bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orbital-free quasidensity functional theory
Authors: Benavides-Riveros Carlos L.
Published: January 2024

We develop an functional framework to compute one-body quasiprobabilities for both fermionic and bosonic systems. Since the key variable is a quasidensity, this theory circumvents the problems of finding the Pauli potential or approximating the kinetic energy that are known to limit the applicability of standard orbital-free density functional theory. We present a set of strategies to (a) compute the one-body Wigner quasiprobability in an orbital-free manner from the knowledge of the universal functional and (b) obtain those functionals from the functionals of the one-body reduced density matrix (1-RDM). We find that the universal functional of optical lattices results from a translation, a contraction, and a rotation of the corresponding functional of the 1-RDM, revealing the strong connection between these two functional theories. Furthermore, we relate the key concepts of and .

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Measurements of Penning-Malmberg trap patch potentials and associated performance degradation
Authors: Baker C. J. , Bertsche W. , Capra A. , Cesar C. L. , Charlton M. , Christensen A. , Collister R. , Cridland Mathad A. , Eriksson S. , Evans A. , Evetts N. , Fajans J. , Friesen T. , Fujiwara M. C. , Gill D. R. , Grandemange P. , Granum P. , Hangst J. S. , Hayden M. E. , Hodgkinson D. , Hunter E. D. , Isaac C. A. , Johnson M. A. , Jones J. , Jones S. A. , Jonsell S. , Khramov A. , Kurchaninov L. , Landsberger H. , Madsen N. , Maxwell D. , McKenna J. T. K. , Menary S. , Momose T. , Mullan P. S. , Munich J. J. , Olchanski K. , Olin A. , Peszka J. , Powell A. , Pusa P. , Rasmussen C.Ø. , Robicheaux F. , Sacramento R. L. , Sameed M. , Sarid E. , Silveira D. M. , So C. , Stutter G. , Tharp T. D. , Thompson R. I. , Torkzaban C. , van der Werf D. P. , Ward E. , Wurtele J. S. ,   ALPHA Collaboration
Published: January 2024

Antiprotons created by laser ionization of antihydrogen are observed to rapidly escape the ALPHA trap. Further, positron plasmas heat more quickly after the trap is illuminated by laser light for several hours. These phenomena can be caused by patch potentials—variations in the electrical potential along metal surfaces. A simple model of the effects of patch potentials explains the particle loss, and an experimental technique using trapped electrons is developed for measuring the electric field produced by the patch potentials. The model is validated by controlled experiments and simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Inherent trade-off in noisy neural communication with rank-order coding
Authors: Alsolami Ibrahim , Fukai Tomoki
Published: January 2024

Rank-order coding, a form of temporal coding, has emerged as a promising scheme to explain the rapid ability of the mammalian brain. Owing to its speed as well as efficiency, rank-order coding is increasingly gaining interest in diverse research areas beyond neuroscience. However, much uncertainty still exists about the performance of rank-order coding under noise. Herein we show what information rates are fundamentally possible and what trade-offs are at stake. An unexpected finding in this Letter is the emergence of a special class of errors that, in a regime, increase with less noise.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Heterogeneity can markedly increase final outbreak size in the SIR model of epidemics
Authors: Leibenzon Alexander , Assaf Michael
Published: January 2024

We study the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model of epidemics on positively correlated heterogeneous networks with population variability, and explore the dependence of the final outbreak size on the network heterogeneity strength and basic reproduction number R0—the ratio between the infection and recovery rates per individual. We reveal a critical value R0c, above which the maximal outbreak size is obtained at zero heterogeneity, but below which the maximum is obtained at finite heterogeneity strength. This second-order phase transition, universal for all network distributions with finite standardized moments, indicates that network heterogeneity can greatly increase the final outbreak size. We also show that this effect can be enhanced by adding population heterogeneity, in the form of varying interindividual susceptibility and infectiousness. Our results provide key insight as to the predictability of the well-mixed SIR model for the final outbreak size, in realistic scenarios.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dipolar Spin Ice Regime Proximate to an All-In-All-Out Néel Ground State in the Dipolar-Octupolar Pyrochlore
Ce2Sn2O7
Authors: Yahne D. R. , Placke B. , Schäfer R. , Benton O. , Moessner R. , Powell M. , Kolis J. W. , Pasco C. M. , May A. F. , Frontzek M. D. , Smith E. M. , Gaulin B. D. , Calder S. , Ross K. A.
Published: January 2024

