blockage, capacitive charging, and electrochemical reduction to detect and study single GO sheets using single‐entity electrochemical methods. The size, surface charge, dielectric, and electrochemical features of single GO sheets can then be revealed and quantified from the transient current signals. Moreover, the adsorbed GO can confine the electrode surface for metal deposition and produce single Pt nanoparticles, as indicated by the discrete reductive spikes shown in the deposition processes.
Fatality rates implied by the Italian building code
Authors: Iervolino Iunio , Pacifico Adriana
Published: June 2021

The project Rischio Implicito – Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni (RINTC) assessed the seismic structural reliability, in terms of the annual rate of earthquakes causing failure, of a large set of code‐conforming buildings, designed to be located in three different sites, representative of low, mid, and high seismic hazard in Italy. It was found that seismic reliability tends to decrease significantly as the site's hazard increases, despite the design actions having the same return period at all sites. Because this is a consequence of the code's approach, the simple study presented in this paper aims to contribute to the discussion on whether the code‐implied safety is yet acceptable. To this end, the annual fatality rates due to the seismic failure of the buildings from the mentioned project are computed, in a simplified manner, and compared with the annual risk from other common causes of death in Italy; the latter obtained based on data from the Italian Statistical Institute. The results, although subjected to the conventionality of the working assumptions, seem to indicate that seismic fatality risk is generally lower than that of other causes of death, by one or more orders of magnitude at the lower hazard sites. This can contribute to the discussion on seismic structural safety due to the characteristics of the Italian code that are common to state‐of‐the‐art codes internationally.
On the numerical overshoots of shock‐capturing schemes
Authors: Zhang Huaibao , Zhang Fan
Published: June 2021

This note introduces a simple metric for benchmarking shock‐capturing schemes. This metric is especially focused on the shock‐capturing overshoots, which may undermine the robustness of numerical simulations, as well as the reliability of numerical results. The idea is to numerically solve the model linear advection equation with an initial condition of a square wave characterized with different wavenumbers. After one step of temporal evolution, the exact numerical overshoot error can be easily determined and shown as a function of the CFL number and the reduced wavenumber. With the overshoot error quantified by the present metric, a number of representative shock‐capturing schemes are analyzed accordingly, and several findings including the amplitude of overshoots non‐monotonously varying with the CFL number, and the amplitude of overshoots significantly depending on the reduced wavenumber of the square waves (discontinuities), are newly discovered, which are not before.
The effects of negative mentoring experiences on mentor creativity: The roles of mentor ego depletion and traditionality
Authors: Hu Zhonghui , Li Jinsong , Kwan Ho Kwong
Published: June 2021

The literature often focuses on the positive effects of mentoring, especially for protégés. When mentoring experiences are negative, the assumption is that these negative effects are less detrimental to the mentor than to the protégé, owing to the mentor's greater relative power in the relationship. This study uses ego depletion theory to examine the link between negative mentoring experiences (as rated by protégés) and mentor creativity and focuses on the mediating and moderating roles of mentor ego depletion and mentor traditionality on this link. The results are based on data from 227 protégés, 187 mentors, and 187 supervisors of mentors in Chinese organizations. The findings support a mediating effect of ego depletion on the negative relationship between negative mentoring experiences and mentor creativity. In addition, the study finds that traditionality attenuates both the positive relationship between negative mentoring experiences and ego depletion and the indirect effect of negative mentoring experiences on mentors' creativity through ego depletion. The implications for management theory and practice are discussed.
Cord entanglement in a monochorionic‐monoamniotic twin pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Svelato Alessandro , Vergatti Margherita Cristina , Rinaldo Denise , Sergiampietri Claudia , De Luca Caterina , Ragusa Antonio
Published: June 2021

Synopsis

Ultrasonography is very useful for the diagnosis of umbilical cord entanglements and for counseling with parents.
Cross‐polarization optical coherence tomographic assessment of in situ simulated erosive tooth wear
Authors: Romero Maria Jacinta Rosario H. , Bezerra Savio J. C. , Fried Daniel , Yang Vincent , Lippert Frank , Eckert George J. , Zero Domenick T. , Hara Anderson Takeo
Published: June 2021

