bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining Everyday Behaviours and Situational Context by Personality Metatraits and Higher–Order Values
Authors: Skimina Ewa , Cieciuch Jan
Published: January 2020

In the current study, we looked for the relations between broad personality dimensions (metatraits of personality and higher–order values) and everyday behaviours. We asked participants ( N = 374; aged 17 to 53, Mage = 23.72) about their current behaviour, followed by questions on situational context (company and perceived autonomy) seven times per day for seven consecutive days, using an experience sampling mobile app. This method allowed us to capture a wide range of descriptions of behavioural acts ( n = 13 873), which were then empirically categorized. Personality metatraits distinguished within the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits (i.e. Stability vs. Disinhibition, Plasticity vs. Passiveness, Integration vs. Disharmony, and Self–Restraint vs. Sensation–Seeking) and values from the refined model of Schwartz et al. (Openness to Change vs. Conservation and Self–Transcendence vs. Self–Enhancement) were measured by self–descriptive questionnaires. Multilevel logistic regressions with multiple predictors, including traits and values simultaneously, revealed significant effects or tendencies for 20 of the 35 categories of activities, five kinds of company, and perceived autonomy. The best predictors of activities and situational context were the higher–order values Openness to Change vs. Conservation. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Surface‐Initiated RAFT Polymerization of 2,3‐Dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene on Silica Nanoparticles for Matrix‐free Methyl Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: Abbas Zaid M. , Khani Mohammed M. , Tawfilas Massimo , Marsh Zachary M. , Stefik Morgan , Benicewicz Brian C.
Published: January 2020

Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene (DMB) in solution and on the surface of silica nanoparticles was investigated and PDMB‐grafted silica nanoparticles (PDMB‐g‐SiO2 NPs) with different chain densities and molecular weights were prepared. The kinetic studies of DMB polymerization mediated by silica anchored RAFT agents at different graft densities were investigated and compared to the polymerization mediated by the corresponding free RAFT agent. The PDMB‐g‐SiO2 NPs were cured to prepare rubbery films and obtain matrix‐free nanocomposites, which exhibited a good dispersion of silica nanoparticles and improved mechanical properties compared to the unfilled crosslinked rubber. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 417–427
Modeling Tumor Growth and Treatment Resistance Dynamics Characterizes Different Response to Gefitinib or Chemotherapy in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Nagase Mario , Aksenov Sergey , Yan Hong , Dunyak James , Al‐Huniti Nidal
Published: January 2020

Differences in the effect of gefitinib and chemotherapy on tumor burden in non‐small cell lung cancer remain to be fully understood. Using a Bayesian hierarchical model of tumor size dynamics, we estimated the rates of tumor growth and treatment resistance for patients in the Iressa Pan‐Asia Study study (NCT00322452). The following relationships characterize greater efficacy of gefitinib in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive tumors: Maximum drug effect is, in decreasing order, gefitinib in EGFR‐positive, chemotherapy in EGFR‐positive, chemotherapy in EGFR‐negative, and gefitinib in EGFR‐negative tumors; the rate of resistance emergence is, in increasing order: gefitinib in EGFR positive, chemotherapy in EGFR positive, while each is plausibly similar to the rate in EGFR negative tumors, which are estimated with less certainty. The rate of growth is smaller in EGFR‐positive than in EGFR‐negative fully resistant tumors, regardless of treatment. The model can be used to compare treatment effects and resistance dynamics among different drugs.
Theoretical Investigation of Piezoelectric Properties of Graphene/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Hybrid Structures
Authors: Baytar Hakkı Berat , Alyörük Mustafa Menderes
Published: January 2020

Graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) are promising 2D isostructural materials for next‐generation electronics. The hybridization of graphene with h‐BN enables new materials with modified properties for various applications. Piezoelectricity is one of these implementations, which enables to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy or vice versa. Herein, the effect of h‐BN hybridization on bandgap opening and piezoelectric property of graphene is examined in detail through ab initio‐based calculations. The results show that different concentrations of h‐BN doping facilitate the control on bandgap and piezoelectricity of graphene. Tunable direct bandgap opening indicates that these structures can be used in place of silicon in solar cells. Comparable piezoelectric values of carbon/h‐BN structures with conventional bulk piezoelectrics reveal the potential applications of these materials in nanoscale electronics.
Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on CH3NH3PbCl3 Perovskite Quantum Dots‐Doped Poly(triarylamine)
Authors: Cui Lihao , Peng Jiali , Li Wei , Xu Yalun , Zheng Meijuan , Lin Qianqian
Published: January 2020

Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors have attracted significant attention because of their wide applications in environment monitoring, flame detecting, missile tracking, and so on. However, commercial UV photodetectors based on wide bandgap inorganic semiconductors normally require high‐vacuum and high‐temperature deposition techniques. To reduce the fabrication cost, solution‐processed organic or hybrid semiconductors are introduced as promising candidates for low‐cost UV detection. Particularly, due to the low cost, flexibility, and chemical variety, organic semiconductors have shown remarkable progress in the past two decades. However, UV photodetectors based on organic active layers are suffering from relatively low responsivity due to the poor charge transport. Therefore, the devices based on organic semiconductors commonly operate at high bias voltage to facilitate the charge transport, and the devices also exhibit large dark current. Herein, the organic UV active layer is doped with perovskite quantum dots (QDs) to improve the device performance. It is found that the responsivity and detectivity can effectively be enhanced by the doping strategy. Furthermore, the influence of doping effect on the charge carrier mobility and temporal response is also investigated, which shows that the mobility can be increased ≈6 times with the effective doping.
The effect of psyllium consumption on weight, body mass index, lipid profile, and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xiao Zhifang , Chen Hui , Zhang Yu , Deng Hui , Wang KunWei , Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Almuhairi Shamma Jauaan , Ryan Paul M. , Rahmani Jamal , Dang Minyan , Kontogiannis Vasileios , Vick Andrew , Wei Yuhe
Published: January 2020

Water‐soluble dietary fibers have been shown to improve lipid profile and glucose metabolism in diabetes. The aim of this study was to review the effects of psyllium consumption on weight, body mass index, lipid profiles, and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients in randomized controlled trials. A comprehensive systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, Cochrane, and Scopus by two independent researchers up to August 2019 without any time and language restrictions. The DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects model method performed to calculate the pooled results. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trial design, adult subjects, and studies reporting the mean differences with the 95% confidence interval for outcome. Eight studies containing nine arms with 395 participants were identified and included in final analysis. Combined results found a significant reduction in triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, fasting blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1c following psyllium consumption (weighted mean differences [WMD]: −19.18 mg/dl, 95% CI [−31.76, −6.60], I2 = 98%), (WMD: −8.96 mg/dl, 95% CI [−13.39, −4.52], I2 = 97%), (WMD: −31.71 ml/dl, 95% CI [−50.04, −13.38], I2 = 97%), and (WMD: −0.91%, 95% CI [−1.31, −0.51], I2 = 99%), respectively. There was no significant change in high‐density lipoprotein, body mass index, cholesterol, and weight. In conclusion, the results demonstrated a significant reduction in triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, fasting blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1c by psyllium intervention among diabetic patients.
The impact of using reconditioned correlated observation‐error covariance matrices in the Met Office 1D‐Var system
Authors: Tabeart Jemima M. , Dance Sarah L. , Lawless Amos S. , Migliorini Stefano , Nichols Nancy K. , Smith Fiona , Waller Joanne A.
Published: January 2020

Recent developments in numerical weather prediction have led to the use of correlated observation‐error covariance (OEC) information in data assimilation and forecasting systems. However, diagnosed OEC matrices are often ill‐conditioned and may cause convergence problems for variational data assimilation procedures. Reconditioning methods are used to improve the conditioning of covariance matrices while retaining correlation information. In this article, we study the impact of using the “ridge regression” method of reconditioning to assimilate Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) observations in the Met Office 1D‐Var system. This is the first systematic investigation of how changing target condition numbers affects convergence of a 1D‐Var routine. This procedure is used for quality control, and to estimate key variables (skin temperature, cloud‐top pressure, cloud fraction) that are not analysed by the main 4D‐Var data assimilation system. Our new results show that the current (uncorrelated) OEC matrix requires more iterations to reach convergence than any choice of correlated OEC matrix studied. This suggests that using a correlated OEC matrix in the 1D‐Var routine would have computational benefits for IASI observations. Using reconditioned correlated OEC matrices also increases the number of observations that pass quality control. However, the impact on skin temperature, cloud fraction, and cloud‐top pressure is less clear. As the reconditioning parameter is increased, differences between retrieved variables for correlated OEC matrices and the operational diagonal OEC matrix reduce. As correlated choices of OEC matrix yield faster convergence, using stricter convergence criteria along with these matrices may increase efficiency and improve quality control.
A convective‐scale 1,000‐member ensemble simulation and potential applications
Authors: Necker Tobias , Geiss Stefan , Weissmann Martin , Ruiz Juan , Miyoshi Takemasa , Lien Guo‐Yuan
Published: January 2020

This study presents the first convective‐scale 1,000‐member ensemble simulation over central Europe, which provides a unique data set for various applications. A comparison with the operational regional 40‐member ensemble of Deutscher Wetterdienst shows that the 1,000‐member simulation exhibits realistic spread properties overall. Based on this, we discuss two potential applications. First, we quantify the sampling error of spatial covariances of smaller subsets compared with the 1,000‐member simulation. Knowledge about sampling errors and their dependence on ensemble size is crucial for ensemble and hybrid data assimilation and for developing better approaches for localization in this context. Secondly, we present an approach for estimating the relative potential impact of different observable quantities using ensemble sensitivity analysis. This will provide the basis for consecutive studies developing future observation and data assimilation strategies. Sensitivity studies on the ensemble size indicate that about 200 ensemble members are required to estimate the potential impact of observable quantities with respect to precipitation forecasts.
Climatic and anthropogenic impacts on water and sediment generation in the middle reach of the Jinsha River Basin
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Cai Yanpeng , Yang Wei , Yi Yujun , Yang Zhifeng
Published: January 2020