The dipolar-octupolar (DO) pyrochlores, R2M2O7 (R=Ce,Sm,Nd), are key players in the search for realizable novel quantum spin liquid (QSL) states as a large parameter space within the DO pyrochlore phase diagram is theorized to host QSL states of both dipolar and octupolar nature. New single crystals and powders of Ce2Sn2O7, synthesized by hydrothermal techniques, present an opportunity for a new characterization of the exchange parameters in Ce2Sn2O7 using the near-neighbor XYZ model Hamiltonian associated with DO pyrochlores. Utilizing quantum numerical linked cluster expansion fits to heat capacity and magnetic susceptibility measurements, and classical Monte Carlo calculations to the diffuse neutron diffraction of the new hydrothermally grown Ce2Sn2O7 samples, we place Ce2Sn2O7’s ground state within the ordered dipolar all-in-all-out (AIAO) Néel phase, with quantum Monte Carlo calculations showing a transition to long-range order at temperatures below those accessed experimentally. Indeed, our new neutron diffraction measurements on the hydrothermally grown Ce2Sn2O7 powders show a broad signal at low scattering wave vectors, reminiscent of a spin ice, in striking contrast from previous powder neutron diffraction on samples grown from solid-state synthesis, which found diffuse scattering at high scattering wave vectors associated with magnetic and suggested an octupolar quantum spin ice state. We conclude that new hydrothermally grown Ce2Sn2O7 samples host a finite-temperature proximate dipolar spin ice phase, above the expected transition to AIAO Néel order.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Regional institutional environment and R&D performance: Evidence from marketization index of China’s provinces and panel data of high-tech manufacturing firms
Authors: Song Bo , Yuan Kun , Jin Yiwen , Zhao Liangjie
Published: January 2024

Purpose

How does the regional institutional environment of China’s transitional economy influence the relationship between a firm’s R&D investment intensity and innovation performance? Based on the resource-based view and institution-based view, an empirical study was executed to identify the moderating effects of institutional environment variables from the Marketization Index of China’s Provinces: National Economic Research Institute (NERI) Report on the relationship between a firm’s R&D investment intensity and innovation performance. This paper aims to study how effectively improve the impact of R&D investment intensity on innovation performance under the influence of the institutional environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Against the background of China’s transitional economy, the authors present empirical evidence from panel data covering 374 Chinese A-share listed high-tech manufacturing firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange to examine the relationship between R&D investment intensity and innovation performance.

Findings

Empirical results illustrate the following: The R&D investment intensity and innovation performance displayed an inverse U-shaped relationship, and R&D investment intensity had a lagged effect on R&D output according to the uncertainty and industrialization period of R&D activities. The level of financial market development can intensify the effects of R&D investment intensity on innovation performance. The degree of government intervention weakens the effect of R&D investment intensity on innovation performance.

Originality/value

Based on the background of China’s institutional environment during the transition period, combined with previous research and the Marketization Index of China’s Provinces: NERI Report, selecting financial market development, government intervention level and legalization level as moderating variables to study how effectively improve the impact of R&D investment intensity on innovation performance under the influence of the institutional environment. Due to the different ownership of firms during the transition period, the appropriate impact of the institutional environment on the relationship between R&D investment intensity and innovation performance will vary. Moreover, the level of legalization would impact on innovation insignificantly.
Perceived employability among master’s students in Hong Kong
Authors: Jung Jisun , Li Xiaoshi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Many master’s students enrol in coursework-based programmes to improve their professional knowledge and skills for the job market. Most studies of employability in higher education focus on undergraduates rather than master’s students, although the number of master’s students worldwide has increased significantly in recent years. This study explores the factors involved in the perceived employability (PE) of master’s students in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first proposed a conceptual model of PE based on the social cognitive career theory. Using survey data from 786 master’s students in Hong Kong, the authors applied descriptive statistics and an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to address the following research questions: How do master’s students gauge their PE? How do person, learning and environment variables influence the PE of master’s students?

Findings

The authors found that PE is influenced by students' approaches to learning and their institutional career support.

Originality/value

Few studies examined whether students' learning experiences during the master’s programmes influence their employability. This study highlights the importance of learning experiences and career support in coursework-based master’s programmes for enhancing graduate employability.
“This is my hill to die on”: effects of far-right conservative pushback on US English teachers and their classroom practice
Authors: Borsheim-Black Carlin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

From book challenges to anti–critical race theory and anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning legislation, US English teachers have been on the receiving end of a considerable amount of far-right conservative pushback. This study aims to explore the effects of conservative pushback on individual English teachers and their classroom practice. What pushbacks have individual English teachers faced? How has pushback impacted their teaching? What strategies have they developed for navigating pushback?

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study explores secondary English teachers’ reported experiences with conservative backlash as reported in 15 semi-structured interviews conducted between May 2022 and August 2023.

Findings

Participants reported feeling the pressure of increased levels of pushback, and many reported censoring their book selections to avoid additional public scrutiny. At the same time, they also described a range of strategies they have developed for protecting themselves and their practice, such as codifying curriculum, increasing transparency, formalizing review processes for challenging books and strengthening their resolve to resist.