This clinical study tested cross‐polarization optical coherence tomography (CP‐OCT) monitoring of erosive tooth wear (ETW). Twenty participants completed a 14‐day/arm, 3‐arm crossover study simulating different ETW severities. Participants received two enamel specimens (per arm) and were randomized to: severe (s‐ETW, lemon juice/pH:2.5/4.25%wt/vol citric acid), moderate (m‐ETW, grapefruit juice/pH:3.5/1.03%wt/vol citric acid), and non‐ETW (water). Enamel thickness was measured with CP‐OCT (day[D] 0, 7, 14) and micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT; D14). Enamel surface loss was determined with CP‐OCT and optical profilometry (OP; D7, D14). CP‐OCT showed higher enamel surface loss for D14 than D7 for m‐ETW (P = .009) and s‐ETW (P = .040) and differentiated severity at D14 (s‐ETW > non‐ETW, P = .027). OP was able to differentiate surface loss between days (D7 < D14, P < .001) for m‐ETW and s‐ETW, and ETW severity effect after 7 and 14 days (non‐ETW < m‐ETW < s‐ETW, P < .001). At D14, CP‐OCT and μ‐CT were positively correlated (r = .87, ICC = .62). CP‐OCT showed potential as a tool for clinical ETW monitoring.
Calcifediol is superior to cholecalciferol in improving vitamin D status in postmenopausal women: a randomized trial
Authors: Pérez-Castrillón José Luis , Dueñas-Laita Antonio , Brandi Maria Luisa , Jódar Esteban , del Pino-Montes Javier , Quesada-Gómez José Manuel , Cereto Castro Fernando , Gómez-Alonso Carlos , Gallego López Laura , Olmos Martínez José Manuel , Alhambra Expósito María Rosa , Galarraga Bernat , González-Macías Jesús , Bouillon Roger , Hernández-Herrero Gonzalo , Fernández-Hernando Nieves , Arranz-Gutiérrez Paula , Chinchilla Sandra P.
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D has shown to play a role in multiple diseases due to its skeletal and extraskeletal actions. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency has become a worldwide health issue. Few supplementation guidelines mention calcifediol treatment, despite being the direct precursor of calcitriol and the biomarker of vitamin D status. This 1-year, phase III–IV, double-blind, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of calcifediol 0.266 mg soft capsules in vitamin D–deficient postmenopausal women, compared to cholecalciferol. Results reported here are from a prespecified interim analysis, for the evaluation of the study's primary endpoint: the percentage of patients with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels above 30 ng/ml after 4 months. A total of 303 patients were enrolled, of whom 298 were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Patients with baseline levels of serum 25(OH)D <20 ng/ml were randomized 1:1:1 to calcifediol 0.266 mg/month for 12 months, calcifediol 0.266 mg/month for 4 months followed by placebo for 8 months, and cholecalciferol 25,000 IU/month for 12 months. At month 4, 35.0% of postmenopausal women treated with calcifediol and 8.2% of those treated with cholecalciferol reached serum 25(OH)D levels above 30 ng/ml (p < 0.0001). The most remarkable difference between both drugs in terms of mean change in serum 25(OH)D levels was observed after the first month of treatment (mean ± standard deviation change = 9.7 ± 6.7 and 5.1 ± 3.5 ng/ml in patients treated with calcifediol and cholecalciferol, respectively). No relevant treatment-related safety issues were reported in any of the groups studied. These results thus confirm that calcifediol is effective, faster, and more potent than cholecalciferol in raising serum 25(OH)D levels and is a valuable option for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Multimolecular complexes of the phosphodiester anion with Zn(II) or Mg(II) and water molecules—Preliminary validations of a polarizable potential by ab initio quantum chemistry
Authors: Gresh Nohad , Perahia David
Published: June 2021