Response of water and sediment generation to climate change and anthropogenic activities is becoming a hot topic in the middle reach of the Jinsha River Basin. In this research, coefficients of variation and concentration degree (i.e., Cv and Cd) and double mass curve (DDC) were adopted to examine the changes in water and sediment discharge and their relationships with precipitation. The contribution rates of climatic and anthropogenic factors to water and sediment discharge were assessed through comparisons between the measured and predicted values in the baseline and postbaseline periods in the basin. The main results were: (a) the water and sediment discharges of the basin showed a decreasing trend from 2006 to 2014, with peak points of Cv and Cd of sediment discharge of the basin in 2009 and 2010, respectively; (b) the precipitation had a major influence on water discharge variations, and the peak point of the DDC of the cumulative precipitation and sediment discharge was consistent with the cumulative water and sediment discharge; and (c) under annual and flooding season scales, the contribution rates of anthropogenic factors to water discharge were 63.060% and 70.457%, respectively. The contribution rates of anthropogenic factors on sediment discharge were 84.790% and 85.541%, respectively. The impacts of anthropogenic factors on water and sediment discharge were more significant than the impacts of precipitation, in which the construction and operation of cascade hydropower stations (CHS) were believed to play a crucial role.
Addressing Multiple Ions Using Single Optical Probe: Multi‐Color Response via Mutually Independent Sensing Pathways
Authors: Dey Nilanjan , Bhattacharjee Subham , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: January 2020

Multiresponsive smart optical probe based on p‐phenylene vinylene backbone is designed for simultaneous sensing of multiple ions, such as Cu2+, Zn2+ and F− at pH 7.4. A rapid color change from colorless to deep yellow is observed upon addition of both Cu2+ and Zn2+ ion. However, under long UV lamp, the green‐colored emission of the probe is specifically quenched in the presence of Cu2+, while Zn2+ induces change in the emission color from green to yellow. On the contrary, F−, unlike Cu2+ and Zn2+, does not render any change in visible color, however, an emission quenching, similar to that of Cu2+ addition, was noticed. The binding of metal ions to the central bipyridine core diminishes the ‘conformational flexibility’ and facilitates ‘ligand to metal ion’ charge transfer. On the contrary, addition of fluoride triggers the cleavage of silyl ether groups and results in the photo‐induced electron transfer from free hydroxyl groups to the core aromatic unit. Thus, we can detect as well as discriminate these three ions (Cu2+, Zn2+ and F−) simultaneously by comparing the respective output signals. Further, a sustainable strategy has been developed for on‐site detection of toxic ions using reusable, low‐cost paper strips. Most importantly, the current method is found to be fairly effective in quantifying (as evident by relatively smaller standard deviation values) the presence of toxic metal ions, above permissible levels, in a wide range of natural water samples. Further, estimation of fluoride is achieved in commercially available toothpaste and mouthwash products.
Dinuclear μ‐Phenoxo and μ‐Hydroxo Bridged Copper Complexes Exhibiting Oxidation of Phenols and Isoelectronic Compounds: Cytotoxicity and Evidences for Cellular Apoptosis
Authors: Mawai Kiran , Nathani Sandip , Tuglak Khan Firoz Shah , Verma Pankaj , Kumari Sheela , Roy Partha , Singh U. P. , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: January 2020

The compartmental pentadentate ligands HLR (where R=Me, OMe, tBu) have been utilized for the synthesis of dinuclear hydroxo and phenolato bridged copper complexes viz. [Cu2(LMe)(μ‐OPh)(μ‐OH](ClO4)2]CH3CN; (1), [Cu2(LOMe)(μ‐OPh)(μ‐OH)(μ‐OH2)](ClO4)2.CH3CN; (2) and [Cu2(LtBu)(μ‐OPh)(μ‐OH)(OH2)](ClO4)2; (3). All the three complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Tyrosinase activity was studied by insitu reaction of Cu(I) and ligands exploiting 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl phenol as substrate. The phenolic substrate (2,4‐DTBP) underwent radical mediated C−C coupling reaction with no insertion of molecular oxygen in contrast to the oxidative aromatic hydroxylation reaction. The catalytic activities of complexes 1–3 on diphenols and related substrate molecules were investigated and all three complexes efficiently oxidize 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol. Treatment of copper complexes on o‐aminophenol and o‐phenylene diamine resulted in the oxidative coupling of substrate molecules, leading to the formation of phenoxazinone and diaminophenazine respectively. Furthermore, oxidative properties of reported copper complexes were studied in relevance to their ability in inducing apoptotic cell death. Remarkably, all three copper complexes (1, 2 and 3) exhibited excellent cytotoxic activity towards MCF‐7 cell lines (human breast cancer cell lines) with IC50 values of 1.6 μM, 2.0 μM and 0.65 μM respectively and carried out self activated DNA cleavage of plasmid pUC18 DNA.
Hydrothermal Carbon‐Doped Polyethylene Glycol as Phase‐Change Materials with Good Thermal Conductivity and Shape‐Stability
Authors: Yang Huizhi , Yu Xiaohan , Ge Chunhua , Bai Yufeng , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: January 2020