Originality/value

This study offers a timely window on a pressing problem affecting the daily practice of English teachers in the USA.
Factors associated with non-treatment for long-term illness among incarcerated individuals
Authors: Nieto-Gutiérrez Wendy , Cvetković-Vega Aleksandar , Cáceres-Távara María E. , Ponce-Torres Christian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The prison population is seldom studied and often overlooked in many countries despite their vulnerability to long-term illness. This study aims to explore the factors associated with the non-treatment for long-term illnesses among incarcerated individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a cross-sectional analysis. The authors conducted a secondary data analysis using information collected in the Peruvian census of incarcerated individuals. The study population consisted of incarcerated individuals diagnosed with a long-term illness. To evaluate the factors associated with non-treatment, the authors used a Poisson regression model.

Findings

The authors included 12,512 incarcerated individuals (age: 40.9 ± 13.1 years), and 39% of them did not receive treatment for their long-term illness. The authors observed that non-treatment was statistically associated with gender, age, having children, use of the Spanish language, sexual identity, judicial situation, penitentiary location, discrimination inside the penitentiary and health insurance before incarceration. However, only having children (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.11, confidence interval [CI]95% 1.03–1.19), using the Spanish language (PR: 1.15, CI95%: 1.01–1.31), being in a penitentiary not in Lima (PR: 1.11, CI95%: 1.06–1.17) and perceiving discrimination inside the penitentiary (PR: 1.12, CI95% 1.06–1.18) increased the prevalence of non-treatment.

Originality/value

Identifying the factors associated with non-treatment will allow us to implement measures for prioritizing groups and developing strategies for the evaluation, close follow-up of their health and management of comorbidities.
Strategic renewal of family firms to face vulnerability risks during times of crisis
Authors: Gómez Juan M. , Rodríguez Yeny E.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to unveil the impact of strategic renewal and its implications on employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the role of strategic renewal in mitigating the adverse effects of crises, fostering organizational adaptation and restructuring capabilities. Additionally, it examines the moderating effect of familiness on understanding the strategic renewal process and its importance to family firms during times of crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes data from the STEP Project Global Consortium, which collected information from 3,026 family firms operating in 75 countries and various sectors during the pandemic. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to test the authors' research hypotheses.

Findings

The authors' results reveal that strategic renewal significantly impacted employment growth during the COVID-19 pandemic of family firms. Strategic renewal plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of that crisis on employment by helping firms adapt and restructure their capabilities. The study also found that synergies among family members positively influenced innovation in organizational resilience and enhanced the positive effects of strategic renewal on employment growth.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of strategic renewal of family businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers insights into mitigating vulnerability risks amidst crises and adds to the understanding of the strategic renewal process and its implications for the organizations. The findings hold theoretical implications for the field of strategic management and provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family firms in uncertain environments.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2022-0771
A dynamic parameter identification method for the 5-DOF hybrid robot based on sensitivity analysis
Authors: Luo Zaihua , Xiao Juliang , Liu Sijiang , Wang Mingli , Zhao Wei , Liu Haitao
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a dynamic parameter identification method based on sensitivity analysis for the 5-degree of freedom (DOF) hybrid robots, to solve the problems of too many identification parameters, complex model, difficult convergence of optimization algorithms and easy-to-fall into a locally optimal solution, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of dynamic parameter identification.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the dynamic parameter identification model of the 5-DOF hybrid robot was established based on the principle of virtual work. Then, the sensitivity of the parameters to be identified is analyzed by Sobol’s sensitivity method and verified by simulation. Finally, an identification strategy based on sensitivity analysis was designed, experiments were carried out on the real robot and the results were verified.

Findings

Compared with the traditional full-parameter identification method, the dynamic parameter identification method based on sensitivity analysis proposed in this paper converges faster when optimized using the genetic algorithm, and the identified dynamic model has higher prediction accuracy for joint drive forces and torques than the full-parameter identification models.

Originality/value

This work analyzes the sensitivity of the parameters to be identified in the dynamic parameter identification model for the first time. Then a parameter identification method is proposed based on the results of the sensitivity analysis, which can effectively reduce the parameters to be identified, simplify the identification model, accelerate the convergence of the optimization algorithm and improve the prediction accuracy of the identified model for the joint driving forces and torques.
Beyond the seams: evaluating competitiveness and comparative advantage in Vietnam’s apparel industry
Authors: Hasan Md Rokibul , Swazan Ishtehar Sharif , Das Debanjan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the export competitiveness of Vietnam’s apparel sector by identifying the precise product categories that create its comparative advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Revealed comparative advantage (RCA) and normalized revealed comparative advantage (NRCA) form the research methodology, and the RCA/NRCA values are calculated for the 2011–2020 period.