Dimethyl phosphate (DMP−) is a model for the phosphodiester backbone of DNA, RNA, and phospholipids. It is central for the binding of divalent cations and water along the backbone of nucleic acids. Significant polarization and charge‐transfer contributions and nonadditivity come into play in the multimolecular complexes organized around phosphate. Prior to large‐scale molecular dynamics (MD) with advanced polarizable potentials, it is essential to evaluate how well the values and trends of intermolecular interaction energies (ΔE) from ab initio quantum chemistry (QC) and their individual contributions are reproduced in a diversity of such complexes. These differ by the starting binding modes of a divalent cation, Zn(II), namely direct, bi‐ or mono‐dentate to anionic and/or ester oxygens, versus through‐water binding. We present first the results from automated refinements of the individual contributions of the SIBFA potential with respect to their QC counterparts using a Zn(II) or a water probe. This is followed by validations on eight relaxed multimolecular complexes of DMP− with Zn(II) or Mg(II) and seven waters, then on sixteen complexes of DMP− with Zn(II) and eight waters in arrangements extracted from MD or energy‐minimization on a droplet of sixty‐four waters. This monitors the compared evolutions of SIBFA and QC ΔE and their individual contributions in the competing arrangements. Some waters, bridging Zn(II) and DMP−, were found to have exceptionally large dipole moments, of up to 3.8 Debye. The perspectives of extension to a flexible phosphodiester backbone are discussed in the context of the SIBFA potential for DNA and RNA.
Transplantation of reprogrammed peripheral blood cells differentiates into retinal ganglion cells in the mouse eye with NMDA‐induced injury
Authors: Zhou Xuezhi , Rui Yuhua , Peng Jingjie , Wang Yujue , He Ye , Wang Chao , Peng Manjuan , Zhang Xuan , Xia Xiaobo , Song Weitao
Published: June 2021

The generation of patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) holds significant implications for replacement therapy in treating optic neuropathies such as glaucoma. Stem‐cell‐based therapy targeted at replacing and replenishing retinal ganglion cells is progressing at a fast pace. However, clinical application necessitates an efficient and robust approach for cell manufacturing. Here, we examine whether the embryo body derived from human peripheral blood‐derived iPSC can localize into the host retina and differentiate into retinal ganglion cells after transplantation into a glaucoma injury model. Human peripheral blood T cells were isolated and reprogrammed into an induced pluripotent stem cell (TiPSC) line using Sendai virus transduction carrying transcription factors Sox2, Klf4, c‐Myc, and Oct4. TiPSCs were differentiated into RGC using neural basal culture. For in vivo studies, embryo bodies derived from TiPSCs (TiPSC‐EB) were injected into the vitreous cavity of N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA)‐treated mice 2 weeks before sacrifice and retinal dissection. Induced pluripotent stem cells generated from human peripheral blood T cells display stem cell morphology and pluripotency markers. Furthermore, RGC‐like cells differentiated from TiPSC exhibit extending axons and RGC marker TUJ1. When transplanted intravitreally into NMDA‐treated mice, embryo bodies derived from TiPSC survived, migrated, and incorporated into the retina's GCL layer. In addition, TiPSC‐EB transplants were able to differentiate into TUJ1 positive RGC‐like cells. Retinal ganglion cells can be differentiated using human peripheral blood cells derived iPSC. Transplantation of embryo body derived from TiPSCs into a glaucoma mouse model could incorporate into host GCL and differentiate into RGC‐like cells.
Persuasion Knowledge in the Marketplace: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Eisend Martin , Tarrahi Farid
Published: June 2021