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is limited by the low thermal‐conductivity and poor shape‐stability in practical applications. In our work, the thermal conductivity and shape‐stable phase change Materials (SSPCMs) doped with hydrothermal carbon (HTC) was successfully prepared. HTC with ‐ OH and ‐ COOH groups on the surface was prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of glucose. The hydrogen bonds were formed between functional groups on HTC surface and PEG to obtain the network structure. When the HTC doping ratio is 6 wt%, good shape‐stability can be achieved. Besides, the thermal conductivity of the HTC/PEG SSPCMs with the HTC doping ratio of 9 wt% is 0.6121 W/(m⋅K), which is 134.7% higher than PEG. The DSC results show that the melting enthalpy (ΔHm) of PEG and HTC/PEG SSPCMs is almost the same, as is the crystallization enthalpy (ΔHc). It indicates that doping HTC does not substantially affect the heat storage capacity of PEG.
Reverse Microemulsion Synthesis of Mesopore Phloroglucinol‐Resorcinol‐Formaldehyde Carbon Aerogel Microsphere as Nano‐Platinum Catalyst Support for ORR
Authors: Su Lei , Wang Chao‐Yang , Luo Zhi‐Hui , Wu Jian‐Kun , Zeng Min , Xiao Yu‐Wei , Yi Yong
Published: January 2020

Carbon aerogel (CA) microspheres are modified CA materials that can be prepared by reverse microemulsion and ambient pressure drying and without solvent exchanged. However, mesopore size of traditional resorcinol‐formaldehyde (RF) carbon aerogel microsphere is too small (3‐5 nm) to support nano‐platinum catalyst. In this study, we utilize reverse microemulsion polymerization and ambient pressure drying to develop a series of phloroglucinol‐resorcinol‐formaldehyde (PRF) carbon aerogel microspheres. These carbon aerogel microspheres possess large mesopore size (10–30 nm) and high specific surface area (1300–2000 m2 g−1). Compared with commercial Pt/C, the PRF carbon aerogel as nano‐platinum catalyst support shows the better and durable catalytic activity. The initial mass and electrochemical active surface area of the best performance of Pt/CA are 2.9 and 2.8 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C respectively. After the accelerated stability test (ADT), Pt/CA still keeps a mass and electrochemical active surface area up to 0.15 A mg−1 and 86.4 m2 g−1, while the commercial Pt/C lost to 0.02 A mg−1 and 42.8 m2 g−1. The stability of Pt/CA shows about 7.5 times enhancements compared to commercial Pt/C.
Stressful life events and adolescent well‐being: The role of parent and peer relationships
Authors: McMahon Grace , Creaven Ann‐Marie , Gallagher Stephen
Published: January 2020

It is well established that stressful life events (e.g., family bereavements or moving to a new country) are damaging to psychological health and well‐being. Indeed, social relationships are often noted as an important factor that can influence well‐being and buffer the negative effects of stress. However, the quality and source of these relationships, particularly for adolescents, are often overlooked. Using the Growing Up in Ireland Survey, a population‐based study of 13‐year‐old Irish adolescents (N = 7,525; 51.1% female), the current study examines the quality of both parent and peer relationships as potential mechanisms explaining the association between stressful life events and psychological well‐being indices in adolescents. As expected, results showed that stressful life events negatively impacted the psychological well‐being of adolescents. Parallel mediation analyses indicated that both parent and peer relationship quality mediated this association. Further exploratory analyses found that for girls, greater numbers of stressful life events were associated with poorer quality relationships with both their parents and peers, and in turn, these were linked to lower levels of psychological well‐being. For boys, this effect was only evident for parental relationship quality, but not peers. The implication of these findings for adolescent's psychological well‐being, particularly for girls, is discussed.
Study about Optimization Scheduling Method of Economic Benefit for Grid‐Connected Household Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Ai Yongle , Ding Jianying
Published: January 2020

In order to improve the economic benefit of household photovoltaic (PV) system users under time‐of‐use (TOU) price and enhance their ability to cut peaks and fill valleys for main grid, an optimization method based on dynamic tie‐line transmission power is proposed in this paper, which can be applied to different weather conditions. First, an optimization scheduling model of economic benefit for a grid‐connected PV system is put forward, with the final revenue of user as the objective function. Under the TOU price policy, this model fully considers economic factors such as energy income, energy cost, government subsidy, system maintenance cost, etc. Moreover, the dynamic tie‐line transmission power is taken as the optimization variable, and the improved chaotic simulated annealing particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. Finally, a typical household grid‐connected PV system is taken as study case, and convincing results are obtained to verify the proposed model and optimal strategy. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Discrete sliding mode control strategy for a three‐phase Boost‐type VIENNA rectifier with the CB‐PWM
Authors: Dang Chao‐liang , Tong Xiang‐qian , Song Wei‐zhang
Published: January 2020