Findings

In total, 29 out of 34 product categories at four-digit levels and 65 out of 217 subcategories at six-digit levels elicited a consistent export comparative advantage throughout the 10-year study timeframe. The study also identified 13 subcategories at six-digit levels, which indicated 10 consecutive years of relative disadvantages.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for economic policy, development strategies and global economic integration. By providing a nuanced understanding of a country’s export strengths in the international apparel trade, this study offers valuable guidance for informed decision-making at various levels. The findings will serve as a significant source of information for policymakers and help them formulate novel policies aiming to diversify Vietnam’s apparel product offerings and export destinations. The results will also inform the government regarding the industry’s potential and attract necessary support, enabling it to grow further. This study reveals patterns in Vietnam’s apparel trade but does not provide insights into the underlying causes of comparative advantage.

Originality/value

The study provides an in-depth overview of Vietnam’s comparative advantages and disadvantages at two-, four- and six-digit harmonized system levels and helps understand Vietnam’s apparel export competitiveness.
Estimating non‐market values of protecting groundwater in a constrained environment
Authors: Lan Le , Iftekhar Md Sayed , Schilizzi Steven , Fogarty James
Published: January 2024

In groundwater‐constrained areas, reallocating groundwater away from agriculture to achieve environmental outcomes has become a popular top‐down regulatory approach. However, little attention has been paid to understanding public preferences for such policies. Using a choice experiment, we explore community preferences for different components of a groundwater allocation management program affecting agriculture in a severely water‐constrained but highly groundwater‐dependent environment, Western Australia. We find strong community preferences for a substantial reallocation away from agriculture, with compensation based on ecological benefits, regular monitoring through meters and a medium‐level penalty for those that over‐extract. The estimated non‐market value to implement a groundwater management program comprising the preferred structure is up to AU$61 million per year. This result demonstrates the value of considering community preferences when designing groundwater management policies.
A pound for information or a penny for cure: Farmers' economic decisions on testing and treatment of livestock diseases
Authors: Aklilu Abenezer Zeleke , Elofsson Katarina , Halvarsson Peter , Kjellander Petter , Höglund Johan
Published: January 2024

Livestock productivity and profitability are threatened by livestock diseases. In this study, we examine farmers' revealed preferences for testing and treating gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in Sweden, taking into account the sequential structure of these decisions. We control for preventive measures, as well as the potential impact of wildlife–livestock disease transmission on farmers' decisions. A zero‐inflated ordered probit model is used to estimate the determinants of farmers' decisions, and we cross‐validate the robustness of the results to alternative model assumptions. Results from the regressions are used to calculate the consequences of these choices for farmers' profits. The results show that treatment decisions are informed by faecal testing, while both testing and treatment are influenced by the grazing practices, the size of the operation and access to information. Contrary to expectations from the conceptual framework, preventive management practices are positively correlated with treatment. Farmers take multiple risk factors into account when deciding on testing, but we do not find that the same factors affect the outcome of treatment. The economic impacts are small and suggest that treatment without prior testing is more profitable for the farmer than informed treatment. If widespread treatment increases drug resistance, this could motivate policies that encourage testing.
Trans feminism and the women's liberation movement in Britain, c. 1970–1980
Authors: Caslin Sam
Published: January 2024

The history of the British women's liberation movement (WLM) is a growing field of study, but it has had little to say about trans participants in the movement. Drawing on feminist and LGBT+ archives and interviews, this article argues that while trans acceptance in ‘women‐only’ groups was not guaranteed during the period between 1970 and 1980, trans and cis feminists worked together to advance feminist positions on bodily autonomy and to develop critiques of medical authority. In doing so, this article demonstrates that it is ahistorical to approach trans rights and women's liberation as distinct from one another.
Effectiveness and safety of plasma exchange for anti‐MDA5 antibody–positive clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease refractory to intensive immune suppression therapy: A case series
Authors: Watanabe Tomoka , Taniguchi Misaki , Ogura Sanae , Asou Mea , Takayanagi Shunsuke , Sokai Yuko , Tsuji Yoshiki , Mori Keita P. , Endo Tomomi , Nakajima Toshiki , Imura Yoshitaka , Tsukamoto Tatsuo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) with anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody (Ab) with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP‐ILD) is often refractory for intensive immunosuppression. In this study, we verified the effectiveness and safety of plasma exchange (PEx) for this lethal disease.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the clinical course and adverse effect (AE) of 12 patients with anti‐MDA5 Ab–positive CADM between January 2017 and December 2021 in our hospital.

Results

Five out of six patients treated with simple PEx using fresh frozen plasma or 5% albumin survived with or without home oxygen therapy. Multiple PEx (15–20 times) were required to achieve satisfactory improvement as well as remission of CADM. The AEs caused by PEx were resolved using conventional methods.