Since the introduction of the persuasion knowledge model more than 25 years ago, many research studies have investigated how consumers’ persuasion knowledge affects their reactions to persuasion attempts. While most results have shown that persuasion knowledge increases coping responses and leads to less favorable evaluations of marketer actions, the findings vary considerably, leaving researchers with a limited understanding of the substance and structure of persuasion knowledge effects and the conditions that explain their variability. To develop a better understanding of persuasion knowledge effects in the marketplace, this study builds on the concept of persuasion to predict responses to marketers’ attempts to persuade consumers with different levels of persuasion knowledge. The study presents a meta‐analysis of the findings in 148 papers and 171 distinct data sets. Persuasion knowledge effects can be viewed as substantial compared with persuasion attempts, but persuasion knowledge cannot suppress or eliminate persuasion effects in the marketplace, as it only reaches around 50% of the explanatory power of persuasion. Persuasion knowledge effects on evaluations and coping depend on the characteristics of the persuasion process. All persuasion elements that help consumers identify and better understand benefits not just for themselves, but also for marketers and how marketers realize their benefits—such as the use of personal communication, communication about unfamiliar products or products with experience attributes, and receiver experience—lead to less favorable effects for marketers. This paper’s insights provide a new framework for persuasion knowledge effects in the marketplace, ideas for future research, and implications for researchers, consumers, policymakers, and marketers.
Above the Scam: Moral Elevation Reduces Gullibility
Authors: Hamby Anne , McFerran Brent , Dahl Darren W.
Published: June 2021

Consumers are increasingly exposed to scams and questionable marketing practices. The current work examines how consumers’ emotional states influence their gullibility (a belief or compliance with a request that most people would consider naïve). Across four studies, we show that the emotional experience of moral elevation reduces susceptibility to believe dubious claims or comply with suspicious requests. While past research showed that moral elevation enhances nurturance behavior (and support of a requester), the current work suggests that elevation may also play a protective function (that is, reduce gullibility). We show that decreased trust in a persuasion agent mediates the influence of elevation on gullibility, and demonstrate this effect in the context of health and financial domains.
Four weeks of electromyostimulation improves muscle function and strength in sarcopenic patients: a three‐arm parallel randomized trial
Authors: Teschler Marc , Heimer Melina , Schmitz Boris , Kemmler Wolfgang , Mooren Frank C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass, quality, and function, is associated with reduced quality of life and adverse health outcomes including disability and mortality. Electromyostimulation (EMS) has been suggested to attenuate the loss of muscle mass and function in elderly, sedentary individuals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EMS on muscle strength and function during 4 weeks of inpatient medical rehabilitation.

Methods

Patients receiving 4 weeks of inpatient medical rehabilitation diagnosed with sarcopenia using bioimpedance analysis were eligible to participate. One hundred and thirty‐four patients (55.7 ± 7.9 years, 25.4% female) were randomly assigned to three groups: whole‐body (WB) EMS (n = 48): stimulation of major muscle groups (pectoral muscles, latissimus, trapezius, abdominals, upper arm and leg, lower back muscles, gluteal muscles, and thighs); part‐body (PB) EMS (n = 42): stimulation of leg muscles including gluteal muscles and thighs; and control group (CG, n = 44). All participants performed six 20 min training sessions including dynamic movements (squats, lunges, biceps curl, chest press, butterfly reverse, reverse lunges, standing diagonal crunches, etc.) with superimposed (WB‐, PB‐) EMS or without EMS (CG) in addition to the standard rehabilitation programme. Primary outcome variables included muscle function assessed by chair rise test and 6 min walking test as well as muscle strength (isometric grip strength, leg, arm, and back extension).

Results

Primary outcome variables chair rise test and leg extension improved significantly (P = 0.001, η2 = 0.06 and P = 0.008, η2 = 0.06; EMS vs. CG) in that chair rise test results increased in WB‐EMS from 5 (4; 7) to 7 (5; 9), in PB‐EMS from 5 (5; 7) to 7 (6; 8), and in CG from 6 (4; 7) to 7 (5; 8) repetitions. Knee extension increased in WB‐EMS from 692.3 ± 248.6 to 831.7 ± 298.7 N, in PB‐EMS from 682.8 ± 257.8 to 790.2 ± 270.2 N, and in CG from 638.5 ± 236.9 to 703.2 ± 218.6 N. No adverse events or side effects occurred.

