bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dark side of empathy: Meta‐analysis evidence of the relationship between empathy and depression
Authors: Yan Zhiqiang , Zeng Xiao , Su Jinlong , Zhang Xiaoxi
Published: September 2021

Regardless of a large amount of literature, whether empathy closely relates to depression is far from conclusive. The present study collected previous evidence and performed a meta‐analysis to investigate the correlation between empathy and depression. By searching databases, 21 studies and 48 effect sizes were collected. Results showed that empathy was not correlated to depression (r = .006, p = .87). However, subgroup analyses showed that while the relationship between affective empathy and depression was significantly positively correlated (r = .108, p < .01), cognitive empathy was not (r = −.03, p = .26). Additionally, the relationship between empathy and depression varied during development, with a positive correlation in adolescence (r = .084, p < .01) and negative correlation in older adults (r = −.191, p < .001). Results implied that affective empathy might be one of the risk factors for depression, and higher affective empathy might mean more vulnerability to depression. Further studies would help by examining when and how this relationship builds, as well as the contributing factors of its development.
Registration of three soybean germplasms with novel cyst nematode resistance from PI 567516C
Authors: Fritz Lisa A. , Arelli Prakash R. , Mengistu Alemu
Published: September 2021

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm lines JTN‐5316 (Reg. no. GP‐443, PI 691524), JTN‐5416 (Reg. no. GP‐444, PI 691525), and JTN‐5516 (Reg. no. GP‐445, PI 691526) were released by the USDA‐ARS in 2019 and trace 25% of their pedigree to PI 567516C. These F6–derived sister lines are the first releases derived from this accession. The new lines were developed to provide broad genetic resistance to the predominant damaging pest of soybean in the United States, soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe), by combining the novel genetic resistance of PI 567516C with the established resistance of ‘Hartwig’. Development of these lines was characterized by intensive selection of F3 plants based on agronomic characteristics and simple sequence repeat markers associated with SCN resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) in PI 567516C and Hartwig. The new lines have inherited resistance alleles at five QTL: two originating from PI 567516C and three originating from Hartwig, across four chromosomes. The lines were evaluated for and exhibit varying levels of resistance to other economically important pathogens of soybean, including: reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford & Oliveira), frogeye leaf spot (caused by Cercospora sojina Hara), and southern stem canker (caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis F. A. Fernández). JTN‐5316, JTN‐5416, and JTN‐5516 were field tested for multiple years in Jackson and Milan, TN, and produce moderate seed yield. These determinate maturity group (MG) V germplasm lines are excellent parent material for breeding programs with an interest in incorporating broad genetic resistance to SCN.
The 6‐month effect of whole soy and purified isoflavones daidzein on thyroid function—A double‐blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial among Chinese equol‐producing postmenopausal women
Authors: Liu Zhao‐min , Zhang Di , Li Guoyi , Ho Suzanne C. , Chen Yu‐ming , Ma Jing , Huang Qi , Li Shuyi , Ling Wen‐hua
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of whole soy and purified daidzein on markers of thyroid function in Chinese postmenopausal women who were equol‐producers. Total 270 eligible women were randomized to either one of the three isocaloric supplements: 40 g soy flour (whole soy group), 40 g low‐fat milk powder +63 mg daidzein (daidzein group) or 40 g low‐fat milk powder (placebo) daily for 6 months. Serum thyroid markers were tested at baseline and 6 months for thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, reverse triiodothyronine and free thyroxine (FT4). There was no significant difference in the 6‐month changes of thyroid markers among the three groups. Subgroup analysis among women with lowered thyroid function suggested a modest decrease of FT4. This randomized controlled trial among Chinese equol‐producing postmenopausal women indicates the consumption of whole soy and purified daidzein at the provided dosages are safe and have no detrimental effect on thyroid function.
Finding Solutions of the Navier‐Stokes Equations through Quantum Computing—Recent Progress, a Generalization, and Next Steps Forward
Authors: Gaitan Frank
Published: September 2021

Efficient simulation of a quantum system's dynamics is expected to be an important application area for quantum computers as existing classical computers cannot do this. However, quantum systems are not unique in being hard to simulate. For example, classical nonlinear continuum systems and fields are governed by nonlinear partial differential equations whose solution is also hard for classical computers. Solving such equations is essential for many economically important industries/applications such as the aerospace industry, weather‐forecasting, fiber‐optics communication, and plasma magneto‐hydrodynamics. This raises the question: can a quantum computer speed‐up solving these equations? In this Review, a new quantum algorithm is described for solving nonlinear partial differential equations for which the answer is yes. First, a new quantum algorithm is discussed for solving the Navier‐Stokes nonlinear partial differential equations which govern the flow of a viscous fluid. Its construction, verification, and computational cost are described, and it is shown that a significant quantum speed‐up is possible. Its generalization to a quantum algorithm for solving nonlinear partial differential equations is described. The Review closes with a discussion of next steps forward. These new quantum algorithms open up a large new application area for quantum computing with substantial economic impact, including the trillion‐dollar aerospace industry.
Bayesian workflow for disease transmission modeling in Stan
Authors: Grinsztajn Léo , Semenova Elizaveta , Margossian Charles C. , Riou Julien
Published: September 2021