Conclusion

PEx might be a promising option for controlling the disease activity of anti‐MDA5 Ab–positive CADM with severe RP‐ILD and may contribute to better survival.
The production of ultrahigh molecular weight xanthan gum from a Sphingomonas chassis capable of co‐utilising glucose and xylose from corn straw
Authors: Wu Mengmeng , Shi Zhuangzhuang , Ming Yue , Zhao Yufei , Gao Ge , Li Guoqiang , Ma Ting
Published: January 2024

Corn straw is an abundant and renewable alternative for microbial biopolymer production. In this paper, an engineered Sphingomonas sanxanigenens NXG‐P916 capable of co‐utilising glucose and xylose from corn straw total hydrolysate to produce xanthan gum was constructed. This strain was obtained by introducing the xanthan gum synthetic operon gum as a module into the genome of the constructed chassis strain NXdPE that could mass produce activated precursors of polysaccharide, and in which the transcriptional levels of gum genes were optimised by screening for a more appropriate promoter, P916. As a result, strain NXG‐P916 produced 9.48 ± 0.34 g of xanthan gum per kg of fermentation broth (g/kg) when glucose was used as a carbon source, which was 2.1 times improved over the original engineering strain NXdPE::gum. Furthermore, in batch fermentation, 12.72 ± 0.75 g/kg xanthan gum was produced from the corn straw total hydrolysate containing both glucose and xylose, and the producing xanthan gum showed an ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) of 6.04 × 107 Da, which was increased by 15.8 times. Therefore, the great potential of producing UHMW xanthan gum by Sphingomonas sanxanigenens was proved, and the chassis NXdPE has the prospect of becoming an attractive platform organism producing polysaccharides derived from biomass hydrolysates.
Microbial evolution through horizontal gene transfer by mobile genetic elements
Authors: Tokuda Maho , Shintani Masaki
Published: January 2024

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are crucial for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in bacteria and facilitate their rapid evolution and adaptation. MGEs include plasmids, integrative and conjugative elements, transposons, insertion sequences and bacteriophages. Notably, the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), which poses a serious threat to public health, is primarily attributable to HGT through MGEs. This mini‐review aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms by which MGEs mediate HGT in microbes. Specifically, the behaviour of conjugative plasmids in different environments and conditions was discussed, and recent methodologies for tracing the dynamics of MGEs were summarised. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying HGT and the role of MGEs in bacterial evolution and adaptation is important to develop strategies to combat the spread of ARGs.
Estimated glucose disposal rate predicts the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes: A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Zhang Yuanpin , Sun Wanwan , Zhang Qi , Bai Yuetian , Ji Lijin , Zheng Hangping , Zhu Xiaoming , Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Shuo , Xiong Qian , Li Yiming , Chen Lili , Lu Bin
Published: January 2024

Background

Insulin resistance is associated with chronic complications of diabetes, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), calculated by the common available clinical factors, was proved to be an excellent tool to measure insulin resistance in large patient population. Few studies have explored the association between eGDR and DPN longitudinally. Therefore, we performed the current study to analyze whether eGDR could predict the risk of DPN.

Methods

In this prospective study, 366 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) subjects without DPN were enrolled from six communities in Shanghai in 2011–2014 and followed up until 2019–2020. Neuropathy was assessed by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MSNI) at baseline and at the end of follow‐up.

Findings

After 5.91 years, 198 of 366 participants progressed to DPN according to MNSI examination scores. The incidence of DPN in the low baseline eGDR (eGDR < 9.15) group was significantly higher than in the high baseline eGDR (eGDR ≥ 9.15) group (62.37% vs. 45.56%, p = .0013). The incidence of DPN was significantly higher in patients with sustained lower eGDR level (63.69%) compared with those with sustained higher eGDR level (35.80%). Subjects with low baseline eGDR (eGDR < 9.15) had significantly higher risk of DPN at the end of follow‐up (odds ratio = 1.75), even after adjusting for other known DPN risk factors.

Conclusions

The 5‐year follow‐up study highlights the importance of insulin resistance represented by eGDR in the development of DPN in T2DM. Diabetic patients with low eGDR are more prone to DPN and, therefore, require more intensive screening and more attention.

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Downregulation of pattern recognition receptors on macrophages involved in aggravation of endometriosis
Authors: Shiraishi Tatsunori , Ikeda Mariko , Watanabe Takami , Negishi Yasuyuki , Ichikawa Go , Kaseki Hanako , Akira Shigeo , Morita Rimpei , Suzuki Shunji
Published: January 2024

Problem

In women of reproductive age, endometriosis may contribute to dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, infertility, adenomyosis, and endometrial ovarian cyst (EOC). Recent studies have shown that chronic inflammation occurs in the pelvis of endometriosis patients and that this inflammation is exacerbated by immunosuppression, leading to survival endometrial debris. However, the detailed immunological mechanisms underlying the aggravation of inflammation and immunosuppression in endometriosis patients remain unclear.