A three‐phase three‐level VIENNA rectifier has been widely used in the data center DC power supply and AC/DC hybrid power supply system with the advantages of without dead‐time, low switch voltage stress and small grid‐current harmonic. However, the performance of grid current strongly depends on the controller parameter, and the unreasonable controller parameter may deteriorate the grid current. To effectively improve the static and dynamic performance of grid current, a new kind of carrier‐based pulse width modulation scheme based on the double closed‐loop discrete sliding mode strategy is put forward. Further, a modified exponential reaching law is presented to effectively improve the shaking shock effect caused by the traditional sliding mode surface and the neutral voltage dc wave suppression strategy is then presented. To verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed sliding mode control strategy, a complete simulation model and experimental prototype platform under the digital control is established, the detailed theoretical analysis and design method of the proposed control strategy are presented. The simulation and experimental results show that the steady and the transient performance of the grid current with the proposed control strategy are effectively improved, and the neutral voltage in dc side is kept balanced at the same time. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Enhancing organic food identity through green marketing in Thailand: Mediating role of environmental, health, and social consciousness
Authors: Jermsittiparsert Kittisak , Haseeb Muhammad , Dawabsheh Mohammed
Published: January 2020

Green marketing is revolutionizing all aspects of business including organic food industry. Few years back, it was hard for consumers to identify themselves with organic food but with a developed consciousness through green marketing, they are consuming such food in a larger quantity. The purpose of this study was to check the impact of green marketing on organic food identity and also to see the mediating roles of environmental, health, and social consciousness in this respective relationship. Thailand is emerging as one of the largest consumers of organic food and this study has collected data from its 308 residents through questionnaire‐based survey. The results of structural equation modeling have shown that green marketing enhances organic food identity while social and health consciousness significantly mediate the relationship between them. However, the mediating role of environmental consciousness was observed insignificant in the relationship between green marketing and organic food identity. Originality of this study is in the mediating roles of consciousness dimensions which were not observed previously. Implications of this study are for food consumers, organic food manufacturers and the government of Thailand.
The pursuit of euthymia
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Guidi Jenny
Published: January 2020

Psychiatrists often consider the positive characteristics displayed by a patient in their clinical judgment, yet current assessment and treatment strategies are shifted on the side of psychological dysfunction. Euthymia is a transdiagnostic construct referring to the presence of positive affects and psychological well‐being, i.e., balance and integration of psychic forces (flexibility), a unifying outlook on life which guides actions and feelings for shaping future accordingly (consistency), and resistance to stress (resilience and tolerance to anxiety or frustration). There is increasing evidence that the evaluation of euthymia and its components has major clinical implications. Specific instruments (clinical interviews and questionnaires) may be included in a clinimetric assessment strategy encompassing macro‐analysis and staging. The pursuit of euthymia cannot be conceived as a therapeutic intervention for specific mental disorders, but as a transdiagnostic strategy to be incorporated in an individualized therapeutic plan. A number of psychotherapeutic techniques aiming to enhance positive affects and psychological well‐being (such as well‐being therapy, mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy) have been developed and validated in randomized controlled clinical trials. The findings indicate that flourishing and resilience can be promoted by specific interventions leading to a positive evaluation of one's self, a sense of continuing growth and development, the belief that life is purposeful and meaningful, satisfaction with one's relations with others, the capacity to manage effectively one's life, and a sense of self‐determination.
A network meta‐analysis of the effects of psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies and their combination in the treatment of adult depression
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Noma Hisashi , Karyotaki Eirini , Vinkers Christiaan H. , Cipriani Andrea , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: January 2020

No network meta‐analysis has examined the relative effects of psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies and their combination in the treatment of adult depression, while this is a very important clinical issue. We conducted systematic searches in bibliographical databases to identify randomized trials in which a psychotherapy and a pharmacotherapy for the acute or long‐term treatment of depression were compared with each other, or in which the combination of a psychotherapy and a pharmacotherapy was compared with either one alone. The main outcome was treatment response (50% improvement between baseline and endpoint). Remission and acceptability (defined as study drop‐out for any reason) were also examined. Possible moderators that were assessed included chronic and treatment‐resistant depression and baseline severity of depression. Data were pooled as relative risk (RR) using a random‐effects model. A total of 101 studies with 11,910 patients were included. Depression in most studies was moderate to severe. In the network meta‐analysis, combined treatment was more effective than psychotherapy alone (RR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.14‐1.39) and pharmacotherapy alone (RR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.14‐1.37) in achieving response at the end of treatment. No significant difference was found between psychotherapy alone and pharmacotherapy alone (RR=0.99; 95% CI: 0.92‐1.08). Similar results were found for remission. Combined treatment (RR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.05‐1.45) and psychotherapy alone (RR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.02‐1.32) were more acceptable than pharmacotherapy. Results were similar for chronic and treatment‐resistant depression. The combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy seems to be the best choice for patients with moderate depression. More research is needed on long‐term effects of treatments (including cost‐effectiveness), on the impact of specific pharmacological and non‐pharmacological approaches, and on the effects in specific populations of patients.
Metformin add‐on vs. antipsychotic switch vs. continued antipsychotic treatment plus healthy lifestyle education in overweight or obese youth with severe mental illness: results from the IMPACT trial
Authors: Correll Christoph U. , Sikich Linmarie , Reeves Gloria , Johnson Jacqueline , Keeton Courtney , Spanos Marina , Kapoor Sandeep , Bussell Kristin , Miller Leslie , Chandrasekhar Tara , Sheridan Eva M. , Pirmohamed Sara , Reinblatt Shauna P. , Alderman Cheryl , Scheer Abigail , Borner Irmgard , Bethea Terrence C. , Edwards Sarah , Hamer Robert M. , Riddle Mark A.
Published: January 2020