This tutorial shows how to build, fit, and criticize disease transmission models in Stan, and should be useful to researchers interested in modeling the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic and other infectious diseases in a Bayesian framework. Bayesian modeling provides a principled way to quantify uncertainty and incorporate both data and prior knowledge into the model estimates. Stan is an expressive probabilistic programming language that abstracts the inference and allows users to focus on the modeling. As a result, Stan code is readable and easily extensible, which makes the modeler's work more transparent. Furthermore, Stan's main inference engine, Hamiltonian Monte Carlo sampling, is amiable to diagnostics, which means the user can verify whether the obtained inference is reliable. In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to formulate, fit, and diagnose a compartmental transmission model in Stan, first with a simple susceptible‐infected‐recovered model, then with a more elaborate transmission model used during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. We also cover advanced topics which can further help practitioners fit sophisticated models; notably, how to use simulations to probe the model and priors, and computational techniques to scale‐up models based on ordinary differential equations.
Predictive generalized varying‐coefficient longitudinal model
Authors: Kim Seonjin , Ryan Cho Hyunkeun , Kim Mi‐Ok
Published: September 2021

We propose a nonparametric bivariate varying coefficient generalized linear model to predict a mean response trajectory in the future given an individual's characteristics at present or an earlier time point in a longitudinal study. Given the measurement time of the predictors, the coefficients vary as functions of the future time over which the prediction of the mean response is concerned and illustrate the dynamic association between the future response and the earlier measured predictors. We use a nonparametric approach that takes advantage of features of both the kernel and the spline methods for estimation. The resulting coefficient estimator is asymptotically consistent under mild regularity conditions. We also develop a new bootstrap approach to construct simultaneous confidence bands for statistical inference about the coefficients and the predicted response trajectory based on the coverage rate of bootstrap estimates. We use the Framingham Heart Study to illustrate the methodology. The proposed procedure is applied to predict the probability trajectory of hypertension risk given individuals' health condition in early adulthood and to examine the impact of risk factors in early adulthood on a long‐term risk of hypertension over several decades.
A simplified stochastic EM algorithm for cure rate model with negative binomial competing risks: An application to breast cancer data
Authors: Pal Suvra
Published: September 2021

In this article, a long‐term survival model under competing risks is considered. The unobserved number of competing risks is assumed to follow a negative binomial distribution that can capture both over‐ and under‐dispersion. Considering the latent competing risks as missing data, a variation of the well‐known expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, called the stochastic EM algorithm (SEM), is developed. It is shown that the SEM algorithm avoids calculation of complicated expectations, which is a major advantage of the SEM algorithm over the EM algorithm. The proposed procedure also allows the objective function to be split into two simpler functions, one corresponding to the parameters associated with the cure rate and the other corresponding to the parameters associated with the progression times. The advantage of this approach is that each simple function, with lower parameter dimension, can be maximized independently. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to compare the performances of the SEM and EM algorithms. Finally, a breast cancer survival data is analyzed and it is shown that the SEM algorithm performs better than the EM algorithm.
Two 1D Silver(I) Coordination Polymers with 1,3‐Bis(4‐pyridyl) propane and Aromatic Carboxylate Anions: Synthesis, Structure and Photocatalytic Behavior
Authors: Kulovi Somnath , Nandi Laxmikanta , Puschmann Horst , Zangrando Ennio , Dalai Sudipta
Published: September 2021

Two coordination polymers, {[Ag(bpp)]6(tma)2.28(H2O)}n (1) and {[Ag4(bpp)4(bda)2].12(H2O)}n (2) (where bpp=1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl) propane, H3tma=trimesic acid, H2bda=1,3‐benzenediacetic acid), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In both the compounds the metal ions are connected by bridging dipyridine ligands to form cationic undulated 1D coordination polymers [Ag(bpp)]n counterbalanced by the organic anions. However, in 2 the bda anions participate in metal coordination connecting the polymers in pair. It is worth of note that six and four crystallographic independent Ag(bpp) units are present in the unit cell of 1 and 2, respectively, a feature likely affected by the conformational freedom of bpp ligands, although experimental conditions, solvent and packing effect cannot be ruled out. In both the compounds the crystal packing shows an extensive network of H‐bonds realized by the numerous water molecules and the anionic organic species. The band gap energies of 1 and 2 were calculated in order to explain their activity towards the degradation of toxic methylene blue dye, and compound 1 was found to be more efficient for this purpose.
Ethane Direct Dehydrogenation over Carbon Nanotubes and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Bychko Igor , Abakumov Alexander , Nikolenko Andrii , Selyshchev O. V. , Zahn D. R. T. , Khavrus Vyacheslav O. , Tang Jianguo , Strizhak Peter
Published: September 2021