Method of Study

We investigate the alarmins (high‐mobility group box‐1, IL‐33, IL‐1α, and S100B protein), proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐1β), and immune cells (CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages) in peritoneal fluid of patients with EOC using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, electrochemiluminescence, and flow cytometry. Then, we analyzed the correlation between these factors and the aggravating indicators of endometriosis, tumor size and revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (r‐ASRM) score.

Results

Unexpectedly, there was no correlation between each alarmin level and aggravating indicators. However, the expression of pattern recognition receptors, toll‐like receptor 4, and receptor of advanced glycation end‐products on macrophages was inversely correlated with aggravating indicators.

Conclusions

The aggravation of endometriosis is associated with a decrease in alarmin receptors but not alarmin levels. Investigation of innate immune systems, such as alarmins and their receptors, may help elucidate new mechanisms of endometriosis.
Comparative analysis of surgical modalities for the gynecomastia treatment: efficiency and aesthetic outcomes
Authors: Chen Debo , Chen Jialin , Huang Yiqin , Hong Chengye , Li Liangqiang , Cai Bimei , Hong Zhipeng
Published: January 2024

This retrospective study rigorously compares the clinical efficacy of three surgical methodologies for treating gynecomastia while providing guidance for future surgical modality selection. We analyzed records of 77 gynecomastia patients treated between January 2015 and October 2022. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group A (subcutaneous gland resection via areola incision), Group B (liposuction combined with single‐hole endoscopic gland resection), and Group C (liposuction combined with three‐hole endoscopic gland resection). Parameters assessed included patient demographics, intraoperative bleeding, surgical duration, hospitalization duration, costs, postoperative drainage, complications, and patient satisfaction. Group A had significantly shorter operation time and lower cost than Groups B and C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative drainage (P > 0.05). Group A had a higher incidence of subcutaneous fluid complications. All groups achieved 100% overall postoperative efficiency. Group B demonstrated superior outcomes for scarring and patient satisfaction. All three surgical modalities effectively treat gynecomastia. Circumareolar incision subcutaneous gland resection is optimal for mild to moderate cases due to reduced operation time and cost. Liposuction with single‐hole endoscopic gland resection and three‐hole endoscopic gland resection offers fewer complications and discreet incisions. Notably, the liposuction and single‐hole endoscopic approach yielded superior postoperative patient satisfaction, aligning with minimally invasive principles and warranting broad clinical application.
The impact of visit‐to‐visit heart rate variability on all‐cause mortality in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Yuan Qinghua , Yuan Jie , Du Zhi‐Min , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liao Xinxue
Published: January 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association between visit‐to‐visit heart rate variability (VVHRV) and all‐cause mortality in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between VVHRV and several adverse outcomes. However, the relationship between VVHRV and the prognosis of AF remains uncertain.

Methods

In our study, we aimed to examine the relationship between VVHRV and mortality rates among 3983 participants with AF, who were part of the AFFIRM study (Atrial Fibrillation Follow‐Up Investigation of Rhythm Management). We used the standard deviation of heart rate (HRSD) to measure VVHRV and divided the patients into four groups based on quartiles of HRSD (1st, <5.69; 2nd, 5.69–8.00; 3rd, 8.01–11.01; and 4th, ≥11.02). Our primary endpoint was all‐cause death, and we estimated the hazard ratios for mortality using the Cox proportional hazard regressions.

Results

Our analysis included 3983 participants from the AFFIRM study and followed for an average of 3.5 years. During this period, 621 participants died from all causes. In multiple‐adjustment models, we found that the lowest and highest quartiles of HRSD independently predicted an increased risk of all‐cause mortality compared to the other two quartiles, presenting a U‐shaped relationship (1st vs 2nd, hazard ratio = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.63–3.20, p < .01; 1st vs. 3rd, hazard ratio = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.60–3.11, p < .01; 4th vs. 2nd, hazard ratio = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.26–2.61, p < .01; and 4th vs. 3rd, hazard ratio = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.25–2.52, p < .01).

Conclusion

In patients with AF, we found that both lower VVHRV and higher VVHRV increased the risk of all‐cause mortality, indicating a U‐shaped curve relationship.
Measurement properties of sexual function assessment questionnaires in women with endometriosis: A systematic review following COSMIN guidelines
Authors: Oppenheimer Anne , Boitrelle Florence , Nicolas‐Boluda Alba , Fauconnier Arnaud
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Sexual function of patients with endometriosis should be assessed by patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) that present high reliability and validity. The objective was to study the PROMs used to assess sexual function for patients with endometriosis to improve their selection for research and clinical practice.