Antipsychotics are used for many psychiatric conditions in youth. Although developmentally inappropriate weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, which are risk factors for premature cardiovascular mortality, are especially frequent in youth, optimal strategies to reduce pediatric antipsychotic‐induced overweight/obesity are unclear. The Improving Metabolic Parameters in Antipsychotic Child Treatment (IMPACT) was a randomized, parallel group, 24‐week clinical trial which enrolled overweight/obese, psychiatrically stable youth, aged 8‐19 years, with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of severe mental illness (schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar spectrum disorder or psychotic depression), at four US universities. All of them had developed substantial weight gain following treatment with a second‐generation antipsychotic. The centralized, computer‐based randomization system assigned participants to unmasked treatment groups: metformin (MET); antipsychotic switch (aripiprazole or, if already exposed to that drug, perphenazine or molindone; SWITCH); or continued baseline antipsychotic (CONTROL). All participants received healthy lifestyle education. The primary outcome was body mass index (BMI) z‐score change from baseline, analyzed using estimated least squares means. Altogether, 127 participants were randomized: 49 to MET, 31 to SWITCH, and 47 to CONTROL. BMI z‐score decreased significantly with MET (week 24: –0.09±0.03, p=0.002) and SWITCH (week 24: –0.11±0.04, p=0.003), while it increased non‐significantly with CONTROL (week 24: +0.04±0.03). On 3‐way comparison, BMI z‐score changes differed significantly (p=0.001). MET and SWITCH were each superior to CONTROL (p=0.002), with effect sizes of 0.68 and 0.81 respectively, while MET and SWITCH did not differ. More gastrointestinal problems occurred in MET than in SWITCH or CONTROL. The data safety monitoring board closed the perphenazine‐SWITCH arm because 35.2% of subjects discontinued treatment due to psychiatric worsening. These data suggest that pediatric antipsychotic‐related overweight/obesity can be reduced by adding metformin or switching to a lower risk antipsychotic. Healthy lifestyle education is not sufficient to prevent ongoing BMI z‐score increase.
Closed-form expression for cross-channel conformal blocks near the lightcone
Authors: Li Wenliang
Published: January 2020

Abstract

In the study of conformal field theories, conformal blocks in the lightcone limit are fundamental to the analytic conformal bootstrap method. Here we consider the lightcone limit of 4-point functions of generic scalar primaries. Based on the nonperturbative pole structure in spin of Lorentzian inversion, we propose the natural basis functions for cross-channel conformal blocks. In this new basis, we find a closed-form expression for crossed conformal blocks in terms of the Kampé de Fériet function, which applies to intermediate operators of arbitrary spin in general dimensions. We derive the general Lorentzian inversion for the case of identical external scaling dimensions. Our results for the lightcone limit also shed light on the complete analytic structure of conformal blocks in the lightcone expansion.
Brain miliary enhancement
Authors: Bot Joseph C.J. , Mazzai Linda , Hagenbeek Rogier E. , Ingala Silvia , van Oosten Bob , Sanchez-Aliaga Esther , Barkhof Frederik
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Miliary enhancement refers to the presence of multiple small, monomorphic, enhancing foci on T1-weighted post-contrast MRI images. In the absence of a clear clinical presentation, a broad differential diagnosis may result in invasive procedures and possibly brain biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

Methods

An extensive review of the literature is provided for diseases that may present with miliary enhancement on T1-weighted brain MR images. Additional disease-specific findings, both clinical and radiological, are summarized and categorized by the presence or absence of perivascular space involvement.

Results

Miliary pattern of enhancement may be due to a variety of underlying causes, including inflammatory, infectious, nutritional or neoplastic processes. The recognition of disease spread along the perivascular spaces in addition to the detection or exclusion of disease-specific features on MRI images, such as leptomeningeal enhancement, presence of haemorrhagic lesions, spinal cord involvement and specific localisation or systemic involvement, allows to narrow the potential differential diagnoses.