The catalytic activity of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the ethane direct dehydrogenation reaction at temperatures up to 700 oC was studied. Obtained materials were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The selectivity for ethylene of 80–90 % was achieved. The high stability of catalysts at 700 °C was demonstrated. It was shown that ethane and hydrogen are adsorbed on the same adsorption sites and hydrogen suppresses ethane dehydrogenation.
Comparing multidimensional facets of stress with social, emotional, and physical well‐being using ecological momentary assessment among a Hispanic sample
Authors: Zawadzki Matthew J. , Hussain Maryam , Kho Carmen
Published: September 2021

Stress is multidimensional, including exposure, subjective appraisals, perceived coping, rumination, and worry. Although research has shown each dimension can predict poor social, emotional, and subjective well‐being, rarely have these dimensions of stress been compared as one is experiencing stress. This paper used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to repeatedly measure stress dimensions and self‐reported health to test whether each stress dimension has a unique relationship with well‐being over time at the between‐person and within‐person levels. Participants (n = 165, 79.6% female) were Hispanic undergraduates, who completed EMAs twice a day for 14 consecutive days, resulting in 3,436 EMAs and 1,987 morning sleep observations. At each EMA, participants reported on the dimensions of stress, feelings of loneliness and belongingness (social well‐being), levels of sadness, happiness, and anxiety (emotional well‐being), and how healthy they felt (subjective well‐being). Sleep quality and duration (subjective well‐being) were assessed each morning. Multilevel models revealed few relationships at the between‐person level. At the within‐person level, appraisals, coping, rumination, and worry consistently predicted social, emotional, and subjective well‐being. Lagged analyses suggested some relationships for appraisal, coping, and worry. Results suggest the importance of measuring stress in a multidimensional capacity and examining associations with well‐being across multiple health facets.
Constructing a Reinforced and Gradient Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Si Nanoparticles by In‐Situ Thiol‐Ene Click Reaction for Long Cycling Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Danfeng , Huang Yongfeng , Lin Kui , Chen Likun , Lv Wei , He Yan‐Bing , Kang Feiyu
Published: September 2021

Constructing a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on high‐specific‐capacity silicon (Si) anode is one of the most effective methods to reduce the crack of SEI and improve the cycling performance of Si anode. Herein, the authors construct a reinforced and gradient SEI on Si nanoparticles by an in‐situ thiol‐ene click reaction. Mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) with thiol functional groups (SH) is first grafted on the Si nanoparticles through condensation reaction, which then in‐situ covalently bonds with vinylene carbonate (VC) to form a reinforced and uniform SEI on Si nanoparticles. The modified SEI with sufficient elastic LixSiOy can homogenize the stress and strain during the lithiation of Si nanoparticles to reduce their expansion and prevent the SEI from cracking. The Si nanoparticles‐graphite blending anode with the reinforced SEI exhibits excellent performance with an initial coulombic efficiency of ≈90%, a capacity of 1053.3 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles and a high capacity of 852.8 mA h g−1 even at a high current density of 3 A g−1. Moreover, the obtained anode shows superior cycling stability under both high loadings and lean electrolyte. The in‐situ thiol‐ene click reaction is a practical method to construct reinforced SEI on Si nanoparticles for next‐generation high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries.
A Highly Conductive All‐Carbon Linked 3D Covalent Organic Framework Film
Authors: Yang Yizhou , Mallick Suman , Izquierdo‐Ruiz Fernando , Schäfer Clara , Xing Xing , Rahm Martin , Börjesson Karl
Published: September 2021

Here an all‐carbon linked 3D covalent organic framework (COF) is introduced by employing a templated surface reaction in a continuous flow (TSRCF). The presented method of synthesis provides spatial control over the reaction chemistry and allows for the creation of ultrasmooth COF films of desired thickness and significant crystallinity. The films show high electrical conductivity (≈3.4 S m−1) after being doped with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), setting a new record for 3D COF materials. The concurrence of 3D nanosized channels and high conductivity opens up for a number of hitherto unexplored applications for this class of materials, such as high surface area electrodes, electrochemical transistors, and for electronic sensing.
Emerging Intercalation Cathode Materials for Multivalent Metal‐Ion Batteries: Status and Challenges
Authors: Chen Susu , Zhao Dong , Chen Long , Liu Guangrong , Ding Yan , Cao Yuliang , Chen Zhongxue
Published: September 2021

Multivalent metal‐ion (Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Al3+) batteries emerge as promising alternatives to current lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for grid‐scale energy storage applications because of their high safety and low cost. The bright prospect of these batteries encourages increasing research interests in recent years, hence inspirational achievements have been made over the years. Like in LIB, cathode is the most important component that determines the performance of multivalent metal‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the development of cathode materials still faces realistic challenges, including sluggish solid‐state diffusion and slow desolvation process at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Herein, recent progresses in intercalation cathode materials for multivalent metal‐ion batteries, including vanadium and manganese oxides and their derivatives, chalcogenides, polyanions frameworks, carbon materials, MOFs (or COFs) and Mxenes are summarized. The discussions focus on the rational design and engineering of structure, morphology, and surface texture of these cathodes with the aim of revealing the material design principles for multivalent metal‐ion storage. We hope this critical review will provide the readers with a clear understanding of current status and future research directions of intercalation cathodes for multivalent metal‐ion batteries.
Visible light‐assisted degradation of binary mixture of dyes using purple tea‐mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Das Jayanta , Das Krishna Chandra , Thakurata Debasish Guha , Dhar Siddhartha Sankar
Published: September 2021