Material and methods

We performed a systematic literature review from January 2000 to September 2023. All studies including women with confirmed endometriosis and assessing sexual quality of life or sexual function or sexual distress were retrieved. Different properties of PROMs used for sexual dysfunction were assessed according to the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. Properties evaluated were: structural validity, internal consistency, cross‐cultural validity, reliability, measurement error, criterion validity, construct validity, and responsiveness. This literature review was registered on Prospero as 2018 CRD42018102278.

Results

Seventy‐four articles with evaluation of sexual function were included. Of the 25 PROMs assessing sexual function, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was the most frequently used (34/74 [45.9%] items), followed by the Female Sexual Distress Scale (9/74 [12.2%] items) and the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) (8/74 [10.8%] items). The most commonly used measurement properties were “hypothesis testing” and “responsiveness”. The PROMs with a high level of evidence for these two measurement properties were the FSFI, the SAQ, the Short Sexual Functioning Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, Sexual Quality of Life‐Female, the Brief Profile of Female Sexual Function, and the Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire. The FSFI questionnaire appeared to be more relevant for evaluating medical treatment, and the SAQ for evaluating surgical treatment. Only one instrument was specific to endometriosis (the Subjective Impact of Dyspareunia Inventory [SIDI]).

Conclusions

In this systematic literature review of sexual function assessment questionnaires in endometriosis, the FSFI and the SAQ questionnaires emerged as having the best measurement properties according to the COSMIN criteria. The FSFI questionnaire appears to be suited for evaluating medical treatment, and the SAQ for surgical treatment. The SIDI is the only specific questionnaire, but its responsiveness remains to be defined.
EQ‐5D‐5L health utility scores in Australian adults with inherited retinal diseases: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: McGuinness Myra B. , Ayton Lauren N. , Schofield Deborah , Britten‐Jones Alexis Ceecee , Chen Fred K. , Grigg John R. , Qi Ziyi , Kraindler Joshua , Shrestha Rupendra , Mack Heather G.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Economic evaluations of interventions for ocular disease require utility scores that accurately represent quality of life in the target population. This study aimed to describe the distribution of EQ‐5D‐5L utility values among Australian adults with symptomatic inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and to assess the relationship between these scores and vision‐related quality of life.

Methods

A survey was administered predominantly online in 2021. Participants completed the EQ‐5D‐5L general health utility instrument, the EQ vertical visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS) and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI‐VFQ‐25). Self‐reported IRD diagnoses were classified as being associated with central or widespread retinal involvement.

Results

Responses from 647 participants aged 18–93 years were included, 50.1% were men and 77.6% had an IRD associated with widespread retinal involvement. The majority reported no problems with self‐care and no pain/discomfort but did report anxiety/depression and problems with work, study, housework, or family/leisure activities. Most people with widespread involvement reported problems with mobility. Median EQ‐5D‐5L utility was 0.88 and 0.91 among people with widespread and central involvement, respectively (age and sex‐adjusted p = 0.029); and median EQ‐VAS was 75 and 80, respectively (adjusted p = 0.003). A moderate curvilinear correlation was observed between EQ‐5D‐5L and NEI‐VFQ‐25 composite score (Spearman's ρ 0.69), but not all people with poor vision‐related quality of life had low EQ‐5D‐5L utility values.

Conclusions

EQ‐5D‐5L health utility values are correlated with vision‐related quality of life among adults with IRDs. However, the EQ‐5D‐5L may not be sensitive to the full impact of vision impairment on quality of life.
Maybe listening to the elite? Selective deliberation as a governance tool in rural China
Authors: Zhao Tiantian , Trappel René , Han Guoming
Published: January 2024

In order to improve local governance, the central government has, among other strategies, begun to introduce institutions for deliberation in rural China. This article analyses the implementation and consequences of this framework in two villages in rural Gansu Province. It shows that the current promotion of these institutions is a top‐down political effort and not a system with genuine local roots. Our findings also suggest that without strict legal requirements for deliberative institutions, village cadres do not follow the enactment of officially warranted procedures, which often may lead to rather formalistic implementation. Opportunities for deliberation seem to be offered only to those members of the community who are the most likely to be able to contribute social or financial capital to the local administration's agenda. This suggests that at least in this local setting, the rationale of introducing deliberation institutions clearly was to improve existing policy implementation and not to provide meaningful new avenues for participation. While this variant of deliberative institutions further raises the status of the rural elite, it appears to frustrate ordinary villagers and reduce their interest in these instruments.
The effects of official reporting and perceived deservingness on evaluations of sexual harassment responses
Authors: Warner Ruth H. , Naseralla Eyad J. , Hatch Hailey A.
Published: January 2024