Conclusions

We conclude that EMS might be an additional training option to improve muscle function and strength in sarcopenic patients during a 4 week rehabilitation programme. EMS provides greater functional and strength improvements compared with standard treatment with additional potential health benefits for sarcopenic cardiac and orthopaedic patients.
Surface evaluations of a nanocomposite after different finishing and polishing systems for anterior and posterior restorations
Authors: Monterubbianesi Riccardo , Tosco Vincenzo , Orilisi Giulia , Grandini Simone , Orsini Giovanna , Putignano Angelo
Published: June 2021

This study aims to evaluate the effects of different finishing and polishing (F/P) systems on gloss and surface morphology of a new nanocomposite. Thirty discs of Filtek Universal Restorative material (3 M, ESPE) were prepared and divided into six groups (n = 5). Group A and B followed F/P protocols for anterior restorations, whereas Group C and D for posterior ones. Group E represented the control (covered by Mylar strip) and Group F represented the nanocomposite placement by means of clinical hand instruments; Groups E and F did not undergo F/P procedures. Among the polished groups, Group B showed the highest values (68.54 ± 7.54 GU), followed by Group A and D (46.87 ± 5.52 GU; 53.76 ± 2.65 GU). Finally, Group C (37.38 ± 4.93 GU) displayed the lowest results. Overall, Group E showed the highest gloss values (93.45 ± 8.27 GU), while Group F presented the lowest ones (1.74 ± 0.64 GU). Surface analysis revealed that Group A, C, and D displayed a smooth surface. Group B showed the lowest irregularities. Group E exhibited the most uniform superficial morphology. On the other hand, Group F displayed the most irregular one. In conclusion, using the tested material, only two protocols achieved appropriate gloss values. Then, clinicians might use the protocols of Group B and Group D, for anterior and posterior restorations, respectively.
Acceleration of differentiated service delivery for HIV treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa during COVID‐19
Authors: Grimsrud Anna , Wilkinson Lynne
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In response to COVID‐19, national ministries of health adapted HIV service delivery guidelines to ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and limit the frequency of contact with health facilities. In this commentary, we summarize four ways in which differentiated service delivery (DSD) for HIV treatment has been accelerated during COVID‐19 in policy and implementation in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) – (i) expanding eligibility for DSD for HIV treatment, (ii) extending multi‐month dispensing (MMD) and reducing the frequency of clinical consultations, (iii) emphasizing community‐based models and (iv) integrating/aligning with TB preventative therapy (TPT), non‐communicable disease (NCD) treatments and family planning commodities.

Discussion

Across SSA in 2020, countries both adapted and emphasized policies supporting DSD for HIV treatment in response to COVID‐19. Access to DSD for HIV treatment was expanded by reducing the time required on ART before eligibility and being more inclusive of specific populations including children and adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women and those on second‐ and third‐line regimens. Access to extended ART refills, or MMD, was accelerated across many countries. A renewed focus was given to out‐of‐facility community‐based models of ART distribution. In some settings, there was acknowledgement of the need to integrate or align other chronic medications with ART.

Conclusions

Adaptations to DSD for HIV treatment in response to COVID‐19 have resulted in rapid policy change and in some cases, acceleration of implementation in SSA. As the COVID‐19 pandemic evolves, there is a critical need to assess the impact of these adaptations and, where beneficial, ensure that policies implemented in response to COVID‐19 become the new normal.
Differences in tornado activities and key tornadic environments between China and the United States
Authors: Zhou Ruilin , Meng Zhiyong , Bai Lanqiang
Published: June 2021