This work presents completely a new, green, and non‐expensive route of synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using purple tea leaves. The crystalline nature of purple tea‐mediated ZnO NPs (PT‐ZnO NPs) was confirmed by XRD and SAED analyses. Further characterizations of PT‐ZnO NPs were done using UV‐vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM‐EDX, and TEM. The size of synthesized NPs was calculated to be 15.1 nm which presented spherical morphology with some sorts of agglomeration. The PT‐ZnO NPs when applied as visible light‐driven photocatalyst for degradation of dyes, Malachite green (MG) and Rhodamine B (RB) showed that degradation was found to be higher in their binary solution (MG‐RB) than in their single solution (MG/RB). MG 95% and RB 35% was degraded in their binary solution where as in their respective single dye solution MG 89% and RB 22% got degraded within the experimental time. The highly pure, PT‐ZnO NPs are considered to have comparable photocatalytic activity with respect to most of the reported works and hence might find a way for its practical application for waste water treatment in the real world. The PT‐ZnO NPs could be reused at least for five times without any significant loss in degradation efficiency.
From Paper to Online: Digitizing Card Based Co-creation of Games for Privacy Education
Authors: Jost Patrick , Divitini Monica
Published: September 2021

Education is rapidly evolving from co-located settings to remote and online learning. However, many proven educational tools are designed for collaborative, co-located classroom work. Effective sketching and ideating tools, such as card-based workshop tools, cannot be applied in remote teaching.

This paper explores how the paper-based card and playboard metaphor can be digitized for remote student co-creation via video call sessions. Therefore, a card-based toolkit for co-creating educational games is transformed into a digital representation for remote application. In a between-subject trial with two university student groups (n = 61), it is investigated how users perceive ideation/balancing support and applicability of the technology-enhanced card toolset compared to the paper-based variant. Both groups thereby created an analytic game concept for privacy education.

The results remarkably revealed that remote co-creation using the technology-enhanced card and playboard in video call sessions was perceived as significantly more supportive for ideation and game concept balancing. Students also felt more confident to apply the digitized card toolset independently while being more satisfied with their created game concepts. The designed educational game concepts showed comparable patterns between the groups and disclosed the students’ preferences on how games for privacy education should be designed and when and where they would like to play them. Conclusively, design implications for digital card ideation toolsets were synthesized from the findings.
Der gerechte Frieden – zur Verortung eines Konzeptes
Authors: Werkner Ines-Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Semantisch grenzt sich der gerechte Frieden in zweifacher Weise ab: zum einen vom gerechten Krieg, zum anderen von einem ungerechten Frieden (vgl. hierzu auch Werkner 2018, S. 35 ff.). Für die Entstehung des Konzeptes erweist sich die erste Abgrenzung – wie an obiger Stelle bereits beschrieben – als zentral.
Zivile Konfliktbearbeitung – eine vorrangige Aufgabe, aber nicht ohne Beschränkungen und Aporien
Authors: Werkner Ines-Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Frieden durch Recht mit seinem Instrument der rechtserhaltenden Gewalt beziehungsweise wie zuvor diskutiert des rechtserhaltenden Zwangs stellt eine notwendige, aber noch keine hinreichende Bedingung des Friedens dar. Bereits die EKD-Schrift von 1994 „Schritte auf dem Weg des Friedens“ verweist auf gebotene komplementäre Zugangsweisen
Gerechter Frieden als Orientierungswissen – ein christliches Leitbild für eine plurale Gesellschaft? Ein Ausblick
Authors: Werkner Ines-Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Inhaltlich bewegt sich das Konzept des gerechten Friedens in dem entfalteten Spannungsfeld zwischen ziviler Konfliktbearbeitung und rechtserhaltender Gewalt. Welche Bedeutung kommt ihm nun aber als Orientierungswissen in inner- und außerkirchlichen Kontexten zu? Die Friedensdenkschrift von 2007 gilt bis heute als zentrale Referenzquelle der EKD in Friedensfragen.
Time-delayed electrons from neutral currents at the LHC
Authors: Cheung Kingman , Wang Kechen , Wang Zeren Simon
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We investigate long-lived particles (LLPs) produced in pair from neutral currents and decaying into a displaced electron plus two jets at the LHC, utilizing the proposed minimum ionizing particle timing detector at CMS. We study two benchmark models: the R-parity-violating supersymmetry with the lightest neutralinos being the lightest supersymmetric particle and two different U(1) extensions of the standard model with heavy neutral leptons (HNLs). The light neutralinos are produced from the standard model Z-boson decays via small Higgsino components, and the HNLs arise from decays of a heavy gauge boson, Z′. By simulating the signal processes at the HL-LHC with the center-of-mass energy $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 14 TeV and integrated luminosity of 3 ab−1, our analyses indicate that the search strategy based on a timing trigger and the final state kinematics has the potential to probe the parameter space that is complementary to other traditional LLP search strategies such as those based on the displaced vertex.
Topological violation of global symmetries in quantum gravity
Authors: Yonekura Kazuya
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We discuss a topological reason why global symmetries are not conserved in quantum gravity, at least when the symmetry comes from compactification of a higher form symmetry. The mechanism is purely topological and does not require any explicit breaking term in the UV Lagrangian. Local current conservation does not imply global charge conservation in a sum over geometries in the path integral. We explicitly consider the shift symmetry of an axion-like field which originates from the compactification of a p-form gauge field. Our topological construction is motivated by the brane/black-brane correspondence, brane instantons, and an idea that virtual black branes of a simple kind may be realized by surgery on spacetime manifolds.
Defects in the STIM1 SOARα2 domain affect multiple steps in the CRAC channel activation cascade
Authors: Höglinger Carmen , Grabmayr Herwig , Maltan Lena , Horvath Ferdinand , Krobath Heinrich , Muik Martin , Tiffner Adela , Renger Thomas , Romanin Christoph , Fahrner Marc , Derler Isabella
Published: September 2021

The calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel consists of STIM1, a Ca2+ sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and Orai1, the Ca2+ ion channel in the plasma membrane. Ca2+ store depletion triggers conformational changes and oligomerization of STIM1 proteins and their direct interaction with Orai1. Structural alterations include the transition of STIM1 C-terminus from a folded to an extended conformation thereby exposing CAD (CRAC activation domain)/SOAR (STIM1-Orai1 activation region) for coupling to Orai1. In this study, we discovered that different point mutations of F394 in the small alpha helical segment (STIM1 α2) within the CAD/SOAR apex entail a rich plethora of effects on diverse STIM1 activation steps. An alanine substitution (STIM1 F394A) destabilized the STIM1 quiescent state, as evident from its constitutive activity. Single point mutation to hydrophilic, charged amino acids (STIM1 F394D, STIM1 F394K) impaired STIM1 homomerization and subsequent Orai1 activation. MD simulations suggest that their loss of homomerization may arise from altered formation of the CC1α1-SOAR/CAD interface and potential electrostatic interactions with lipid headgroups in the ER membrane. Consistent with these findings, we provide experimental evidence that the perturbing effects of F394D depend on the distance of the apex from the ER membrane. Taken together, our results suggest that the CAD/SOAR apex is in the immediate vicinity of the ER membrane in the STIM1 quiescent state and that different mutations therein can impact the STIM1/Orai1 activation cascade in various manners.

Graphic abstract

Legend: Upon intracellular Ca2+ store depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Ca2+ dissociates from STIM1. As a result, STIM1 adopts an elongated conformation and elicits Ca2+ influx from the extracellular matrix (EM) into the cell due to binding to and activation of Ca2+-selective Orai1 channels (left). The effects of three point mutations within the SOARα2 domain highlight the manifold roles of this region in the STIM1/Orai1 activation cascade: STIM1 F394A is active irrespective of the intracellular ER Ca2+ store level, but activates Orai1 channels to a reduced extent (middle). On the other hand, STIM1 F394D/K cannot adopt an elongated conformation upon Ca2+ store-depletion due to altered formation of the CC1α1-SOAR/CAD interface and/or electrostatic interaction of the respective side-chain charge with corresponding opposite charges on lipid headgroups in the ER membrane (right).
Operative Approach Does Not Impact Radial Margin Positivity in Distal Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang George Q. , Sahyoun Rebecca , Stem Miloslawa , Lo Brian D. , Rajput Ashwani , Efron Jonathan E. , Atallah Chady , Safar Bashar
Published: September 2021

Background

Robotic surgery is attractive for resection of low rectal cancer due to greater dexterity and visualization, but its benefit is poorly understood. We aimed to determine if operative approach impacts radial margin positivity (RMP) and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent APR for low rectal cancer from 2016 to 2019. Patients were stratified by operative approach: robotic, laparoscopic, and open APR (R‐APR, L‐APR, and O‐APR). Emergent cases were excluded. The primary outcome was RMP. 30‐day postoperative outcomes were also evaluated, using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 1,807 patients, 452 (25.0%) underwent R‐APR, 474 (26.2%) L‐APR, and 881 (48.8%) O‐APR. No differences regarding RMP (13.5% R‐APR vs. 10.8% L‐APR vs. 12.3% O‐APR, p = 0.44), distal margin positivity, positive nodes, readmission, or operative time were observed between operative approaches. Adjusted analysis confirmed that operative approach did not predict RMP (p > 0.05 for all). Risk factors for RMP included American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification III (ASA I‐II ref; OR 1.46, p = 0.039), pT3‐4 stage (T0‐2 ref, OR 4.02, p < 0.001), pN2 stage (OR 1.98, p = 0.004), disseminated cancer (OR 1.90, p = 0.002), and lack of preoperative radiation (OR 1.98, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