Conclusion

A systematic approach to disease-specific findings from both clinical and radiological perspectives might facilitate diagnostic work-up, and recognition of disease spread along the perivascular spaces may help narrowing down differential diagnoses and may help to minimize the use of invasive diagnostic procedures.
Incidence of Incisional Hernia Repair After Laparoscopic Compared to Open Resection of Colonic Cancer: A Nationwide Analysis of 17,717 Patients
Authors: Jensen Kristian Kiim , Nordholm‐Carstensen Andreas , Krarup Peter‐Martin , Jorgensen Lars Nannestad
Published: January 2020

Background

It remains unknown whether laparoscopic compared to open surgery translates into fewer incisional hernia repairs (IHR). The objectives of the current study were to compare the long‐term incidence of IHR and the size of repaired hernias between patients subjected to laparoscopic or open resection of colonic cancer.

Methods

This was a nationwide cohort study comprised of patients undergoing resection for colonic cancer between January 2007 and March 2016 according to the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. Patients who subsequently underwent IHR were identified in the Danish Ventral Hernia Database, from which information about the priority of the hernia repair and the size of the fascial defect was retrieved.

Results

The study included 17,717 patients, of whom 482 (2.7%) underwent subsequent IHR during a median follow‐up of 4.7 (interquartile range 2.8–6.9) years. There was no significant difference in the 5‐year cumulative incidence of hernia repair after laparoscopic compared to open colonic resection (3.9%, CI 3.3–4.4% vs 4.1%, CI 3.5–4.6%). After adjustment for confounders, laparoscopic approach was associated with an increased rate of emergency IHR (HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.03–5.46,P = 0.042) as opposed to elective IHR (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.73–1.14,P = 0.442). Laparoscopic surgery was significantly associated with a decreased fascial defect area compared to open surgery (mean difference −16.0 cm2, 95% CI −29.4 to −2.5,P = 0.020).

Conclusions

There was no difference in the incidence of IHR after open compared to laparoscopic resection. Compared to the open approach, laparoscopic resection increased the rate of subsequent emergency IHR, suggesting that a more aggressive therapeutic approach may be warranted in this patient group upon diagnosis of an incisional hernia.
Effectiveness, retention, and safety of modified ketogenic diet in adults with epilepsy at a tertiary-care centre in the UK
Authors: Green S. F. , Nguyen P. , Kaalund-Hansen K. , Rajakulendran S. , Murphy Elaine
Published: January 2020

With the rising demand for ketogenic diet therapy in adult epilepsy, there is a need for research describing the real-life effectiveness, retention, and safety of relevant services. In this 1-year prospective cohort study we present outcomes of the first 100 referrals for modified ketogenic diet (MKD) at the UK’s largest tertiary-care epilepsy centre, where patients received dietetic review up to twice per week. Of the first 100 referrals, 42 (31 females, 11 males; mean age 36.8 [SD ± 11.4 years]) commenced MKD, having used a mean of 4 (SD ± 3) previous antiepileptic drugs. Retention rates were: 60% at 3 months, 43% at 6 months, and 29% at 12 months. 60% of patients reported an improvement in seizure frequency, 38% reported a > 50% reduction, and 13% reported a period of seizure freedom; 30% reported a worsening in seizure frequency at some point during MKD therapy. The most common reasons for discontinuing MKD were side effects and diet restrictiveness. The most common side effects were weight loss, gastrointestinal symptoms and low mood. The likelihood of discontinuing MKD was significantly decreased by experiencing an improvement in seizure frequency (p ≤ 0.001). This study demonstrates that MKD can be effective in adults, although, even with regular dietetic support, retention rates remain low, and periods of worsening seizure frequency are common.
Multilevel allometric modelling of maximum cardiac output, maximum arteriovenous oxygen difference, and peak oxygen uptake in 11–13-year-olds
Authors: Armstrong Neil , Welsman Jo
Published: January 2020

Purposes

To investigate longitudinally (1) the contribution of morphological covariates to explaining the development of maximum cardiac output ($${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$Q˙max) and maximum arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vO2diff max), (2) sex differences in$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$Q˙max and a-vO2diff max once age, maturity status, and morphological covariates have been controlled for, and, (3) the contribution of concurrent changes in morphological and cardiovascular covariates to explaining the sex-specific development of peak oxygen uptake ($$\dot{{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$V˙O2).

Methods

Fifty-one (32 boys) 11–13-year-olds had their peak$$\dot{{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$V˙O2, maximum heart rate (HR max),$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$Q˙max, and a-vO2diff max determined during treadmill running on three annual occasions. The data were analysed using multilevel allometric modelling.

Results

There were no sex differences in HR max which was not significantly (p > 0.05) correlated with age, morphological variables, or peak$$\dot{{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$V˙O2. The best-fit models for$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$Q˙max and a-vO2diff max were with fat-free mass (FFM) as covariate with age, maturity status, and haemoglobin concentration not significant (p > 0.05). FFM was the dominant influence on the development of peak$$\dot{{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$V˙O2. With FFM controlled for, the introduction of either$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$Q˙max or a-vO2diff max to multilevel models of peak$$\dot{{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$V˙O2resulted in significant (p < 0.05) additional contributions to explaining the sex difference.