The yearly tornado occurrence in China is approximately 5–10% of that in the United States, and the peak month of tornado occurrence in China is July, while that in the United States is May. However, the two countries have nearly the same land area and similar latitudinal location. This study attempts to disclose the differences in the key tornadic environments that are most possibly responsible for the large discrepancy of tornado occurrences observed between the two countries. The region with the highest tornado density in China (JS) is compared with three similarly sized regions in the United States, including two tornado‐prone regions (UC and USE1) and one region similar to JS (USE2). The results show that JS has a much lower tornado frequency than UC and USE1, mainly due to JS's much lower likelihood of multiple tornadoes occurring in a short period during its tornado season. Compared with UC and USE1, JS features relatively low mean values of the significant tornado parameter (STP) during their respective tornado seasons. The STP, incorporating several tornado‐related variables, was found to show a monotonic relationship with the total tornado count at a seasonal scale and perform well to explain monthly variations in tornado frequencies. Compared with the target regions in the United States, JS has a similar magnitude and decreasing trend of the 0–6‐km vertical wind shear from spring to summer, but a later increase in instability. Resulting from a balance between the decreasing vertical shear and the increasing thermodynamic instability, JS features a delayed monthly peak of STP and thus a delayed tornado season, which makes JS having a worse kinematic environment for tornadogenesis with far lower low‐level vertical wind shear during its tornado season than that of the United States.
Towards a theory of informal supply networks: An exploratory case study of the Za'atari refugee camp
Authors: Abushaikha Ismail , Wu Zhaohui , Khoury Theodore A.
Published: June 2021

Studies of humanitarian supply chain operations contribute to efficient system designs for the delivery of goods and services to disaster‐ and conflict‐stricken regions. However, our understanding of what happens to these relief goods and services after they are delivered is quite limited. Using a case study of the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan, we develop a theory of informal supply networks, whereby we uncover how refugee‐led, informal supply networks emerge in the camp. We find that these supply networks are an aggregate of predominantly illicit—yet legitimate—channels and social relationships that support the economic exchange of goods and services between distinct actors or actor groups. We not only identify the cultural conventions and behavioral codes that govern ties between refugees—and between refugees and relief‐related actors—but also define how these networks are configured. Considering these findings, we contend that the informal economic activities emanating from the refugee camp benefit the host community and enhance the resilience of the informal supply networks. As informal economic activities also improve the quality of life in the camp, camp authorities and host country governments should attend to informal activities as they create rules and policies for refugee resettlement.
Underrepresented Women Leaders: Lasting Impact of Gender Homophily in Surgical Faculty Networks
Authors: Suurna Maria V. , Leibbrandt Andreas
Published: June 2021

Objective

Despite the increase of women in surgical fields and resources toward advancing women, there is no corresponding increased representation of women in higher academic ranks and leadership. The following hypotheses are explored: 1) men and women build/maintain different relationship networks and 2) women are not similarly included within the organization and do not receive the same sponsorship as male counterparts.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Three months of prospective, passive organizational network data of full‐time faculty at an academic medical center were collected by analysis of deidentified internal email communication logs. Data were analyzed and strength of network relationships was assessed using algorithms measuring the tie, or connection, score. Data analysis was performed with standard statistical methods and multivariable regression models, comparing network relationships based on gender and academic rank.

Results

Among 345 full‐time faculties from surgical departments, 45.2% were female Assistant Professors, but only 9.8% were female full Professors. Men had 55% more network relationships with other men than women had with men. Gender homophily was particularly pronounced at the higher academic ranks. Men compared to women in higher ranks had 157% more network relationships to other men in lower ranks. Multivariable regression models suggested direct association of these gender differences in relationships with more women in lower academic ranks.

Conclusion

Higher academic rank can be predicted by male gender, tenure, and number of meaningful relationships. Women are underrepresented at the leadership level in surgical departments. Gender homophily is present in collaboration networks among academic surgeons and is associated with impeded female career advancement.

Level of Evidence

2Laryngoscope, 132:20–25, 2022
Linear barycentric rational collocation method for solving telegraph equation
Authors: Li Jin , Su Xiaoning , Qu Jinzheng
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the linear barycentric rational interpolation collocation method for solving one‐ and two‐dimensional telegraph equation is presented. The barycentric rational interpolation is introduced. Following the barycentric rational interpolation method, the matrix form of the collocation method is also obtained which can be easily programmed. With the help of the convergence rate of the linear barycentric rational interpolation, the convergence rate of linear barycentric rational collocation method for solving telegraph equation is proved. At last, several numerical examples are provided to show the convergence rate and verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.