No difference in RMP was observed among R‐APR, L‐APR, and O‐APR. Postoperatively, R‐APR yielded greater benefit when compared to O‐APR, but was comparable to that of L‐APR. Minimally invasive surgery may be an appropriate option and worthy consideration for patients with distal rectal cancer requiring APR.
A survey to evaluate knowledge, perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccinations among rheumatologists in Germany
Authors: Hasseli Rebecca , Pfeil Alexander , Krause Andreas , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Specker Christof ,   for the COVID-19 Task Force of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh), Hoyer Bimba , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Regierer Anne , Richter Jutta , Schmeiser Tim , Strangfeld Anja , Voll Reinhard , Voormann Anna
Published: September 2021

The objective is to evaluate the attitude of rheumatologists regarding the use of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). From February 2nd until March 15th, 2021, rheumatologists from Germany were asked to participate anonymously in a survey addressing their attitude with respect to COVID-19 vaccinations of IRD patients. The survey was completed by 214 participants (107 men, 103 women, 4 unspecified). More than half of the physicians (61%) were working in rheumatologic private practices and 62% had more than 20 years of experience in rheumatology. 90% reported to be at least confidential in handling issues of COVID-19 vaccination and 99% would recommend COVID-19 vaccination for IRD patients. The majority would not recommend to stop or reduce immunomodulatory drugs for vaccination except for rituximab. More than 70% would prefer vaccination with a mRNA vaccine for their IRD patients. This study shows that almost all rheumatologists in Germany support the COVID-19 vaccination for their IRD patients without reducing or terminating the actual immunomodulatory medication to potentially improve the response to the vaccine. This attitude is in accordance with the current recommendations of the German Society of Rheumatology regarding COVID-19 vaccination in IRD patients, and indicates that these have been well accepted and work in everyday clinical practice.
Long-term changes in the refractive effect of a toric intraocular lens on astigmatism correction
Authors: Hayashi Ken , Yoshida Motoaki , Hayashi Shunsuke , Hirata Akira
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To examine the long-term changes in the astigmatism-correcting effect of a toric intraocular lens (IOL) after stabilization of surgically induced astigmatic changes due to cataract surgery.

Methods

Unilateral eyes of 120 patients that received a toric IOL for against-the-rule (ATR) or with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism were enrolled. Manifest refractive and anterior corneal astigmatism, and ocular residual astigmatism which is mainly derived from internal optics were examined preoperatively, at approximately 2 months postoperatively (baseline) and at 5 ~ 10 years postbaseline. The astigmatism was decomposed to vertical/horizontal (Rx) and oblique components (Ry), which was compared between baseline and 5 ~ 10 years postbaseline.

Results

In the eyes having ATR astigmatism, the mean Rx and Ry of the manifest refractive and corneal astigmatism significantly changed toward ATR astigmatism between the baseline and 5 ~ 10 years postbaseline (p ≤ 0.0304), but those of ocular residual astigmatism did not change significantly between the 2 time points. In the eyes having WTR astigmatism, the Rx and Ry of refractive, corneal, and ocular residual astigmatism did not change significantly between the 2 time points. Double-angle plots revealed an ATR shift in refractive and corneal astigmatism and no marked change in the ocular residual astigmatism in the eyes with ATR astigmatism, and there is no change in this astigmatism in the eyes with WTR astigmatism.

Conclusion

The long-term changes with age in the effect of a toric IOL significantly deteriorated due to an ATR shift of corneal astigmatism in the eyes having ATR astigmatism, while it was maintained in eyes having WTR astigmatism, suggesting that ATR astigmatism should be overcorrected.
Is it time to consider depression as a major complication of type 2 diabetes? Evidence from a large population-based cohort study
Authors: Messina Rossella , Iommi Marica , Rucci Paola , Reno Chiara , Fantini Maria Pia , Lunghi Carlotta , Altini Mattia , Bravi Francesca , Rosa Simona , Nicolucci Antonio , Di Bartolo Paolo
Published: September 2021

Aims

Depression in type 2 diabetes may heavily affect the course of the disease. In this study, we investigated, among new cases with type 2 diabetes, the incidence and clinical predictors of depression and determined the extent to which depression constitutes a risk factor for acute and long-term diabetes complications and mortality.

Methods

In this population-based retrospective cohort study, incident cases of type 2 diabetes without a prior history of depression were identified from the administrative databases of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, between 2008 and 2017 and followed up until 2020. Logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of depression. Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of acute complications over three years, and the risk of long-term complications and mortality over ten years.

Results

Incident cases with type 2 diabetes were 30,815, of whom 5146 (16.7%) developed depression. The predictors of depression onset were as follows: female sex, age > 65 years, living in rural areas and comorbid diseases. Depression in type 2 diabetes was associated with a 2.3-fold risk of developing acute complications, 1.6-fold risk of developing long-term complications and 2.8-fold mortality risk.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that depression is associated with an increased risk for complications in type 2 diabetes and mortality and should not be neglected. Therefore, it is important to promote screening activities and introduce targeted and personalized treatment for depression in order to reduce the risk of poor short- and long-term outcomes of diabetes.
Intraoral scanner-based monitoring of tooth wear in young adults: 12-month results
Authors: Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie , Schlenz Moritz Benedikt , Wöstmann Bernd , Jungert Alexandra , Ganss Carolina
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To investigate tooth wear in young adults, intraoral scanning was used for digital monitoring of the mandibular first molar over 12 months. A possible influence of aetiological factors obtained by a questionnaire on tooth wear was investigated.