Conclusions

(1) With FFM controlled for, there were no sex differences in$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$Q˙max or a-vO2diff max, (2) FFM was the dominant influence on the development of peak$$\dot{{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$V˙O2, and (3) with FFM and either$${\dot{\text{Q}}}$$Q˙max or a-vO2diff max controlled for, there remained an unresolved sex difference of ~ 4% in peak$$\dot{{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2} .$$V˙O2.
The role of functional health literacy in long-term treatment outcomes in psychosocial care for adolescents
Authors: Beukema L. , Reijneveld S. A. , Jager M. , Metselaar J. , de Winter A. F.
Published: January 2020

Although among adolescents with psychosocial problems low health literacy may increase the risk of poor treatment outcomes, the contributing mechanisms within treatment remain unclear. A better understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to improved treatment processes and outcomes. This study aims to examine the relationship between functional health literacy, treatment processes (treatment adherence, learning processes), and treatment outcome (level of psychosocial problems) in adolescents in psychosocial care. We used data from a prospective cohort study among adolescents aged 12–18 (N = 390), collected in four successive measurements: at entry into care, and 3, 12, and 24 months thereafter. We used a mixed effect model to investigate the association between level of functional health literacy (adequate vs. inadequate) and treatment processes (treatment adherence, learning processes) and treatment outcome (level of psychosocial problems). Between adolescents with adequate and inadequate functional health literacy, we found no differences or change over time in adherence or learning processes. The level of psychosocial problems significantly declined over time (β = − 1.70, 95% CI [− 2.72, − 0.69], p = .001) to a similar degree in both groups, though, in all measurements, the level was consistently higher for adolescents with inadequate health literacy. We conclude that health literacy levels did not affect change in treatment processes nor in outcomes of psychosocial treatment. However, the consistently higher level of psychosocial problems among adolescents with inadequate health literacy suggests an unaddressed need in psychosocial care.
When Science Confronts Philosophy: Three Case Studies
Authors: Dietrich Eric
Published: January 2020

This paper examines three cases of the clash between science and philosophy: Zeno’s paradoxes, the Frame Problem, and a recent attempt to experimentally refute skepticism. In all three cases, the relevant science claims to have resolved the purported problem. The sciences, construing the term broadly, are mathematics, artificial intelligence, and psychology. The goal of this paper is to show that none of the three scientific solutions work. The three philosophical problems remain as vibrant as ever in the face of robust scientific attempts to dispel them. The paper concludes by examining some consequences of this persistence.
Energy system transformation to meet NDC, 2 °C, and well below 2 °C targets for India
Authors: Vishwanathan Saritha S. , Garg Amit
Published: January 2020

India’s commitment to Paris Climate Change Agreement through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will require the energy system to gradually move away from fossil fuels. The current energy system is witnessing a transformation to achieve these through renewable energy targets and enhanced energy efficiency (EE) actions in all sectors. More stringent global GHG mitigation targets of 2 °C and well below 2 °C regimes would impose further challenges and uncertainties for the Indian energy systems. This paper provides a quantitative assessment using bottom-up optimization model (AIM/Enduse) to assess these until 2050 for meeting carbon mitigation commitments while achieving the national sustainable development goals. Energy transformation trajectories under five scenarios synchronized with climate mitigation regimes are explored—Business As Usual scenario (BAU), NDC scenario, 2 °C scenarios (early and late actions), and well below 2 °C scenario. The key results from the study include (a) coal-based power plants older than 30 years under NDC and older than 20 years for deeper CO2 mitigation will be stranded before their lifetime, (b) increase in renewables of up to 225–280 GW by 2050 will require battery storage with improved integrated smart grid infrastructure, (c) growth in nuclear to 27–32 GW by 2050 is dependent on nuclear supply availability, (d) gradual shift towards electrification in industry, building, and transport sectors, and (e) installation of CCS technologies in power and industry sectors. Cumulative investments of up to 6–8 trillion USD (approximately) will be required during 2015–2030 to implement the actions required to transform the current energy systems in India.
NIT2 overexpression predicts poor prognosis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Chen Shan , Wang Zengyan , Feng Chongjin
Published: January 2020

There is disputable on the role of nitrilase-like 2 (NIT2) in cancer. Its expression and its relationship with clinicopathological features in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) are not yet clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of NIT2 in TSCC and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics in TSCC patients. Through proteomic identification, we found that the protein NIT2 was related to the development of TSCC. q-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques were applied to detect the expression of NIT2 in TSCC. The relationship between the expression of NIT2 and clinicopathological features was analyzed by Chi square tests. The results showed the expression of NIT2 in TSCC was significantly higher than that in normal tongue tissues (p < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the positive expression of NIT2 and N classification were associated with decreased disease-free survival rate (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.05). The results suggested that NIT2 is overexpressed in TSCC and NIT2 may be a potential therapeutic target for TSCC.