Previous research suggests that individuals may not report sexual harassment for a variety of reasons. There is evidence that women who report and do not report sexual harassment both face negative evaluations. The current studies investigated a potential explanation for these contradictory findings—the perceived deservingness of consequences for the alleged harasser. Across three studies, we examined evaluations of a woman who reported (versus did not report) an uncomfortable situation as sexual harassment as well as examining whether the alleged harasser was perceived as deserving punishment or not. In Study 1, participants rated the woman less favorably when she reported behavior most participants considered not to be sexual harassment compared to when she did not report. In Studies 2 and 3, using a scenario perceived as more ambiguous, we found that participants who believed that the alleged harasser deserved punishment evaluated the woman more favorably when she reported. In Study 3, however, whether or not the alleged harasser was actually punished for his actions had little effect on evaluations of the harassment target. Ultimately, findings suggest that differences in evaluations on reporting sexual harassment may be rooted in whether the alleged harasser is perceived as deserving punishment or not.
Advances in noninvasive measurement of liver function and physiology: The HepQuant DuO test
Authors: McRae Michael P. , Kittelson John , Helmke Steve M. , Everson Gregory T.
Published: January 2024

Current noninvasive liver tests are surrogates for fibrosis and lack ability to directly measure liver function. HepQuant tests measure liver function and physiology through hepatic uptake of stable cholate isotopes. HepQuant SHUNT (V1.0) involves oral and intravenous dosing and six blood samples over 90 min. We developed simplified test versions: SHUNT V2.0 (oral and intravenous dosing, two blood samples over 60 min) and DuO (oral dosing only, two blood samples over 60 min). The aim of this study was to evaluate equivalency of the simplified tests to the original SHUNT test. Data from three studies comprising 930 SHUNT tests were retrospectively analysed by each method. Equivalence was evaluated in terms of proportion of tests in which the difference between methods was less than any clinically meaningful difference and additionally by two one‐sided t‐test and bioequivalence methods. DuO and SHUNT V2.0 were equivalent to the original SHUNT test for Disease Severity Index, with >99% and >96% of tests falling within equivalence bounds. DuO and SHUNT V2.0 met equivalency criteria by two one‐sided t‐tests and bioequivalence. DuO and SHUNT V2.0 are easier to administer, are less invasive than the original SHUNT test and have potential to be more accepted by patients and providers.
Investigating pedagogical agents' scaffolding of self‐regulated learning in relation to learners' subgoals
Authors: Dever Daryn A. , Wiedbusch Megan D. , Romero Sarah M. , Azevedo Roger
Published: January 2024

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) incorporate pedagogical agents (PAs) to scaffold learners' self‐regulated learning (SRL) via prompts and feedback to promote learners' monitoring and regulation of their cognitive, affective, metacognitive and motivational processes to achieve their (sub)goals. This study examines PAs' effectiveness in scaffolding and teaching SRL during learning with MetaTutor, an ITS on the human circulatory system. Undergraduates (N = 118) were randomly assigned to a condition: Control Condition (i.e. learners could only self‐initiate SRL strategies) and Prompt and Feedback Condition (i.e. PAs prompted learners to engage in SRL). Learners' log‐file data captured when strategies were used, the initiator of the strategy (i.e. learner and PA), and the relevance of instructional content pages in relation to learner subgoals. While results showed that PAs were effective scaffolders of SRL in which they prompted learners to engage in SRL strategies more when content was relevant towards their subgoals and as time on page and task increased, there were mixed findings about the effectiveness of PAs as teachers of SRL. Findings show how production rules guiding PA prompts can improve their scaffolding and teaching of SRL across the learning task – through contextualizing SRL strategies to the instructional content and in relation to the relevance of the content to learners' subgoals.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Most learners struggle to efficiently and effectively use self‐regulated learning (SRL) strategies to attain goals and subgoals.

There is a need for SRL to be scaffolded for learners to manage multiple goals and subgoals while learning about complex STEM topics.

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) typically incorporate pedagogical agents (PAs) to prompt learners to engage in SRL strategy and provide feedback.

There are mixed findings on the effectiveness of PAs in scaffolding learners' SRL.

What this paper adds

We consider PAs not only scaffolders but also teachers of SRL.

Results showed that while PAs encouraged the use of SRL strategies when the content was relevant to subgoals, they did not discourage the use of SRL strategies when the content was not relevant.

Results for this study were mixed in their support of PAs as teachers of SRL.

Learners increasingly depended on PAs to prompt SRL strategies as time on task progressed.

Implications for practice and/or policy

PAs are effective scaffolders of SRL with more research needed to understand their role as teachers of SRL.

PA scaffolding is more essential as time on task progresses.

When deploying specific cognitive and metacognitive SRL strategies, the relevance of the content to learners' subgoals should be taken into account.