Materials and methods

A total of 109 participants (mean age at the start of the study: 21.0 ± 2.2 years) were included in this clinical study. At baseline (T0), an intraoral scan (Trios 3, 3Shape) of the study tooth (FDI # 36 or #46) was conducted. After a mean observation period of 373 ± 19 days, a second intraoral scan (T1, n = 94) of the same tooth as at T0 was performed and standard tessellation language datasets were superimposed with 3D analysis software (GOM Inspect). The occlusal surface of the study tooth was divided into 7 areas (5 cusps, 2 ridges) and maximum vertical substance loss was measured between T0 and T1 (n = 91). Three types of tooth wear were defined: cupping (C), facet (F) and combined cupping-facet (CF). Furthermore, a questionnaire on aetiological factors, such as dietary behaviour, was filled out at T0. Data were analysed with non-parametric tests (p < 0.05).

Results

Only one study tooth exhibited no tooth wear at T0, whereas 3 teeth showed C, 47 teeth F and 40 teeth CF. A progression of vertical substance loss for all three types was shown. Most affected were the mesiobuccal cusps (43, 38/47 µm; median, 95%CI) followed by distobuccal (36, 33/39 µm), mesiolingual (35, 26/40 µm), distolingual (34, 27/36 µm) and distal (31, 25/34 µm). On mesial and distal ridges, only F was detected with the lowest vertical substance loss of all areas (mesial ridge: 0, 0/0 µm; distal ridge: 0, 0/0 µm). An association between aetiological factors and loss values could not be shown.

Conclusions

All study teeth showed clear signs of wear, and after only 1 year, further substance loss was detectable. This result is of significance for young adults.

Clinical relevance

Since data of young adults regarding tooth wear are scarce, the results give a first idea of the amount of vertical loss per year and its relation to aetiological factors such as dietary behaviour. Therefore, further studies over a longer observation period are highly recommended.
Electrochemical determination of acetaminophen at a carbon electrode modified in the presence of β-cyclodextrin: role of the activated glassy carbon and the electropolymerised β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Healy Bronach , Rizzuto Francesco , de Rose Marida , Yu Tian , Breslin Carmel B.
Published: September 2021

Acetaminophen is a well-known drug commonly used to provide pain relief, but it can also lead to acute liver failure at high concentrations. Therefore, there is considerable interest in monitoring its concentrations. Sensitive and selective acetaminophen electrochemical sensors were designed by cycling a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to high potentials in the presence of β-CD in a phosphate electrolyte, or by simply activating the GCE electrode in the phosphate solution. Using cyclic voltammetry, adsorption-like voltammograms were recorded. The acetaminophen oxidation product, N-acetyl benzoquinone imine, was protected from hydrolysis, and this was attributed to the adsorption of acetaminophen at the modified GCE. The rate constants for the oxidation of acetaminophen were estimated as 4.3 × 10–3 cm2 s–1 and 3.4 × 10–3 cm2 s–1 for the β-CD-modified and -activated electrodes, respectively. Using differential pulse voltammetry, the limit of detection was calculated as 9.7 × 10–8 M with a linear concentration range extending from 0.1 to 80 μM. Furthermore, good selectivity was achieved in the presence of caffeine, ascorbic acid and aspirin, enabling the determination of acetaminophen in a commercial tablet. Similar electrochemical data were obtained for both the β-CD-modified and activated GCE surfaces, suggesting that the enhanced detection of acetaminophen is connected mainly to the activation and oxidation of the GCE. Using SEM, EDX and FTIR, no evidence was obtained to indicate that the β-CD was electropolymerised at the GCE.
The price of anarchy in routing games as a function of the demand
Authors: Cominetti Roberto , Dose Valerio , Scarsini Marco
Published: September 2021

The price of anarchy has become a standard measure of the efficiency of equilibria in games. Most of the literature in this area has focused on establishing worst-case bounds for specific classes of games, such as routing games or more general congestion games. Recently, the price of anarchy in routing games has been studied as a function of the traffic demand, providing asymptotic results in light and heavy traffic. The aim of this paper is to study the price of anarchy in nonatomic routing games in the intermediate region of the demand. To achieve this goal, we begin by establishing some smoothness properties of Wardrop equilibria and social optima for general smooth costs. In the case of affine costs we show that the equilibrium is piecewise linear, with break points at the demand levels at which the set of active paths changes. We prove that the number of such break points is finite, although it can be exponential in the size of the network. Exploiting a scaling law between the equilibrium and the social optimum, we derive a similar behavior for the optimal flows. We then prove that in any interval between break points the price of anarchy is smooth and it is either monotone (decreasing or increasing) over the full interval, or it decreases up to a certain minimum point in the interior of the interval and increases afterwards. We deduce that for affine costs the maximum of the price of anarchy can only occur at the break points. For general costs we provide counterexamples showing that the set of break points is not always finite.
A guide to extending and implementing generalized risk-adjusted cost-effectiveness (GRACE)
Authors: Lakdawalla Darius N. , Phelps Charles E.
Published: September 2021

The generalized risk-adjusted cost-effectiveness (GRACE) model generalizes conventional cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) by introducing diminishing returns to Health-Related Quality of Life (QoL). This changes CEA practice in three ways: (1) Willingness to pay (WTP) increases exponentially with untreated illness severity or pre-existing permanent disability, and WTP ends up lower for mild diseases but higher for severe diseases compared with conventional CEA; (2) Average treatment effectiveness should be adjusted for uncertainty in outcomes; and (3) The marginal rate of substitution between life expectancy and QoL varies with health state. Implementing GRACE requires new parameters describing risk preferences over QoL, the marginal rate of substitution between life expectancy (LE) and QoL, and the variance and skewness of treatment outcomes distributions. In this paper, we provide: (1) a generalized WTP threshold incorporating the possibility of permanent disability; (2) a simpler method to estimate the tradeoff rate between QoL and LE, eliminating the need to carry out treatment-by-treatment estimates; (3) a more-general method to adjust WTP for illness severity that permits non-constant relative risk-aversion in QoL; (4) a new approach to estimating risk-preferences over QoL, leveraging established empirical methods from “happiness” economics; and (5) a step-by-step guide for practitioners wishing to implement multi-period GRACE analyses.
Transport of solute and solvent driven by lubrication pressure through non-deformable permeable membranes
Authors: Yamada Shuji , Takeuchi Shintaro , Miyauchi Suguru , Kajishima Takeo
Published: September 2021

A discrete-forcing immersed boundary method with permeable membranes is developed to investigate the effect of lubrication on the permeations of solute and solvent through membrane. The permeation models are incorporated into the discretisation at the fluid cells including the membrane, and discretised equations for the pressure Poisson equation and convection–diffusion equation for the solute are represented with the discontinuities at the membrane. The validity of the proposed method is established by the convergence of the numerical results of the permeate fluxes (solute and solvent) to higher-order analytical models in a lubrication-dominated flow field. As a model of the mass exchange between inside and outside of a biological cell flowing in a capillary, a circular membrane is placed between parallel flat plates, and the effect of lubrication is investigated by varying the distance between the membrane and the walls. The pressure discontinuity near the wall is larger than that at the stagnation point, which is a highlighted effect of lubrication. In the case of a small gap, the solute transport is dominated by convection inside the circular membrane and by diffusion outside. Through the time variation of the concentration in the circular membrane, lubrication is shown to enhance mass transport from/to inside and outside the membrane.
Phenotypic plasticity and developmental noise in hybrid and parental clones of Daphnia longispina complex
Authors: Bernatowicz Piotr , Dawidowicz Piotr , Pijanowska Joanna
Published: September 2021

According to the “temporal hybrid superiority hypothesis”, seasonal variability in environmental factors in temperate lakes gives hybrid clones within the D. longispina complex a temporary fitness advantage, thus allowing long-term, dynamic coexistence of hybrids and maternal taxa. However, the maintenance of hybrids would not require their superiority under any given set of environmental conditions if their average fitness over longer periods surpassed that of more specialized and less flexible parental clones. Phenotypic plasticity and developmental noise of several hybrid and maternal clones of Daphnia (Daphnia galeata, Daphnia hyalina, their hybrids and backcrosses) were compared in a series of laboratory experiments. Changes in depth selection and body size at first reproduction were scored in Daphnia exposed to predator (planktivorous fish) threat, to the presence of filamentous cyanobacteria (Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii), and to the presence of toxic compounds (PCB52 and PCB153). The hybrid clones were found to exhibit the broadest phenotypic plasticity of the studied traits in response to the different stress factors. Developmental noise in depth selection behaviour was the lowest in Daphnia galeata, the highest in Daphnia hyalina, and intermediate in hybrid and backcross clones. This diversity of reaction norms might permit the coexistence of closely related Daphnia clones in the variable and often unpredictable lake environment.
Winning the Battle but Losing the War: Ironic Effects of Training Consumers to Detect Deceptive Advertising Tactics
Authors: Wilson Andrew E. , Darke Peter R. , Sengupta Jaideep
Published: September 2021

Misleading information pervades marketing communications, and is a long-standing issue in business ethics. Regulators place a heavy burden on consumers to detect misleading information, and a number of studies have shown training can improve their ability to do so. However, the possible side effects have largely gone unexamined. We provide evidence for one such side-effect, whereby training consumers to detect a specific tactic (illegitimate endorsers), leaves them more vulnerable to a second tactic included in the same ad (a restrictive qualifying footnote), relative to untrained controls. We update standard notions of persuasion knowledge using a goal systems approach that allows for multiple vigilance goals to explain such side-effects in terms ofgoal shielding, which is a generally adaptive process by which activation and/or fulfillment of a low-level goal inhibits alternative detection goals. Furthermore, the same goal systems logic is used to develop a more general form of training that activates a higher-level goal (general skepticism). This more general training improved detection of a broader set of tactics without the negative goal shielding side effect.